What I’m Thankful For: Music

I’m taking a cue from a friend and posting things I’m thankful for this month. I’m not sure I’ll do it every day — perhaps every other (or thereabouts) — but I love the idea of publicly expressing my gratitude.

Today is music. There’s something about music that makes everything okay, even when it’s not.  For your listening pleasure, I’ve put together a little playlist of songs that have greatly enriched my life.  Enjoy!  You can get the whole thing on YouTube at this link. Or you can listen / watch the embedded videos here on the blog.  Along with each song, I’ve included a short comment about why I love it so much.

1. The Weight of Lies by the Avett Brothers

This gorgeous song reminds me to be honest with myself and others: “The weight of lies will bring you down / And follow you to every town / ‘Cuz nothing happens here / That doesn’t happen there.”  Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE The Avett Brothers?  Sometimes I feel like they write songs just for me.

2. Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show

Pure happiness in three minutes fifty-five.  The video is pretty awesome too.

3. 32 Flavors by Ani DiFranco

Reaching back into my youth to pull out one of my favorite women’s empowerment tunes!

4. After All by Dar Williams

Perhaps the loveliest song on healing I’ve ever heard.  The eloquent lyrics help me believe that everything will be fine, no matter what I’m facing.

5. Song for You by Alexi Murdoch

I discovered this song quite by accident while my iPod was on shuffle.  I love it.

6. You and I by Ingrid Michaelson

This just might be the cutest and sweetest and happiest song of all time.  And who doesn’t love the ukelele?  I know I do.

7. Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons

When I listen to this song as I run, I start to run faster and faster and faster.  I can’t help it.  It carries me away.

8. Head Full of Doubt/Head Full of Promise by The Avett Brothers

Brilliant song and video.  LOVE THESE GUYS.

9. John Wayne Gacy Jr by Sufjan Stevens

This chilling song about the serial killer haunts me — especially the final line: “And on my best behavior / I am really just like him / Look beneath the floorboards / For the secrets I have hid.”  Tell me you didn’t just get goosebumps.

10. Tinfoil Hats by Rocky Votolato

A song about growing up.  Which I guess is something I did but never noticed.

11. Oh My Sweet Carolina by Ryan Adams

A live rehearsal of this sweet and poignant tune, and perhaps the best version of it I’ve heard.  As a sidenote, apparently this video — which has incredible sound quality — was recorded on an iPhone 4.  Somebody buy me one of those!

What about you?   What music or songs have enriched your life?  I’m dying to know!

This post is one in a series.  Get the rest of the posts here.