Music 101
It just occurred to me that there are going to be ALL of the firsts, once our daughter is born. First breath, first lazy Sunday, first mismatched outfit, the list contains everything that could ever be (except things that include being a fetus).
My question is, what song should be the first song that she ever hears? As far as capturing data for a baby book, I think this would be much more interesting than first wee, or first haircut.
Something classic, or even classical? Something kick-ass, and tounge-in-cheek?
(This picture is of me — so, an approximation of what the Soybean will look like.)
Updated to respond to comments:
I like the idea of cultural and artistic merit, and I think a whole playlist is in order (especially now that I have all these great suggestions). I’m still not sure what the first song should be, though.
When I think about songs, I can’t help but think about my own attachment to them. Even so, I wonder if Holst’s Jupiter might be an appropriate choice. Oh, or Mason Jenning’s Lemon Grove Avenue. I’d like something inherently optimistic. Andrew WK’s Party Hard is another contender.
If you do not know dooce.com, go read her birth experience with her second daughter. She played In Rainbows by Radiohead and had no drugs. That seems like an excellent way to enter the world!
You look so much like your babyself! Amazing!
I think her first song should be something awesome. Super awesome, in fact. I think you should probably make a great dance party mix, and then play that to welcome her home.
yes. it should be a good mix of captain beefheart, the band, grace jones, and prince.
me first & the gimme gimmies covering isn’t she lovely…
First thoughts: “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root; “You Belong to Me” by Bob Dylan; “Wild Child” by Enya, or maybe “From My Heart to Yours” by Laura Izibor
Of course, those are all variations on a theme. You probably want to pick something based on it’s artistic merit and cultural significance, right? Like “Hey Jude” or “Layla”. oooh, or “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
I’m having way too much fun with this. You must let me know what you choose.
I see someone beat me to the Queen punch. I’d suggest “Somebody to Love”. Sentimental for me and a great song to use to teach her about Karaoke. My daughter really responded to “Another one bites the dust”.
What is a song that is really important to you?
When we brought Ollie home, I had a playlist for him that we listened to to all of the time, and it’s what’s on “his” Ipod, which is my very, very old shuffle. “Love’s me like a Rock”, “Beautiful Boy”, “St. Judy’s Comet”, and Keren Ann’s “I’m Not Gong Anywhere” are songs that he loves to hear and have me sing to him when he is upset or had bad dreams. We like “Picture Book”, “Forever Young” too. When they are so tiny and new you just want to rock them and sing something a little softer, sort of soothing maybe, but all babies are different, and I have heard of babies popping and and having Fat Mike make them very happy. And maybe it sounds ridiculously cheesy, and Knocked Up could have ruined it, but if I were having a girl, “That’s My Daughter in the Water” would be on her playlist, it’s just so sweet and true, and I love it. And probably a lot of Kate Bush.
Yes! Kate Bush is going on the list.
When I was pregnant, I would put headphones on my belly at night when I would hunker down to read; and I would play him loads of billie holiday, van morrison and the beetles. It’s so funny to see him stop and recognize that music now, like he knows it but he can’t remember where from. I say I used to play this when you were in my belly, and there is this instant recognition. Why not start now with your playlist, expose the belly to some beautiful music!
what if she overhears something that you regard as awful in some part of her first surroundings? or do you mean what you personally pick and play for her? I have no idea what Albert’s or Arthur’s was, I must ask Matthew, he probably played it…
So excited, so excited, I am kind of bouncing in my seat right now, going to bookmark your blog so I don’t miss a beat!