We all have those days, weeks or seasons of life, where we want to be taking in content that makes us genuinely feel something. Music is one way millions of people can relate to something or someone through a shared experience told by a song. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the heart wrenching, stories can all be told through music. So the next time you are looking for some songs that will make you feel something, some good, some bad, or maybe a little bit of both, consider adding these ten songs to your playlist.
1. You're Not There by Lukas Graham
If you have ever lost someone you loved, a guardian-like figure, this song might really resonate with you. The song walks you through some different seasons of losing a loved one, such as realizing you will have to do things without them, remembering them in stories, and the bitter truth, that time does not always heal all wounds.
2. Broken-Hearted Girl by Beyoncé
This one will certainly bring up any lost emotions from a previous or current relationship, and Queen Bey does it with ease, as always. With the strong piano background perfectly with B's gorgeous vocals, this is one of those you NEED to scream-sing, in your car, in the rain. It's just a must. The chorus alone paints this story as a deeply emotional internal struggle with oneself, knowing they love someone enough to endure anything, including lows such as infidelity, but refuses to be left the victim with a "broken heart". As the song progresses, the protagonist in the storyline gains some confidence in themselves and their relationship, making true happiness attainable.
3. Back to December - Taylor Swift
Back in the days of Country Taylor Swift, she gave us the gift of Back to December. This is a break-up song like no other, full of regret, angst, vulnerability, and remembrance of the great times. For anyone you have ever let go and then wondered if it was the right thing to do, this song is for them.
4. Rescue by Lauren Diagle
Regardless of your thoughts or perceptions on Christian or Gospel music, I would still really recommend this song. Yes, Lauren Diagle is a Gospel singer, but even if you're not Christian or religious at all for that matter, there's a chance you might still relate to or even enjoy this song. Maybe it's not God who has rescued you, but a loved one, significant other, or a best friend. This song is about someone being at their worst, the opening lyrics are "You are not hidden, there's never been a moment you were forgotten, you are not hopeless". The narrator is telling this lost soul that they see them, they aren't alone or less than, and "I will rescue you". Even if you don't need the reminder that someone is always there right now, the beauty in this song is undeniable.
5. Forever and Always by Parachute
I am not sure how to even start with this one because thinking about tears my hearts to shred. This emotional ballad tells the story of an engaged couple who endures a horrible accident and ends up saying "forever and always" at the end of their time together in a hospital room. The emotional lyrics and melody are the perfect compliment to one another, and although sad, does a great job at telling a thought-provoking story.
6. Bad Together by Rozzi
Adam Levine's protegee, Rozzi, hit this one out of the park. If I had to describe this song in three words, I would say; soulful, forbidden and effortless. It visits a time in which someone knows that a relationship or experience is a terrible idea and they are "bad together", yet still finds themselves wishing they could indulge in a relationship with this thing or person. Rozzi's voice and vibe in this song are both so unique in that they are smooth and low key, but not scared to pick it up and take some risks.
7. Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga
First, if you have not seen "A Star Is Born", do it now. I highly recommend it, as it highlights all too common ideas in today's world such as addiction and depression. Aside from it's rags to riches storyline of fame, it is truly a deeply emotional and heavy film with a fabulous soundtrack. The rawness from both Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in these songs is mesmerizing. "Always Remember Us This Way" is about choosing to not only remember, but also live in a relationship for the good times, and sticking with those memories as a reminder through the bad times.
8. Fix You by Coldplay
A classic, if you will. Written for Chris Martin's then-wife Gwyneth Paltrow after losing her father, this song is sure to make you feel some type of way. The lyrics speak of a time in one's life when they are lost, broken down, and just wanting to be seen and helped. The true demonstration of selflessness in this song, putting yourself aside to help "fix" the ones you love, is unmatched, and will hopefully make you cherish the "fixers" in your life.
9. Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur
If you're a total sap (guilty), you probably loved this song when it came out or at least thought it was cute. If you're picky about songs being overplayed, perhaps this particular one lost its zest in your eyes. However, I would argue this is one of the best modern-day love songs ever. James Arthur's vocals are out of this world, and when listening to the lyrics, I literally see a romcom movie play in my head. It's the sweetest of sweet and makes me feel so happy whenever I hear it.
10. I Lived by OneRepublic
One of my personal favorite songs of all time, this tune is sure to hit you in the feels on the best possible of ways! Every time I hear this song, I think of some of the best moments in my life, when I have been so genuinely happy and felt the most ALIVE. Everyone should live by the words of this amazing work of art, by the extremely talented OneRepublic, and own every second that this world can give.
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