It's barely 7 am. The sun is sitting sleepily in the sky, shining directly into my eyes. Pulling down the car visor, I yawn and flex my fingers against the worn steering wheel. The red light taunts me, along with the line of ruthless morning traffic. Groaning, I mumble something like Mondays suck, then school sucks, and even have the urge to flip off the car behind me who's bumper was just about kissing mine.
Rolling up beside me is a 2007 ford fiesta that matched the color of the stoplight. The only reason I even looked was because of the buzzing bass that vibrated the stale morning air and the dry pavement. Squinting, I realized the unshaven driver is, what, smiling? His mouth moved, his head bobbed and his fingers drummed against the top of his steering wheel. It looked like he was having fun, he must be going somewhere nice, or maybe doesn't have anywhere to go, maybe he loves mornings or he's just listening to one a hell of a song.
Enviously, I reached for the radio nob and twisted it, the volume goes from 4 to 26, and immediately I'm overwhelmed with an Ellie Golding song that I've heard a million and one times before. Quickly I switch the station and am pleasantly surprised when Party In the USA comes on. Lyrics that I thought I had forgotten come spilling from my mouth and I start swaying, before you know it I start throwing in some really bad dance moves. I sang mercilessly from one verse to another until I was interrupted by an aggressive, highly annoyed honk. Jumping slightly I hit the gas and chuckled to myself.
It doesn't matter whether it's Pitbull, Elvis or pre-teen Miley Cyrus, all that really counts is the volume. The louder the song, the better chances you have to completely tune out everything and hopefully get lost in the music. It's a remedy for sickness, sadness, anger, and loneliness. Loud music is what makes friends dance and strangers fall in love. Every once in a while, it's good to sing along at the top of your lungs. One jam session increases the chance of a better day. Guaranteed.
