In the face of stressful moments – related to Election 2024, global conflict, extreme weather or any other of our world’s woes – we often turn to music as a balm, to find calm in gentle notes and encouraging lyrics. Because sometimes, we just need someone to tell us – or sing to us – that everything is going to be okay.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 such songs by women, designed to both soothe you in the here and now, and to urge us to hope for better days ahead. Sit back, press play – and relax.
Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
“Drench yourself in words unspoken. Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.” – A timeless, effervescent call to embrace uncertainty, and the beauty of the present.
If You’re Hurting – Trousdale
“If you’re hurting, I hope you hear me. When you’re barely hanging on, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. If you’re hurting, it means you’re here.” – A lilting panacea in three-part harmony; and, a reminder to hang on, especially to outstretched hands.
Safe and Sound – Taylor Swift (ft. The Civil Wars)
“Just close your eyes, the sun is going down. You’ll be alright, no one can hurt you now. Come morning light, you and I’ll be safe and sound.” – A soft call, almost a lullaby, to find comfort in others, and to rest oneself in hope of waking up to a better tomorrow.
Light of a Clear Blue Morning – Dolly Parton
“It’s been a long dark night, and I’ve been a waitin’ for the morning. It’s been a long hard fight. But I see a brand new day is dawning.” – A shimmering classic that acknowledges our struggles while telling us to cast our eyes ahead and focus on points of light.
My Companion – Elaine Hagenberg
“You are my companion; wonderful our road. Long and many changing, infinitely changing…” – A lush reminder of what we have in one another, and the importance of staying side by side.
Rainbow – Kacey Musgraves
“If you could see what I see, you’d be blinded by the colors. Yellow, red, and orange, and green, and at least a million others. So tie up the bow, take off your coat, and take a look around…” – A sweet, simple plea to look beyond the swirling storm around us, upward into the technicolor skies a downpour can herald.
We Could Fly – Rhiannon Giddens
“We could fly across the mountains, together, hand in hand. Searching, always searching, for the promised land.” – A soulful celebration of how interconnectedness spans time, as well as space; a potent message about our abilities to break free of what holds us back, or down.
Keep Breathing – Ingrid Michaelson
“All we can do is keep breathing.” – An admission of world weariness that builds into a glorious, prayerful call for acceptance and perseverance.
Soft Place to Land – Sara Bareilles
“When your breaking point’s all that you have, a dream is a soft place to land.” – An embrace of the pain and grief we are collectively struggling to hold, and a recognition of how our dreams can keep us afloat through it all.
Let Go – Frou Frou
“So let go, so let go and jump in. Oh, well, whatcha waiting for? It’s alright, ‘cause there’s beauty in the breakdown…” – An ethereal encouragement to, at times, give oneself over to life’s madness. (P.S. If you’re old enough to recall this song’s cultural domination, you are likely due for a mammogram or colonoscopy.)
