Hold onto your headphones! We're diving deep into the music that shaped TV presenter Steph McGovern's life, from childhood obsessions to songs that still bring a tear to her eye. But here's where it gets controversial: is there a children's song that adults should absolutely not enjoy? Let's find out!
The Song That Sparked My First Musical Crush
Growing up, music was the constant soundtrack to my life. I remember being captivated by Kylie Minogue on the TV show Neighbours, and her song 'I Should Be So Lucky' instantly became my anthem. What's so wonderful about music is that you don't need to know every detail of an artist's personal life to connect with their work. I recently had the chance to see Kylie live, and she was absolutely phenomenal!
My Inaugural Album Purchase
My very first album was 'Hangin' Tough' by New Kids on the Block. I bought it on a cassette tape from Woolworths in Middlesbrough, and I paired it with a delightful bag of pick'n'mix. Ah, Woolies! It was practically impossible to leave that store without indulging in some sweets, wasn't it? I always had a soft spot for the underdog, which is why Donnie Wahlberg was my favorite member of the group.
My Go-To Karaoke Anthem (Despite My Dislike for Singing!)
While I'm not the biggest fan of singing, I absolutely love to dance! My choice for karaoke is 'C'est la Vie' by B*Witched. The reason? There's a fantastic musical interlude where I can showcase my Irish dancing skills, much to the amusement of everyone watching, especially with my slightly less-than-nimble ankles!
The Track Whose Lyrics I Know by Heart, for Some Reason
I recall being on a late-night shift at the BBC when I found myself in a 'Gangsta's Paradise' by Coolio rap battle with a colleague named Katie Prescott. I distinctly remember thinking there was no way she'd know all the words, given her rather posh background. To my surprise, she knew every single lyric too!
The Ultimate Party Starter
For me, the quintessential party song has to be 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' by Whitney Houston. It's a timeless classic that effortlessly bridges generational gaps, getting everyone on their feet.
A Song I Simply Cannot Bear to Hear Anymore
When I was a child, my friend's mother had a new boyfriend. He used to play 'High' by Lighthouse Family on repeat. It was a rather unsettling experience, as the music seemed to be used to mask other noises coming from the bedroom. To this day, I find myself unable to listen to that song.
The Song I Secretly Adore But Publicly Deny Liking
As a parent to a five-year-old, I'm intimately familiar with 'The Floor Is Lava' from Baby Shark. And this is where it gets interesting: 'Baby Shark' isn’t something you should enjoy as an adult. However, witnessing my child's sheer delight and energetic dance moves makes it my ultimate guilty pleasure. Is it really a guilty pleasure if the joy it brings to your child is paramount?
The Melody That Resonates with Life's Turning Points
My father was a huge fan of The Smiths and Morrissey. While he was teaching me to drive, he would often play 'Everyday Is Like Sunday'. After I passed my test and started my job at Black+Decker, I'd blast it in my car, a triumphant soundtrack to my newfound independence. Now, that song is a poignant reminder of my dad.
The Track That Unlocks the Tears
'All Bets Are Off' by Nerina Pallot is a song that perfectly captures the essence of heartbreak. It's the one I turn to when I've been through a breakup, no matter how it happened. It transports me back to those moments of profound sadness, where I genuinely believed I'd never recover.
My Funeral Anthem
I would love for 'For Good' from the musical Wicked to be played at my funeral. It's a beautiful song from the part where the two witches go their separate ways, and its lyrics speak about how people enter our lives for a reason, even if they don't stay long. The idea that they've played a significant part in shaping who we are is incredibly moving. Just thinking about it brings a lump to my throat.
What do you think? Are there any children's songs you secretly love? Or perhaps a song that holds a deeply personal, even painful, memory for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I'd love to hear your musical stories!
Deadline, Steph McGovern's debut thriller, is available now in hardback, with a paperback release on April 9th.
