Sitting with your feelings? This playlist is for you.

**Welcome to our tenth monthly playlist, curated by M.T. Deco’s in-house DJ, Lissie Jacobson, a one-woman music library.**

One of the things people say about music is that it “moves you,” but I think as an extension of that, it can also just  keep you where you are, if that’s what you want. There are endless possibilities of genre, mood and sound - and you can utilize those options to break out of whatever mood you’re in–or not! The idea of taking your feelings and sitting with them and owning them is a new one, but I think it’s a positive one. Feeling vulnerable has the possibility of opening yourself to future greatness. 

When I started to compile this playlist, it started to feel just….sad, but as always, it evolved. The vulnerability is there, both lyrically and in some weighted sound– but also, the openness, that’s not sad or happy or any specific adjective. I hope it “moves” you to just be - whatever that means for you. 

Enjoy 🎶

Without Me, Halsey 

And then I got you off your knees/Put you right back on your feet/Just so you can take advantage of me

Her voice feels so concentrated here, and the feeling of supporting someone to then feel betrayed is palpable.  

Nobody Knows, The Lumineers 

Nobody knows how the story ends/Live the day, doing what you can 

Very relatable lyrically-On a personal note, I got to see  The Lumineers play a sold out show in their home state of NJ- it was AMAZING. Highly recommend seeing them live. 

Save your tears, The Weeknd

You could've told me that you fell apart/But you walked past me like I wasn't there 

Communication post-break up is so tricky, you can feel that here- not sure what the other person is thinking, but doing what you feel is best for you.   

Misunderstanding, Genesis 

There must be some misunderstanding/There must be some kind of mistake.

Genesis has so many classic 80’s songs, this one has always stuck out to me and you can sense the feeling of hope and confusion. 

Way Less Sad, AJR 

No, I ain't happy yet/But I'm way less sad

The honesty here is something I think so many people can relate to, and just working towards a better version of yourself. 

no tears left to cry, Ariana Grande 

They point out the colours in you, I see 'em too

RED FLAGS. I’ve always referred to the mini red flags as pink flags. It’s important to recognize the level of energy you want to put into someone and plan accordingly.

July, Noah Cyrus feat. Leon Bridges 

I've been holding back tears/While you're throwing back beers

Woof. This one is so beautiful lyrically and vocally. If you haven’t heard Leon Bridges, go give him a listen. 

The Middle, Jimmy Eat World 

Little girl, you're in the middle of the ride/Everything, everything'll be just fine

This song came out at such a unique time of flux for my life - first year of college. I remember thinking feeling very reassured by the lyrics that things will all work itself out. 

Drivers license, Olivia Rodrigo 

I know we weren't perfect but I've never felt this way for no one

The young female singer/songwriter vibe started with T-Swift but it's being carried along by this girl. Teenage angst and intensity feels so long ago, but it comes right back when you hear songs like this. 

I Should Probably Go To Bed, Dan + Shay 

So I don't undo the got-over-you/That it took so long to find

Knowing your own limitations and acknowledging a possible setback to your growth is such a great message here.

It’s OK Not To Be OK, Marshmello & Demi Lovato 

When you're high on emotion/And you're losing your focus

I’m pretty sure everyone I know has needed to hear this- added perk is a pop-y twist! 

Eat you Alive, The Oh Hellos 

But there's nothing but pain on the edge of a knife/And there is no courage in flirting with fear

There’s a fine line of taking a chance and knowing you’re walking into guaranteed heartbreak. Choose carefully how you step into those dangerous waters. 

Stuck in Your Head, Calista Garcia

No it don't mean nothin' if you don't want it to/Don't get it stuck in your head if it gives you the blues

I LOVE this message. 

Redemption Day, Sheryl Crow 

Come leaders, come you men of great/Let us hear you pontificate

Deep cut from the mid-90's, this song has lyrics that still resonate so strongly with what’s happening in our country right now.  

GIRL, Maren Morris 

Baby girl, don't you hang your head low/Don't you lose your halo

Not your Bey halo, but a reminder to keep your head up, and that we’ve got your back. 

I Don’t Want to Know (If you don’t want me), The Donnas 

I drive by almost everyday, it's not even really on my way/When am I gonna get to see you?

I think we’ve all been blinded by our feelings for someone that weren’t reciprocated, and while this is extreme, the lack of acknowledgement is a bit scary. 

Beautiful Little Life, Eva Westphal 

I eat three meals a day/And I don't get in my own way

The idea of treating yourself kindly and feeding your mind and soul feels like a new thing, but a lot of it comes from years of being unsure and unkind to yourself through your own thoughts. 

Beg Steal or Borrow, Ray Lamontagne with the Pariah Dogs

Oh, just grab your girl and go where no one knows you/What will all the old folks say?

Any move from town to city or city to city feels like a deep plunge. This one comes with bluegrass twang that we love from Ray.  

I Don’t Know What I’m Doing Anymore, Lissie

Logically I'm not listenin' to myself/Why I can't walk away

Sometimes the big, deep decisions take a lot of self-talk in the right direction, keep going. 

Naked, James Arthur 

I'm not going to wait until you're done/Pretending you don't need anyone/I'm standing here naked

Feeling vulnerable and naked are  synonymous- and the voice of James Arthurr takes it to another level. 

Someone You Loved, Lewis Capaldi  

I let my guard down/And then you pulled the rug

Heartbreaking and deep, this is such a challenging song to sing and to hear. Screams vulnerability to me. 

Songbird, Fleetwood Mac  

And I wish you all the love in the world/But most of all, I wish it from myself

Highly recommend watching the Making of Rumors, if you didn’t already feel the vulnerability of this song you get a behind the scenes look of what went into it and how the whole band was feeling at the time. Very moving. 

Somebody that I Used to Know, Gyote, Kimbra   

I'm so tired of being lonely/I still have some love to give

This had such a powerful presence on the radio when it came out, and while it was over-played at the time, it feels like the right theme to bring it back.  

Handle With Care, Traveling Wilburys   

I'm so tired of being lonely/I still have some love to give

Being up front and open about vulnerability can be so scary, but it helps to clear the air.  

Give a Little Bit, The Goo Goo Dolls 

Now's the time we need to share/So send a smile, we're on our way back home

Love this version of this song, and it brings the right amount of heart-swelling this playlist needs.  

Brand New Key, Melanie  

It almost seems like you're avoiding me/I'm okay alone but you got something I need

Classic, fun-sounding song but with a discrepancy when it comes to lyrics. You can hear almost desperation in her voice, as well. 

Hold Me Down, The Happy Fits  

Hold me down tight when I'm losing my mind/You tied a tether here to keep me close

New band/jam for us that brings the high that I spoke of earlier. Definitely diving deeper into this band for future playlists! 

Hurricane Drunk, Florence + The Machine   

Then you lean and kiss her on the head/And I never felt so alive, and so dead 

This is also one that could resonate with a lot of folks. Feeling heartbroken but also renewed to find your own happiness.