It occurred to me while writing Letters to my Friends in Pain that movies have something that books don’t. Soundtracks. It’s part of what helps us connect so powerfully with movies. The combination of story and music can move the soul in almost unexplainable ways. What is the best movie soundtrack? We’ll leave that for another post.
For a bit of the writing process, I considered including a song title for each letter in my book. Something sacred or secular that has moved me as I wrestle with pain. In the end, the logistics became to difficult and I abandoned the idea. But I want to take time now to share a few songs that have helped me process my own pain. Some make me cry. Some fill me up. Some pump me up. Maybe more importantly, some make me look up!
Some are sacred and some are secular. Truth be told, all music says something about God or a god of some kind. I’m not one of those Christians who listens only to Christian radio. In fact, even since I was a kid, my musical tastes have included everything from country to rap, pop to rock. Whether your musical interest is more Taylor Swift or James Taylor isn’t really the point for me. Yes, we should listen to music with a discerning ear. Not all songs are helpful, but some move us in ways we cannot explain.
I’m going to build a public Spotify playlist of songs that help us with our pain. Maybe you would have some to suggest that are helpful to you. In fact, I’m sure you can think of many more. So I’m curious. What are some of yours?
Brian
Author of Letters to My Friends in Pain
Songs for People in Pain
Sacred
- You Keep Hope Alive – Jon Reddick and Mandisa
- Grave – Cochren and Co.
- Don’t Fight Alone – Jon Reddick
- Battle Belongs – Phil Wickham
- Glorious Day – Passion, Kristian Stanfill
- Praise You in this Storm – Phil Wickham, Casting Crowns
- Living Hope – Phil Wickham
- My Story, Your Glory – Matthew West
- It is Well with My Soul – Horatio Spafford
Classic and Classical
- Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight” in C-Sharp Minor – Beethoven
- Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Pop
- Shake it Off – Taylor Swift
- Shallow – lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Country
- Live Like You Were Dying – Tim McGraw
- Next Thing You Know – Jordan Davis
- Buy Dirt – Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan
Motown
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
70’s
- I will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
80’s
- Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
- The Living Years – Mike and the Mechanics
- Small Town – John Mellancamp
- Hold On – Wilson Phillips
- Where the Streets Have No Name – U2
- Only You – Yazoo
90’s
- Ironic – Alanis Morissette
One Hit Wonder
- Tubthumping (I Get Knocked Down) – Chumbawamba
2000’s
- Superman …It’s not Easy to Be Me – Five for Fighting
- Home – Daughtry