My Eight Songs I Want on a Deserted Island
And, my 8-reasons why.
In a post by Lisa Osborne, she asked the question what 8 — songs would you have on a deserted island? Interesting question and writer Gerald Washington gave his 8-songs he would want on a deserted island as well.
Well, I am up for a challenge so I included my songs below. I also included Lisa Osborne's original article and her songs, as well as Gerald Washington’s article and his list of 8-songs as well, at the end of this article.
If I was stranded on a deserted island?
First I love Sirius radio. I like nearly every station on Sirius Radio, this is going to be harder to answer than I thought. How will I narrow this list down from infinity to only eight?
I would encourage you to go to Lisa Osborne’s article, and Gerald Washington’s articles and check out their list of 8-songs.
For me, I just could not add 8-songs to a list, without an explanation. I wanted to give you the back story of the eight songs I chose. So, as I tell my classes…
Here Goes:
1) Phil Collins — In the Air Tonight
A. If for nothing else, for the drums. I played drums in middle school; I love the rhythm of the drums in this song.
B. I used to love driving in my 1982 Corvette, T-Tops off, at nighttime with this song playing on the radio. Talk about relaxing.
2) Johnny Cash — One Piece at a time
A. Once piece at a time — I have always enjoyed this song for several reasons:
1) Basically, Johnny Cash sang about building a brand-new car, a Cadillac out of his lunchbox, by taking parts from work off the assembly line, “One piece at a time.” This would have taken a period of a few years to complete.
2. However, building this car over a few years, it hardly had any matching pieces. Every year the car would change parts and pieces on the car. It is just a great song, especially for someone who loves cars like me.
3. Being a car guy, even at an early age, I could just envision what this car must have looked like. There are some pictures online, (somewhere) of what this car would have ultimately become. I also think someone actually made this car, and it is in an Automotive Museum somewhere.
4. This was an amazing song and an amazing concept for a song.
5. PS: In the song, Johnny Cash sang the car was titled a, “49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 61, Automobile.” As sung by Johnny Cash. (All in one breath).
3. Rolling Stones — Angie
A. The reason I would add this song is that it reminds me of a terrible date in High School, that turned out ok. We remained friends for a long time. However, we never dated again after that night.
B. Long story short, as soon as I picked her up, it started pouring down rain. She was wet, I was wet, the inside of the car was wet, this is all going to end badly.
Then, on the main street in my town, I had a flat tire. We looked like two wet rats changing the tire. I will give her credit she jumped right in, in the rain mind you, and helped me change the tire.
Looking back, I just think she just wanted the date to be over with, and if helping to change the tire would speed up this date to be over. She was all in.
C. I left the radio on, and the Rolling Stones were singing a song, “Angie.” My date asked me while pointing to the car, is the new tire on Angie yet? We both just sat on the curb in the rain, soaking wet, and laughing hysterically.
D. For those in my community, this was my 1969 VW Karman Ghia, a.k.a. “Angie.”
4. B.B. King — The Thrill is Gone
A. First, if there was one musician I could have sat down with, drank coffee, talk, and listen to his music one-on-one, would have to have been, B.B. King. I have always loved the Blues and his music. I love when he told his story from his humble beginnings to becoming “The King of the Blues.”
B. Now that I said all of that, I will keep him on my list. However, I added this song, because, if you are stranded on an island, the Thrill is definitely Gone. On the other hand, do I really want to be reminded of that fact, daily?
C. PS: I have had this song, “The Thrill is Gone”, on my voicemail more than once. More on that later, in another article.
5. Roy Orbison — Pretty Woman
A. I chose this song because it was an important song and an important day for me. My Dad when I was young bought me a Stereo Hi/Fi, Turntable. Which is what they were called back in the day. He also bought my first album, which I still have, Roy Orbison.
B. When he gave me the album, which was a big deal back then. For my own album, I was so happy. Then I looked at the cover of the album. Dad “This guy” looks a lot like you. He is tall, but I think you are taller, he has jet black hair like you, and he wears sunglasses like you. Wait, you are not this guy, are you?
C. To further my confusion, he started singing “Pretty Woman” to my Mom, even with the famous, “Growl” between verses. (Good Times.)
6. Don McLean — American Pie
A. One reason is the song mentions “Taking my Chevy to the levee…” (Yea, another car reference, I get it). I drove a Chevy Impala, and yes, I made a trip or two to the levee. Every time we would take my Chevy, of course, we all had to sing this song.
B. At one time, I believe it was labeled as the song that takes the longest time to play on the radio. If I am stuck on an island, I want my money’s worth, by listening to some very long songs.
7. Barry White
That is it, and Barry White song. Just pick one, surprise me.
8. Rare Earth — I just want to Celebrate
A. This was a whole new sound of music for me. Plus the album cover was new for me as well. The album cover looked like a backpack. It was cool looking.
My brother had the album, and I would get into so much trouble playing this album without his permission. But it was so worth it.
B. The drummer was the singer, and this was also new for me. In most bands there was a lead singer out front. Few drummers ever sang. Phil Collins was an exception also. I think at one time or the other, Phil Collins played every instrument in the band.
I just thought this was cool, and I played the drums, so I would try to play the drums, as played on this “Rare Earth” song.
Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for the read.
By the way
Your turn, what are your 8-songs you would have to have if you were on a deserted island?
AL. Wire Editor Newman
Here are the stories I mentioned at the first of this article
Lisa Osborne My 8 Deserted Island Music Picks. Don’t Come Rescue Me! | by Lisa Osborne | Jun, 2022 | Medium
Gerald Washington My 8 Songs I Would Have On A Deserted Island | by Gerald Washington | Jun, 2022 | Medium
