Essential Valentine’s Day Playlist Part 1: Bitter and Lonely

Every year a time comes that falls between our return from winter break and February 15th.  For some ladies, it sucks more than finals and mid-terms combined. As much as we can try to ignore the vast emphasis that’s put on relationships and love all in one day,  if you’re someone who’s single you can’t help but notice the Hallmark sappy-ness everywhere you turn. With that said, you can look at Valentine’s Day one of two ways; You can either sit in your dorm watching “The Notebook” for the ten thousandth time while stuffing your face with Oreo’s and sobbing uncontrollably about your lack of man candy. Or you can get out of bed, put on something that makes you look good, grab your girls, and make something of February 14th that’s better than any dinner and a movie. Every girl who can’t stand Valentine’s Day has a reason for their hate; therefore to soothe your hostility, I have compiled a list of my top ten songs for every girl – in any situation – who might find themselves bitter and lonely.

1. Independent Woman – Destiny’s Child

Seeing your roommate come back after being showered with gifts by her boyfriend might make you biter at first, but remember – you go to Bentley – manage your money a little and buy something ten times nicer for yourself.

Key Lyrics

The shoes on my feet / I’ve bought it / The clothes I’m wearing  / I’ve bought it / The rock I’m rockin’ / ‘Cause I depend on me

2. Stronger – Britney Spears

As big of a Britney Spears fan as I am, it might seem a little contradictory taking relationship advice from her of all people, but as far as this song goes she definitely got it right.

Key Lyrics

Stronger than yesterday / Now it’s nothing but my way / My loneliness ain’t killing me no more / I am Stronger

3. Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson

If you’re recently single, like this song describes, no doubt V-Day is going to seem like a drag. Worst comes to worst, sing this at the top of your lungs like Fat Amy does in “Pitch Perfect” and just let it all out. Crushed it.

Key Lyrics

Since you been gone / I can breathe for the first time

4. I Don’t Need a Man – Pussy Cat Dolls

Pretty self-explanatory here. If you’re single with no man in your horizons, just know that that’s okay – you don’t need one to help yourself out.

Key Lyrics

I don’t need a man to make it happen / I get off being free / I don’t need a man to make me feel good / I get off doing my thing

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5. Love is a Battlefield – Pat Benatar

Pat Benatar’s song about the ups and downs and overall confusion that encompasses relationships of people our age is spot on. If you’re in the “It’s Complicated” or “I don’t what’s going on” stage with your boyfriend on Valentine’s Day, know that that’s perfectly fine and you’re certainly not the only one.

Key Lyrics

We are young / Heartache to heartache we stand / No promises, no demands / Love Is A Battlefield

6. Tik Tok – Ke$ha

Because if Ke$ha can be a hot, glittery mess 365 days a year, there’s no shame in you doing the same one night out of the year either. No specific relationship reasons here, it’s just a feel good song and there’s not a single girl in the world who can honestly say that she doesn’t know it word for word.

Key Lyrics

Tonight, Im’ma fight ‘till we see the sunlight / Tik Tok on the clock / But the party don’t stop (No)

7. Me Myself & I – Beyonce

I seriously hope that anybody reading this hasn’t been cheated on by a significant other recently – or ever – but if you have, hear Beyonce out that a lesson of trusting yourself and having a little self-confidence can be learned from what happened. Besides, he’s probably a loser anyways.

Key Lyrics

It took me some time / But now I am strong / Me myself and I / That’s all I got in the end / That’s what I found out / And it ain’t no need to cry / I took a vow that from now on / I’m gonna be my own best friend

8. Picture to Burn – Taylor Swift

You can’t have a list of songs like this and not include Taylor Swift. If you’re in the post relationship stage come Valentine’s Day that’s more about you despising whatever it is he did to mess things up with you, and less about crying at the thought of your broken relationship, this song is the probably the perfect way to describe how you’re feeling. Use Valentine’s Day as a fresh start, burn that picture and begin your rebound stage.

Key Lyrics

So watch me strike a match / On all my wasted time / As far as I’m concerned you’re /Just another picture to burn

9. Pretty Girl Rock – Keri Hilson

If you’re both biter and lonely on Valentine’s Day that can be a pretty lethal combination. Either your ex is seeing a new person already, or the person you’ve had your eye on is with another girl for the night, this song is filled with ways to basically say that it’s all set because you’re just that much better.

Key Lyrics

Pretty as a picture / Sweeter than a swisher / Mad ’cause I’m cuter than the girl that’s with ya

10. Man! I Feel Like a Woman – Shania Twain

Something you’re likely to find on college campuses everywhere are ladies who are lonely on Valentine’s Day not because they’re single, but because their significant other couldn’t be with them. Whether he’s studying abroad or back in your home town, it still sucks not being able to be with him regardless. There’s not much you can do about seeing them in person if you’re too far away, so play this song, go out with your friends, and have a good time.

Key Lyrics

The girls need a break / Tonight I’m gonna take / A chance to get out on the town / We don’t need romance / We only wanna dance

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