Songs with Meaning List

David Bench 

Period 7 Personal Branding

Songs with Special Meaning

1.  Phil Collins: "In the Air Tonight"

• Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" serves as a motivator song for me. This is one of the few songs that I know all of the words by heart. The song is very unique in its mix of classic and modern rock styles, and the lyrics have a deep meaning to me. I am able to find determination from this song.

1. Steppenwolf: "Magic Carpet Ride"

• Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" is one of those songs that I am able to clear my mind and relax to. There are very few songs that I feel allow me to 'escape' from any difficulties I am having, but this is one of them. I remember listening to this song throughout my childhood (was actually a theme song for a computer game I played) and it brings me a sense of happiness whenever I listen to it.

3. Norman Greenbaum: "Spirit in the Sky"

• This song is very special to me. This song is of my favorite genre, classic rock, and has a unique meaning to me that I don't get from most other songs. It has a religious meaning to it (the lyrics themselves) and reminds me to continue doing good deeds and try to avoid trouble. It is a very calming song and I have heard it throughout my childhood as it was one of my dad's favorite songs as well.

4.  Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR): "Fortunate Song"

• This is a very well-known song for its historical context, as it is strongly based on the Vietnam War. This song represents an aspect of my family that I am very proud of. It has a sort of militaristic sense of it and serves as a motivator for me in my hopes of serving in the Air Force, just as my grandfather, father, and three uncles have.

5.  Lyndard Skynard: "Sweet Home Alabama"

• Another popular song, "Sweet Home Alabama" is a pure and simple song for me to listen to. It allows me to relax when times get tough and/or in stressful times. I know almost all of the words to this song naturally, and it brings a sense of happiness to me just based on its simple, appealing nature.

6. House of Pain: "Jump Around"

• I am generally not a fan of any rap/hip-hop songs, but House of Pain's "Jump Around" is one of my very few exceptions. I originally heard this song in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire and it had a unique impression on me based on its simplicity and catchy tone. This song is always able to get me moving and has lyrics that are I don't find to be ridiculous unlike some of the other "popular" songs of the same genre. This song always gets me moving!

My Artifact: Love for Aviation (with hook)

Think about any single item that represents who you are the best. The artifact that I feel represents who I am would be this model aircraft (specifically Delta Airlines). I acquired this artifact when I was very young, perhaps eight or nine years old. At the time, my dad was a pilot for Delta Airlines and bought this for me on one of his trips to Atlanta. He brought it home for my brother and I, and, at the time, it was a fun toy to play with, but now, it is much more than that. This artifact represents various aspects, more than just who I am. It is special to me because it also represents how even when busy at work, my dad/parents always think about me and my brother and are caring enough to give us occasional gifts without any requests. I also find it to be very special in that my dad was flying this actual aircraft for Delta at the time that he bought the model. This artifact has a special meaning as to who I am as well. I have a very strong interest in aviation and the airlines, as I hope to someday become a commercial pilot just as my dad was. This artifact has a sort of inspiration in it, and it serves as a motivator for me to continue with my hard work and to keep pursuing my goal of someday becoming a commercial airline pilot. Although old and somewhat beaten up, I have always kept this model airplane because it represents several aspects of my life: the first being my relationship with my dad and his thoughtfulness; the second being it's important in my childhood memories; and the third being my inspiration to pursue my interest in aviation.

David Bench
Period 7 - Personal Branding