Snapshot memories - a question to all of you

[abaris]

I've got this thing, usually associated with songs. A song triggers something like a memory photograph of a single instance of my life. Just to give one example. A Harpo song called Horoscope triggers that picture of June 1979, sitting in my fathers car and reflecting on the first girl I really fell in love with.

These aren't even songs I particularly care about, they're just memory shooters. Does anyone else have these?

[Longhorn]

Not exactly pictures, but sparks of my memory come back triggered by smells, pictures, music etc. Just a general feel of the past, everything comes back in an instant, but before I know it, it's all gone, despite how desperately I wish to bring it back.

Um. That was depressing. Sorry. But yeah, I get something like what you're talking about sometimes.

[drfuzzy]

Yep.  Actually, I think that most sensory input can trigger memories, if there was an emotional connection.  We associate a lot of songs with life incidents and relationships though.  My favorite association with a song is Paul Simon's "Slip Sliding Away" - - a friend and I were desperately trying to get safely home during an ice storm, when just keeping the car on the road was a huge challenge, and some witty DJ put that song on the radio.  We actually laughed so hard that we had to stop for a moment.  It was a great stress break, and every time I hear that song I chuckle.

[brewer]

I get them but not so much with songs/auditory. Mine come with visuals. See a face the reminds me of a person or place. See a car or bike that takes me back. Any time I see a lake or river. Never quite know what will trigger them.

[abaris]

You know, the reason why I'm asking is, these instances of my life seem pretty, but not at all memorable. I see virtually no reason, my memory has taken a picture of them.

[brewer]

Why do you need to figure it out? Just enjoy it.

[Athene]

You know, the reason why I'm asking is, these instances of my life seem pretty, but not at all memorable. I see virtually no reason, my memory has taken a picture of them.

Maybe those instances hold more significance then you realize. The memory you recalled in the OP could be considered a milestone to some degree...pondering your first experiences with feelings of romantic love.

Falling in love, especially for the first time is a big deal...so I've heard.

[TheRocketSurgeon]

I've got this thing, usually associated with songs. A song triggers something like a memory photograph of a single instance of my life. Just to give one example. A Harpo song called Horoscope triggers that picture of June 1979, sitting in my fathers car and reflecting on the first girl I really fell in love with.

These aren't even songs I particularly care about, they're just memory shooters. Does anyone else have these?

My very first "real" kiss was to the Richard Marx song "Right Here Waiting", at a Christian summer camp, when I was 13. 

I still think of Cherisha when I hear it.

[Thumpalumpacus]

My first kiss, in the baseball dugout behind the high school, this was on my transistor radio:





Memories are built on associations. I love this song in part because of its significance to me.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

Jaysus, I thought I was the only one.

EVERY song triggers a memory picture for me. It works the other way as well - common actions always make me think of songs: Shaving makes me think of 'Nothing Compares To You', putting on my shoes brings up 'Going Back To Houston', playing with our cats triggers 'Jumpin' Jack Flash'.

I don't doubt that this is because my entire professional life has been music related.

Boru