A Pin Worth Holding Onto
Recently, as I rummaged through my basement, I stumbled upon a childhood treasure—a pin autographed by the members of Wilson Phillips.
If you’re not familiar with Wilson Phillips, you’ve missed out. Wilson Phillips was a prominent music group from the early 1990s known for their powerful vocals and inspirational lyrics. The group consisted of Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, and Chynna Phillips. These three women, each daughters of famous musicians from The Beach Boys and The Mamas & the Papas, brought a unique blend of harmonious pop and rock that captivated audiences. Their self-titled debut album was a massive success, spawning multiple hit singles that topped the charts and earned them widespread acclaim. Their music not only dominated the airwaves but also left a lasting impact on their fans with themes of perseverance, love, and empowerment.
This unexpected find not only brought back a wave of nostalgia but also sparked an idea: why not explore how their hits (yes, there were several!) could resonate with some of hte challenges and concepts of the bar exam? Even if you’ve never heard their songs, their themes of perseverance, impulsivity, freedom, and hope are universal, especially in the context of law school and the bar exam.
(As side note, you can catch Wilson Phillips AND Debbie Gibson live together in concert just outside Dayton next month!)
"Hold On"
"Hold On," the group's debut single, is more than just a song—it's an anthem of endurance. Its core message about persisting through difficult times perfectly mirrors the mental stamina required during bar prep.
Imagine this song as your daily reminder to tackle one more set of multiple-choice questions or to review another complex legal topic. The chorus, urging you to "hold on for one more day," can serve as a motivational boost when you feel overwhelmed by the preparation process.
Don't you know things can change
Things'll go your way
If you hold on for one more day,
If you hold on
Can you hold on
Hold on baby
Won't you tell me now
Hold on for one more day 'Cause
It's gonna go your way
"Impulsive"
"Impulsive," another chart-topper, captures the essence of acting without thinking, framed through the lens of romance.
This song can be uniquely tied to the Irresistible Impulse Test in criminal law. This doctrine explores whether a defendant's mental illness prevented them from controlling their actions, potentially excusing them from criminal liability.
(Want to read more about other insanity defenses, like the M’Naughten Rule, Durhan Test, and Model Penal Code Test? Check out my other blog post, “Insanity Defenses (and How I Keep Them Straight)”.)
I don't wanna think about it
Don't wanna think clear
Don't analyze
What I'm doing here
Wanna be impulsive
Reckless
And lose myself in your kiss
"Release Me"
"Release Me" talks about the desperate plea for emotional freedom and can be paralleled with the tort of false imprisonment.
Just as the song expresses the need to be freed, this tort involves the unlawful restraint of an individual against their will. The key testable elements for false imprisonment are: an act or omission on the part of the defendant that confines or restrains the plaintiff; and the plaintiff must be confined to a bounded area. It is important to know that the plaintiff must know of the confinement or be harmed by it. Therefore, if the defendant locks the plaintiff’s bedroom door while the plaintiff is asleep in the bedroom, but then unlocks the door before the plaintiff wakes, the plaintiff cannot recover for false imprisonment.
What is this power you've got on me
What is this power, Oh
What is it, What is it
Release me
Will you release me
Ah ... Release me
Will you release me
"The Dream is Still Alive"
Finally, "The Dream is Still Alive" can serve as a motivational piece for those retaking the bar exam.
Its message of ongoing hope and commitment is perfect for anyone feeling disheartened by past setbacks. The journey to becoming a lawyer is often fraught with challenges, and this song can remind you that perseverance and resilience are key components of success.
The dream is still alive
Look here in my eyes
Can you see what I'm feeling
The dream is still alive
The one of you and I
And my heartache is healing
I couldn't let it die
For all the times we tried
The dream is still alive
Whether you’re a fan of ‘90s pop or hearing about Wilson Phillips for the first time, their messages of persistence, control, freedom, and hope are universally applicable—especially as you “hold on” to your goal of passing the bar exam.
