High school is a time filled with countless challenges, and even with those closest to us, it can be difficult to share our deepest struggles. In those moments, music, written by strangers we barely know, can feel as if it sees straight through our minds.
Here are song recommendations from the JIS high school student body for common situations when you might want a quiet companion, patiently waiting with lyrics and melodies to perhaps offer a small sense of understanding during stressful times.
Academic Pressure
“New Person, Same Old Mistakes” – Tame Impala
Under the pressure of grades and piling assignments, we need a song that can keep us going. In the psychedelic pop track New Person, Same Old Mistakes, Tame Impala reflects on how personal change is rarely instant.
Feel like a brand-new person
But you’ll make the same old mistakes
The combination of the dreamy production and the lyrics, normalizing the feeling of repeating the same mistakes, reassures students who doubt their capabilities after academic failures. We all repeat mistakes sometimes, and that is also a way for us to grow.
“Juna” – Clairo
As an indie pop track, Juna evokes nostalgia through its intimate lyrics and soft melody, creating an atmosphere of comfort and ease, “like a lazy river.”
Don’t even try
I don’t have to think
With you, there’s no pretending
The simple and repetitive lyrics help students let go of their stressful thoughts about grades and assignments, ultimately refreshing their minds.
“Rejoice” – AJJ
Through its raw folk punk sound, Rejoice captures the feeling of trying to stand strong even when life feels like it is crumbling apart.
And rejoice despite the fact this world will tear you to shreds
Rejoice because you’re trying your best
The song recognizes that life can be overwhelming and painful, a struggle many students experience due to heavy workloads and high expectations. At the same time, its main message encourages listeners to keep going because “survival” in Rejoice, which symbolizes success, is defined by determination and effort rather than perfection.
Romantic Relationships
“This Side of Paradise” – Coyote Theory
Blending indie pop with emotional lyricism, This Side of Paradise portrays love as an intense experience that resonates with many teenagers.
Feel like I’ve been livin’ life asleep
Love so strong, it makes me feel so weak
The lyrics, contrasting the emotional power of love and the vulnerability of self, highlight how love can feel both thrilling and intimidating. In doing so, they offer a sense of understanding, implying that feeling nervous about love is a common experience.
“White Ferrari” – Frank Ocean
In White Ferrari, Ocean uses alternative R&B elements to explore the lingering emotions of teenage heartbreak. Ocean relates to the struggle of holding onto a relationship even as it wanes, yet also emphasizes the necessity of letting go, washing away any lasting regrets for the listeners.
I’m sure we’re taller in another dimension
You say we’re small and not worth the mention
The soothing melody and theme of acceptance can comfort students overwhelmed by thoughts of what could have been, reminding them that while perfect moments may not last forever, they can always be cherished as memories.
Social Circles
“dorothea” – Taylor Swift
In the indie folk track dorothea, Swift expresses the longing for old friendships that inevitably ended. The simple repetition of the piano and guitar creates a “sense of predictability and familiarity,” offering comfort to the listeners.
And if you’re ever tired of bein’ known for who you know
You know, you’ll always know me
In addition, the lyrics evoke nostalgic high school memories of friends who have drifted apart, deeply connecting with teenagers. Ultimately, dorothea reminds us that it is never too late to reconnect with friends, showcasing the lasting nature of friendships despite time and distance.
“Like You Do” – Joji
Human relationships change, and in the alternative R&B song Like You Do, Joji reflects on past connections, including friendships.
Cause I can never take you for granted
Is there another us on this whole planet?
New friends do not always replace the connection you had with old ones, and the lyrics of Like You Do reassure teens that longing for the past is natural. The song gently shifts our feelings of sadness to appreciation, helping us honor meaningful friendships.
“High and Dry” – Radiohead
Through its alternative rock sound, High and Dry empathizes with the struggle of trying to fit into social circles. The song directly explores the pain of being disregarded or misunderstood as “weird” from embracing one’s true self.
You broke another mirror
You’re turning into something you are not
For high schoolers who felt like outsiders in their social environments and developed insecurities along the way, this song transforms loneliness into a shared experience rather than a personal one, providing strong relatability.
Uncertainty About the Future
“Vienna” – Billy Joel
In the soft rock track Vienna, Joel urges his young listeners to slow down in life.
Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry about?
You’d better cool it off before you burn it out
The lyrics caution against rushing in pursuit of success, as such urgency hinders us from truly living in the moment. For anxious students, Vienna consoles us, noting that we still have plenty of time to discover our path.
“Good Days” – SZA
In Good Days, SZA blends alternative R&B with hopeful lyricism to remind her listeners about the importance of staying optimistic about the future. Its hazy, therapeutic sound eases the listeners’ anxiety about the uncertainty ahead.
All the while, I’ll await my armored fate with a smile
Still wanna try, still believe in
Good days, good days, always
The lyrics suggest that while the future is beyond our control, our mindset in the present is not. By choosing to believe in “good days,” SZA reminds listeners that hope can still exist even in the face of challenges.
Whether you are facing academic pressure, relationship struggles, or uncertainty about the future, remember that there will always be a song that speaks to you.
