Caroline Backhouse’s Playlist
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
When I was 7 I lost my mum to bowel cancer, but she used to sing to me when I was a child before bedtime. I think this memory is from when I was around 3 years old sat on the bed with her singing ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’. It’s a happy and sad memory at the same time, but this song is very special.
If You Ever – East 17 ft. Gabrielle
I flash back to the school disco when I was 12 in the drama theatre hall. I had a massive crush on a boy called Stephen who had flaming red hair. He turned up to the dance with an orange shirt which matched his hair and asked me to dance to this song! I was so nervous but very happy! I remember getting Smash Hits magazine the next day and saving the lyrics and poster for it!
Angels – Robbie Williams
When we were 15, I had the chance to present on St. Helen’s College Radio with a group of my school friends. We decided to name our presentation slot TNBs (Tough Northern Birds) and we scripted the show, each presenting a different song. I was given this one to present. At the time it wasn’t my favourite, but when I hear it now it takes me right back to that time.
Claire de Lune – Claude Debussy
I worked for 9 years as an activity coordinator at a care home in Sheffield. I’d grown up with my father playing classical music, but it had never spoken to me. When I was about 24 the dementia music charity, Lost Chord, came into the care home to play to the residents. It was when the Irish harpist played Clair de Lune that my heart leapt! I’d never heard something so beautiful before. I can listen to this again and again and never get bored of it.
Neighbourhood – Space
I was 13 and I was invited to my first gig to see Space with a girl called Rhiannon. Her family were really into music and for me this was the start of my love of alternative bands. At the gig I had my new school shoes on and during this song there was a rather energetic crowd jumping up and down. My shoe came loose and somehow came off. Someone then chucked it on the stage next to the singer, so I spent the whole gig hopping around. At the end I had to sheepishly go and ask for it back from the lead singer!
