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5 Songs That Define Me

KiD CuDi's "Just What I Am" - This piece features Hip-Hop artists KiD CuDi and Chip tha Ripper (King Chip).  The first line and hook - "I'm just what you made God" basically sums up the entire song.  CuDi is saying that God is perfect, so how could he make a mistake?  This song is very uplifting and gives me what some refer to as "the feels," or a strong rush of emotions like joy, and happiness.

Wu Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M." - Taken from Rapgenius.com - "Quite possibly one of, if not THE most referenced and quoted hooks in the history of hip hop, Method Man is not glorifying money and excess; rather, he’s saying that money holds power, and is a factor of major decisions made in the world he lives in. Those who have it, have power and those who don’t, won’t get up anywhere; sort of a way of saying “Money is the root of all evil”, if you will" (Rapgenius.com).  

This song and acronym is an accurate description of life in a capital state, and could fit anyone who attends Indiana University.  We are all at school to make money.  It 'Rules' our lives in every way.  From the food we eat, to the cars we drive, money is the basis for all material objects.  Even religious organizations are used to collect money.  As a college student, I am always reminded of the importance of financial success by my parents, superiors, and peers, which I find disconcerting when my priorities as a 19 year old are having fun and spending time with loved ones.

John Mellencamp's "Cherry Bomb" - "Cherry Bomb" is a very accurate depiction of the life of the average Hoosier kid from a small farming community, like Greenfield, Indiana, the city in which I was raised.  Things like dancing, sports, laughing with friends, and holding hands with your sweetheart are all things mentioned in this song that have been a huge part of my life. Back home I played varsity sports, danced and partied, laughed with friends, and held my girlfriend's hand.  Those aren't the only things to do in Greenfield, but its pretty close.   The line "going crazy out in the sticks" perfectly describes my life back in Greenfield.  Although I love the simple life, you can get a little stir crazy sometimes.  

Kanye West's "Family Business" - Family is a huge part of my life.  Coming from a large Irish family, my family has always been a major part of who I am.  We are a very tightly knit group and we share many traditions that keep us together.  We celebrate together, eat together, and live together.  I wouldn't be anywhere without my family, who have given so much out of love and nothing else.  This songs reminds me of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and extened family and how much they mean to me.  This song is about the importance of family in comparison to riches and wealth.  Kanye message to us is to value your family because in the end they are all that truly matters.

The Doors' "People Are Strange" - The song is about feeling alienated and how our perceptions of strangers can change when we are in a new place.  This song is a reflection of the vulnerability we all experience when traveling to a new place.  Under my current circumstances, this song fits perfectly.  When you are miles away from everyone you know and love, you can get pretty jaded.  This song makes me want to alienate myself further from the new faces, but I also know that in doing so, I will only become more depressed.  Instead I will use this song and the death of its author, as a lesson about handling depression by estranging myself.