The playlist that will encourage you to forgive
**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 sixth monthly playlist, curated by M.T. Deco friend & fan, Lissie Jacobson, a one-woman music library. Let this soundtrack guide you one the days you’re ready to stop judging yourself, or on the days you want to just throw your hands up and scream into a pillow. Below, Lissie shares her full list and the inspiration behind her choices, and the lyrics that totally spoke to her. **
Whew. There was such a wave of pure exhaustion oozing from every corner of the internet exactly at the time Jamie wrote and chose this intention. I kept sharing them with her (which was probably overwhelming in itself) only to reiterate that she was NOT alone. Giving yourself grace is something I embraced very early on in 2020, and honestly it hadn’t occurred to me that others hadn’t. Everything felt overwhelming- so while I was giving myself grace, everyone else got some, too.
This was the first time, possibly because this theme is all encompassing, where I felt like songs that I had on previous playlists would fit better on this one. When I realized this, I felt disappointed- like I was in some way short-changing the month of February, all of you, and the chance to deliver the intensely scrutinized, painstakingly dissected playlist that I try to deliver each month. This pressure only comes from myself, mind you. Maybe I’m not giving myself enough grace, after all?
So here it is- it’s a hodge podge. It feels like a lot of messages and no message all in one. But I think because all of these songs either make me want to dance, shake my fist, cry or belt out at a high volume– it’s on theme. It might be exactly what you need, or maybe there’s one you have to skip if you’re not feeling it or take one and put it on repeat. It’s my hope, as always- that you enjoy the journey and it takes you to a place where you feel happy with what you did or did not get done today. It’s all OK.
look up, Joy Oladokun
You know trouble's always gonna be there/Don't lеt it bring you to your knees/Look up
New artist for us! Anyone who labels their album “in defense of my own happiness” is worth listening to in my book.
Wake me up, Avicci
I tried carrying the weight of the world/But I only have two hands
Folktronica is an actual genre of music, if that means I get a country twang with a song that makes me want to dance, then I guess I’m a fan.
Fearless, UNSECRET & Ruby Amanfu
No matter the scars/you know who you are/You’re spirit is fearless
I’ve been holding this gem in my back pocket for months- a very gospel feeling tune with a great message
I Found Out, The Head and The Heart
If you don’t know where you’re going/Don’t you wish that on me
It’s hard, but you can’t let people who are not on your path, tell you how yours should look.
Lucky To Be Here, Blessid Union of Souls
It’s been a long hard road but I wouldn’t change a thing
This song has given me goosebumps every time I’ve heard it since 1995. Aging myself tremendously- but listen closely and let this one move you.
Shiny Happy People, R.E.M.
Everyone around/Love them, love them
The harmonization of these two voices keeps this oldie but goodie moving with a steady head bop. It falls under the ‘Oooh I forgot about this song’ category.
Sky Full of Song, Florence + The Machine
Grab my by my ankles, I’ve been flying for too long
This was an ‘on repeat for days’ song when it was released. Sadly, the only one off of her High as Hope album that actually stuck with me.
Shut Off The Lights, Bastille
And you said, "Shut off the lights, we don't need them to dance"
I’m a huge advocate of living room dancing, especially in global pandemic times. This jam makes me want to do just that.
Unique, Lenka
I don't really make sense/But I know that that's not bad
Obsessed with this adorable, peppy reminder to give yourself some grace for all that is you.
Take It Easy, Eagles
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy
I am definitely taking “wheels” as a metaphor for all people, things and activities in your daily life. Assess your situation and make adjustments, as needed.
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
Must I always be waiting, waiting on you?
So much frustration here that can be applied to many people who you feel like you’re always bending backwards for, while they’re standing straight up.
Keep It Together, Guster
The thunder struck, the clouds appeared/I feel this crew was not prepared
Isn’t that the truth? No one could’ve prepared us for what was to come, but dang it feels like someone should’ve tried.
Cry, Faith Hill
I gave, now I’m wanting/Something in return
The pure frustration you hear in her words is super relatable.
I Wanna Get Better, Bleachers
How a life can move from the darkness/She said to get better
Sometimes you need a push to just move forward and realize how you can better yourself. But screaming it out also helps sometimes!
IDGAF, Dua Lipa
You say you're sorry/But it's too late now
This song makes me think of the collective “eff it” Jamie wrote about. Frustration followed by strength.
Until You, AHI
When I was living with nothing/You helped me believe in something
If you can find something, not necessarily even a person, but anything to focus on to fill you up, it’s such a powerful thing.
Change Your Mind, Sister Hazel
If you've had enough/Of all your tryin'/Just give up/The state of mind you're in
Obviously just switching gears mentally is not that easy, but working towards keeping a mental health balance is my take away here.
Better Version Of Me, Fiona Apple
I am likely to miss the main event/If I stop to cry or complain again
Always working towards self-improvement can be exhausting, but feeling and seeing real change is super rewarding.
Love, Trousdale
Are you livin' easy?/Or stayin' alive?
Loving this “band of 3 kickass women”! Giving off a real The Chicks vibe with some insane harmonies. Love, love!
Paper Man, Ray Lamontagne
I won’t fold like a paper man/ Do as I’m told by your paper-white plan
I love the empowerment here- Don’t fold, break the mold, veer off the path. Do YOU.
Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys
She got both feet on the ground/ And she’s burning it down
Yes, GIRL. Another belt-at-the-top-of-your-lungs song- releasing some of that bad energy and refilling your lungs with the support of other women.
Oh My God, Adele
I don't have to explain myself to you/I am a grown woman and I do what I want to do
I can’t believe that this needs to be said, but it does- and it came from Adele. So, it’s a *New Mantra*!