#5 Mary Jane’s Last Dance. She always says “My daughter says this is her song,” when it gets to the line “She had a good looking mama, who never was around.” If this songs comes on, and something resembling a dance floor is nearby, you better believe Shannon will be up there dancing on it, even if no one else does.
#4 She’s Mine. I introduced Shannon to Brett Dennen, my favorite singer/songwriter. She did not love him at first…but eventually she warmed up to him, since she loves to listen and analyze lyrics. His lyrics are just like poetry. Even though I heard this song 100 times before, Shannon was able to point out some lyrics that I never understood. I will never forget singing this song alongside her when we saw him in concert - one of the best nights of my life! There were also numerous occasions when she jumped out of the car to dance to this song on the stereo when she pulled up to pick me up. She could always make me smile.
"#3 Brown Eyed Girl. Shannon is one of the top Van Morrison fans in the world - having known him and all - but she HATES this song! I’m not exactly sure why - something to do with it being over played? Maybe she thought Van was selling out? Or perhaps it was not a good reflection of his work as a whole, but it was one of his more popular songs. Who knows, she is complicated. And yet I have still seen her dancing along when this song comes on.
#2 Angel. That’s right, by Shaggy. This was one of her top requests when we went out. A lot of times it was either not well received, not available, or incredibly awkward. It did not matter to Shannon, and I do admit that the few times when it was appropriate, it was quite enjoyable - like on New Year’s at the County line bar.
#1 L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. Every time this song comes on, Shannon begins dancing her musical freestyle on Omi, whether or not Omi is mounted, tacked up, or even in the same state. I remember going to a show with her, and when this song came on she exclaimed, “Someone else is using my freestyle music!” Funny, because Shannon has not yet created or ridden a musical freestyle. I will still think of her each time I hear this song because I know Shannon is not the kind of person who gives up on her dreams. She takes them with her no matter where she goes.