Recently, I went through a break up. We ended things on relatively good terms and I was sad to say goodbye. However, multiple factors called for us to reexamine our situation. I was hurt by things he did and he was hurt by things I said, but in the end we really care for one another – we just aren’t right for each other.
This led me to scour the web for a playlist to fit my situation. I ran the whole gamut of emotions – anger, sorrow, melancholy, relief – and because of this variety, I wasn’t content with any pre-existing mixes I found. So, like any good music lover, I created my own playlist and here I am to share it with you, loyal reader.
Remember, friends, heartbreak is temporary. Enjoy!
1. Say Something by A Great Big World (The non-Christina Aguilera version)
When I heard this song, it sounded like my break-up. Maybe that’s a weird (or super cliché) thing to say, but it’s true. “Say something, I’m giving up on you.” – That is exactly how I felt toward the end of things, and I feel like that’s the case toward the end of many relationships. We try to convince ourselves that if the other person says or does that one thing, then we’ll know that we should keep trying but if they don’t, it’s over. Ladies and gentlemen, we are fooling ourselves. We can’t change our significant others and we shouldn’t want to; we deserve more than just to settle for someone with whom we mostly get along.
2. Hell on Heels by the Pistol Annies
This song is a great empowerment-I’ll-be-fine-without-you song. The Pistol Annies is made up of three country chicks (one of whom is Miranda Lambert, holla) who know what heartbreak is, and how to dish it out to those poor guys who fall for them. These crooners recount their failed romances and the gifts that each man gave them, trying to buy their love and affection. Let’s just say, I relate to some of these lyrics… (“He made me pretty, he made me smart”… #sohumble)
3. Goodbye, Goodbye by Tegan and Sara
I feel like this is pretty self-explanatory… (“Goodbye, I don’t wanna feel the need to see your face. Goodbye, I don’t wanna feel the need to hear your voice.”)
4. Leave by Steve Kazee from Once: A New Musical
Again, fairly self-explanatory but as it is from a musical, I’ll give it some attention. This song opens “Once” aka a fantastic musical you should go look up right now. Its lyrics are oh so relevant to any person who has just been dumped by someone who won’t let go.
5. Potential Breakup Song by Aly&AJ
BEST.SONG.EVER. Okay, maybe not ever but I’d be lying to myself (and you) if I denied my love of Aly&AJ. These girls certainly know how to shame someone after a breakup. The upbeat, bouncy beat makes you want to dance around and show that loser what he/she is missing. The pissed-off chorus gives way to “You’ll be sorry you did this” verses, really stressing how much the dude messed up here. Holla at Aly&AJ for writing a timeless masterpiece.
6. Never Going Back Again by Fleetwood Mac
One of the simplest songs ever written and performed by such a classic group brings this playlist back to a slower rhythm and easier listening. I am a huge fan of Fleetwood Mac (not just because they wrote a song about me, “Sara” #again #sohumble). While I have only been alive for the later years of their career, I have always connected with their rock-pop ballads.
7. FU by Miley Cyrus feat. French Montana
Bangerz, amiright? While I don’t respect Miley Cyrus as a beneficial role model to her original fan base, there is no arguing with the fact that she can sing. Thanks to some rather persistent friends (*coughcoughEllenRoofcough*), I have indeed listened to Miley’s new album in its entirety. Some songs are better than others, and FU happens to be one of my favorites. “Then I accidently saw a few things in yourself” has to be my favorite line in the pop song because it perfectly describes what happens after the honeymoon period of any relationship. Miley sings her heart out in this track, and I do not hate it. Plus, what better authority is there on breakups than the girl who was engaged to Liam Hemsworth for a year only to end things after undergoing a crazy transformation?
Here’s hoping for better odds in 2014!
(For my entire breakup playlist entitled “Now,” check me out on Spotify)