Without your help, Love Shack will be playing ...
August 6, 2011 3:58 PM Subscribe
Romantic proposal filter: What songs would you include in a playlist that will be played prior to a proposal? Special details inside...
Proposing to my girlfriend tomorrow evening, and between dinner, a play, and the spot where I will be popping the question, I would like to have a special playlist running in the car. Ideally, the songs would not be so obvious in subject matter that they would tip her off to the upcoming proposal (she may have her suspicions), but would seem pleasantly appropriate upon a second listen. Both classic and modern songs are welcome. They don't have to be "slow" or romantic in a traditional sense (for examples, I was thinking of I'll Be Your Man by The Black Keys); any ideas for songs you might include will be appreciated.
(To clarify, individual song recommendations--not entire playlists--are fine).
Proposing to my girlfriend tomorrow evening, and between dinner, a play, and the spot where I will be popping the question, I would like to have a special playlist running in the car. Ideally, the songs would not be so obvious in subject matter that they would tip her off to the upcoming proposal (she may have her suspicions), but would seem pleasantly appropriate upon a second listen. Both classic and modern songs are welcome. They don't have to be "slow" or romantic in a traditional sense (for examples, I was thinking of I'll Be Your Man by The Black Keys); any ideas for songs you might include will be appreciated.
(To clarify, individual song recommendations--not entire playlists--are fine).
From spouses Greg Brown and Iris Dement:
Greg Brown and Ani Difranco, "Marriage Chant"
John Prine and Iris DeMent, "In Spite of Ourselves" (starts around 1:22)
posted by MonkeyToes at 4:14 PM on August 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
Greg Brown and Ani Difranco, "Marriage Chant"
John Prine and Iris DeMent, "In Spite of Ourselves" (starts around 1:22)
posted by MonkeyToes at 4:14 PM on August 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
True Love Ways - Buddy Holly
You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
posted by John Cohen at 4:19 PM on August 6, 2011
You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
posted by John Cohen at 4:19 PM on August 6, 2011
tired of being alone==al greene
posted by lester's sock puppet at 4:30 PM on August 6, 2011
posted by lester's sock puppet at 4:30 PM on August 6, 2011
Question - Old '97s (well, it is on the obvious side)
The First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes
I'm In Love With a Girl - Big Star
Say Yes - Elliott Smith
posted by bah213 at 5:14 PM on August 6, 2011
The First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes
I'm In Love With a Girl - Big Star
Say Yes - Elliott Smith
posted by bah213 at 5:14 PM on August 6, 2011
If you like Iris Dement and John Prine, I'll throw (We're not) The Jet Set into the ring.
For the "I'd do anything for you" sentiment, try Kate Rusby "Drowned Lovers" very morbid, but when two lovers are kept apart by their mothers, they end up drowning in a river.
Also a little morbid but much more clearly sweet, is Radio Sweethearts
My advice on this is, have songs that go together in some way other than being mushy romantic. So if you're digging the above, look for more country or alt country stuff to add in.
If You Send Me from Sam Cooke is more your speed, try to match it up with other stuff from that time. (Be warned, he does say, "wanting to marry you and take you home. that might be more obvious that you want to get.)
Heart Like a Kick Drum from the Avett Brothers might express your physical state?
Also, good luck!
posted by bilabial at 5:20 PM on August 6, 2011
For the "I'd do anything for you" sentiment, try Kate Rusby "Drowned Lovers" very morbid, but when two lovers are kept apart by their mothers, they end up drowning in a river.
Also a little morbid but much more clearly sweet, is Radio Sweethearts
My advice on this is, have songs that go together in some way other than being mushy romantic. So if you're digging the above, look for more country or alt country stuff to add in.
If You Send Me from Sam Cooke is more your speed, try to match it up with other stuff from that time. (Be warned, he does say, "wanting to marry you and take you home. that might be more obvious that you want to get.)
Heart Like a Kick Drum from the Avett Brothers might express your physical state?
Also, good luck!
posted by bilabial at 5:20 PM on August 6, 2011
Everybody Here Wants You - Jeff Buckley
Eyes on the Prize - M. Ward
A Million Years - Alexander
And congrats!!!
posted by omarlittle at 5:27 PM on August 6, 2011
Eyes on the Prize - M. Ward
A Million Years - Alexander
And congrats!!!
posted by omarlittle at 5:27 PM on August 6, 2011
Wedding Dress by Matthew Nathanson would be painfully obvious.
posted by litnerd at 5:30 PM on August 6, 2011
posted by litnerd at 5:30 PM on August 6, 2011
John Gorka - If I Could Forget to Breathe
A damn fine love song.
posted by Benny Andajetz at 5:44 PM on August 6, 2011
A damn fine love song.
posted by Benny Andajetz at 5:44 PM on August 6, 2011
little sappy - but Sam Cooke - "Nothing can change this love" from "Live at the Harlem Square Club" an album every R&B lover should own.
posted by JPD at 5:45 PM on August 6, 2011
posted by JPD at 5:45 PM on August 6, 2011
(a little on the nose but mad sweet)
Sweetest Decline - Beth Orton
After the Prince and the Showgirl - Shivaree
(a little sneakier)
Commandante
Linda Blair was Born Innocent - Mountain Goats
Chemistry - Kimya Dawson
posted by EatTheWeek at 6:16 PM on August 6, 2011
Sweetest Decline - Beth Orton
After the Prince and the Showgirl - Shivaree
(a little sneakier)
Commandante
Linda Blair was Born Innocent - Mountain Goats
Chemistry - Kimya Dawson
posted by EatTheWeek at 6:16 PM on August 6, 2011
Bobby Darin's version of If I Were a Carpenter (+alternate recording) is really beautiful, though it might not be subtle enough.
posted by needs more cowbell at 7:12 PM on August 6, 2011
posted by needs more cowbell at 7:12 PM on August 6, 2011
Weepies - Gotta Have You
or a little more subtle
Van Morrison - Days Like This
posted by cali59 at 8:09 PM on August 6, 2011
or a little more subtle
Van Morrison - Days Like This
posted by cali59 at 8:09 PM on August 6, 2011
Maybe a little too obvious - Abba - I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do
posted by MexicanYenta at 8:51 PM on August 6, 2011
posted by MexicanYenta at 8:51 PM on August 6, 2011
Pete Townshend: Let My Love Open the Door (E. Cola Mix) . Lexi & I danced to this song & our wedding. It's a winner.
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 1:17 AM on August 7, 2011
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 1:17 AM on August 7, 2011
The Magnetic Fields - Nothing Matters When We're Dancing
A little too obvious, but perhaps for the actual wedding part?: The Magnetic Fields - It's Only Time
posted by joydivasian at 6:42 AM on August 7, 2011
A little too obvious, but perhaps for the actual wedding part?: The Magnetic Fields - It's Only Time
posted by joydivasian at 6:42 AM on August 7, 2011
Louvin Brothers: If I Could Only Win Your Love
Talking Heads: This Must Be the Place (the line "You've got a face with a view" kills me every time).
The play is BEFORE the proposal, right? I guess if it's before, you won't be able to concentrate; if it's after, neither of you will be able to.
Congratulations and great good luck in this first step.
posted by eve harrington at 4:22 PM on August 7, 2011
Talking Heads: This Must Be the Place (the line "You've got a face with a view" kills me every time).
The play is BEFORE the proposal, right? I guess if it's before, you won't be able to concentrate; if it's after, neither of you will be able to.
Congratulations and great good luck in this first step.
posted by eve harrington at 4:22 PM on August 7, 2011
The suspense is killing me. Please, let us know how it went! Also, would love to see the playlist! And tell us whether she was on to you or not?
This single lady is living vicariously through you.
posted by bilabial at 8:05 PM on August 7, 2011
This single lady is living vicariously through you.
posted by bilabial at 8:05 PM on August 7, 2011
Response by poster: Post-proposal update: The evening went great! Sunday was her first day off in a while, and she was actually planning to cook for me since I usually do dinner. I surprised her with dinner reservations at her favourite restaurant. After the cheque, I pulled out tickets to Wicked, which was in its final night in our city. She had been kicking herself for two months over not getting tickets, since she had really wanted to see the show. I put the soundtrack on as we left the restaurant (including many of the suggestions from here) and she loved in. The play was amazing, and on our way home I took an early turn-off and headed towards the legislature grounds which overlook the city. Took a stroll around the gardens and popped the question. I was going to get down on one knee, but kind of botched it due to nerves. She was happy, though, and kind of cried a little and just nodded and didn't really say anything. That was nice. My parents are having us and her parents over for dinner on Saturday, so we are going to tell them there. I can't believe that she can wait that long, but I told her I will do whatever she wants. Thanks for the help!
Here is a picture she took when we got home.
Oh, and apparently she was on to me (kind of). I had a picture of a ring on my phone a couple months ago and was being kind of protective of it, which set off her suspicions. I guess they kind of died down, but then once I suggested we go for a walk after the play, she kind of got all excited. Oh well!
posted by Nightman at 11:09 AM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Here is a picture she took when we got home.
Oh, and apparently she was on to me (kind of). I had a picture of a ring on my phone a couple months ago and was being kind of protective of it, which set off her suspicions. I guess they kind of died down, but then once I suggested we go for a walk after the play, she kind of got all excited. Oh well!
posted by Nightman at 11:09 AM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
« Older Oh, Loathe is too nice a word... | help me find this vaguely described classic rock... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
Summer of Love--B-52's
Indian Summer--Doors
I Will--Beatles
You're My Best Friend--Queen
posted by luckynerd at 4:13 PM on August 6, 2011