Some Days Call for Songs

A playlist for when words fall short

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Okay. Let’s begin.

Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, New York, NY

It’s hard to know what matters most right now and where, or whether, to let my attention rest. The speed and volume of urgencies make staying grounded feel impossible. When confusion and overwhelm threaten to drown out what’s essential, words aren’t enough.

So this week, instead of an essay, I’ve created a playlist: Songs for Holding On.

This is more than a collection of songs; it’s a journey. The music moves through tension, sorrow, honesty into moments of beauty, resilience, resolve. My intention was to offer sounds that help us find our footing. The culturally specific pieces—lullabies and instrumentals from around the world—are woven in as reminders that strength and struggle are universal experiences and that comfort can be found in the spaces between.

“They come into our house / And kill everyone not like them.”
— 1944, Jamala (translated from a Crimean Tatar)

“Tell me what you see / When you look straight into my soul.”
— Love & Hate, Michael Kiwanuka

You can listen to the playlist straight through or dip in and out as needed. The full set runs just under two hours—a purposeful invitation to slow down and hold space for yourself. My heart went into curating this. It’s meant as an offering to breathe with and come back to.

“Let the great world spin forever down the ringing grooves of change.”
— Our Song, Joe Henry

“Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike / They’ve all come to look for America.”
— America, Simon & Garfunkel

The lyrics were central in shaping this playlist. Every song was chosen not just for how it sounds, but for what it says, the truth it carries, the questions it raises, the stories it honors. You don’t need to catch every word, but if one line stays with you, let it.

One note about the final track: The Sound is by Meg McDermott, a singer-songwriter I know personally. Her voice and lyrics are clear and emotionally resonant. The chorus includes an expletive, in case that’s useful to know in advance. I appreciate the way this song looks at truth without flinching.

Even if you only take in a handful of the 25 songs for now, I’d appreciate knowing what stands out. Which voices bring you back to your center when the world feels too loud?

If you don’t use Spotify, no worries! The Spotify app is free to download (with ads), and I’ve provided links to each song via YouTube.

“I won’t be broken, I won’t be moved.”
— Stand for Myself, Yola

“Are you sleeping through the night / Do you have someone to hold you tight?”
— Are You Alright, Lucinda Williams

Wishing you moments of peace.

~Elizabeth

(The image below connects to a preview of the first few songs. If you click the title — Songs for Holding On — you’ll be able to access the full playlist.)

Songs for Holding On:

1. Talking About a Revolution – Tracy Chapman — 2:39

2. 1944 – Jamala — 3:30

3. Love & Hate – Michael Kiwanuka — 4:10

4. Nami Nami – Azam Ali — 5:00

5. The Times They Are A‑Changin’ – Bob Dylan — 3:15

6. Our Song – Joe Henry — 4:00

7. Black River – Amos Lee (ft. Annie Clements) — 3:40

8. America – Simon & Garfunkel — 3:35

9. Kolyskova – DakhaBrakha — 4:20

10. Ancient Light – I’m With Her — 3:30

11. Link of Chain – Chris Smither — 4:50

12. We Could Fly – Rhiannon Giddens — 3:45

13. Elegy for the Arctic – Ludovico Einaudi — 2:38

14. Mercy Now – Mary Gauthier — 3:50

15. Are You Alright? – Lucinda Williams — 3:20

16. Call It Dreaming – Iron & Wine — 4:00

17. Bright Morning Stars – Emmylou Harris — 2:50

18. We’ll Make it Through - Ray LaMontagne — 6:01

19. Coming Down for You – Joan Shelley — 3:20

20. Brave - Ruston Kelly — 3:13

21. Canción de Cuna Para Dormir a un Negrito – Marta Gómez — 3:15

22. Feeling Good – Nina Simone — 2:50

23. Nina Cried Power – Hozier (ft. Mavis Staples) — 4:50

24. Stand for Myself – Yola — 3:10

25. Anthem – Leonard Cohen — 3:45

26. The Sound – Meg McDermott (ft. Kimberly Shires & Eryn Michel)— 4:05

You can join me and others who are part of this bright, bold community in the comments to continue the conversation. Taking a moment to let me know you were here by liking ( 💚 ) or restacking ( ♻️ ) the post means more than you might imagine, because it helps get my work in front of new readers. If someone in your life could use a little refuge this week, please share.

Thank you, friends, for being here for each other and for doing what you can.