How music can help you let go (+ 5 songs that really work for me)
My husband is a musician. He writes songs while I write books and articles and stories and all sorts of things. One thing I love about his music is that, even though he may have written some of his music for other people and times in his life prior to meeting me, I still get to interpret them as I’d like. To give them meaning.
That’s the beauty of music and all art in general, right? That we can take from it what we want and need in the moment. It’s with that spirit that I listen to these songs when it’s time for me to let go – of a belief or idea or friendship or experience, or some version of “normal” (thank you COVID). Each one allows me to imagine myself inside the lyrics, even if I know they’ve been written for a completely different purpose.
That’s the beauty of music. We simply need to let go of any preconceived notions or ideas about what it’s supposed to mean, and go with whatever it actually means to us!
It’s in this spirit, that these five are often on my rotation:
1—Alanis Morrisette. A favorite: “Ablaze” from her new album Such Pretty Forks in the Road.
Favorite line: “My mission is to keep the light in your eyes ablaze.”
2—Letting go for Coldplay: A favorite: “O” from Ghost Stories.
Favorite line: “Maybe one day I'll fly next to you”
3--Brandi Carlisle: A favorite: “Party of One” from By The Way I Forgive You
Favorite line: “You should always let the sun go down on your anger…let it burn you to sleep”
5—Pink: A favorite: “Glitter in the Air” from Funhouse.
Favorite line: Tossup… “Have you ever looked fear in the face and said I just don't care?” and “Have you ever wished for an endless night? Lasso the moon and the stars and pulled that rope tight.”
6. Theme Song – Great Big World: I really want it on “Is There Anybody Out There?”
Favorite line: “You show me hate, and I'll show you love”
I put all of these favorites together in a short playlist - give it a listen anytime you need a pick-me-up, a good cry session, or a reminder that it’s okay to let go.
What songs do you listen to when it’s time to dance or cry it out? Let me know in the comments!
