Music is such a powerful tool that can open people up and allow them to express themselves in a way they may not normally do. You can tell a lot about a person from the kind of music they listen to because it can send a message about how someone may be feeling or a window to things that have happened to them. Of course, we all have those songs that we know don't relate to us in any way and/or are way too disturbing to admit we actually listen to them. (Thank God for headphones). It seems to me that each song tells a different story for every person. They may be similar at times, but people can relate to the same song on a completely different level that is unique to their life and that is the best thing about music. Music connects people and allows us to show the world who we are. The following is a composition of songs that I can personally relate to in some way or another, and I know that any others can, too.
1. "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
This is supposed to be a happy song about just wasting time with the person you love, but all you "Grey's Anatomy" people out there know how that happiness was completely ruined by the show. They seriously played this song so many times, and now it's painful to listen to with all of those memories.
2. "How To Save A Life" by The Fray
This really needs no explanation. The Fray is always hitting you from every angle with feels.
3. "I Lived" by One Republic
This is a song about accepting your life and loving it for what it is. Personally, I will always relate this to my high school graduation and that always gets me in the feels.
4. "Fall For You" by Secondhand Serenade
Oh man, this probably has a lot of sentimental meaning to some people, but for you 2015 graduates you probably just relate this to sixth-grade heartbreak and angst. I can't help but laugh when I hear this song, but it holds so many memories and I suggest listening to it.
5. "Story of My Life" by One Direction
Yeah, yeah, I know. One Direction blah blah blah, but this is a good song. It's a bit sad but also weirdly happy. It's really up to you how you interpret it.
6. "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift
I am not lying when I tell you I cannot listen to this song without crying. I made the mistake of listening to this right before high school ended and, let's just say it was bad. Everyone was crying. It was a mess.
7. "Til It Happens To You" by Lady Gaga
On a serious note, this song is so important, and if you haven't watched the music video yet please do. This is a song about sexual assault on college campuses, and it is one of the most powerful songs I have ever heard. The message behind it is so important, so go to whatever music source you use and listen to this right now.
8. "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith
Sam Smith always kills it with his voice and that alone can make his songs so powerful and full of feelings.
9. "Skinny Love" by Birdy
If you've never heard Birdy sing you are truly missing out. Her voice is beautiful and instantly mellows you out. The lyrics of this song are so deep and maybe it's just because of the memories I tie to this song, but it has always stuck with me and instantly brings overwhelming feelings back.
10. "Stressed Out" by Twenty One Pilots
We've all heard this on the radio by now and as a student, especially one in college and away from home, this song is so relatable and you can't help but sing along.
11. "7 Years" by Lukas Graham
This German artist came in throwing a curve ball with such a beautiful tune in the beginning and he instantly starts talking about how young he used to be. It makes you realize how short life is and makes you want to get up and experience things before you lose the chance.
12. "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" by P!nk
This is kind of just a badass song that all you people going through a break up need to listen to. It's basically just a big middle finger to that person that broke your heart.
13. "Breakeven" by The Script
This is a breakup song full of heartbreak and sadness. It can feel like a punch to the gut if you listen to it at the wrong (or maybe right) time.
14. "When We Were Young" by Adele
Adele is truly one amazing woman with that voice of hers. This new one, which I'm sure we've all heard a million times by now, is just a great one to get your feelings flowing.
15. "Daughters" by John Mayer
There is no explanation. Just go listen to it.
16. "Colder Weather" by Zac Brown Band
Ew country, I hate country ew. Stop. Country music can really hit you hard if you listen to the right songs and this is one of those songs.
17. "Burning House" by Cam
More country? I know, jeez. This is a new one that may just sound like another breakup song, and maybe it is to you. It's worth it to listen to it at least once.
18. "Say Something" by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera
If this song doesn't give you a lump in your throat every time then you may not have feelings because this is such a powerful, sad song.
19. "Fix You" by Coldplay
This song is such a confusing ball of emotions because while it is deeply emotional, it is also uplifting by giving the listener some hope. To me, it represents the light at the end of the tunnel and, if you keep moving forward, you can get there. You may need guidance, but it's so worth it in the end.
20. "Take Me To Church" by Hozier
Hozier's voice is just like a warm blanket being wrapped around you. He has such an amazingly powerful yet relaxing voice that I am convinced he is a wizard. This is another song that you need to watch the music video for because it has such a strong message embedded in the lyrics.
21. "Stone Cold" by Demi Lovato
Recently Demi has been bringing on these strong, take-no-bull lyrics that make you feel as if you can do anything. For any of you that have been left for another person this song is what you doctor is prescribing. Trust me on this one.
22. "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman
In all honesty, my connection to this song is just a personal one with my best friends with no particular tie to the lyrics but to the memories. It's definitely worth listening to though; find your own meaning in it.
23. "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars
This song is all about regret and missing someone you know you should have treated better. Also, Bruno Mars's voice alone can pout you in the feels.
24. "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins
Just listen to this oh my god.
25. "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" by The Script
The lyrics are all about someone waiting for their love and hoping that they are missed. It's almost gut-wrenching when you really pay attention to the words.
26. "Dirt Road Anthem" by Jason Aldean
This is just a song that chills you out and make you think back to good times with good people.
27. "Almost Lover" by A Fine Frenzy
The calmness of this artist's voice is soothing and the lyrics are so sad and heartbreaking.
28. "Yours" by Ella Henderson
This is the opposite of Almost Lover with the beautiful piano and voice of Ella Henderson. For those of you lucky people in love, I highly suggest listening to this on repeat.
29. "Just Give Me A Reason" by P!nk and Nate Ruess
Relationship struggles come and go and this song really hits on the breaking point. It's that moment when you're searching for any sign of hope that the relationship can work.
30. "The Girl" by City and Colour
This is just a beautiful song about loving a girl and doesn't have any unrealistic aspects, it's simply love (as simple as that can be).
31. "Hard Out Here" by Lily Allen
This is a bit... out there. I advise listening with caution but it is such an empowering song for all you women out there tired of being seen as a lesser.
32. "Someone Like You" by Adele
Adele is back and this time it's one of her older songs. This is one of those songs that has such a blur between sadness and strength and I'm sure you all know it by now.
33. Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye
This starts out so quiet and then suddenly turns into this lyrics that are, again, a big middle finger to all of those heart-breakers out there.
34. "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift
Maybe it's just because my friends and I scream the lyrics to this anytime we're in a car but this song brings about so many feelings and you honestly do just want to scream. It makes you feel better, i suggest screaming lyrics anytime you get a chance.
35. "When I Look At You" by Miley Cyrus
Oh young Miley; while I love her more than ever now, her old stuff still gets to me and takes me back to the days of Hannah Montana and "The Last Song."
36. "We Are Young" by Fun
This is truly just an uplifting song and I love listening to it anytime I'm feeling particularly stressed as a gentle reminder that we need to be happy because we're young, and we won't be forever.
37. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
Christina Perri has some of the best songs and this love song takes that cake for being one of the most heartwarming yet.
38. "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz
You really feel the love and commitment with this one. It starts out calm and melodic and turns into an intense feeling of dedication to making things work.
Of course, these songs are all up for your own interpretation. That's the beauty of music. One-hundred people can listen to the same song at the same time and all feel something different about it but still be brought together by that one song. Music is a weapon against feelings and for feelings and it's all up to how the individual wants to interpret it as.
