Yes, you will survive

Songs for when your heart is sore

When I wrote this Substack, I had just wept in not one, but two chic Melbourne venues during a 12-hour period. The first time I cried was in a beautiful, romantic rooftop bar with a boy I hadn’t seen in six months. When we’d said goodbye in London, I’d told him I was falling in love. The second time I cried was the morning after what I had hoped would be a romantic reunion. I was in a cool café, post-pilates class, alone, with my tarot cards and journal.

Really, that tells you all you need to know.

My favourite astrologer – Chani Nicolas – said that 2025 will be “crunchy” until June 9th. And boy, has this year has had some bite. But we’ve made it. If you’re into astrology, I’d recommend heading to her app to hear more about it. Long story short, if the last six months have felt like a struggle, things are about to shift into a more abundant, joyful, successful place.

This year has been like The Wild West of grief for me – new losses have kept arriving over and over again. But Chani also described the first half of this year as like clearing out your suitcase. When you embark on a thrilling adventure, and you take out half your belongings before you go, because you want to leave room for all the beautiful things you’ll collect. Things that you can’t even imagine yet. You’ve got to clear out the old to make space for what’s new.

But letting go hurts. It hurts so bad. There’s no way around it.

When it comes to the big, bad feelings, the only way out is through. I love to intellectualise my emotions, but there’s no avoiding it – you have to feel your way out of the funk. And sometimes, that means sobbing while a tattooed barista tries to get the crying girl the hell out of their cafe.

Music has offered a little bit of magic in this turbulent time. Artists have a lot of feelings, and I love hearing the power in creative women’s songs. And when it comes to lyrics, sometimes it feels like Taylor Swift is speaking directly to my soul.

In order to let go, I believe you need movement. Walk around the block. Go for a swim. Move your thoughts and feelings out of your body by chatting or journaling. And if you don’t have your own words, singing can be a sweet catharsis.

Here are some of my favourite songs for when your heart feels ruined. Cry to them, dance to them, recite their lyrics like spells. Because in the words of Gloria Gaynor, “I’ve got all my life to live, and I’ve got all my love to give. And I’ll survive. I will survive.”

Listen to them here.

SILVER SPRINGS by Fleetwood Mac

The vibe: Decades of yearning in one song

For when you need: To feel the power of BIG LOVE!

Bottom line: They’ll never forget you, because you’re magic.

I WILL SURVIVE by Gloria Gaynor

The vibe: They’ve left you, and you loved them harder than they loved you.

For when you need: Strength, and to boogie it out!

Bottom line: Save your love for the people who will love as hard as you do. The rest can beat it. Loving hard is not a problem!!! It’s what life is all about, baby!

UNWRITTEN by Natasha Bedingfield

The vibe: You are the author of your own life!

For when you need: To know that endings bring new beginnings, which is actually thrilling,

Bottom line: “Live your life with arms wide open, today is where your book begins! The rest is still unwritten!”

BETTER MAN by Taylor Swift*

Taylor has so many bangers. This is the one that’s helped me most this summer. But I also prescribe Illicit Affairs and All Too Well – ten minute version, obviously.

The vibe: They are actually the worst.

For when you need: To remember that you’re “better off on your own, than loving a man who didn’t know what he had when he had it.”

Bottom line: “SOMETIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT I CAN FEEL YOU AGAIN, BUT I JUST MISS YOU, AND WISH YOU WERE A BETTER MAN.” And also, “Pushed my love away like it was some kind of loaded gun.” Aaaaand, “I waited on every careless word. Hoping they might turn sweet again. Like it was in the beginning.”

IT’S RAINING MEN by The Weather Girls

The vibe: It’s time to get back out there!

For when you need: To remember you are a hottie who has OPTIONS.

Bottom line: There are so many people out there waiting to fall in love with you.

YOU’VE GOT THE LOVE by Florence + The Machine

The vibe: Originally a gospel song, it’s all about universal love.

For when you need: To remember that love is all around. Go dance with your best friends and kiss someone irresponsibly. Love love love!

Bottom line: “Sooner or later in life, the things you love, you lose.” We’re here for a good time, not a long time. Enjoy the ride, baby.

I THINK I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU by Jessica Simpson

The vibe: Your first first date (again).

For when you need: To reconnect with that magic feeling of meeting someone new.

Bottom line: All the heartbreak is worth it for this feeling, “I think I'm in love with you / I've been tellin' all my friends what I feel for you.” Hang in there. Love is coming.

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What’s your ultimate heart-soothing song? Tell me in the comments! I love hearing from you. If you want to tell me about your love life (or lack of) you can get in touch here.