"Break-up music" or even "being sad music" is one of my specialties, and I used to be really insecure about it because I would play it all of the time even when I am happy, but I no longer care what others think. I am one of those people who has to listen to music in the car and whenever I am doing anything, but I don't listen to things that don't have a deeper meaning. Music without meaning is senseless to me; why would you spend the time to listen to a song if it doesn't speak to you on an entirely new level? So here are some of the songs that speak to me.
"If Tomorrow Never Comes," Garth Brooks
I grew up on Garth Brooks, and a year and a half ago when he was in Detroit I attended his concert. This song, however, is a personal favorite because it's my mom's song to me. When I was born this is the song she dedicated to me. When I was learning to play guitar, which never panned out, I learned this song and it only made my appreciation for Garth Brooks, and his music style, increase. The song itself is a favorite because of the meaningful lyrics and the song talks about someone who is hoping that he has shown his family that he loves them and he hopes they will remember that even if his tomorrow doesn't come. It's a beautiful song and I recommend listening to it even if you aren't a country fan.
"Young and Beautiful," Lana Del Rey
A couple years back when "The Great Gatsby" came out (again), I heard this song for the first time and I loved the beautiful flow she has to her voice and that she sings about things I worry about. In this song, she sings about wondering if her significant other will still love her when she is old because she sees that as becoming ugly and that is a concern for some women.This song gives you that hope that everything will be OK even if it looks dismal at the time.
"My Love," Sia
While Sia may have a few more mainstream songs now, "My Love" isn't one of them. This song is elegant and flows so nicely, plus it is a happy-ish song. In the songs she sings, "You came thoughtfully, loved me faithfully, you taught me honor, you did it for me." To me, this shows that the man she loved showed her how to be all she could be and that is a wonderful thing. The saddest part of this song is trying to figure out why he is leaving himself behind and beating inside of her now, it is up to debate on whether or not she is talking about someone dying or if she is talking about loving someone so entirely they become a big part of you. Either way this song will speak to you.
"A Thousand Years, Pt. 2," Christina Perri
This song has held a special place in my heart because it is the song my boyfriend and I have dedicated to our relationship. I have listened to it on repeat, and it is one of those songs I don't get tired of hearing. This song is inspiring saying she waited all this time for him and she would wait so much more time if it meant being with him. Steve Kazee is also featured in this song and does a wonderful job matching the flow of emotion given off by Perri. While some may not enjoy this song as much as I do, they probably don't have the connection I do to it.
"Wherever You Will Go," The Calling
Yes, I am a hopeless romantic -- sorry -- but this song shows that no matter what, that person is never leaving. I grew up with this song and even though it has played a million times, it does not stop me from listening to it over and over again. It is one of those songs that I will never stop listening to and one day my kids will hate me for turning it on, but that day is no time soon and I will be listening to it on repeat for the next couple days.
"Skinny Love," Birdy
Birdy may not have the only version of this song, but her voice is perfect for it making her version my favorite. Some times I have Birdy binge weeks where she is all I want to listen to and it's always on repeat in my head. "Skinny Love" was one of the first songs sang by Birdy that I took the time to appreciate. She is begging for her love to last the year. It's touching seeing that much emotion in one song and she does a nice job showcasing not only her voice but the song as well.
"White Horse," Taylor Swift
What would a list of songs be without Taylor Swift? "White Horse" is a song that shows, even though you still care about the person who hurt you, you can always let them go and be happy alone. Sometimes it is too late for that person to start caring and enough is enough, this song shows you to know your limits and boundaries.
These are a few of the songs I like to listen to when I am sad or doing household chores. They may not seem like they help, but honestly they have gotten me through some of the hardest things yet and I am sure they will continue to get the job done.
Enjoy these songs!
