Tag - Soundtrack of My Life

This is one of a regular series of articles highlighting some of the music that has played a part in my life. You’ll find a range of songs from old to new. Whether it’s the lyrics, the music, a time in my life, or a combination of reasons, the songs in my soundtrack are part of who I am.

If you take a good look you’ll probably find music that has been part of the soundtrack of your life too. You can also check out some of the other songs that make up the soundtrack of my life.

Almost Threw It All Away – Charlie Peacock

I’m not one of those people who generally remembers where I was the first time I heard a song … but this song is different. It was early in my radio career back in the late eighties and the Program Manager at the radio station called a few of us into his office. He had just received a cassette sampler of some new music and there was one song he just had to share.

With all the excitement of a kid on Christmas morning, Barry told us we juts had to listen to this song. He hit the play button and for the next six minutes and eleven seconds … we listened.

I don’t know what was happening for anyone else at that point but for me it was like listening to one of your all time favourite songs. It was instantly part of the soundtrack of my life. How could this song feel so familiar and at the same time be so fresh? How could a song grab me so quickly and make such an impact with just one listen?

Back in the day, we’d get sample cassettes, then at some stage get the CD copy, and then record the song from the CD onto a broadcast cartridge to play on-air. Not with this song. Barry wasn’t going to wait for the CD. This song had to be heard and so the cassette copy was recorded direct to cartridge and it was being broadcast later that day.

I still get a chill when I hear this song.

I was driving to work a few days ago with my iPod set to random shuffle. Almost Threw It All Away started playing and the volume immediately went north. I’m sure that most of the cars around me on the freeway were wondering why the ‘old guy in the blue car’ was playing his music so loud.

I can’t guarantee that this song will grip you in the same way that it still grips me, but I do hope you enjoy it.

I remember when you were just a girl
I was a boy in a big man’s world
We had no idea what time would reveal
Little did we know that
Over a million tears had to fall
That is no exageration
‘Cause I’ve counted them all
Every sad and senseless incident
Has been mine to recall

You never gave up, you never gave in
You didn’t say no…I can’t take anymore of this
You never gave up on me, you never gave in
You refused to believe that love had come to and end

I almost threw it all away
Traded truth for a lie, diamonds for clay
Oh I, almost threw it all away

Through some clever thinking and a strong imagination
I could twist the truth into any configuration
And find myself doing things
That I never dreamed I could do

I’ve known the kind of pain
Where you can’t catch your breath
You sayt if this is life
Then please bring me death
Thank God that that wish I made never ever came true

You never gave up, you never gave in
You didn’t say no…I can’t take anymore of this
You never gave up on me, you never gave in
You refused to believe that love had come to an end

True love doesn’t come and go
Here today then gone tomorrow
Doesn’t speak the wicked word
That breaks the heart in two
Doesn’t renegotiate
What it knows is true
Doesn’t give up, give in, throw it all away

I’d encourage you to get involved too. Let me know about some of the songs that are etched in your mind. What are the tunes that bring back a flood of memories every time their opening notes start cranking out on your stereo? Are there songs you love for their music and others that speak deeply through their lyrics?

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