Gracelyn Beachner
Asst. Copy Editor & Social Media Manager:
Yearning: an emotion I’m sure the people of this campus are well-versed in. From the lack of sunlight this time of year and the sheer number of people with “almost someone’s” I’ve met, I’m not surprised if everyone finds a tune to relate to in this selection of songs.
Today I’d love to share with you playlists to represent the two versions of yearning — and you can ask anyone who knows me for proof — that I’ve lived through the most.
Also, each playlist is ordered in what I believe to be the most enjoyable listening order!
Playlist One: Yearning in a “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” by Jeff Buckley
▶ “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over (Live at Columbia Records Radio Hour)” by Jeff Buckley
My personal favorite version of this life-changing song. Don’t worry, it’s just as devastating and psychologically torturous as the original!
▶ “New American Classic” by Taking Back Sunday
This song got me through my worst times; it’s a song unlike the rest of the band’s discography. It’s usually interpreted as being about long-distance relationships, but it can be applied to virtually any situation that requires anything along the lines of begging and pleading. My own father calls this song the “saddest ever written.”
▶ “Soccer Practice” by Lizzy McAlpine
Now I knew I needed to include Lizzy on this playlist, but to avoid any lives on my hands, I decided to leave off “Pushing It Down and Praying” (but consider that a recommendation as well). “Soccer Practice” is its equally depressing sister, considering the lyrics: “I’m waiting for someone who will make me say no to you.” This is another song that I can confidently say is not just sad, but objectively great in every way.
▶ “I Want Someone Badly” by Jeff Buckley
Is this really a playlist dedicated to yearning without more than one Jeff Buckley song? Anyway, the title says it all. It’s soul-crushing. It’s life-ruining. What else could you want?
▶ “Opening” by Gustavo Santaolalla (Brokeback Mountain Soundtrack)
I wouldn’t be me without a Brokeback Mountain reference! This instrumental piece is a beautiful song that has always signified to me, in the movie and separately, that moment that you know life just will not be the same ever again.
▶ “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead
All I’m going to say about this song is “She looks like the real thing.” That’s it.
▶ “I Know” by Fiona Apple
This song ruined my life. I heard it for the first time during my freshman year of high school; every bad thing that ever happened to me was immediately followed up by me listening to this song a minimum of 15 times. It is possibly one of the saddest songs I have ever heard. I could write a thesis on the first verse, and one on the second verse, and another on the bridge, and don’t forget my final thesis on the fourth verse. It’s one of those songs that I think is impossible for someone not to relate to at least once in their life. If you listen to no other songs on this playlist, listen to this one!!
Playlist Two: Yearning in a “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer way.
▶ “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer
Everyone knows this song, and for good reason! It’s beautiful, it’s romantic and it’s everything that someone meeting That Person would want to listen to!
▶ “Be Sweet” by Japanese Breakfast
I’ve loved this song for so long now. I just think everyone should listen to this! This song is the equivalent to my praise of “I Know” from the previous playlist, but in an upbeat and happy way.
▶ “Cologne” by Beabadoobee
You knew Beabadoobee would be on this playlist somewhere! There are so many good picks for this playlist by her, but this has been a recent favorite.
▶ “One of Your Girls” by Troye Sivan
So, I love this song. This is my absolute favorite party song, and it will be played at the reception of my wedding. Once you read the lyrics, it is kind of depressing, but I try to ignore that!
▶ “Soup” by Remi Wolf
Everyone go listen to Remi Wolf now! Remi is a queer indie pop artist who is completely underrated in every way, and this song is simply so fun and lovey-dovey it deserves its flowers.
▶ “You on My Arm” by Leigh Ross
Leigh Ross has plenty of songs that could go into our other category, so I decided to highlight some of their more upbeat songs. If you love Beabadoobee, Clairo and really any indie pop from the last few years, you’ll love this song and the rest of their music. “I’d be better armed if you agreed to take it” is just one of the lyrics in this song that I replayed over.
▶ “Calling After Me” by Wallows
Wallows have that sound in all their music that makes it almost nostalgic, and I think that it makes this song incredibly charming. It’s the perfect tune for when you’re missing them.