If you’ve been on any social media platform in the last month, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled across Olivia Rodrigo’s viral debut single “drivers license”. Making Spotify history as the fastest song to rack up 200 million streams, “drivers license” has been inescapable in the best way. If you’re like me and can’t get enough, here are six more songs to round out your sad girl playlist:
- “Talia” by King Princess
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Found on her 2018 EP Make My Bed, King Princess’ “Talia” conveys the all-too-familiar struggle of trying to move on from your ex (to no avail). The genderqueer icon sings about missing her ex-lover, reminiscing the relationship and being unable to let go. Perhaps a bit too relatable.
- “River” by UMI
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UMI gets that breakups are messy. She uses a river as a metaphor for the sadness and spitefulness that often accompany the unexpected end of a relationship, especially when your ex moves on before you. We can try to convince ourselves and everyone around us that the breakup was “mutual,” but UMI knows the truth.
- “ghostin” by Ariana Grande
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The fact that this song was probably written about Mac Miller makes it even sadder. Released in her thank u, next album, fresh after her breakup with Pete Davidson, the song is about “feeling badly for the person you’re with [because] you love somebody else,” according to Ariana herself. Complete with echoing harmonies, synths, and strings, “ghostin” is a track to cry to.
- “Long Sleeves” by Gracie Abrams
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With lyrics like “hate it that no one knows, you’re good to everyone / All them but me” and “Say something sweet to me / It never meant a thing”, Gracie describes the end of a toxic relationship. As difficult as they are, sometimes these relationships are the hardest to leave and let go of. Here is your daily reminder not to go back to them.
- “Chilly” by NIKI
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With Valentine’s Day around the corner, “Chilly” captures what it’s like to want a relationship, but not any particular one. NIKI makes it clear she has no intention of getting back together with her ex, but she admits to wishing she had a partner. With a simple backing track and easy-listening vocals, “Chilly” offers reassurance that you’re not the only one missing out on cuffing season.
- “What a Time” by Julia Michaels and Niall Horan
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While King Princess longs for her ex, Julia Michaels wants nothing to do with hers. In an interview with UMUSIC, she explains how an unexpected encounter with her ex caused her to reminisce about the relationship and how it eventually fell apart. The Niall Horan feature is the cherry on top of this near-perfect breakup song.
Whether you personally relate to “drivers license” or just can’t get enough of the bridge, these six songs will get you even more in your feels. We could all use a nice, cathartic experience every once in a while, so go ahead and turn off the lights, crawl under the covers, and let the sad girl hours begin.