Wordsmoker

Who would remember Shaft (1971) without the title song by Isaac Hayes? Certainly no one with whom any of us would consort—that’s for sure. Would there have even been a Shaft (2000) to give Christian Bale the opportunity to polish up his villain act for American Psycho? One wonders how much more Charlie Sheen would have been able to get away with if he had a real theme song [seriously, don't click the preceding link] for that weekly atrocity that he stars in with Duckie from Pretty in Pink. The point is that theme songs are important. I have some theme music. You might have guessed that because I’m writing this anthropology. But mine varies depending on the situation.

For instance, when I’m prepping for action, I like “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” by the Offspring:

Just the title makes me feel young and encourages me to achieve. Plus, there’s a lot of praise going on throughout the song. “Nice work you did,” et cetera. Although, I must say that I’m not a fan of the word “gonna.”

If I’m feeling aggressive, it’s “Reach for the Sky” by Social Distortion:

It’s gritty, it’s tough and The Shield used it as background music for the opening scene of Season Five. Shane liked it.

When I’m winding down from a bit of roughhousing, I like a little Smashing Pumpkins “Let’s Go”:

Only I theme to the studio version for a crisper sound.

If I am really dealing with a really obtuse group, I may use my secret weapons:

Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For a Hero.” Light, fun and when it’s not actually saying the word “hero,” it’s just spitting out heroic qualities. Plus, all rockers know that the only real drums are electric drums.

That covers pretty much every situation and mood that I have ever experienced. You know how this works. You describe a mindset, then name and post a song or songs to be your theme music.