Now that the election is over and our nerves have somewhat settled, we now have time to ponder and reflect about the two years of hell we all just experienced. This playlist can remind us of what we thought all along the way, how we feel now, and what the future holds for all of us.

1.) It's the End of the World (As We Know It) – R.E.M.

What better addition to an election playlist than a song about the apocalypse, and the complete apathy many of us feel from it? There's something that is incredibly resonating and haunting about the final lyrics, “it's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone).” After having a giant angry Cheeto and an old witch yell at us in our own homes for the past few months, it's at least nice that now that everything is over, we have some time to ourselves without our morals constantly being put into question. No more nasty political ads, no more debates, and no more drama. Just the eerie silence of a world fallen into absolute chaos, just the way we like it.

2.) Candidate – Joy Division

“I campaigned for nothing,

I worked hard for this,

I tried to get to you,

You treat me like this.”

After Hilary Clinton’s desperate plea for America’s votes these past months, what other song could sum up all of her hard work wasted for nothing than a gloomy, post-punk Joy Division song sung by the perpetually melancholy Ian Curtis? In my mind, the song is also sung by the American public. For example, the first stanza reads, “Forced by the pressure / The territories marked / No longer the pleasure / Oh, I've since lost the heart." These lyrics sum up most people's thoughts of, “I don't like either person, and I don't actually want to vote, but I know that I have to pick the lesser of two evils.” No one is happy, but maybe the droning on of sad guitars and a slow drum beat can numb the pain for everyone (except for Donald Trump, since he seems to be very happy at the moment).

3.) New Low - Middle Class Rut

This song summarizes the place many Americans think our general public has reached. In what universe would a rich businessman with absolutely no political experience who openly says racist and homophobic statements win the presidency? In 2012, all Mitt Romney had to say was that 47% of Americans were on some form of government assistance and that he wanted “binders full of women” and he lost the election. Now, anything is acceptable (unless you're Hilary Clinton, of course.) Most of us are feeling pretty low right now, but maybe this song can help us cope with our utter disappointment in our friends and neighbors.

4.) Million Dollar Man – Lana Del Rey

“I don't know how you convince them and get them, but

I don't know how you do, it's unbelievable

And I don't know how you get over, get over

Someone as dangerous, tainted and flawed as you.”

The magnetism of a rich powerful man has been swaying women for ages, and now men are feeling that attraction to billionaires too. Something about a man with lots of money and property telling you he’ll take care of you is weirdly comforting, even if it ends up not being true. Whether you are an exotic model looking for a sugar daddy or a poor coal miner who just lost his job, if someone tells you not to worry your pretty head because he's gonna make your life great, you'll do anything to be with him. It may not be ethical, but desperation can lead people to do some pretty crazy things.

5.) It's Too Late - Carole King

“And it's too late, baby now, it's too late,

Though we really did try to make it.

Somethin’ inside has died, and I can't hide,

And I just can't fake it, oh, no, no.”

The queen of heartbreaking songs has a tune that many of us can imagine Secretary Clinton herself singing solemnly while playing piano. Just like “Candidate,” she campaigned hard this year, but now that the American public has voted, it's too late to change anyone's mind. We must learn to accept and adapt to the new president-elect, and many of us are devastated. We are all a little dead now on the inside, and have all lost something that we can never replace: the camaraderie between our fellow Americans, and the ability to listen to those who have different viewpoints than us.

6.) So Sad, So Sad – Varsity

“So sad, so sad,

I can never make you stay.

Too bad, too bad,

I can never walk away.”

Nothing really pulls on the heartstrings like a passionate Indie jam to make us reflect on President Obama leaving office, and the devastation many of us feel. For many, Obama was silent America's champion. He represented a minority that many had ignored in a white dominated Congress/political sphere. People found their voice in him and felt that he would inspire change and revolution in the hearts of Americans. Now that he's gone, many are worried about their voices being silenced, and that the social progress that needs to be done will be harder to accomplish than ever. Don’t walk away from these past 8 years without thinking about what we've learned, what mistakes to avoid, and how to proceed in our missions for the next 4 years to come.

7.) Love Her Madly – The Doors

“Don't ya love her madly

Don't ya need her badly

Don't ya love her ways

Tell me what you say”

Many wanted Hilary Clinton badly and thought that America needed her desperately. She may be far from a perfect candidate, but compared to Trump, we needed her more than anything. Her losing means 4 years without climate change reform, pro-LGBTQ legislature, and no first female president (yet). Now that she's walking out the metaphorical door, all we can do is watch her leave, and we’re left helpless and alone in her shadow with the Grinch Who Stole the Electoral College.

8.) Born in the U.S.A – Bruce Springsteen

This song always seems to pop up during election season, and even though it was written in the 80s during the time Reagan was campaigning (and completely misinterpreted the song) it's still relevant now. I mean, Donald Trump stole his campaign slogan from Reagan, so this song really does fit perfectly. The song is written from the perspective of a Vietnam vet who feels that his country hasn't done anything to repay him for his service. He's struggling to get by and he's frustrated with the system. The most ironic part of this song is that many Americans who voted for Trump did so because they think he will turn our country around and make life better for veterans, while many Clinton supporters voted against Trump and for the same reason. It's one of the most iconic political commentary songs of all time, and this playlist would not be complete without it.

9.) It's Only Life- The Shins

“I've been down the very road you're walking now

It doesn't have to be so dark and lonesome

It takes a while but we can figure this thing out

And turn it back around”

This song was originally written about a man who wants to return to the simple life he once lived, but can't ignore how everything good will one day fall apart. Everyone goes through hard times, and sometimes we are in denial about how we feel, but realizing that there are others struggling with us provides a strange sense of comfort and companionship. It's important to realize that this election is difficult for everyone, and that we will come out on the other side successful and hopeful. Life passes pretty fast, and spending it feeling down and upset isn't a good way to spend it. Channel your anger into something good, and the world will be a better place because of it.

10.) What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye

“Mother, mother

There's too many of your crying

Brother, brother, brother,

There's far too many of you dying

You know we've got to find a way

To bring some loving here today, eheh.”

This song is all about racial equality and protest in a prejudiced and bigoted world, but finding a way to help solve it through hope and optimism. Even though this song was written over 40 years ago, it's message still resinates with us during a time when Black Lives Matter protesters are raising their voices to call out injustice. The road to equality is a long one, but by working together, listening, and cooperating, we can be successful. It doesn't matter if the person in the White House doesn't agree with us; if we raise our voice loud enough and long enough, they'll have to listen to us eventually. Just like Kylie Jenner who said 2016 was the year we should start “realizing things”, we should all look around and realize how backwards our world still is, and work towards the progress of the future.

To hear the entire playlist, please click this link and enjoy. Thank you.

https://open.spotify.com/user/tmflane/playlist/6zc...