Music isn’t just a medium to help you escape the realities of life, but it can also be a mirror to everything that goes on in it.
Popular music has offered several lyrical-gems that have narrated the humane stories of all the trials and tribulations of life and also overcoming them, eventually. Songs that resonate with life’s hardships and also inspire you to believe in a silver lining.
Every now and then life throws all kinds of mess in our faces, and when you’re able to come across a piece of music that is able to depict your story perfectly, you might just be able to find your place of solace within it.
From overcoming childhood trauma, or dealing with lifelong insecurities to living with poverty and abuse, these are songs that speak of life’s hardships and depict them beautifully.
Voice Within – Christina Aguilera
A song about reflecting back at a rough childhood. Christina Aguilera’s voice attempts to guide the child, left and lost somewhere in the past, yet the song metaphorically speaks about finding that voice within yourself to guide you through the tribulations. A beautiful, gut-wrenching take on the realities of a troubled childhood.
One Moment In Time – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s iconic theme song for 1988 summer Olympics, is about clinging on to the possibilities of that one big moment, that could make-up for all the troubles you’ve faced in life. “I rise and fall, yet through it all, this much remains…’ – a heart-rendering ode to seizing the moment, after climbing several ladders.
Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
Tracy’s wishful thinking about running away from all the troubles of her life, by getting on-board a fast car of her lover – is the kind of escapade we all dream of, but still can’t take. Chapman tells the st54ory of the protagonist who has to quit school and look after her drunk father, after her mother leaves them in pursuit of a better life.
Coat Of Many Colours – Dolly Parton
Parton, in a way, reflects back at her own times of living in utmost poverty as a kid. A coat made out of rugs of old pieces of clothing, signifies the economic state of her family, while she still counts on the good things life had to offer, including her mother’s love.
Destiny – Mary J. Blige
If you’ve seen Lee Daniel’s hard-hitting and emotionally wrenching drama, ‘Precious’, then you’d be even more moved by Mary J’s heartfelt ode to ‘keep on keeping on.’ But the song, on it’s own, is a powerful testament to the fighting spirit within all of us, that keeps us searching for our destiny in spite of it all.
Beautiful – Christina Aguilera
Another Christina Aguilera inspirational ballad, which talks about feeling insecure and ‘un-beautiful’ in the most direct, and upfront way. While speaking on all the heartbreak that comes with feeling ‘less than’, the song has it’s consolation point in the bridge and the chorus, reassuring you that you’re still beautiful, in every single way.
Help – The Beatles/Tina Turner
The Beatles did it before Tina Turner, but the Queen of Rock n’ Roll put such a soulful stamp on it, that it brings out the misery portrayed in the lyrics just perfectly. Both versions beautifully narrate the breaking-point of all hope, following which, all you can do is ask for – help.
I Dreamed a Dream – Various Artists
Probably one of the most miserable and depressing songs from musical theatre. This classic from Les Misérables, sung by the play’s character – Fantine, creates a haunting lyrical and musical backdrop, talking about a lifelong gloom of an unfulfilled journey.
Oh Mother – Christina Aguilera
Aguilera finds her third entry in the list, which shouldn’t be surprising considering she’s always been about being an open-book through her music. This song, in particular, sees the singer reflecting back at her physically abusive father, and the story of survival which featured her mother and herself. This could easily strike a chord with anyone who’s had to deal with similar situations while growing up.
Family Portrait – P!nk
P!nk or Pink talks about the effects of seeing one’s parents go through a bitter divorce, and how it implicates the growth of a young child. This family portrait isn’t quite what it seems like and is an ode to all those troubled souls who are still overcoming having had to deal with parental separation at a young age.
While there are also some other songs that speak of generic socio-political hardships, the idea behind this list was to enlist music that resonates with a troubled heart, telling a story which is humane and relatable.
Apart from these 10 tear-jerkers, here are a few other songs with a message/story for life hidden in them.
Vision Of Love – Mariah Carey
Let it Be – The Beatles
Breathe Me – Sia
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Pills – The Perishers
Soar – Christina Aguilera
Because Of You – Kelly Clarkson
Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.
I Look To You – Whitney Houston