The hardest part now is trying to find a way to play them. One night, my husband and I sat in our driveway for hours putting in disc after disc. It was one of the best date nights we’ve ever had. Each one brought back long-forgotten memories that I was able to share with my husband. He got a glimpse of the past me he had never known. The breakup mixes were so funny to play back. So dramatic!

Okay, so you’ll be glad to know that I’ve graduated to Spotify and iTunes, but my love of music has only grown deeper. My taste has blended somewhat with my husband’s, who also loves deep lyrics. There’s just not much we do without a track in the background, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Another layer is being able to watch my daughter develop her own musical taste. She is obsessed with everything Taylor Swift at the moment, and we recently compiled our ultimate T-Swift rankings. It’s so cool having a front row seat as she builds the playlist that will eventually define her life. I like to think that one day when I’m old and gray, I will be able to listen back to her childhood soundtrack and remember the little girl dancing in her room.

Music has such a special ability to take us back to a distinct moment in time, and there are some songs I hope I never forget. I decided to put together a playlist that I feel really tells the story of my life.

Maybe you see some of your favorites here, or maybe you have a whole different track list that makes your world go ’round. Either way is fine with me as long as we’re all singing and building our own libraries.

Alexa, play “Don’t Stop The Music” by Rihanna.

What’s a song that you feel tells a part of your life?