What The Replacements and their music taught me about life

Thinking about why I love the Replacements so much.

Photo by Caio Silva on Unsplash

I’m one of those people.

You know, the type who belts out songs while scrubbing pans and twerks while filling up the dishwasher.

Just me? That’s okay. I’m proud of it. I make a little night club in my kitchen every evening (and sometimes morning).

I’ve read that studies have shown how singing can help someone feel better. I’m a single mom of four kids and I’m back in college, finishing a degree I had to abandon 10 years ago. Life isn’t all macarons and auroras, it’s busy, crazy, messy, loud.

Yet, when I ask Alexa to play the Replacements on Spotify, something happens to me.

I am transported back in time to drives during my childhood, listening to the 1980s alternative rockers while spending time with my dad. Laughing over the clever lyrics and crazy concert stories.

Photo by Niranjan _ Photographs on Unsplash

I listen to Paul Westerberg’s smoky voice carry through my kitchen, bringing me back to a time where responsibilities don’t line my shoulders like a heavy jacket. Songs like “Hold My Life” and “I Will Dare” bring…