My solar eclipse playlist (redux)

Posted on April 6, 2024April 7, 2024 by Matt Todd

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Back in 2017, I commemorated the appearance of a total eclipse over North America by sharing a list of songs for a solar eclipse playlist. Well, the totality for another once-in-a-lifetime experience that gives us another opportunity to party like it’s 1999.⁺ I know what you’re thinking. Eclipses happen all the time. Why all the hype around this one? It’s not really a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. After all, the 2017 total solar eclipse’s path of totality covered a large swath of North America.

All of that is true. But most eclipses occur over the ocean. And total eclipses like this one? They’re ultra-rare in Indianapolis. According to the good people at Butler University, the last time a total solar eclipse was visible in Indianapolis was September 14, 1205.

Yep. You read that right. 1205. Now, I’m not math wizard (it’s probably the main reason I’m a writer instead of doing anything STEM-related), but my calculations tell me that’s, like, more than 800 years ago.

And the next total solar eclipse won’t be visible in the Circle City until October 17, 2153.

Nope. That’s not a typo. That’s, like, almost 130 years from now. In the 22nd century. Barring some medical miracle that eliminates aging, we probably won’t be around then.

So, yeah. This total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime thing for the people of Indianapolis.

My first eclipse

Back in October, I was in the Dallas, Texas, area to perform a wedding.* It happened to be outside. And it also happened to be at the same time as an annular solar eclipse passed overhead. So the bride bought a bunch of approved eclipse viewing glasses and we got to watch the moon cross the sun’s path while the bridal party got their photos taken after the ceremony.

It was my first eclipse. It was pretty cool. I even caught a video of the dancing shadows that you always hear about.

Maybe I didn’t quite get the hype about the eclipse before. But now that I’ve actually seen one, I have to say that I’m pretty excited about the total solar eclipse that’s passing over Indy.

Reviving my eclipse playlist

In anticipation of this once-in-a-lifetime event, I’ve decided to revive and update my original eclipse playlist.

Here’s a few notes about the updated list…

Of course there’s a Taylor Swift song on this playlist. What’s a 2024 playlist without a Taylor Swift song?

I get that the Star Wars references might be a little obscure. In case you don’t get it…

“Inner City” is from A New Hope. The piece begins when Obi-Wan says “That’s no moon…”

via GIPHY

Building on the “That’s no moon” theme, “Your Father Would Be Proud” is from Rogue One when (spoiler alert?)^Jyn, Andor, and the Imperial complex on Scarif are vaporized by the Death Star.

“The Princess Appears,” which also includes the Force Theme (also known as “Binary Sunset”) – also from A New Hope. Suns. Solar eclipse. You get the idea. Similar thought about “The Last Jedi.” The twin suns reappear. But this time, (spoiler alert?)^ Luke sees them before disappearing and becoming one with the Force in The Last Jedi. And, to round out the theme, “A New Home” features the binary sunrise at the end of The Rise of Skywalker.

“The Voice & The Snake” references Revelation 16, listing a modified version of the Seven Bowls listed in John’s account of the revelation of Jesus (just one revelation – remember?). To the surprise of no one, there’s some kind of movement of people who believe that this eclipse is somehow a special sign that means something specific about Jesus’ return. While I have already explained why this eclipse is special for Indianapolis, it’s hardly a particular sign of the End Times. I’m sorry if that bursts your bubble. But there’s been enough chatter about this that I figured it was worth including Enigma’s sample of an Aphrodite’s Child song.

I also threw in “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson. Because, well, all of us Indy residents have been waiting a lifetime for a moment like this.

So, what did I miss? What songs need to be added to this ultimate solar eclipse playlist? Let me know in the comments.

If you’re within sight of the eclipse, I hope you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

endnotes

⁺ Man, what a year. Not only did we have all the Y2K hype, but we also had a partial solar eclipse pass over parts of North America that year, too.

* Yep. Still an ordained minister. Yep. I still occasionally perform weddings. Pretty fun, huh?

^ What’s the statute of limitations on spoilers? I don’t think this is a spoiler anymore, but I could be wrong. Am I wrong?

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Matt Todd

Howdy. I'm Matt. My wife, Christy, and I have four kids and two dogs, I'm passionate about orphan care. I'm a die-hard fan of the Evansville Aces, the Indiana Hoosiers, and Star Wars. I'm trying to live life by the Todd family motto: "It behooves us to live!"