Now that the semester is in full swing and everyone is balancing group projects with exams with work with a social life, I know what you want to do…
You want to cry.
I’m the biggest crier ever; ask anyone. I cry when I’m happy, sad, scared or angry. I recently cried at a video of a raccoon stuck in a vending machine. Just about anything will set me off.
Sometimes, you need a good cry. And sometimes, when you’re crying, you need a good playlist to go with it.
Here are some songs that almost always get me teary-eyed and help me let it all out.
Leave the City – Twenty One Pilots
It doesn’t matter how great of a mood I’m in: if this song comes on, it’s going to bum me out (but in the best way). “Leave the City” is real, touching and raw. Twenty One Pilots is known for making music about mental illness and suicide, and this one is no exception. It talks about wanting to die, but choosing life instead. It gives me chills and makes me feel so many emotions. If you want to cry, start with this song and you won’t be dry-eyed for long.
Favorite lyric: “Though I’m far from home, in Trench, I’m not alone.”
Cecilia and the Satellite – Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
This song gets me emotional in a different way. Andrew McMahon wrote the song when he and his wife were expecting their first child. In it, he maps out his life thus far while also saying what he wants for his daughter’s life. I don’t have any children, but I still find this song relatable. I have some really close loved ones in my life that I would give anything for to ensure they have the best life. That’s what this song is really about.
Favorite lyric: “For all the things my hands have held, the best by far is you.”
Far From Home – Five Finger Death Punch
Perhaps you didn’t expect to see a metal band on my list? “Far From Home” is one of my favorites from the band. Lead singer Ivan Moodey has such a rich voice that compliments the lyrics. It is still certainly a rock song, but it is toned down and has so much emotion in it.
Favorite lyric: “All the places I’ve been and things I’ve seen. A million stories that made up a million shattered dreams.”
Save Rock and Roll – Fall Out Boy
You know, I couldn’t even tell you why I cry during this song; it kind of just happens. I’ve seen Fall Out Boy perform this song live and it stirred up a lot of emotions that come out every time it’s played since then. If you’ve ever listened to Fall Out Boy, you know the meaning to their songs are often quite ambiguous. However, I’ve interpreted it to be a song about rebellion, doing what you want to and what you know is right. Pete Wentz once said in an interview that the song promotes rock and roll as a mindset, rather than a genre, and I think it’s spot on. Plus, the pairing of Fall Out Boy and Elton John gives me chills.
Favorite lyric: “I’ve cried tears you’ll never see, so f-ck you, you can go cry me an ocean and leave me be.”
Dear John – Taylor Swift
Maybe your reason to cry is an ex. Or, maybe it’s not, but you’re in the mood to cry about the exes that have screwed you over. Trust me, I’ve been there. Taylor Swift is the queen of breakup songs, and “Dear John” just hits differently. The song is nearly seven minutes long, but every second is worth listening to. It makes me reminisce on young love and first heartbreak, which is bound to make you feel a little bit sad, even if it’s been years and you’re 1000% over it.
Favorite lyric: “Maybe it’s me and my blind optimism to blame, or may- be it’s you and your sick need to give love and take it away.”