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Girl Bible: Life Lessons from Pop Songs Every Girl Needs On Her Playlist

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GSU chapter.

When God created earth, he created girl power. But that girl power was formless and empty, so there came about a solution. And God said, “Let there be pop music”, and alas, He saw that it was good.

Pop music has been a huge influence in our world for what seems to be a gazillion years, and granted there have been some released some songs that we would like to release back to the industry. However, in honor of “The 12 Disciples” of pop music: Madonna, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Blondie, Tina Turner, Kelis, Spice Girls (they count as one),  Destiny’s Child (also count as one), Fergie,  Rihanna,  Shakira, and last but not least, we give R.E.S.P.E.C.T to the one and only Aretha Franklin. These wonderful ladies have created the greatest songs of all time that I’m compiling into one big “Girl Bible” for you to refer back to when you need some inspiration or a boost to your personal life! So grab your hymns, take down some notes, and let’s celebrate girl power!

PS: Click on the pictures for the music videos!

“Vogue” by Madonna

For 25 years, this famously efficacious jam played and replayed worldwide is the number one source to discover your inner “Vogue.” The term is used as a play by play to demonstrate that you (yes you!) can invigorate the inner star inside of you that has been waiting to be awakened! Whether you are about to go take a test, audition for something, or prepare for your next interview, playing this song summons the confidence you need.

 “Run the World” by Beyonce

Trying to choose one girlicious Beyonce song from her discography is just as impossible as trying to attain that perfect booty Queen B flaunts so effortlessly. It came down to “Single Ladies” and “Run the World” but let’s forget about men and relationships completely for a second and focus on how great we are as girls! No explanation needed here, put on you dancing shoes, play the song, and feel the power.

“Diamonds” by Rihanna

During that time of the month, our feelings tend to have a mind of their own. It’s during this time we start to feel miserable, and unequal to this cruel, cruel world but Rihanna is there to have our backs! Singing along to this powerful medley reminds you of how beautiful and powerful you are! So, don’t be afraid to shine bright like a diamond!

“Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira

Our bodies are probably one of the most important things we focus on daily. It’s sometimes difficult to look at yourself in the mirror and feel “bootylicious” but playing “Hips Don’t Lie” gets you feeling ready to move and take on the world! When you dance and channel your inner Shakira, your hips will show how great your body can move and feel, so trust them! Your hips don’t lie, am I right Shakira?

“Fergilicious” by Fergie

Am I the only one who replaced Fergie’s name in this song and made it my own when I was younger? Yes? No?  If you haven’t done this, then this song means nothing to you. Go play that song immediately and make it your own and you will feel [Insert name here]licious in no time!

“Oops!…I Did It Again” by Britney Spears

Girls can be players too! And Britney fearlessly celebrates her inner player in this 2000 hit that is still being reenacted in karaoke bars. In the plot of the video, a guy goes above and beyond to show how much he loves Britney but little does he know, she only looks at him as a friend and she’s unapologetic about it. The moral of the story is that even if a guy went underwater to find that precious bracelet of yours, it’s okay to not reciprocate the same feelings. A lot of girls feel pressured to like a guy back just because they are consistent but if you’re not feeling it, you’re not feeling it! And remember, you’re not that innocent…

“One Way or Another” by Blondie

Okay, we’ve now gained our confidence and strength. So we’re going to talk about men again, because who are we kidding? I mean, look at Idris Elba or David Beckham. Sometimes, a girl just can’t resist going after that man candy, so without further ado, thank you, Blondie, for saying what was on our mind. Girls are so often afraid to chase after the man of their dreams but it is past time to be bold and get what you want. From 1978, this song can be applied to 2015 so go for it! Drive past his house when the lights are all out and get him, get him, get him, get him (say 10 more times). Although Blondie never made a sequel to this song to let us know if she got with her man with this technique, I’d still say take a shot and see!

“Milkshake” by Kelis

Now that you have an idea of what kind of guy you want, it’s time to execute a plan. I can teach you, and no charge here ladies! As Kelis puts it, maintain your charm and at the same time, maintain your halo. But what does that even mean? Being charming is simply just being your inner womanly self, and every girl has this! Think back to 1950s movies when the ladies were so cute and acted naïve and without a doubt always got the man of their dreams. Think eye batting, ear to ear smiling, and most of all, eye contact. That is a sure way to bring all of the boys to your yard!

“What’s Love Got to Do With It” by Tina Turner

After you get that man candy of yours, you don’t have to start planning the wedding immediately. We must realize how young we are and that we don’t have to fall in love with everyone we “date.” The late Miss Tina Turner explains this with her powerful vocals that you can feel attraction and excitement with someone but simply put “It’s physical, only logical” because girls, who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?

“R.E.S.P.E.C.T” by Aretha Franklin

Boys are not the most intelligent beings on this planet and Aretha Franklin is here to tell us to remind them to give us the respect that we deserve! When your man candy is acting up, grab a fur shawl, release your inner diva, and demand the respect you need!

“Wannabe” by Spice Girls

If you’ve ever been a serious relationship, you know how tough it can be to handle your BF and your besties. However, some girls get so caught up in their relationships and forget all about their friends. No bueno. Spice Girls sing the anthem “Wannabe” emphasizing that friendship is the most important because it never ends! Your friends will always have your back if you don’t dump them the minute you have your dream guy by your side. Besides, who will you call when Mr. Dreamy is being a jerk?

 “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child

It is the story that gets told time and time again. You were so deep in love with your man candy but he decides he can’t handle your ferocious confidence and indefinitely, he breaks your heart. So what is a girl to do? Go to Walmart, buy green shadow and eyeliner, draw war lines on your face and buy sexy camo attire to wear while blasting “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child? I vote yes. 

Zimbabwean-American Journalism major at Georgia State University. Audrey Hepburn and pink enthusiast who's constantly dreaming of Breakfast at Bergdorfs. She lives in Atlanta with New York on her mind.
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