Eternal Flame (The Bangles) - Day 29

Sometimes I fall in love with a song long after its release, and only because of what it reminds me of when I think back on it. Frankly, I never really liked Eternal Flame, by the Bangles, in 1989 when it was a hit, but it was my best friend Vinny’s song for his then-partner. At the time, I found it to be simplistic and ordinary, nothing special. Years later, when my friend was sick and near the end of his life, we went on a day trip together and heard this song on the radio. Vincent confessed to me in that moment what this song represented to him, and why he loved it so much. He explained a lot to me that day, as we spoke of our past loves and the mistakes we made with them, the things we did to them. I never heard this song the same way again after that day in March of 2006. Months after he passed, I bumped into his ex at the bar and broke the news of his death. Richie was blown away at the news, as I assume it would be for anyone hearing of the death of someone they once truly loved. We cried and drank and cried some more that night, and when we eventually connected on social media, I realized Eternal Flame was just as much Richie’s song as it was Vinny’s. I know it’s weird to love a song that breaks your heart. But that’s me. I love music of all kinds, even when it tears me up to listen to it. Sometimes, in fact, especially then.