It’s really hard for me to listen to this song without wishing that Amy had spent a little more time in rehab rather than writing a song about not going.
If she hadn’t been so determined to say no, no, no we might still be hearing new music from her or even celebrating her talent while letting her retire from the public eye to enjoy a life less destructive.
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.
Rehab – Amy Winehouse
There’s no doubt that Amy Winehouse led a troubled and short life.
The song Rehab, released in 2006, won three Grammy Awards including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Around a year after the song was released Karen Heller of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote about the tragedy that was unfolding in clear view of the world.
The evolving tragedy of Amy shows no signs of quitting. It’s playing out daily before us like a slo-mo car crash we’re unable to stop. The unfettered access is creepy. It’s like we’re camped out in her bedroom closet, peeking at every disaster. ….
… She’s only 24 with six Grammy nominations, crashing headfirst into success and despair, with a codependent husband in jail, exhibitionist parents with questionable judgement, and the paparazzi documenting her emotional and physical distress. Meanwhile, a haute designer Karl Lagerfeld appropriates her dishevelled style and eating issues to market to the elite while proclaiming her the new Bardot. – The Philadelphia Inquirer
Heller’s complete article is worth reading. No one could say that we didn’t see the road ahead for Amy. Heller had clearly pointed to the consequences of what we were seeing, even to the point of mentioning a number of others who had achieved early fame before dying too soon at the age of 27. Several years later on the 23rd of July 2011, also at the age of 27, Amy Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning.
Amy’s music will always be part of the soundtrack of my life. She was enormously talented but talent alone is never enough to guarantee a satisfied life.
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?
Do you think some of your friends would enjoy reading Soundtrack of My Life – Rehab? Please use the buttons below to share the post. Thanks.
