The other day I’d made it all the way to the self checkout when I was suddenly steamrolled by a wave of nostalgia for my high school days. I couldn’t stop thinking about who my friends were, the guys I had crushes on, the awkward school dances . . . I couldn’t think why buying sprouted wheat bread and a wedge of Parmesan would make me reminiscent of those days.

And then I realized what was happening. I’ve finally lived long enough for the music I listened to in high school to enter the public domain and make it’s way onto grocery store playlists.

Those songs I danced to (or wished I were dancing to) in high school had been playing while I shopped for produce, breakfast cereal, and grass-fed beef. I thought back through recent trips and realized I’ve heard Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper), Karma Chameleon, (Culture Club), and Faith (George Michael).

I also recently sang most of the lyrics to American Pie (from the bread aisle to dairy–looong song) which is technically a decade earlier but we “rediscovered” it when I was in school. I didn’t care who heard me that time. I mean, you HAVE to sing the chorus.

Anyway, I wonder if it’s some sort of marketing technique. I’m now in the demographic that likely has some disposable income and maybe making me feel nostalgic will increase how much I spend at the store. Of course, in high school I was likely craving Doritos, Oreos, and soda–all of which I consider rare delicacies if I eat them at all.

Hmmmm. Yes. I think my local food retailers are trying to undermine my good intentions at the store with a stroll down memory lane. Because all that taboo junk food is now paired with lyrics like . . .

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you.
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you.

I’m on to you Nabisco!