I talk a lot about music that makes you happy or cheers you up. But sometimes you don’t want that. Sometimes you feel down, and you just want to own that feeling for a while. This playlist is for those times.
“Everything’s Changing,” Keane.
“I’m trying to make a move just to stay in the game. I try to stay awake and remember my name. But everybody’s changing and I don’t feel the same.”
“Don’t Let It Bring You Down,” Annie Lennox
[How can Neil Young’s words coming from Annie Lenox’s mouth not move you?]
“Don’t let it bring you down, it’s only castles burning. Find someone who’s turning, and you will come around.”
“Help,” Tina Turner
[John Lennon’s words coming from Tina Turner’s mouth. Even more moving than Neil and Annie.]
“And now my life has changed in oh so many ways. My independence seems to vanish in the haze. But every now and then, when I feel so insecure. I know I need you like I never did before.”
“Holding Back The Years,” Simply Red
“I’ve wasted all my tears; wasted all those years. Nothing had the chance to be good; nothing ever could.”
“You Could Make A Killing,” Aimee Mann
“I could follow you and search the rubble. Or stay right here and save myself some trouble. Or try to keep myself from seeing double.”
“Long Hard Road,” Sade
“And when in this life, in this life, when I can only turn my chin. I know it’s gonna be alright.”
“Dark Truths,” Joan Armatrading
“It’s so nice that someone thinks you’re special. Treat them right, that trust in you is precious. All the same, we make mistakes. I’ve used up a few lives, now I’m afraid of dying. Cuz one day I’ll find you’re not forgiving.”
“Till the Sun Turns Black,” Ray LaMontagne
“Can you see the corporate man – he’s winning on the telephone; his possessions are his throne – till the sun turns black/ Can you see him in his lounger watching TV in the dark, waiting for a spark, till the sun turns black?”
“Color,” Mary J. Blige
The lyrics to this track are actually very happy and uplifting – yet every time I hear it, I bawl. Maybe it’s just Mary’s voice. Maybe I’m just still waiting to get to that place.
“Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To?),” Diana Ross
I know I’ve mentioned this song about a billion times on this blog. I hope I’m not entering into ad nauseam territory, because I really do love it that much. Seeing Diana Ross live (from the second row!) this past spring was a highlight of my life, and when she sang this track I pretended she was singing directly to me. I was moved to tears.
Love you.