Sparkle in my Eyes: OSF First Love/First Date Songs

First loves…first dates…and the songs that were their soundtracks. That is today’s Old School Friday theme. Now, some of us have to reach back a little farther than others in our memory banks and LP crates for these songs. But it is, as they say, all good. These songs stay with us even after the special ones who may have inspired them are long forgotten.

My first song is not a love song, but a classic of funk. My first “dates” were not so much one-on-one affairs, but group outings. We’d all meet up at the skating rink—kids from junior high schools and high schools from all over the city. Parents would drop us off with five dollars in our pockets and reminders to be outside at X-o’clock sharp or risk spending the night at the rink. Then we would go inside and pair up.

In this environment, my first “date song” was a classic roller skating song. Parliament’s “Flashlight” would come on, the lights would go out, and everybody would get out on the rink with their flashlights. It was an amazing sight, all the moving circles of light in the dark to the thumping bass. It was the highlight of my Saturday date.

“Flashlight” by Parliament

Probably my first “our song” was this one. I can still remember slow dancing to it with…whatsisname…at the end of the basement party, just before the DJ intoned those famous words, “Y’all ain’t got to leave, but ya gots to get tha hell outta here!”

“Sparkle” by Cameo

Finally, my husband and I have several “our songs.” Many of them are by Prince, as we are both fans. This one is one of my favorite Prince songs, and favorite slow jams by anyone.

“Adore” by Prince

Well, that about wraps another OSF edition. Have a good one and a great weekend!

**********

As always, a big thank you to OSF hostesses, Marvalus at Conversations with Marva

and MrsGrapevine.

Please check out the rules for joining and list of other OSF participants here.

Advertisement