She’s Got Away: Songs That Make Moving, Growing and Changing a Little Easier
It’s early September and I still haven’t fully fathomed the fact that I will move to my dream London university in just a couple of days. I grew up in Belfast, and that city will always and forever have an immense place in my heart, yet I have come to realise that taking challenges such as moving is essential for growth. For me and I’m sure many others, listening to the artists that I’ve grown up blasting in the back seat, stuck on while studying in my childhood bedroom and been to the unforgettable gigs in local venues of, certainly provides a tad bit of comfort. Whether you’re flying the nest for the first time for university like me or even getting your first apartment, here are a few songs that I have found helped me on my journey of acceptance into the next chapter.
The Subway by Chappell Roan
The inclusion of this viral ballad was inevitable with it’s necessary titular mention, and the fact it’s been the background sound of every viral video about moving for the past six months. Although it’s a song about attempting to get over a heartbreak, it has some lyrics that are so extremely cathartic to scream and shout, including the repetitive, therapeutic bridge, uttering ‘she’s got away’ over and over, not to mention that one line about Saskatchewan. Chappell simply understands what it’s like to yearn for a change, and feed that craving by moving to the big city and starting new.
Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift
It would be criminal not to include this absolute 2010’s classic in the list, it’s a track that every Swiftie has cried to at least ten times. It’s heart wrenching yet healing and ideal for when you need a good sob fuelled by childhood nostalgia and longing. This song was one that I was so glad Taylor got her masters back for, because it simply hits different hearing a voice just a few years older than me singing about being dropped off in a big city in her new apartment, it’s daunting yet it’s crucial and if Taylor can do it, so can we, promise.
Float On by Modest Mouse
Float On is a song that always sneaks its way into every one of my playlists, and I am eternally grateful for it. When it comes to struggling with change, listening to overly cheery songs, I believe, really does work. Both the bouncy beat of this track and lyrics bursting with positive affirmations simply make me want to dance along and allow my worries to fade, because after all we’ll all float on okay. Moving is an experience that should be cherished rather than dwelled on and I feel that that message is reflected in the energy of this track.
Father and Daughter by Paul Simon
This song suggestion is for those that find saying farewell to family to be the toughest part of the entire process of moving. Even though this song was written for a children’s cartoon film, it is truly one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in my 18 years of living. This song paints the perspective of a father that is genuinely eager and delighted to witness his daughter shine and grow, a teary ode to a daughter’s success. I find that this song reminds me that I’ll never truly be alone, even in a big city all by myself.
The City by The 1975
The 1975 are one of those bands that I saw in the nearby arena at 16 and suddenly felt as though my life had changed forever, and their music is something I’ll be packing up with me and taking away. The City is a nostalgic pick, a song that romanticises finding love in a big city, running away from it all and finding the one. Upon reflection of the lyrics after all these years it may not be the most healthy song, but it’s one that I naively listened to while dreaming about leaving Ireland as a juvenile girl. Everyone has that song that their younger self romanticised and utilised as a soundtrack for their daydreams about the future, whatever yours is, keep listening and fulfil your younger self’s aspirations. You may leave your city, but your favourite bands will stay with you.
Our Last Summer – Mamma Mia Cast
I simply had to pick this as my final track as it’s specifically chosen as my going away to university, and missing my friends endlessly, soppy track. This song tells a story of youth, of visiting Paris and taking walks along the Seine, truly living before life hits you. This one is bittersweet, a reminder of the life that was lived before flying the nest with the people who you grew up with, who shaped you. I believe however, there’s an importance to reminiscing and realising that change is happening, it’s terrifying, but it’s okay.
