I love music, and I have the radio on from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed. When last year I noticed that several of my friends’ blogs had a music widget, I searched for one for my own blog. I remember staying up until very late one night in Springfield, Missouri, searching for the music of my life, my own personal soundtrack, if you wish. I included music from Argentina (Soda Stereo, Vilma Palma, and occasional tango), Puerto Rico (reaggeaton and Ricky Martin), from the US, from the 80’s and the time my kids were born. Each song I included had a sentimental value to me. Listening to these songs could take me back to my childhood, my teenage years, the first months Jeff and I dated, our wedding, and different other situations in our lives. I realized sometimes it was the tune or rhythm (like Lambada) of a song that called to my heart, and others, it was the lyrics.
Right now, the number one song that speaks to my heart is “If Today Was Your Last Day” by Nickelback. The group is on the heavier side of my musical taste for sure, but those lyrics are branded in my eyes it seems. Whenever the song comes on the radio, the kids and I sing it, and we discuss it. I confess, I think the older kids were a little thrown off balance when we discussed what we would do on our last day of life, but I know it’s a good exercise to put things into perspective.
If today was my last day, would I clean the house all day and do laundry nonstop? Probably not.
Would I drive all over town? No, again.
What would I do? I’d probably stay at my favorite place in the world, which is my house, with my kids and Jeff, looking at new and old family pictures while drinking some mate.
I know we can’t just hang out around the house doing nothing; there are places to go, and things to do, and I love having a clean house, so maybe if it was the last thing I did, I’d still make sure the house smelled clean, but still, when I get too frustrated about the mess the dogs make, or the food that no one touches, I think about the song’s lyrics (wow! that’s a long sentence!).
Here they are for you to ponder. Nickelback has proved that behind the hard rocker’s voice and sound, there’s the sweetness of a poet.

If Today Was Your Last Day
in “Dark Horse” by Nickelback

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day’s a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

(chorus)
If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day

(what if, what if)
(if today was your last day)

Against the grain should be a way of life
What’s worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts ’cause there’s no second try
So live like you’ll never live it twice
Don’t take the free ride in your own life

(extended chorus)
If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreamin’ of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it’s never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
‘Cause you can’t rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin’ stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side

(Chorus)
If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?

Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreamin’ of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day
—

These lyrics are not available for printing.