Timeless Classics: How 80s Music Keeps the Magic of Childhood and Family Memories Alive
Timeless Classics: How 80s Music Keeps the Magic of Childhood and Family Memories Alive
Introduction
Growing up with siblings, certain songs from the 80s became the soundtrack of our childhood, creating memories that we still cherish today. Despite the passage of time, these timeless classics continue to resonate with us, evoking nostalgia and reminding us of family times. In this article, I’ll explore three such songs from different regions: "Ik Rasta Do Rahee" from the movie *Ram Balram* (Asia), "Ye Ke Ye Ke" by Mory Kanté (Africa), and "Englishman in New York" by Sting (Europe). These songs not only shaped the music industry when they were in vogue but also left an indelible mark on our lives.
"Ik Rasta Do Rahee" from *Ram Balram* (1980) - Asia
The song "Ik Rasta Do Rahee" from the Bollywood movie *Ram Balram*, released in 1980, became a beloved classic in my family. The film starred Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, two of the biggest icons in Indian cinema, and the soundtrack, composed by the legendary duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, included this memorable song.
Honestly, I can't recall exactly how this song entered our household. However, according to my brother, it all started during a visit to my uncle's place in Kano in the 80s for our usual long vacation around December. During this visit, the Ram Balram movie was played for the entire family to watch, and my mom fell in love with the popular song "Ik Rasta Do Rahee." It was on her lips constantly until we returned home. My dad had to get the movie on VHS because my mom really wanted the song. Playing this movie from time to time is where I come in, and that's how my siblings and I followed in our mom's footsteps, liking the song. Growing up, it kind of faded off until recently when my brother stumbled upon it again and brought a clip of it to the family group. I immediately went on YouTube to watch the song again, and it now holds a cherished spot on my playlist. Despite being released over four decades ago, it doesn’t feel dated at all.
"Ye Ke Ye Ke" by Mory Kanté (1987) - Africa
"Ye Ke Ye Ke" by Guinean singer Mory Kanté was released in 1987 and quickly became a global hit. The song is known for its infectious beat and catchy melody, making it a staple on radio stations and in clubs around the world. It was one of the first African songs to achieve such widespread international success, highlighting the rich musical heritage of the continent.
The memories of "Ye Ke Ye Ke" are very clear for me. It was one of the songs that the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) used to start up their programs by 5 PM on weekdays. As young lads, we were always fastened to the TV from 4:45, waiting for the National Anthem first at 5 PM, followed by good songs like "Ye Ke Ye Ke." This was usually followed by either a cartoon titled "Voltron: Defender of the Universe" or the popular game show "Telematch." If you can resonate with this routine, you were definitely born in the 80s or earlier. The song's lively rhythm and vibrant energy made it a perfect opener for the evening's entertainment, embedding it deeply in our childhood memories. Even today, "Ye Ke Ye Ke" remains on my playlist, bringing back those evenings spent eagerly in front of the TV.
"Englishman in New York" by Sting (1988) - Europe
"Englishman in New York" by Sting was released in 1988, and it quickly became an anthem for expatriates and those who felt out of place in their surroundings. The song, with its jazzy undertones and reflective lyrics, tells the story of an Englishman living in New York City, navigating the cultural differences with grace and style.
During my primary school years, I vividly recall my uncle, who was in university at the time, regularly playing this song. His love for "Englishman in New York" became contagious, and it soon became a part of our household soundtrack. Fast forward to about three years ago, while hiking with friends from a hiking group, someone randomly played the song. It instantly took me back to my childhood. I had to use Shazam to identify the song and add it to my playlist. The song’s blend of nostalgia and timeless appeal keeps it relevant, even decades after its release.
Conclusion
These songs from the 80s are more than just tunes; they are vessels of memory and emotion, transporting us back to a time when life was simpler and family time was cherished. Whether it’s the Bollywood charm of "Ik Rasta Do Rahee," the infectious rhythm of "Ye Ke Ye Ke," or the reflective melody of "Englishman in New York," these tracks have stood the test of time. They continue to bring joy and nostalgia to our lives, proving that some songs are indeed old but golden.
Should you know or have grown up with any of these songs, do drop a comment. I’d love to hear your personalized experiences with any of these timeless classics. Also, feel free to click the links to watch or listen to these three songs and let the memories flow.
References
1. IMDb. (n.d.). _Ram Balram (1980)_. Retrieved from [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081420/](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081420/)
2. AllMusic. (n.d.). _Mory Kanté – Ye Ke Ye Ke_. Retrieved from [https://www.allmusic.com/album/ye-ke-ye-ke-mw0000475062](https://www.allmusic.com/album/ye-ke-ye-ke-mw0000475062)
3. Sting. (n.d.). _Englishman in New York_. Retrieved from [https://www.sting.com/discography/album/170/Englishman+In+New+York](https://www.sting.com/discography/album/170/Englishman+In+New+York)
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