This time machine runs on an AC/DC current.

Funny how some songs bring back particular memories so clearly: Every time I hear “You shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC, I remember being at a dance party held during the National competition for forensics (public speaking) sometime during my sophomore year of high school.

I didn’t really know anyone else there (I was the only one from my school who went that year), and I remember wandering around, trying to make small talk with the other kids. Everyone there knew other people, and although everyone was friendly, they all had their long-time friends and teammates to keep them company. No matter how eager I was to make friends, small-talking over the blaring music was not going to permeate these pre-established bonds.

But the minute the song came on, we all instinctively started thrashing around, screaming the words at the top of our lungs. And I distinctly remember feeling that, in that moment, I belonged wholeheartedly, which at 14, was a pretty big freaking deal.

Here I am, 16 years later, and every time this song comes on the radio, I’m instantly transported to that loud auditorium, being shoulder to shoulder with a slew of gawky, sweaty teens all reveling in the moment of finally feeling capital-C Cool (despite, you know, being at a public speaking competition).

#insidemyhead #music