"When you are happy, you enjoy the music. When you are sad, you understand the lyrics."

Music is this mysterious thing. One song can have an amazing upbeat tempo but the lyrics are sad and depressing. One song can be the complete opposite with having the happiest lyrics with the slowest beat ever recorded. I love, but hate music. It is this vicious cycle. And it all has to do with one simple thing, my depression. Songs have this amazing way of betraying certain ideas and styles. I am not talking about genres, I am actually talking about the true meanings of songs. I recently started listening to songs differently. I started to actually listen to the lyrics and the nature of the song. This is all thanks to Taylor, my old roommate. Before he moved in I used to listen to my music as loud as I possibly could and not pay attention to the lyrics. After meeting him I have learned that songs actually have a story; they are a story.

With me, when I am in a specific mood, I listen to a specific type of song. My quick "go to guide" is:

Anthems

My absolute favorite empowering anthem comes from one of my favorite artists, Lauren Alaina. "Road Less Traveled" by Lauren Alaina is such an extraordinary song. The reason I like this song so much is because it is not a traditional empowering anthem. Yes, it tells you that you can do amazing things, that it is okay to try the things that people do not like, and it is perfect just to be yourself. But, the way the lyrics roll with beat is beautiful. This song has Lauren being upfront about everything. She sings that, You won't make yourself a name if you follow the rules. History gets made when you're acting a fool. (Lyrics to Road Less Traveled)" I just think that the honesty of this song is great. She is right, you won't be anything you want unless you get up and do it.

Relationship:

There are two songs and artists that come to my mind as soon as I think of songs about relationships.

Gnash...A great artist that does an amazing job telling a/my story about relationships and life. Like seriously, "i hate you, i love you" is by far the one song that stops me in my tracks every time I hear it. It is such a great song. Both Gnash and Olivia O'Brein do a great job performing the song.

Now the next song is a country song. Country is known for songs about life and love. This band is no different. Rascal Flatts' first released album hit number one because of the title release song, "I Melt". This one song sums up everything and anything you may think a relationship is. Listen to the words then watch the music video. The words throughout the entire song are so true, (for me at least). The way Gary LeVox (head vocalist) sings, you can hear the passion that he holds for his wife and the passion that every relationship should have. He sings, Don't know how you do it. I love the way I lose it every time. And what's even better is knowing that forever you're all mine. The closer you get, the more my body aches. One little stare from you is all it takes, I Melt (Lyrics to I Melt)"

Revenge

I try and go to the gym daily and most of the time I do. The reason I go to the gym is probably not the right reason, but hey, at least I go! I have certain songs that go on my Gym Playlist on Spotify. All of the songs are about revenge. Listening to these types of songs make my motivation sky rocket! I love revenge songs! I go to the gym because I am hoping that if I gain muscle and look better (in society's eyes) that the people who I broke up with (those cheaters) will realize what they lost! And revenge themed songs are my go-to! Carrie Underwood has numerous perfectly written songs about revenge.

The first one is, "Two Black Cadillacs". A newer one release only a few years ago is about the husband's death. The death that is totally not related to that fact the she (Carrie) found out he (fictional husband) was cheating on her. With the help of the "other woman", there was a funeral. Watch the video here on YouTube.

The second Carrie Underwood song is everyone's favorite, "Before He Cheats." If this song is not about revenge, then I don't know what is. "I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive. Carved my name into his leather seats. I took a Louisville slugger to both head lights; I slashed a hole in all four tires. Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats (Lyrics to Before He Cheats)." All I have to say is, "Yaaassss!!!! You go girl!"

So, no matter what song you are listening to, try and listen to the lyrics. You may be totally surprised on the actual meaning. Give it a try.