It’s Not You, It’s Me – The Perfect Soundtrack To Your Breakup

Anna Marketti ’17 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer

Chuck Palahniuk once said, “That’s the best revenge of all: happiness. Nothing drives people crazier than seeing someone have a good f—ing life.” So pause The Notebook, stop crying for just a second, and get ready for a musical hug to help you get through that rough break up. He sucks. She sucks more. And as you shove as much chocolate as will fit into your mouth, I’ll tell you for the fifteenth time – they’re not worth your tears.

Break ups are hard. Everyone knows that. But what’s most important is remembering that not only will the world still turn without that loser, but you’ll still be the awesome person you’ve always been. So here are a few tunes to make you feel like the emotional warrior you know you are, and a couple to coax the waterworks out of your system. Because remember: your happiness is the best revenge.

Think Of You –MS MR

Throw the empty tissue box on the ground and get on your feet! This powerful song is about overcoming a breakup and realizing that you’re better off without your ex. The emotion in Lizzy’s voice when she belts, “I know now, I know you were wrong” will flow through you, serving as a reminder that even if it was your fault, you don’t deserve all these negative vibes. It also reminds you that it’s okay to miss them – just don’t let that be all you think about.

Mr. Moon –Eisley

Breaking up is one thing, but getting divorced is on an entirely different level. Sherri Dupree wrote this song about her husband she divorced, and it’s an empowering song filled with sentiment. It might be hard to let go of someone, but sometimes, as sad as it is, it just might be the right thing to do.

I Want You –Elvis Costello

At first, this track seems sickly sweet as Mr. Costello croons to his true love. But as it progresses, just as many relationships, we sense a shift in tone. With the introduction of a minor key, his voice turns haunting, and the lyrics get a little creepy. Filled with anger, this song is his way of lashing out at the man his girlfriend cheated on him with. Sometimes, you just need to let the feelings flow.

Crown Of Love –Arcade Fire

Okay, maybe it’s time to pick up the tissue box again. A heartbreaking ballad, this song turns all those melancholy thoughts going through your mind right now into poetry, as Arcade Fire is so great at doing. It takes a realistic look at a breakup –where at least one party involved is still left with a little bit of desire for the other, yet they know they have to face reality. It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to feel like you’ve lost hope. Let it all out (safely) with this tune.

Dress Up In You –Belle & Sebastian

In any breakup, there always arise thoughts of, “whatever, I’m done with you, I never needed you anyways.” This song is the embodiment of those thoughts, coming together as a large middle finger to your ex. Not entirely angry, Belle & Sebastian harmonize in an almost playful banter, gleefully bashing whomever this long-forgotten ex is. We’re all human, and a little resentment is healthy.

That Phone –Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

Then again, the feeling of empowerment is also totally healthy! A positive breakup song is a nice change of pace. Bob your head with Grace’s soulful vocals as she sings “no thanks” to letting a breakup get her down. Take charge of your own emotions, and be the strong spirited man, woman, person you’ve always been. As tempting as it may be to call your ex in the late hours of the night, use your self-control and refrain from repeatedly dialing his or her number. You’ll feel so much better.

I Would Be Sad –The Avett Brothers

I hate to have so many sad songs on here, but let’s be honest, it’s that heavy, down feeling we feel most after a break up. And contrary to popular belief, it can actually be helpful and even cathartic to listen to sad songs. This one offers at least a little bit of hope, reflecting on the hope that once existed. It’s a cliché, but sometimes you have to look back and remember the good in spite of the bad.

Oh! Darling –The Beatles

I’ll be honest, I listened to this song on repeat for a week when my last boyfriend broke up with me. A simple yet powerful Beatles jam, this track is a helpless plea for when you’ve been diminished to a sad, little bundle seeking refuge in the comfort of your blankets. It’s that feeling when you want to do whatever it takes to win them back. It’s when you reach the point where you just need to finally break down and cry-ee-y-ee-y.

I’m Not Yours –Angus & Julia Stone

This playlist isn’t only for those who have been broken up with – it’s also for those who’ve just broken up with someone. It can be just as tolling on you, after all (though, admittedly, not in the same way). It’s not always a simple decision to leave someone. This song details the process of making that difficult decision, coming to terms with it, and finally accepting that “I’m not yours anymore.”

Sometime Around Midnight –The Airborne Toxic Event

This song is guaranteed to make you sob like a baby. If it doesn’t, you’re made of stone. With incredibly poetic, heart-wrenching lyrics set to the morose waltzing guitar and viola lines, in addition to Mikel Jollett’s husky vocals, the final song on this playlist tells a story rife with emotion. As the song progresses, his vocals become more and more distressed, tugging at your heartstrings even more. Try not to…oh great, now I’m crying.

Breaking up with someone is never easy, and we’re not here to tell you that it is. But hopefully, with the help of this playlist, you’ll get through it all and be stronger for it in the end. So hold your head high and know it’s okay to shed a few tears (or a few buckets of them) while you’re trying to get over it all. Oh, and when you find your next special someone, we’ve got you covered on that front too.