This month, I said goodbye to all the lovely people at Innovate BC—I still can't believe how much I learned and grew over my year there. Next month, I'll be back to school full-time; this time next year I'll (hopefully) be graduated. I might even be living in a different city.
All of this to say: I've been thinking a lot about endings and beginnings and the future lately, and I've been doing most of that thinking while listening to these songs.
You can find my August playlist on Spotify and my commentary below.
More than once, I walked into the office and found my manager blasting this song out loud while he worked. Here's to goodbyes and new beginnings and one foot in front of the other.
Way Too Good - Lauren Aquilina
I had a moment this month where I was sitting at Earl's saying goodbye to my coworkers, and I haven't found a song that describes that bittersweet feeling better than "Way Too Good.”
Favourite lyrics: “don't need anything else, 'cause we got it all as long as we're here / but everything, everything is changing”
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Aretha Franklin
In memory of the Queen of Soul. Aretha's music and activism touched the lives of so many, and I feel lucky to have shared this earth with her for a little while.
breathin - Ariana Grande
I was really excited about Sweetener, and I wish this wasn't one of the only tracks I like off of Ari's latest album. Still, "breathin" is a great song, and has reminded me more than once to take a few deep breaths when things start to feel overwhelming.
For me right now, this song is about looking back at the past and wondering if you've made the right decisions. About trying to be better, both for and to the people you love.
Favourite lyrics: “I want to learn how to love / and give it all back / and be forgiven for all I've done”
I got to see Marianas Trench perform live for the first time this month and it was basically everything I've ever wanted. I'm mad that they're not more popular outside of Canada, because everything they touch is (ridiculously catchy) gold and Josh Ramsey's songwriting is always so beautiful, especially in their sadder songs—like this one.
Favourite lyrics: “sometimes the one you want is not the one you need / what goes around don't come around / don't you know me by now?”
I've been thinking about what I want to, you know, do with my life. And as cheesy as it is, I keep coming back to this song. I just want to look more like love, and while I don't know what that means to me quite yet, I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually.
Next month I'm pretty sure that introspective Natalie will be replaced by stressed-by-school-and-new-responsibilities Natalie, so look forward to, uh...songs about puppy training and political discourse. Or something.
Want more music? I've made a playlist for every month so far this year!
