Not Just a Soundtrack, But a Story

Like precious flowers, we bloom and blossom, only to shed and wither, but never to fade away entirely. Each cycle brings us back, renewed and ready to grow again. Along the way, we discover fragments we didn’t know existed, and somehow, they fit perfectly in the intricate puzzle of our being. Life can be messy and unpredictable, but the journey reveals not just who we are but who we are meant to become.

Music has this beautiful way of connecting us to our soul, reaching places that words alone just can’t. This deep connection to music has carried through history, becoming a powerful way for us to express emotions and spark creativity (Greater Good).

Whether we’re listening or creating, music gives us an outlet to process our feelings, connect with others, and explore new ideas (Cultivate Grand Rapids). It’s universal. No matter where we’re from or what language we speak, music speaks to all of us.

And just like that, music becomes the soundtrack of our lives. As I look back on 2024, my playlist isn’t just a collection of songs, it’s a story. It’s a reflection of growth, tenacity, and all the ups and downs that shaped this year. One song stands out as the starting point, 'Seijatachi' (say-jah-tah-chee) by People In The Box. It became my anthem, setting the tone for everything that followed.

1. 聖者たち - People In The Box

Seijatachi (聖者たち), pronounced "say-jah-tah-chee," translates to "Saints" in Japanese. The song is most famously known as the season one outro from the anime Tokyo Ghoul. Whether or not you’re into anime, Tokyo Ghoul captures a theme that’s deeply relatable. The tension between who we once were and who we’re becoming. This song resonates with anyone who’s experienced the struggle of personal transformation.

Like the main character Kaneki, I’ve wrestled with internal conflict, questioning my identity and learning to embrace parts of myself that weren’t always clear. I returned to college at the age of 27 after an eight-year hiatus, pursuing a passion for 3D animation and computer design. A path not traditionally secure, but one that spoke to my heart.

For the first time, I chose myself. This is why Seijatachi became my anthem during this transformative period. Its emotional depth and the stunning art style fueled my drive. This time, I watched through the eyes of an artist.

The English translation of the lyric, ‘Though the city sleeps, its buildings are always under construction,’ spoke directly to my own journey. I took these lyrics metaphorically, I saw myself as the building under construction, constantly getting maintenance, building up my skills, and putting in those late nights of effort to be the best, I ended up getting ranked #1 in my class.

2. Bad Kids - Lady Gaga

Just as Seijatachi helped me reflect on my transformation, Lady Gaga’s Bad Kids struck an even deeper chord. Because once upon a time, I was labeled a “bad kid,” and that label clung to me like a shadow.

I had a mother who projected her aspirations onto me. She wanted the best, but her version of “best” meant deciding my path. She chose for me to become a nurse (for stability and success). I hated school, the content, and the seriousness of a career I didn’t want. Deep down, I always wanted to be an artist, but my mom’s response was always, “Get used to being poor.”

Eventually, I dropped out. Secrets like that don’t stay hidden for long and shortly after I had a fall out with my mom. In that time, I spiraled, searching for validation and living up to the “bad kid” label I’d accepted. That was, until I was recommended Bad Kids in 2024 from Spotify's Smart Shuffle Feature.

Gaga’s lyrics, “Don’t be insecure if your heart is pure. You’re still good to me if you’re a bad kid, baby,” hit me differently this time. The song doesn’t just accept the “bad kids”, it asks us to redefine what that means. Were we really bad, or were we just fighting to be seen, to express ourselves, to live life on our own terms?

Looking back, I realize I wasn’t a bad kid. I was a kid who lost her voice in the noise of others’ expectations. And now, when I see someone struggling or labeled as a “bad kid,” I wonder...has anyone stopped to ask if they're okay?

Today, I embrace the idea that being a “bad kid” isn’t about rebellion; it’s about reclaiming your self-expression. If being a bad kid means living a life where I get to make my own choices, then I’ll wear that label proudly.

D-TechnoLife - UVERworld

The first time I heard D-TechnoLife by UVERworld was as the opening theme for Season 2 of Bleach, "Soul Society: The Rescue Arc." I was captivated by the powerful story and message of this arc, and the song quickly became a staple on my playlist. They say you’ll always remember how something makes you feel, and this song left a deep impression on me.

Season 2 of Bleach reminds us that life’s battles aren’t meant to be fought alone. True strength comes from understanding your purpose, staying true to your values, and embracing the support of others. For anyone who feels trapped by expectations or burdened by their past, it’s a powerful message. The future is yours to redefine through resilience, seeking help, and believing in your potential.

I began to see parallels between my own journey and the main character Ichigo’s mission. Like Ichigo fighting to protect his friend’s freedom, I’ve fought to reclaim my right to self-expression and create a life aligned with my dreams.

A line from D-TechnoLife that stayed with me: "Don't throw away the unerasable past, let's bear it together." It mirrors my determination to embrace my past and use it as a stepping stone for growth, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. The song and story have both inspired me to face life’s challenges with courage and authenticity.

Ecstacy (slowed) - SUICIDAL-IDOL

Life moves fast, but Spotify Wrapped captured it all. 2024 was a year of metamorphosis, for me and my playlist. Tracks like Ecstasy (slowed) by SUICIDAL-IDOL reminded me that music is the soundtrack to growth, and every song has a place in our evolution. Sometimes, we simply like a song because it sounds good. It’s a whole vibe.

アフターダーク - Asian Kung-Fu Generation

Afutā Dāku (アフターダーク), pronounced "Ah-foo-tah Dah-koo," translates to "After Dark" in Japanese. This song became an instant earworm. One day, curiosity led me to search for the music video, and what I discovered deepened my connection to the song.

The After Dark music video serves as a powerful metaphor for breaking free from societal constraints and embracing one’s true self. If there's one recurring theme in my soundtrack this year, it's the journey toward freedom, the kind that opens doors to opportunities I never thought possible. It’s about stepping into uncharted territory within yourself and shifting from merely existing in the game of life to actively playing it. Playing to win!

I couldn’t keep ignoring the parts of myself that were itching to break free, as depicted through the surreal imagery of the man in the video discovering and ultimately using his hidden wings to soar. He chooses to spread his wings and act despite his hesitation, this is how I felt as I began to push past the limits I had set for myself. Watch the video, and let its beautiful message inspire you to embrace your own wings and take flight.

Mortal Kombat - The Immortals

The Mortal Kombat video game was a cornerstone of my childhood. I still remember saving up $20 in loose change to buy Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance at GameStop for my PS2. My grandpa had accompanied me because I wasn’t old enough to make the purchase alone.

When I was in elementary school, my obsession with Mortal Kombat even led my parents to enroll me in Tae-Kwon-Do. It was there that I got to live out my dream of being an actual ninja. During warm-ups, my instructor would play the Mortal Kombat theme song by The Immortals, and it would ignite a fire in me. We’d drill, flip, and spar to the electrifying beat, and for those moments, I felt unstoppable. I was a real-life fighter straight out of the game.

As I got older, life shifted. The controller was replaced by a cellphone, and I spent my time on Myspace instead of in Mortal Kombat lobbies. I longed to reconnect with video games, but I let years pass without picking one up. Somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that gaming wasn’t “me” anymore. But the truth was, “who I was” back then wasn’t truly who I am. It was just a version of me that had lost touch with what made me come alive.

Fast forward to 2024, and who would’ve thought that fully connecting with my authentic self would reignite my love for the things that have always brought me joy? We’ve all seen the memes about adulting, how we’re just big kids with our own money, rediscovering pieces of our childhood.

As silly as this song might be, the nostalgia it brings and the way it instantly lifts my spirits is undeniable. It’s a reminder that growing up doesn’t mean leaving behind the essence of who you’ve always been. I’ve had plenty of moments where the iconic phrase “test your might” felt like it applied directly to my life, whether I was pushing through the final mile of a half marathon or powering through a study session for finals. No matter the challenge, Mortal Kombat by The Immortals always guides me to a “Flawless Victory.”

Receipts and the Rest of the Soundtrack

While there’s no set rule for how many songs make up a personal soundtrack, it’s clear that six just isn’t enough. Here are some honorable mentions that rounded out my year, each with a one-word vibe that says it all:

Ranbu no Melody (乱舞のメロディ) - SID: Epic

ALONES – Aqua Timez: Introspective

Going Under – Evanescence: Transformative

All The Things She Said – t.A.T.u.: Liberating

Silhouette (シルエット) – KANA-BOON: Exhilarating

Chase – Batta: Intense

SAKURA BURST (naeleck Remix) - Cö shu Nie, Naeleck: Elevating

(There’s Gotta Be) More to Life – Stacie Orrico: Revelatory

Glamorous Sky - Howanoi: Aspiration

Sofia – Clairo: Authentic

And That's a Wrap

If life is a journey, then music has been my compass guiding me through. Each song on my soundtrack marks a milestone and was always more than background noise. These songs were my motivation to push forward, my comfort in moments of doubt, and my celebration when I finally was able to fully trust within myself. My playlist became the soundtrack to taking action. It even inspired me to write it.

Through nostalgia, perseverance, and rediscovery, my soundtrack is a testament to becoming more authentically me. And as I close this chapter, I know my story, much like my music, is far from over. Every note reminds me that even in the most uncertain moments, the soundtrack of my life will always lead me to the next verse.

Sources

• Smithsonian Institution. "Human Origins – Art & Music." Smithsonian.
• Greater Good Science Center. "How Music Helps Us Be More Creative." Greater Good Magazine.
• Cultivate Grand Rapids. "How Art Makes Us More Human."