Music has always been My Misfit Toy’s second language. I’m sure this is the result of living in a world heavily based on words when you didn’t learn to read until your 30’s. (Imagine driving and not being able to read the road signs. Before Google Directions!)

MFT and I recently took our individual walks down that famous lane and compiled our favorite songs from our relationship. These are songs that are either meaningful to us or tell our story.

We will treat you first to my list. I’m sure you noticed in The Yolky Egg story that he is a more natural storyteller than I am. And his song stories are so much more poetic than mine. Each one will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside—perfect for Valentine’s Day. I promise.

Whereas my song stories are, shall we say, clinical. (I blame my neurodivergent brain, but this is also the brain that lets me write A+ literary theory papers. One can’t have everything.) So we’ll leave you with something to look forward to next week instead of the reverse, if we started with his song list.

1. “Trouble Me” (10,000 Maniacs)

What would the normal first song be to send to someone you’re attracted to? A love song, right? Well, this was the first one MFT sent to me! At that time, nobody bothered themselves with what was really inside me, and here was this man delving deeper than anyone ever had. To this day, he feasts on my inner thoughts, the ones the rest of the world never sees.

Why let your shoulders bend underneath this burden when my back is sturdy and strong?
Speak to me.

2. “When You Say Nothing At All” (Alison Krauss & Union Station)

I was worried I wasn’t talkative enough for him. (He’s very verbose.) This song assured me I was perfect just the way I am.

Now you say it best when you say nothing at all.

3. “Paris” (Karen Souza)

Oh, how I wished we could escape to Paris! Even if he comes home someday, we most likely won’t be able to, because ex-felons are generally not allowed to enter other countries. *sigh*

People say you’re dangerous,
But what do they know?

4. “Lover” (Taylor Swift)

Hold on to your AirPods—this was the first time I had ever heard of Taylor Swift. (I really don’t want to tell you how recently this was.)

I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover.

5. “Dreaming of You” (Selena)

I had heard this song before, but I’d always thought it was sappy. Who really thinks like this? Well, apparently I do . . .

And there’s nowhere in the world I’d rather be,
Than here in my room dreaming about you and me.

6. “Look at You, Girl” (Chris LeDoux)

I listened to this song on repeat. I couldn’t believe someone had sent me such an obvious love song.

You’re the one that I was lookin’ for,
Now you’re all that I can see.

7. “She’s Everything” (Brad Paisley)

I remember he told me that this song perfectly encapsulated me (and him, lol!)  and how he felt about me. Every line. I didn’t quite believe the part about dying, but eventually, I screwed up my nerve to ask and his answer assured me. I’ve never doubted that since.

I talk about her, I go on and on and on [believe me, he can],
‘Cause she’s everything to me.

8. “Just Give Me a Reason” (Pink)

Oh wow, does this song describe us. I burst into tears the first time I heard it and still cry often listening to it.

It’s in the stars, it’s been written in the scars on our hearts,
That we’re not broken, just bent and we can learn to love again.

My byline on Substack says “Life-time writer of the sarcastic, ironic, and humorous. Working on sharing emotions.”

Boom.

Shortest MFT post ever.

Bonus List:

1. All About That Bass (Meghan Trainor)
2. Headcase (Kailee Morgue)
3. Criminal (Fiona Apple)

(Most lyrics from lyricsondemand.com)