How did I accidentally make a romantic mix? By not listening to the lyrics. That’s how.
I made this mix for a friend, a lady friend if you must know (but you probably already guessed). When I picked the songs, I was just going by sound, honestly. I never even listened to the lyrics (I rarely do).
She listened to it a couple times and asked me, “Is this a romance mix?”
Ummm...could you repeat that? A “romance mix”? Why would she think that? The songs don’t sound like romance songs - you know, the kind you expect to hear when the sensitive yet rebellious male lead locks eyes with Rachel McAdams. Nope, nothing like that. What would make her think that?
The words. The lyrics. You know, the stuff the singer is actually singing. Yeah, maybe that’s why she thought that.
And it wasn’t just her, either. I had given it out to some other friends, and they all said the same thing, “Nice romance mix. Who’s the lucky girl?”
I had to know for sure so I played it from the beginning. First song:
I love you, I love you and all of your pieces.
Ok, that’s pretty blatant, but that’s just the first song. What about the second?
Let the sky fall. When it crumbles, we will stand tall, face it all together.
That’s taken out of context. What about the third?
[no lyrics, but the title says we can make the world stop.]
So far, there’s no clear pattern. I’m feeling better. Track 4?
Grandma, the water is rising. My boundless hair has gotten green. I'll be your swimming forest island. Bid you walk safely, safely over me.
What the heck is that song even about? Why am I just realizing it’s about some lady’s grandma? Further proof this isn’t a romance mix. Next?
If I could be your human shield; if I could be your samurai; I cut down your enemies and pull you through alright.
Okay, that’s kind of romantic.
I'm never gonna let it show, never gonna let it show that I'm all for you, you, you.
Sounds like I’m repressing something….
Last night all black and white when I was sleeping I felt shadows of emptiness around me. Just keep telling myself to live my life. Like everything else just keep on breathing, you'll live.
More repression…?
I have climbed over all the walls, jumped Niagara Falls just to get near you.
Ummm. that’s blatant. But...
She's the kind of girl you want so much it makes you sorry. Still, you don't regret a single day.
Uh-oh…
I think I'm falling; I'm falling for you. Maybe you change your mind. I think I'm falling; I think I'm falling.
Oh no…
[saved by an instrumental]
Second from the last?
I only wish to love you, for you to notice me.
Just one line of many. Surely the last song will set things right?
If I could freeze the earth under your feet then I could keep you here. Maybe I could find the words if I could freeze the earth.
You...have got...to be kidding me.
I subconsciously...made a romance mix...by accident.
Turns out my heart wasn’t getting through to my head so it tried to make itself heard the only way it could: through a mix.
Now this lucky girl is married, and I’m happy for her.
But it taught me a valuable lesson: the next time I’m inspired to make a custom mix of songs without a pre-planned narrative (like my Heaven mix), I’m going to pay extra attention to the lyrics because sometimes it’s the only way I’ll know what my heart is trying to tell me.
And now, for your amusement and listening pleasure, here’s my accidental romantic mix:
Pieces by Andrew Belle
Supremacy & Skyfall by Muse vs. Adele
We Can Make The World Stop by The Glitch Mob
Pyramidspeak by Purity Ring, Frank Ocean, and The Hood Internet
Samurai by Niall Connolly
Move by Pacific Air
While I’m Alive by STRFKR
Homegirl by Kanye West, The Beatles, and Tutankhamun Brothers
Falling For You by The 1975
Warrior Concerto by The Glitch Mob
Is The Sky The Limit by Grant Hart
The Illusionist by Colours
As usual, both the YouTube and Spotify playlists are incomplete. The former is missing the Kanye West / Beatles mashup, and the latter is missing all the mash-ups and the closing Colours song.
Have you ever said more with a mix than intended?
Cover image courtesy of Jordan Kapellusch