Solo or a compilation, this playlist will leave you feeling balanced
**Here at M.T. Deco, we want you to not only thrive in business and life, but we want to help you find the tools that work for you to do that. Welcome to our third monthly playlist, curated by M.T. Deco friend & fan, Lissie Jacobson, a one-woman music library. Let this be the soundtrack for your work days, while you’re out for a walk, or going for a drive. Below, Lissie shares her full list and the inspiration behind her choices, and the lyrics that totally spoke to her. **
The idea of balance is so different for everyone, we’re all juggling different things-physically and mentally. I tried to encompass all the factors that we may have to balance and how people approach them. Love, family, children, career, sacrifice, ambitions etc. I attempted to cover all the bases across lyrical intent in addition to the variance of moods that these songs give off. A fun tidbit: this is the first time there is an overlap of artists, but only with single artists vs. compilations. I thought this was a perfect way to represent balance -- the solo voice, your solo voice can move and motivate you, but it’s the compilation of many that makes us whole -- that’s the balance.
Listen to this one from the beginning in order -- so we can all experience the same journey. Enjoy!
Cheers by Jukebox The Ghost
“Raise a glass to more of the everyday”
I love the message here that everyday is worth celebrating, even if it’s just to acknowledge you made it through.
This Life by Vampire Weekend
“Baby, I know hate is always waiting at the gate/I just thought we locked the gate when we left in the morning”
The series of lyrics here tries to balance the negative with some optimism and an attempt to make them less frequent.
Crowded Table by The Highwomen
“I want a house with a crowded table/And a place by the fire for everyone”
Being surrounded by the people you love always feels to me like a way to right any wrongs.
Family by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
“Family, it ain't always pretty/Family, can drive you insane”
The one constant in most lives is family, and then we add everything else on top of it! I love the sense of humor and lightheartedness here.
Hold On by Alabama Shakes
“You got to hold on”
Very simple message/lyrics here, her voice draws me to this song.
Best of you by Andy Grammar & Elle King
“I’ll be your ally, through all your battles”
The support you get from loved ones is so crucial to keeping your balance.
I Won’t Back Down by Johhnyswim, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Penny and Sparrow
“No, I'll stand my ground/ I Won't be turned around”
When your focus is strong, there’s so much to be accomplished- pushing your boundaries and not letting anything stop you.
All These Things That I’ve Done by The Killers
“While everyone's lost, the battle is won/With all these things that I've done”
Solid anthem to just reflect on our victories and our defeats.
Beautiful Life by The Collection
”I’m walking slowly, I’m taking my time”
Another reflection song, a reminder to enjoy life as it is - not to rush.
The Mother by Brandi Carlisle
“Welcome to the end of being alone inside your mind”
A message of sacrifice, love and devotion- which translates beyond motherhood.
Nothing More by The Ultimate Routes feat. Lily Costner
“We are how we treat each other when the day is done”
A simplified version of what we should be focusing on as humans.
Unstoppable by Sia
“Break down, only alone I will cry it out”
“I’m so confident, I’m unstoppable today”
The contrast here I thought aligned so well with the message, you can fight the quiet fight but be outwardly confident.
Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder
“Nobody gonna slow me down/Oh no, I got to keep on moving”
I love this light-hearted tune. It’s all about making plans, sticking to them and not letting anyone stop you.
Slow Burn by Kasey Musgraves
“Takin’ my time, let the world turn”
Sometimes slowing down the pace (and listening to her beautiful voice) is needed to keep the balance.
Cello Song by The Books feat. Jose Gonzalez
“And if one day you should see me in the crowd/Lend a hand and lift me/To your place in the cloud”
This song oozes with such instrumental magic, it’s like a brain break.
Everybody Breaks by Ivan & Alyosha
“Everybody breaks sometimes”
Everybody! And then we pick ourselves back up and keep on going.
High Hopes by Panic! At the Disco
“Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision”
Picking up the pace here! It doesn’t matter where you’re starting, as long as you’re moving forward.
World Spins Madly On by The Weepies
“The night is here and the day is gone/And the world spins madly on”
You could have a plan for each day, and things might get derailed - but time keeps moving.
Don’t Carry it All by The Decemberists
“The neighbors blessed burden within reason”
I’ve sent this song to so many friends who needed this reminder over the years. If you’re feeling the weight of others, do what you can to release it.
Begin Again by Adam Melchor
“You said all good things must end/Tell me they begin again”
Perfect ending message- saying goodbye for now, but more to come! :)