We all have that one song. The one that transports us to a different time and place as soon as the first few beats play. The one that comes with a ridiculous story. The one that reminds us of a special person. Or the one song that takes us back to simpler days. Whether the associated memories are good or bad, these songs hold a special place in our hearts. And these songs, in a strange sort of way, are a part of who we are. We went around asking NAI students which songs gave them a sense of nostalgia, and here are their answers.

Mia Simmons

“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus 2009

“It helped me realize that life is going to throw rocks at you and it’s not going to be easy but you’ll get over it and become stronger.”

Alex Galbiati

“Circles” by Post Malone 2019

“It reminds me of being in California with my uncle, aunt, and cousin.”

Katie Schurter

“Sic ‘em on a Chicken” by Zac Brown Band 2006

“This song reminds me of the time that I was in California visiting my family and I left my phone at my grandparents house so my uncle, brother, and I drove there and we blasted this song and rolled the windows down and screamed it at the top of our lungs.”

Anthony Stepich

“Brother” by NEEDTOBREATHE 2014

“This song reminds me of being at church camp all summer with some of my best friends.”

Michelle Hwang

“Capsize” by FRENSHIP and Emily Warren 2016

“It’s just got so many good memories attached to it. Like I have memories of me just chilling with my mom in the car and listening to this. Or if Im jamming out by myself in my room. Or getting in my feels and having mental breakdowns with friends. It’s just one of those songs.”

Natalie Marquiss

“No Longer Slaves” by Zach Williams  2018

“This song made me realize that I wanted to share the word of God to prisoners when I’m older.”

Saanika Chauk

“Cold Water” by Justin Bieber and Major Lazer 2016

“It reminds me of when I went to Asia and I was sitting on the bus relaxed and tired after a long trek to look at sites.”

Jamie Palone

“A Thousand Years”  by Christina Perri and “Seasons of Love” by Rent Cast 2011

“Eighth grade summarized in two songs.”

Elle Schoedel

“Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd 1973

“This song reminds me of a lot of times from when I was little. We used to have a boat at Cheat Lake and something about this song reminds me of it. My dad used to play at lakeside clubhouses and I would always go and watch. Another memory from this song is camping at my uncle’s cabin and kayaking. I also remember always going on motorcycle rides with my dad and swimming at my papa’s pool all summer.”

Cate Maldia

“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers  2003

“I remember when I was really young it was really popular, so it would come on in the radio or at parties. Now, whenever I listen to it I just think of being younger.”

Alina Zaidi

“Fireflies” by Owl City 2009

“I just remember elementary school. It would play all the time and my friends and I would listen to it.”

Anna Parsons

“Shine On Top” by Surfaces 2018

“When I listen to it, I think about just good memories in general. It’s one of those songs that remind you of so much. It always reminds me of all the good in my life.” 

Ryleigh Watson

“Brother” by NEEDTOBREATHE 2014

“It reminds me of being at summer camp because my friends and I would sing it everyday and know every word and I really miss that right now.”

Tejal Dehake

“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten 2014

“I guess Fight Song by Rachel Platten always played at Hampton beach because it was really popular then, so it always reminds of that trip.”

Sara Weller

“Barbra Manatee”, “Cebu”, “Where is my Hairbrush” by Larry from “Veggie Tales” 2001

“These songs are strongly attached to my childhood because I frequently watched veggie tales, and all the songs from Silly Songs with Larry were my favorites. Even now there are frequent occasions where one of my friends or I start singing the beginning of the song and the other will finish it. It is a great way to connect growing up even when it was a time we didn’t know each other.”

Image Sources: spotify.com