If you woke on Nov. 9 with your dreams for the U.S. dashed because Donald Trump has been elected America's next president, you're not alone. While I personally am not ready to accept that this is the America we live in now, better people than me are already saying not to give up hope after this presidential election. These people say that our nation is strong, and that Trump beating Hillary Clinton does not necessarily need to define us or cripple us. Although I'm not there yet, I know deep down it to be true. This post-election playlist full of inspiring songs may help me, and those in the same boat as me, to be hopeful again.
In the wake of the 2016 election, it might still be hard to believe that Trump will be sworn into office as president in January. However, that is the reality, and anyone who didn't support Trump needs to accept it in some form or another. But that doesn't mean giving up on your core beliefs or not advocating for the rights of immigrants, women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. You can take some time to lick your wounds before you jump into thinking well of America again, but we will have to unite as a country.
If you're like me and in need of an immediate pick-me-up to inspire you to keep going, then listen to this playlist. "God Bless America" is just not gonna cut it right now.
1. "Blowin' In The Wind," Bob Dylan
When Rolling Stone listed Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" as the 14th greatest song of all time, they wrote, "Dylan framed the crises around him in a series of fierce, poetic questions that addressed what he believed was man's greatest inhumanity to man: indifference." Listen to Dylan's questions, and fight the urge to be indifferent.
2. "Roar," Katy Perry
As a vocal Clinton supporter, you know that Perry is as depressed as you on Wednesday — if not more so. Perry's empowering anthem has a way of putting you in a better mood and will remind you to still advocate for what you believe in.
3. "Formation," Beyoncé
Beyoncé's anthem celebrating her black womanhood has always been amazing and is particularly powerful today, especially when she sings, "I dream it, I work hard, I grind 'til I own it."
4. "The Show Must Go On," Queen
Who are you to argue with Freddie Mercury?
5. "Imagine," John Lennon
Perhaps an obvious choice, but Lennon's solo song is still one of the greatest songs about humans unifying.
6. "Brave," Sara Bareilles
Another obvious choice, but Bareilles' song is not only a mood improver, but also encourages you to speak up and be brave.
7. "Greatest Love of All," Whitney Houston
Houston singing "no matter what they take from me They can't take away my dignity" almost has enough power to heal all wounds.
8. "Beautiful Day," U2
Step outside and see the earth in all its splendor — just don't think about Trump's views on climate change while you do.
9. "I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor
Heed the words of this disco classic.
10. "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," Stevie Wonder
Is it too soon to reflect on President Obama's campaign song?
11. "Chandelier," Sia
Whether you sought comfort in liquor or not when the election results were revealed, you can related to, "I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night, feel my tears as they dry."
12. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" & "It's a Wonderful World," Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's gentle and haunting mash-up is almost enough to give anyone peace — even if you aren't ready to think to yourself "what a wonderful world" right now.
13. "This Is for My Girls," Kelly Clarkson, Chloe and Halle, Missy Elliott, Jadagrace, Lea Michele, Janelle Monáe, Kelly Rowland, and Zendaya
You'll need to pay for this song on iTunes to listen to Michelle Obama's charity song in its entirety, but it's totally worth it to contribute to the current First Lady's Let Girls Learn initiative.
14. "Shake It Out," Florence + the Machine
This is my go-to song when I'm depressed. And just remember, "It's always darkest before the dawn."
Music — like all of pop culture — speaks to human experiences and can move us emotionally even and especially when our own lives are in turmoil. Moving forward, we need to come together as a country, and it's my sincere hope that these songs will help everyone out there who feels the way that I do smile and hope again. We have a lot of work to do.
Images: Beyonce/YouTube
