#MFMF104: Deputy Editor Bryan's "Lion Hearts" Playlist

Lifestyle, #MFMF

#MFMF104: Deputy Editor Bryan’s “Lion Hearts” Playlist

By Bryan Goh
October 08, 2021

#MFMF104: Deputy Editor Bryan's "Lion Hearts" Playlist
Frankly, I’m wondering why I set the week’s theme to “Lion Hearts” because that’s a little vague for a playlist. Also, I’m wondering why the songs are so schizophrenic in nature: video game BGM, folk tunes and the odd Disney song. Oh well, I hope this playlist brings you as much courage as it did for me!

Ben Howard — Keep Your Head up

I have no idea what compelled me to search “Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose” on YouTube on a late night but because the algorithm seems Black Mirror-esque kind of smart, they recommend this song which feels nicely “retro” in a 2000’s kind of way. And I don’t think I’m the only one that feels uplifted when I hear it because the comments section is a tear jerker.

Final Fantasy VIII — The Man With the Machine Gun

I was nine when I played this game and like most of you probably, I thought Laguna was a loser. I mean, the man cramps up at the sight of a beautiful woman! But when it came to the first battle, I thought, “Wow, this guy is a BAMF.” when I heard the OST playing in the background and how he could rip monsters to shreds. A tip: listen to it on full blast over headphones.

Hercules — Go the Distance

Yeah, ok, whatever, how cliche of me to list a Disney song in a “Lion Hearts” playlist but damn, does this song make my heart swell when it comes to the chorus. I honestly think it’s a ’90s Disney thing because call me a nostalgia junkie but I really think the movies were made with more heart back then. Then again, this movie is pretty….inaccurate when it comes to Greek mythology.

Koji Wada — Butterfly

A little sacriligeous to say but I always thought Digmon was the more superior anime than Pokemon. I mean, hello? Character development? Teenage angst? Moments of bravado? RIP Koji Wada and thank you for blessing us with “Butterfly”, one of the most epic and meaningful anime song titles to ever come out of Japan. I actually still tear up when I hear the opening titles.