Some days, especially during summer, can be isolating and strange. I find it’s best to just let myself sit in it for a while, and to ride the wave. Here are some songs that let me wallow in that feeling for a bit.
“Demi Moore” – Phoebe Bridgers
There are many melancholic Phoebe Bridgers songs, it’s her niche and she does it well. “Demi Moore,” ends on an optimistic note, with the lyrics “I’ve got a good feeling / It doesn’t happen very often,” but the rest of the song is a yearning plea for love and comfort.
Saddest Lyric: “I’ve got a good feeling / It doesn’t happen very often”
“this is me trying” – Taylor Swift
With the pleading hook of “I just wanted you to know that this is me trying,” Swift does an excellent job of encapsulating the feeling of not knowing if your best is good enough for someone else.
Saddest Lyric: “They told me all of my cages were mental / So I got wasted like all my potential”
“Mind” – Declan McKenna
The semi-ambiguous lyrics and almost-whiny vocals combine for a uniquely sad ballad.
Saddest Lyric: “Why’d you keep changing your mind?”
“Static / Habit” – ADDIE
Another song about feeling like you’re too much for everyone around you, ADDIE sums up the feeling of being isolated from someone you love.
Saddest Lyric: “Am I a bad daughter and a bad friend? / I know that I’m easily replaced”
“Sullen Girl” – Fiona Apple
One of Apple’s more straightforward ballads, she uses the sea as an extended metaphor for a returning and chronic sadness.
Saddest Lyric: “And he took my pearl / And left an empty shell of me”
“Thinning” – Snail Mail
Snail Mail combines optimism and pessimism into one beautiful package in “Thinning,” a song about something just feeling off.
Saddest Lyric: “I don’t think there’s anything wrong / I don’t think there’s anything wrong”
I made a playlist of these songs especially for you, enjoy.
Until next time,
Caitlin
