music for coping
the bones – maren morris + hozier
I really fell in love with song recently as I was rediscovering Hozier. Morris’ lyrics constantly reminded me that “the house don’t fall when the bones are good”. I related this phrase to vitiligo on both a physical level – which reminded me that I am not at a physical or fatal risk with my skin condition, as the rest of my body and my bones are healthy – and also on a metaphorical level – which reminded me that I have so many other solid aspects in my life including loving friends and hobbies which gives me strength to cope with my vitiligo. The singer also has a beautiful voice and the upbeat music is super encouraging and refreshing.
Invisible things – lauv
Lauv has been one of my favorite artists for a while, as he sings and advocates for mental health and problems that many teens and young adults face today. In this song, he underscores how the materialistic culture in America is not what will truly contribute to our well being and happiness; but rather, he emphasizes “invisible” things, or intangible things such as love. It really taught me to value my experiences and build my personality rather than focus on my appearance.
idontwannabeyouanymore – billie eilish
Like Lauv, Billie Eilish also sings about problems that many teens face today, such as physical and mental insecurities. This song initially drew my attention with the soothing piano in the beginning and amazing harmonies, but the true meaning of the song goes even deeper than I thought. Perhaps the most stunning section of the song is:
If teardrops could be bottled
There’d be swimming pools filled by models
Told a tight dress is what makes you a whore
She shows the reader that even models face the same insecurities that we do, even though we perceive them as flawless and beautiful. It regularizes insecurities and shows girls that we all want to say “idontwannabeyouanymore” to ourselves in the mirror sometimes. This song almost validated my own feelings and gave me a sense of relief that others felt the same way.
liability – tove styrke
I really liked this take on Liability, originally by Lorde. The message touches upon being ignored and cut off my friends, and I felt I could relate to it because it’s easy to feel “not pretty” or “not good enough” compared to your friends. The feeling or being a hindrance based on looks is very common in high school, and is something all girls face.
ordinary – umi
This cheery melody emphasizes the importance of a simple love for yourself and others, rather than materialistic goods and changing your personality to match what society accepts as beautiful. It really allowed me to accept both the good things in my life, as well as what I perceived as “bad”. I really just loved the overall message of living a simple life and accepting your beautiful and authentic self.
broken and beautiful – kelly clarkson
This playful song always seems to bring a smile to my face. Clarkson shamelessly admits that though we all flaws, they are apart of what make us unique and beautiful. This song reminds me that facing our hardships and having different experiences build our personalities and make us stronger. She also touches upon the importance of being understood and accepted by others, because people tend to judge us on our experiences, rather than how they shaped us as a person – which is arguably more important.
beautiful – christina aguilera
This relaxing and peaceful song constantly reminds me to love myself, no matter other people’s opinions. She repeats:
You are beautiful
In every single way
Yes words can’t bring you down
Oh no
So don’t you bring me down today
Her ideas of seeing oneself in a constant positive regards really encouraged and motivated me to see my inner beauty and feel beautiful, no matter my skin.
rise up – andra day
I absolutely feel in love with Day’s voice the second I heard it. In her song, she completely addresses how it is exhausting to fight adversity in our lives, no matter who we are nor where we’re from. We all face hardship. But she motivated me to keep fighting whatever comes in my way. Her repetition of “I’ll rise up in spite of the ache” inspires me to work hard, both in continuing my vitiligo treatments, and also other stressors in my life such as homework and studying. She also reminds us that “all we need is hope // And for that we have each other”.