Five Songs to Listen to Before You Die
“I Know it’s Over”- The Smith’s (Sad, soulful, Indie Rock)
“I Know It’s Over” by the Smith’s is also dutifully nicknamed “The Bleakest Ballad," suiting its beautifully crafted lyrics. The song itself is about heartbreak, specifically lack of heartbreak. The singer realizes that he will never get to feel heartbreak, because he’ll never experience love in the first place. This sad and slow tune perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being alone, and the greater disappointment in knowing that it will never change.
Notable Lyrics: It’s so easy to laugh/It’s so easy to hate/It takes strength to be gentle and kind
I know it’s over/And it never really began/but in my heart it was so real
“Yesterday”- The Beatles (Baroque pop; Classical and Traditional rock)
The Beatles are quite possibly one of the most well known artists in the world; their audience ranging from the very young to the old. Much like “Vienna,” listening to “Yesterday” feels like being wrapped in a warm hug. Riddled with calming reassurances, “Yesterday” perfectly describes the regrets the singer feels, wishing to go back to a simpler time.
Notable Lyrics: Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away/Now it looks as though they're here to stay/Oh, I believe in yesterday
“Telescope”- Cage the Elephant (Indie rock)
A more eccentric and indie of the songs on this list, “Telescope” by “Cage the Elephant” (known for their popular song “Ain't No Rest For the Wicked”) uses a mellow tune to tackle the difficult subjects of isolation and wasted time. In between guitar solos, lead singer Matt Shultz heart-wrenchingly tells the story of a man going through isolation and living a pointless life; walking room to room, not even recognizing his own reflection anymore. Through a powerful chorus, Matt reaches out to the listener, begging for them to not waste the precious time they have left. In an ever moving world, it's easy to act as if your on auto-pilot, but what the song attempts to emphasize is the necessity of living life to the fullest, a notion that is easily forgotten.
Notable Lyrics: Time is like a leaf in the wind/Either it's time well spent/Or time I've wasted/Don't waste it
“Vienna”- Billy Joel (Soft Rock)
From its soothing piano melody to its nostalgic and comforting message, Billy Joel’s “Vienna” can calm even the most stressed person, which is definitely not uncommon in a public high school. With college and our futures edging near, it's hard to not feel rushed. The world and your future is moving so quickly it's almost suffocating. But through his fatherly voice, “Vienna” reassures the listener that there's no rush. Our lives are so long, so slow down and take it easy. Don’t forget to actually live your life. Your future can wait.
Notable Lyrics: Slow down you crazy child, you're so ambitious for a juvenile
Slow down, you're doing fine/You can't be everything you want to be/Before your time
“Stacy’s Mom”- Fountains Of Wayne (2000’s Pop)
The 2000’s song “Stacy’s Mom” by one hit wonders, Fountains Of Wayne, is one of the most nostalgic songs around. Regardless of where you are now, at some point everyone went through a (probably regrettable) emo phase. And while we all would rather forget those chain-studded days, “Stacy’s Mom” is a must-listen. It will transport you back to the young, angry days of middle school and will make you giggle as you sing along with the narrator about their unrealistic romantic endeavors with their friend’s mother. Lighthearted and nostalgic, regardless of your background, anyone can jam out to this song.
