“You must remember this:
A kiss is just a kiss,
A sigh is just a sigh.
The fundamental things apply
As time goes by…”
Movies and music. It’s the most joyful symbiotic relationship in pop culture. Just as films have changed the way we view life and the world, so do the songs featured in motion pictures. Just imagine a world without “As Time Goes By,” “The Rainbow Connection,” “Over the Rainbow,” or “Footloose.” (Okay, maybe that last one is kind of easy). The point I’m making here is that the way movies utilize songs is something that is truly magical, and these tunes have touched all of our lives.
For this Open Thread, we want you to sound off on what songs from films are your favorites and why. Mind you, we aren’t talking about film scores here, as that is a question for another day. Looking over AFI’s 100 Greatest Songs in Movies list is a fascinating experience, as it helps to further illustrate how these unforgettable tunes shape our culture. But your favorite movie song could be from an obscure film that is underappreciated by critics and doesn’t get the recognition that you feel it deserves. So take some time this weekend, throw on your favorite movie soundtrack, and share with us the songs that changed your life — from out of the cinema and into your hearts!
Previously on MovieFanFare: Pick One: Fame, Flashdance or Footloose?
This article originally ran in 2020 and is being reprinted as this week’s Throwback Thursday post.