Music can soothe the emotions in a way that nothing else can. When you’re down in the dumps, here are some songs to help you get those feelings out.
“Wallow in self-pity” is the best advice that anyone could give you when you hit rock bottom. Some of us may think, “Wait a minute, crying and being helpless is going to make me feel like a loser!” On the contrary, wallowing is actually recommended. Everyone needs to get through the stages of grief, and it is only after you have accepted what has happened that you can you recover from it.
Recovering is an art form. Recovering is individualized. Each person copes in different ways. While some prefer to eat, others prefer to work out. While some prefer to create art, others listen to songs. And really, what’s easier than playing a few tunes on your iPod?
Songs to help you through a rough patch
There are a couple of songs that are known to help you feel better during a rough patch. You may think that all of them are about heartache, but some of them can also be about disappointments and other life problems. Here are some suggestions on what you can listen to.
1. I’m still alive, but I’m barely breathing
The opening lyrics to The Script’s song, entitled “Breakeven,” will also break you–if you see yourself from the perspective of the guy singing. This song is about a guy who is left by his girl, while the girl seems to be having the time of her life. Be the girl in this song. Know that in a breakup, both parties are hurt, but it’s inevitable to see one party moving on faster than the other. [Read: 8 ways to deal with an ex seeing someone new]
Lyrics that hit home: What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you? And what am I supposed to say when I’m all choked up and you’re ok?
2. But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough
Nothing spells out anger and bitterness like Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.” It’s helpful to condition your mind that if someone has done you wrong, you have the power to completely eradicate this person from your world. If you do just that, it might help you through your ordeal. [Read: How to survive the first 168 hours after a breakup]
Lyrics that hit home: Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over, but had me believing it was always something that I’d done. But I don’t wanna live that way, reading into every word you say. You said that you could let it go, and I wouldn’t catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know.
3. Everything you own in a box to the left
Beyoncé taught us a much-needed lesson in life: you cannot let anyone bully you, use your house and money to their advantage, and cheat on you, all at the same time. Sometimes, we need a wake-up call and the wake-up call comes in a depressing, rough patch of discovering our lying and cheating partners. But this should not get you down.
Just like Beyoncé says, everyone can be replaced and you shouldn’t put yourself down because of a heartache. [Read: 12 downright crazy ways to get back at your ex]
Lyrics that hit home: So since I’m not your everything, how about I’ll be nothing? Nothing at all to you. Baby, I won’t shed a tear for you. I won’t lose a wink of sleep. ‘Cause the truth of the matter is, replacing you is so easy.
4. Makes me that much stronger, makes me work a little bit harder
Everyone who is going through a tough time needs to know how strong they are for hanging on. They also need to know that these times are going to give them lessons to be learned, and experiences that can make them wiser. Just as in Christine Aguilera’s “Fighter,” each one of us going through these times will come out stronger. [Read: How to get your self-esteem back after a breakup]
Lyrics that hit home: So, thanks for making me a fighter. Made me learn a little bit faster. Made my skin a little bit thicker. Makes me that much smarter.
5. I’ve got all my love to give and I’ll survive
And you will, as well. One of the oldest survival songs for going through the worst times is Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” She is teaching us that it is not impossible to get back up on your feet after having gone through the worst crisis in your life. And despite the fact that there are people who insist on putting you down, you have to find the courage to get back up and prove them wrong.
Lyrics that hit home: It took all the strength I had not to fall apart. Kept trying hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart. And I spent oh so many nights, just feeling sorry for myself. I used to cry, but now I hold my head up high.
6. It’s always darkest before the dawn
And it is always the darkest just before we get our acts together. When you have gotten yourself out of your misery, you will forget how it feels to be there. Be inspired by Florence and the Machine’s “Shake it Out.” [Read: 8 reminders to help keep you moving forward]
Lyrics that hit home: And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back. So shake him off. ‘Cause I am done with my graceless heart. So tonight I’m gonna cut it out and then restart.
7. I’m so sick of love songs
Just like Ne-yo in his song “So Sick,” you will get sick of listening to love songs, and recalling the glory days of the relationship that left you broken and crying. When that time comes, start moving on. There must be a certain time allotment for mourning and wallowing, but it shouldn’t last forever. When you are saturated with sour feelings, get back up and tell yourself you will make it. [Read: 12 foolproof ways to quit thinking of your ex]
Lyrics that hit home: So tired of tears, so done with wishing she was still here. Said I’m so sick of love songs, so sad and slow.
8. This is the last time you tell me I’ve got it wrong
Taylor Swift and Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol’s song “The Last Time” will definitely make you think twice about what you are going through. It shows you the perspectives of both the man and the woman who are in a relationship, and what happens when one of them commits a mistake that angers the other one. [Read: 10 reasons to not be in an on-off relationship]
Lyrics that hit home: This is the last time I say it’s been you all along. This is the last time I let you in my door. This is the last time, I won’t hurt you anymore.
9. Come up to meet you, tell you I’m sorry
Says Coldplay in their song, “The Scientist.” As heartbreaking as this song is, it speaks of a journey, and how the speaker is trying to move on. “The Scientist” helps you realize that anyone can be in a tough situation, and it’s okay. It’s okay to admit that you’re having a hard time, or are struggling to move on. You’re only human, and it’s only natural for you to set aside some time to heal.
Lyrics that hit home: Nobody said it was easy, it’s such a shame for us to part. Nobody said it was easy, no one ever said it would be this hard.
10. I guess the change in my pocket wasn’t enough
The bitterness of the lyrics blended with the upbeat tempo makes this song perfect for picking yourself back up. When you look back at the reasons your previous relationship wasn’t right, you’ll just have to agree with Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You.” [Read: How to let go of the past and look to the future]
Lyrics that hit home: I see you driving ’round town with the girl I love and I’m like, forget you!
Times may be tough now, but a little musical nudge in the right direction should help you get back on your feet. Give these songs a try, let out your emotions, and face the world once again!
