Coming from a music-loving culture like Trinidad & Tobago, music is as important to me as bake and shark – another Trini favorite. As I published in another post some time ago, the only musical invention of the twentieth century – the steelband – originated in Trinidad and Tobago and, like Carnival, has spread to other countries even as far away as Japan.

It’s only natural then that I should include music in my novels. Since the Egypt series is set in the 80s, the songs are those that were popular around that time period, as well as a few classical Christmas songs. So, here is my playlist from book 1, Coming Out of Egypt and a few lines about how it appears in the novel.

“Endless Love” by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross

David took the napkin from her, and wiped off the ring. Then he placed a cassette into his tape deck and “Endless Love” filled the car. While the song played, he slipped the ring on her finger. “This, my dear, is my clumsy way of asking you to marry me. I love you, Cicely Stewart. I want you to be my wife.”

Memories of last night returned, along with the words of the song, “You will always be, my endless love.”

His rendition of “Endless Love,” accompanied by the orchestra would have moved her to tears if she didn’t glance at Miss Stewart’s face from time to time.

“Carry Your Candle” by Chris Rice

When Rose got to the chorus, Cicely joined in, “Carry your candle, Run to the darkness—”

Applause broke out, then faded as the children came up the aisle, each carrying a lantern and singing, “Carry your candle, run to the darkness …”

“Help me make it through the night” by Lord Baron

From her perfectly-styled hair down to her high-heeled sandals and everything in-between, she was gorgeous. The words of the song, “Help me make it through the night,” beautifully sung by a local calypsonian, popped into his mind.

“Midnight Blue” by Wendy Alleyne

The words of “Midnight Blue” spilled out softly. Marva’s hand trembled as she followed Jason’s action and pushed the knife into the cake. As the song reached the high note, “And I think we can make it,” Jason’s lips met hers in a brief, tender kiss.

“O Holy Night”

While Sheila complimented Cicely on her new curtains and decorations, her father and Fred went to the stereo, and soon the strains of O Holy Night filled the air.

And here’s one of these videos for you to enjoy.