My Gen X Playlist: Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves

What will your life be like in three years?

Crossing over into a new decade hasn’t really bothered me. It’s the years leading up to it is when I feel it the most. For example, turning 40 was a breeze. It was 37 that was a little traumatic. Ticking up to 7 firmly planted me a few steps closer to the turn. Stepping into 50 was a walk in the park. But 47, that really started getting in my head. You get the picture. So in three years, I’ll be a few years before the turn once again. Yikes.

It’s interesting being at this point in my life. In some ways, I feel like I’ve stepped into my parent’s shoes. Fifties used to seem so old when you were a kid, but now that I’ve crossed the threshold, it surprisingly hasn’t been that big of a deal. Sure, I have the occasional aches and pains, but then again, who doesn’t? I’m encouraged when I read about 50 Happens’ husband who took up competitive powerlifting at 60 and currently holds state titles. That’s both incredible and inspiring.

I remember once chatting with a hiker I met on a trail. He was about ten years older and was imparting some words of wisdom. It boiled down to this. What we do today impacts the quality of our health in ten years. “Work on it now,” he said. He then went down a laundry list. The hiking trail is free. The sun and clean air are free. Hell, water from the tap is pretty much free. You can always find a few hours to hit the trails if you really looked hard enough. So, look for them. He ended it with, “There really isn’t any excuse, you know.” I nodded. It was difficult to disagree.

It’s been ten years since I met that guy, but the conversation stuck with me. It especially comes to mind when a 60+ year old passes me like billy goats up a steep trail. Believe me, there are many of them out there and they have been passing me for decades. They always smile with a warm sing song hello, not even winded as they leave me behind. I always love when this happens. Who wouldn’t want to be like them? So, maybe it’s best to stop thinking about the turn and begin leaning into it instead. And I should take advantage of the free trails right now. With inflation being what it is these days, you never know how long that free will last.

Katrina and the Waves released Walking on Sunshine in 1986. Who knew it was originally intended to be a ballad.

Walking on Sunshine… [was] originally meant to be a ballad, the song was later transformed into a sparkling, uptempo anthem.

“I’d love to say ‘Walking on Sunshine’ relates to a significant event in my life, like walking out of my front door, seeing a comet, and being inspired. But it’s just a piece of simple fun, an optimistic song, despite us not being outstandingly cheery people.”

– udiscovermusic

There is nothing wrong with the simplicity of a fun and optimistic song. Plus, what a great song to hike to. And the best part, (say it with me) it’s free. I think we can add this to the “there’s no excuse it’s free” list as well.

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

I used to think maybe you loved me, now, baby, I'm sure
And I just can't wait till the day when you knock on my door
Now every time I go for the mailbox, gotta hold myself down
'Cause I just can't wait till you write me you're coming around

I'm walking on sunshine, whoa
I'm walking on sunshine, whoa
I'm walking on sunshine, whoa
And don't it feel good
Hey, all right now
And don't it feel good
Hey, yeah

I used to think maybe you loved me, now I know that it's true
And I don't want to spend my whole life just a-waiting for you
Now, I don't want you back for the weekend, not back for a day, no, no, no
I said, baby, I just want you back, and I want you to stay

Oh, yeah, now I'm walking on sunshine, whoa
I'm walking on sunshine, whoa
I'm walking on sunshine, whoa
And don't it feel good
Hey, all right now
And don't it feel good
Yeah, oh, yeah, now
And don't it feel good

Walking on sunshine
Walking on sunshine

I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that's really real
I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that's really real
I'm on sunshine, baby, oh
Oh, yeah, I'm on sunshine, baby

Oh, I'm walking on sunshine, whoa
I'm walking on sunshine, whoa
I'm walking on sunshine, whoa
And don't it feel good
Hey, all right now
And don't it feel good
I'll say it, I'll say it, I'll say it again now
And don't it feel good
Hey, yeah now
And don't it feel good
Now don't it, don't it, don't it, don't it, don't it, don't it
And don't it feel good
I'll say it, I'll say it, I'll say it again now
And don't it feel good
Now don't it, don't it, don't it, don't it, don't it, don't it
And don't it feel good
Now tell me, tell me, tell me again now
And don't it feel good
Oh, yeah, now
And don't it feel good
Oh, don't it feel good, don't it feel good
Now don't it feel good
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, oh, yeah
And don't it feel good
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, oh, yeah, oh, yeah
And don't it feel good