list 43 songs and the memories they conjure

The Middle by Jimmy Eat World

It was so cool to listen to Jimmy Eat World. I was 13 years old and just made the best friend a growing-up girl could ever have. Sam and I were inseparable. It was the summer between seventh and eighth grade, and perfect. Filled with beach trips, bowling, singing, laughing, playing crazy made up games, and eating as much junk as we could. We had matching star charm bracelets.
And it’s so strange that I can hear this song today and remember the day that I first heard it and sang along about elephants, and laugh out loud. The other strange part is how much I felt the words before she came along. Sam helped me start to define myself and to escape the brutality of life at home. Of course we all grow up and usually with it comes growing out of friendships. Ours has changed so much from the beginning. But it never failed.

You are my shining star.

_Haven’t laughed this hard in a long time
I better stop now before I start crying
Go off to sleep in the sunshine
I don’t want to see the day when it’s dying
She’s a sight to see
She’s good to me
But I’m already somebody’s baby
She’s a pretty thing
And she knows everything
But I’m already somebody’s baby
You don’t deserve to be lonely
But those drugs you’ve got won’t make you feel better
Pretty soon you’ll find it’s the only
Little part of your life you’re keeping together
I’m nice to you
I could make it through
But you’re already somebody’s baby
I could make you smile
If you stayed a while
But how long will you stay with me, baby?
Because your candle burns too bright
Well I almost forgot it was twilight
Even if I think that you are right
Well I’m tired of being down, I got no fight
You’re wonderful
And it’s beautiful
But I’m already somebody’s baby
And if I went with you
I’d disappoint you too
Well I’m already somebody’s baby
Already somebody’s baby_

It was cold outside and you took my coat when I came in. You held my hand and led me to our favorite spot on the floor in front of the record player. Candles were already lit and Elliot Smith began filling my soul.
I can see your face in the flickering glow of the red candles that surrounded us in that room everytime this song comes to my ears. I still miss look in your eyes when I touched your face. I still feel love inside of myself for you. But you never loved me back. And I can’t help myself from crying.