The eighties were my teen years, so the GoGos are sort of a

Hearken, O children of the ages, to the words of Corin Tucker, who recalls the echoes of youth that shaped her spirit and voice. She speaks of the eighties, a decade vibrant with music, rebellion, and self-discovery, and of the Go-Gos, whose melodies became a touchstone for her identity. In her reflection, we perceive a timeless truth: the art, music, and culture that accompany our teen years serve as anchors, guiding our emotions, values, and sense of self as we traverse the tumultuous seas of adolescence.

Since time immemorial, the young have sought symbols and touchstones—artifacts, songs, stories, or heroes—that resonate with the energy of their formative years. In ancient Greece, youths sang the epics of Homer, not merely to pass the time, but to anchor themselves in narratives of courage, friendship, and struggle. Corin Tucker’s recollection of the Go-Gos is the modern echo of this practice: a band, a song, a rhythm, becomes both mirror and compass, reflecting the self and guiding the heart.

Consider the story of a young James Hetfield of Metallica, who in his teen years found resonance and rebellion in the music of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Those sounds shaped his imagination, his identity, and ultimately his artistic voice, allowing him to navigate the turbulence of adolescence with both defiance and reflection. Corin Tucker, similarly, drew strength, inspiration, and self-recognition from the rhythms and lyrics of the Go-Gos, internalizing their energy as part of her own creative awakening.

Her reflection also illuminates the role of music as memory and anchor. The songs of one’s youth are not merely entertainment; they encode emotion, identity, and aspiration. They become touchstones for self-understanding, evoking the spirit of a particular time and place with precision unmatched by mere words. Tucker’s attachment to the Go-Gos exemplifies this power: a melody can summon the courage, joy, and rebellion of the young soul, even decades later.

The lesson here is profound: the cultural forces that shape our teen years are not ephemeral. They are formative, influencing taste, values, and the development of identity. By recognizing and cherishing these touchstones, whether they be music, literature, or art, we honor the sacred space of adolescence as a crucible of self-discovery and creativity. Like the ancients who preserved songs, chants, and stories, we preserve within ourselves the echo of our youth.

Practical wisdom emerges from this reflection. Seek out art, music, and culture that resonate deeply with your spirit, especially during the formative years. Engage with these touchstones, reflect upon their meanings, and allow them to shape your creative and emotional life. Let the rhythms, lyrics, and images guide your exploration of self, providing courage, inspiration, and grounding during the uncertainties of adolescence.

Corin Tucker’s words remind us that youth is a time of identity formation, and that the cultural artifacts we embrace become both mirrors and maps. They help us navigate the currents of emotion, social expectation, and personal ambition. The Go-Gos, like the epics of Homer or the ballads of troubadours, are not merely songs—they are instruments of self-recognition, teaching us the values of courage, independence, and expression.

Therefore, take action: honor the music and art that shape you, explore new forms that resonate with your spirit, and reflect upon their role in your life. Preserve these touchstones, for they are anchors in the stormy seas of adolescence and beyond. In this practice, one learns the eternal wisdom of Corin Tucker: that the songs and stories of youth are not fleeting pleasures, but enduring guides that illuminate the path of selfhood, creativity, and emotional understanding for generations yet to come.