Something a number of musicians have been doing during COVID-19 is taking the time to write new music. In this season of quarantine, and self-isolation, it really is the perfect opportunity to write new stuff. Literally all the time in the world to be had. Although if you watched the latest Together At Home Festival by Global Citizen, you might think otherwise, considering many of the featured artists seemingly didn't have time to tidy up their dressers or make their bed (I'm looking at you Charlie Puth). Maybe they're trying to be more relatable? Who knows.
Not only have artists been taking time to write new music, but some have even been inspired by the state the world is in to create songs about hope. With all of the negative dialogue surrounding what we are going through, hope is probably the single most important narrative that we can cling to. It is going to get better, and there is an end to this.
"Hope, it is the quintessential human delusion, simultaneously the source of your greatest strength, and your greatest weakness."
Im not really sure how relevant that is. I just really wanted to quote The Matrix. Anyways, I thought I might feature a few of my favourite songs that have come out recently, all centred around the theme of hope. I am going with a wide variety of genres to try to have something for everyone, but at the very least, I hope you find yourself encouraged by these songs.
"Things Get Better" by Nambyar takes us on a journey from where we are to what we are looking towards. It starts by understanding that there's nothing wrong with lament. The song starts with "I can kill the lights, only for this night" and finishes with a resounding declaration of "And I'll find my way." The chorus is a great reminder that the season we are in doesn't define our future, and I think that is definitely something to hold on to.
"Have faith, hold your head up high, some trees can be bare, while some day give life"
I like the rawness Billy Talent expresses in "I Beg to Differ." I think it describes fairly accurately some of the feelings that people may be experiencing in isolation. "You struggle every day but no one sees, and trouble eats away your self esteem." If I am being honest, this one hit home for me. Sometimes it's easy to feel stuck because of our current situation. I am glad this song doesn't stop at describing the bleak feelings we experience but it finishes with a resounding mantra of hope.
"This will get better"
"PDLIF" by Bon Iver reminds us that this isn't it for us. Something that we tend to forget is that things won't be like this forever, although our world may be forever changed. My biggest hope is that we will learn and grow from here. The message of this song is so important. Hope is so important. This is not the end, and the song reminds us that "We are at the beginning again. " Life will start anew and in the meantime I would encourage you with the same words as Bon Iver.
"Please don't live in fear"
Sometimes you don't need to understand the lyrics to be moved by a song. I felt "Exhale" by Jónsi before I heard the first word, even if that first word was in his fabricated language of 'Hopelandic.' If that kind of thing doesn't resonate with you, the lyrics that we can actually make sense of contain a very powerful message.
"It's just the way it is
It isn't your fault
It isn't your fault
Just let it go
It's just the way it is"
Whatever it is that gives you hope. Whether it be family, faith, music, or something else, I would encourage you to lean into that. You're not alone. This isn't the end.
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