Today’s song isn’t the first instrumental to pop up on the countdowns, punctuating the fact that many times the feeling a song brings me has nothing to do with the lyrics. If I can close my eyes and be moved by music, that’s how I know I’m alive. The film Flashdance was released in theaters during the springtime of my final year in high school, and with it a cadre of memorable songs on the soundtrack. Talking about today’s song is actually a little daunting because it brings up memories of teenage tumult, mostly mine but also some from the people I loved (some of whom I still do!) when I was a confused, sheltered closet gay HS senior. I don’t want to betray anyone’s trust and/or reveal memories the way I remember them, biased as they likely may be. The Love Theme from Flashdance is, and will always be, one of the most romantic arrangements ever made. My wishful side would picture life as it should be if the gods hadn’t made me gay; able to return the affections of the girl by whom I was enamored. But my tortured side secretly longed for the boy with whom everyone was allowed to be in love, but with whom I was not. I could not take my eyes off him any time he’d enter the band room or the auditorium. He was that vexing. So instead my world presented the classic 'she loves me but I love him, and he just loves himself' quandary, punctuated by the fact that he could have had any girl he’d wanted. You know; the same thing almost every kid in high school has to deal with, all except the exceptional. Hopelessly helpless. Tortured. Look but never touch. A tale as old as time. But this song is a beautiful lullaby that demands a slow dance in which I just was never destined to participate.
From the historical writing archive. Original date: November 15, 2018. Recovered from local source material; editorial review is still in progress.