Music always helps pass the time between playoff games in October. And the proper combination of songs helps the St. Louis Cardinals advance through the playoffs and win the World Series — right?

That’s how it worked last year, anyway, as the game day playlist compiled by Miranda, Kelly and I did the trick. World Champs!

But it’s 2012. New year, new tunes needed … and something has to help pass the time until Game Three starts this afternoon. With the help of Miranda and Kelly again, plus Stacy and Mary, here’s our current 2012 playoff playlist (featuring a few tunes from 2011 we couldn’t leave out).

What else do we need? What’s your go-to lucky song that helps the Cardinals (or at least helps calm your playoff nerves)?

Some Nights by Fun.

Although it was seeing this video on Opening Day at Busch Stadium hat introduced some of us to this song. (And I still can’t make it through without tearing up!)

Keep Your Eyes Open by NEEDTOBREATHE

You might know this as “the Fox Sports Midwest Chris Carpenter comeback commercial song.”


Good Feeling by Flo Rida

Makes you feel like the game’s ready to start at Busch Stadium, doesn’t it?


Land of Hope and Dreams by Bruce Springsteen

I adore Bruce. I like this song — although I first heard the live version, similar to the video, from his “Live in NYC” album years ago. I am not tired of hearing it 20 times during each playoff game — though I may be the only person.


It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over by Lenny Kravitz

Saturday morning I headed to Starbucks, desperately needing coffee after staying up so late celebrating Friday’s amazing NLDS comeback win — and I heard this song in the process. Appropriate, right?


Freese by Murphy Lee

One of Miranda’s favorites … for obvious reasons! Then again, who doesn’t love our 2011 hero?


Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

From last year’s list, but an all-time classic.


I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz

One of Kelly’s songs for this year — and it definitely describes the Cardinals.


One More Night by Maroon 5

Always one more night of baseball, right — that’s all we want?


Written in the Stars by Tinie Tempah and Eric Church

Yes, of course straight from the 2011 list — but mixing in some of these is a good thing.


In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins

Another returning song, thanks to Mary — but it’s a great tune. And now a moment of silence for The Shredder Nick Punto (since this was his at-bat song), or at least his fine contributions to the 2011 Cardinals …


We Are Young by Fun.

One from Stacy, although this just makes me think of “Some Nights”!


Wild Ones by Flo Rida

Another good choice from Stacy!


The Champ by Nelly

A great closing one. And here’s hoping …

Game Three is this afternoon at 3 p.m., with Matt Cain and Kyle Lohse pitching — weather permitting.



Christine Coleman is the senior St. Louis Cardinals reporter for Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @CColeman802, or email aaronmilesfastball@gmail.com. Also follow @AMilesFastball for the latest updates.