February 13, 2026/Midnight
Erie, PA. — One morning, I was listening to the song “It’s About Time” by John Denver as I was getting ready for the day. I first discovered this song last spring, although I have long been a John Denver fan. I remember almost being brought to tears the first time I listened to the song. John Denver was somehow singing about all the emotions I was feeling but didn’t quite know how to express. Every word somehow perfectly depicted the current state of the world, even though this song was written in 1983. The song brought me peace, and it resulted in me reflecting on the other music I listen to and how those songs portray who I am and what I am feeling at different stages of life.
I was introduced to music at a very young age. When I was a toddler, my mom would play guitar and sing “Puff, the Magic Dragon” to me and my sister. I grew up going to summer camp where playful camp songs were required while walking to and from programs and in order to get the camp’s tractor started. My sister started to learn the piano, and I became her certified “pedal-pusher” until she eventually was able to reach the pedals on her own. Then, it was my turn to begin learning an instrument. I started out playing percussion but transitioned to low brass once I reached middle school. I learned the trombone and baritone and continued playing those instruments until high school. Somewhere during that time, I also began learning piano. I remember my family was always listening to music, too. We would listen to it while we cleaned the house as a family on Saturdays, during all our road trips, as we played together outside and spent time as a family inside. I think Eric Church says it best in his song “Springsteen”: “Funny how a melody sounds like a memory.”
The beautiful thing about music is the diversity. There are a multitude of artists to choose from, many genres to perfectly portray the emotions you are feeling, and infinite lyrics to speak to you in ways plain words can’t. Personally, I find comfort in the context of songs, the memories it provokes and hidden messages within a song that can be found with every listen, which is exactly how John Denver’s song “It’s About Time” impacts me.
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I can almost perfectly remember when I discovered the song last year. It was spring, near Easter and Earth Day. My family took a road trip to visit my cousin’s new baby during the Easter break, and we also went hiking during the break. I was excited for the sunshine and warm weather that would soon fuel me. I was looking forward to the exciting activities that were about to take place as the school year came to an end, and as my busy, yet fulfilling summer began. The reason I remember this time so vividly is because every time I listen to “It’s About Time,” these are the exact memories that pop into my head. Now, when I listen to this song, I am flooded with happy moments that allow me to remember a time when everything felt peaceful and purposeful; a time that, even though it had periods of uncertainty, made me optimistic and hopeful.
Life is full of uncertainty– not even tomorrow is certain– but that doesn’t make it any less intimidating. In fact, that statement may make it more intimidating. I am in my last semester of college, and I feel as if “uncertain” is the only word I can use to describe this time of my life. It’s unclear what my career will be, where it will lead me and what joys and sorrows life will give me. As a perfectionist and a planner, it scares me not knowing every detail of my life. However, knowing that I am not alone on this journey and understanding that there is a beautiful future awaiting me is what motivates me to keep going. I believe that is why “It’s About Time” is such an impactful song for me.