reverb11 day 26: what you own

Today’s prompt asks: Think of one song that you turn to time and time again, and describe why it’s important to you.
Because I am a nerd, my number one go-to song is from my number one, all-time favorite musical, RENT.

I remember one particular morning welllll over 10 years ago – actually, closer to 15 – when I was driving to work. I was driving to work at my first real adult job as a newspaper reporter, from my first apartment, and life was grand. And as I barreled down 91 South in my (unbelievably shitty) Ford Probe, I remember the complete joy I felt when the song “What You Own” from RENT came on. I felt like I was flying. At the time, it was a relatively new soundtrack (this was probably in late ’97 or early ’98, and the show opened in 1996) and I had only seen the show professionally once, on Broadway, with my friend Hilary. I had already completely memorized the CD, and "What You Own" was then, and always will be, my favorite show from that show.

Of course, since then, I’ve seen RENT 22 times professionally, and a handful of times on a community level (before it re-opened off-Broadway this year, the rights were briefly available for amateur groups to produce).

Other songs from the cast recording have been incredibly meaningful to me in other ways, but “What You Own” remains my go-to track. I freaking love that song. I have no really deep reason why; it just kicks ass and brings me tons of joy.

Please have a listen.