Still Breathing

The other day I was making a playlist of some of my favourite songs – the ones that reach deep inside me and harken back to a forgotten age; the ones that make me feel like screaming loudly at the world that I’m okay despite every curve thrown at me.

But when I started collecting these songs together, I started to notice a couple themes. Whether it’s Gerard Way singing “I am not afraid to keep on living, I am not afraid to walk this world alone,” or Billie Joe Armstrong singing “Cause I’m still breathing on my own, my head’s above the rain and roses, making my way away,” or Andy Biersack singing “I don’t owe you anything, I’ve got my pride so hear me sing” all these songs were about conquering something, being strong, and carrying on.

I think back to how some of the songs I listened to in high school as a coping mechanism for depression are now reinvigorated with this positive energy. I’m part of a generation gifting themselves flower crowns and reclaiming vulnerability. We’re taking back the tragedies that have burdened us and setting them free – rising up to fight for those who can’t stand for themselves.

Music is such a power tool for expression and healing. Certain songs call back memories so vividly its as though you’re there. I can’t hear The Newsies’ Seize The Day without thinking of rolling wheat fields, or the old Girl Guides camp song Linger without remembering my mother rubbing my back to help me fall asleep.

After watching Kesha give an emotional performance of her new song Praying at the Grammy’s tonight, I’m more convinced than ever of the power that music can hold.

So I want to encourage everyone to find that one song that makes you feel alive, and try to listen to it whenever you can. It’s not going to be a magic solution to your problems, but it might inspire you.

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Recommended Songs From My Personal Playlist:

• Still Breathing – Green Day

• Famous Last Words – My Chemical Romance

• Ambulance – My Chemical Romance

• Coffin – Black Veil Brides

• In The End – Black Veil Brides

• Louder Than Your Love – Andy Black

• Stay Alive – Andy Black

• Invincible – Hedley

• Alive – Hedley

• Last One Standing – Simple Plan