Music can help people process hard things like grief, overwhelm or loneliness. The Darling playlist series was created to help you during this time of quarantine. We hope to use music to bring you a little hope today.
Words have always been the thing that has brought me the most comfort, whether from reading, writing or listening to music. When I was young, my mom would sing to me if I had a bad dream or couldn’t settle. As I grew older, I would put a song on my iPod or mp3 player and crawl into the floor of my closet when I felt overwhelmed by everything. I always have found something in music, words and song lyrics that I haven’t found anywhere else.
I always have found something in music… that I haven’t found anywhere else.
When I learned to drive, my favorite way to decompress after a fight with friends, a hard day or a failed test was to get in my car, turn on a good playlist and drive aimlessly. It didn’t matter if I was driving a mile down the road or in the car for eight hours, which can happen rather frequently in Texas. I could never drive in silence, and I never quite got into listening to podcasts. Music was mine.
These are uncertain and scary times we are living in. Everything feels a little bit upside down and wrong. Nothing quite makes sense. The news ushers in more anxiety, and quarantine can feel isolating and lonely beyond words.
I often find myself recalling the words of writer Frederick Buechner, “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Do not be afraid.”
“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Do not be afraid.” Frederick Buechner
My hope is that you will be able to find joy and peace in something today, whether it is a walk outside while social distancing, a pet, a FaceTime or Zoom call with friends, a home-cooked meal or music. In a world where everything seems chaotic, here are 20 songs to bring you joy and peace today. (You can also find this playlist on Spotify here.)
Come On Up to the House — Joseph
Wild World — Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
Crowded Table — The Highwomen
You’ll Never Walk Alone — Marcus Mumford
Rainbow — Kacey Musgraves
Blue Skies — Noah And The Whale
Front Porch — Joy Williams
Light On — Maggie Rogers
The Bones — Maren Morris
River — Leon Bridges
Love Is Light — Yola
Redemption — Dermot Kennedy
Weary — Solange
Halfway There — ROZES
Joy of Nothing — Foy Vance
Morning Sun — Melody Gardot
Ooh Child — MILCK
Mercy Now — Mary Gauthier
I’ll Keep You Safe — Sleeping At Last
I’ll Find You — Lecrae, Tori Kelly
What songs bring you peace during hard times? Leave them in the comments below!
Image via Jillian Mann and Kyla Trethewey of Our Wild Abandon, Darling Issue No. 16
