Musically, she was an eclectic. Early in life, she was deeply smitten with Buddy Holly and the Crickets. At the very least, she would "Rave On." “Every day” of her life.
Of course we should not forget Johnny Cash, who "Walk(ed) The Line" with she and her father in her formative years. Leading to "Folsom Prison."

Puberty saw her into Bob Dylan who would become a life-long affair. "Idiot Wind" tells the story of her relationship with her family, especially to her oldest sister (who would hoard herself to death.) So much "Blood On The Tracks."

In 1969, Melanie was "Born To Be," as "In The Hour" spoke directly to her heart. She would sing along with the heart-rending lyrics, which were right on point with the times. She would hold close to her heart, "Christopher Robin" for many a year to come. For her only son would be so named. Then Lost to her, forever.

Linda Ronstadt and The "Stone Pony's" fresh and new, coincided with her awakening depression, She moved to the "Beat Of a Different Drum" as her first marriage crumbled. Would she become like "The Hobo?" She knew that Linda was in for the long haul with her haunting sounds. She "Hurt So Bad" because she would love him "For A Long, Long Time." (Linda knew what she was feeling, she must!)

Billy Joel's "Matter Of Trust" was just what was needed at a time when she was vulnerable, and nothing was certain. She began to blossom. It had been "For The Longest Time" in the waiting. She found her lighter side while "Running on Ice."

"Suddenly" Soraya sang with hope and a slow wash of joy overcame her surprise. Just in time to give voice to her long-repressed pain and longing on "Nights Like This" in the "Ruins In My Mind." her play list grew longer. Cancer, a wicked predator, brought Soraya's life to an abrupt halt, but Her songs haunting forever.

Late night Walking In Memphis with Marc Cohn, leading up to his encounter with the "Girl Of Mysterious Sorrow" really resonated with her, touching deeply with her own mysterious sorrow, meant to be borne in silence. Silence was a language she understood! She would take it by "Burning the Daze."

There were many a casualty along the roadside: Hendrix and Janice, Big Brother's Holding Company, and the door's would close... yet there was a place for Tom Petty (who revived and revitalized her energy.) But his timely end was premature, and "Traveling Wilburys" became tatters of yesterday in a ghostly frame.

Jackson Brown had some hard driving tunes going into "Shaky Town" and "Rosie"('s) subtlety was her delightful secret! She heard things in that score that was lost to many. Perhaps, they didn't listen closely to the lyrics...(I got to hand it to me...)

She would fall into step, matching stride with "The Boss" as she, too was "Born To Run," remembering "Glory Days," feeling the beat of "Darlington County." He gave soulful voice to the "Streets Of Philadelphia." With a bad desire, she proclaimed; "I'm on Fire"...