I know many people create birth playlists or even queue up a particular song the moment their child is born. I knew this was not for me, but I did know that the first song I’d play my child was important.
As I looked at him that first morning, I wondered what song I would play him. What would be a proper introduction to this side? What song would encapsulate my feelings for him? What song would be emblematic of our family? I know the song did not matter to him, but the symbolism mattered to me.
That morning while I held him in the hospital room, I pressed play on “Dreams” by the Cranberries and whispered Oh, my life is changing everyday //In every possible way // And oh, my dreams // It’s never quite as it seems // ‘Cause you’re a dream to me.
I began to think of this as our song. Sometimes I’d sing it to him as he drifted to sleep or put it on as I swayed with him in his room.
As the weeks went on, music began to take up bigger parts of our day. I’d put on soft music for him as we relaxed in his nursery (“Girl from the North Country” by Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash). Other times, I’d queue up something fun while we did baby activities like stretching or bouncing (“I’m Gonna Be” by the Proclaimers or “Can I Kick It” by A Tribe Called Quest). Other songs were just for having fun as we moved around the house (“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and “Someone New” by Hozier). And there were just some songs that struck a chord as they came up on various Spotify playlists; I played “The Story” by Brandi Carlile a lot.
After about two months, I realized I wanted to capture as much of these moments as I could. It wasn’t enough to just think of my son if I heard “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison in passing; I wanted to have these moments saved in a time capsule of sorts. Enter the playlist.
Every time I hear a song that reminds me of those early days, I add it to this list. I listen to it with him at home, I listen to it when I’m missing him. It’s an aural comfort blanket that we can snuggle up with together.
So here’s my unsolicited parenting advice: Make a playlist for you and your child(ren). Keep one and add to it forever. Make one seasonally. Just make one. Like a good mix CD, a playlist will transport you to those tender moments.
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