Breakups and music seem to go hand-in-hand. Maybe it’s because our emotions are so damn confusing that we can’t figure them out without the help of some of our favorite musical geniuses. Or maybe there are just so many songs written about break-ups it’s almost impossible not to find one you can relate to.
Personally, I have been lucky that every breakup in my life has perfectly coincided with the release of a Taylor Swift album. Now you can’t tell me this is just coincidence; it is the universe looking out for me and my mental health. You may want to be forewarned that the following playlists will include a lot of Taylor Swift songs for this reason and because A) I love her and B) say what you want about the girl, but if there’s one thing she does well it’s writing relatable breakup music.
So, without further adieu, I give you, the five stages of breakup songs.
STAGE 1: DENIAL
This is the stage that immediately follows the breakup. At this point, you are going to want to stay up until two in the morning crying and playing “your songs” on repeat but I would highly discourage this behavior. By listening to songs that used to define your relationship, you are denying the fact that this relationship no longer exists. Try to avoid the whirlwind of good memories that you have come to associate with these songs. Just don’t go there and you can move on a lot faster. (Note: Pandora may make these songs difficult to avoid, so I would suggest not using this website while you are in the midst of the denial stage.)
Playlist:
I can’t tell you what “your songs” are, but I’m sure you will have a few that instantly come to mind… Those are the ones to be avoided.
STAGE 2: ANGER
At this stage of the breakup, you are just flat out mad that you have to go through this hell. Once the initial denial subsides, you become angry over every wrong that was ever committed throughout your relationship. If there were major wrongs committed, you have even more fuel to add to the fire. And naturally, your music will reflect this.
Playlist:
1. “You Should’ve Said No” by Taylor Swift
2. “Hate (I Really Don’t Like You)” by Plain White T’s
3. “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé
4. “Misery” by Maroon 5
5. “Kerosene” by Miranda Lambert
STAGE 3: BARGAINING
When you get over your anger you start to think that hey, maybe things weren’t that bad. You think that maybe if you would just do this or that, things would be different. Well guess what, you broke up for a reason and bargaining is probably not going to do you any good. So sit back and listen to some of these songs.
Playlist:
1. “Fix You” by Coldplay
2. “Back to December” by Taylor Swift
3. “The Harold Song” by Ke$ha
4. “Friends, Lovers or Nothing” by John Mayer
5. “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver
STAGE 4: DEPRESSION
Once you realize that no amount of bargaining will bring you and your significant other back together, the depressing music starts. These songs are here to echo the pain you are going through and help you to realize, you aren’t the only one who has ever felt this way (and these people went on to be extremely successful and profit off their pain). There are so many of these songs out there, but I’ve narrowed it down to some of my favorites.
Playlist:
1. “With or Without You” by U2
2. “Dreaming With a Broken Heart” by John Mayer
3. “Stay” by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko
4. “Breathe” by Taylor Swift
5. “Dark Paradise” by Lana Del Ray
STAGE 5: ACCEPTANCE
Once you realize that sitting around wallowing in self-pity isn’t going to do anything, congratulations, because you have now reached the acceptance stage. This is where you realize that you will survive this breakup and that there is someone better out there for you. You are ready to listen to these songs when you have realized that you are never, EVER, getting back together.
Playlist:
1. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift
2. “I’m Gonna Find Another You” by John Mayer
3. “Someone Like You” by Adele
4. “In Repair” by John Mayer
5. “Begin Again” by Taylor Swift
