Eagles, it’s late-February in North Carolina again. Some days feel like Summer vacation, and others feel like you’re stuck in a refrigerator. The weather this time of year has more mood swings than your middle-school-aged sibling. On top of the ever-changing weather, we know your schedule is stacked with endless band concerts, debate tournaments, and APES readings. Use these songs to help you through the good, the bad, and the ugly of springtime weather, or even just to transition from a freezing art classroom to a burning hot C&C room.
For Warmer Days:
- “(Nothing But) Flowers” by Talking Heads
Beginning with a fast-paced 40-second instrumental of rhythmic drums, this song is sure to get you ready for springtime buzz. David Byrne’s playful lyrics paint the picture of a world “all covered in flowers.” While those with a pollen allergy may struggle to “get used to this lifestyle,” others may enjoy picturing replacing AP exam testing areas with “a peaceful oasis.” Regardless of which better describes you, you’ll be sure to find some comfort in Byrne’s tongue-in-cheek lyricism.
- “Water Underground” by Real Estate
Heat in North Carolina is no joke, so finding a song that can “cool me down, wash over me” is quite appealing. The melodic vocals in this track ebb and flow like a stream, describing a writer drifting through their creative process. This time of year, we all start to “hear a voice inside my head,” but reconnecting with nature and keeping up with your passions can certainly help you make it through the noise.
- “Debbie” by Your Smith
Whether you’re looking for a prom date, dealing with an avoidant situationship, or reflecting on a bad ex, you can relate to Smith’s annoyed yet adoring lyrics in this song. Playful drums support Smith as she laments that “this always happens when I listen to you.” She knows she can “do much better” but stays in Debbie’s car because “no one makes me feel the same way.” No matter what your love life looks like, this track is definitely worth a listen.
For Colder Days:
- “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers
A slow and relaxed beat plays underneath Roger’s reflective lyrics in this soothing song. Beginning by describing “glacial plains” and “icy streams”, Rogers transports you to a winter landscape at dusk. Here, she remembers a long-lost love and attempts to move on, despite being reminded by the Alaskan terrain. The grounding beats in this song are sure to help you romanticize the cold walk to your car, even if you get frostbite.
- “Time On” by ella jane
With a faster beat than the previous song, “Time On” is perfect for yearners trying to survive the aftermath of Valentine’s Day. Ready to have her heart broken, Jane sings about how she’s “strong and can take it.” She’s happy to be the person someone “wastes their time on.” Like Jane, daydreaming about your hallway crush can keep you warm despite the cold.
- “Ice Cold Pool” by Wallows
While an “Ice Cold Pool” may seem appealing for those stuck in the summer heat, this song perfectly captures a ‘lost-in-winter’ feeling. Early in the song, the line “bedroom rearranged again, snow out on the pavement” creates a vivid image listeners can surely connect to. The nostalgic sound is perfect for dark drives to school or reminiscent early sunsets.
For days with a low of 28° and a high of 75°
- “Caught in the Middle” by Paramore
When you’re strung between extremes, whether they’re emotion or temperature-based, Paramore can help you cope. At times, you “want to keep going but it’s not that simple.” Lead singer Hayley Williams maintains an engaging tune throughout, just upbeat enough to help you make it through more difficult days, but still sympathetic to the pain that comes with this kind of stress.
- “Mood Ring” by Lorde
While the other songs on this list are meant to ground you during 3rd quarter stress, Lorde can help you start “floating away.” Sometimes the solution to endless homework and unpredictable weather really is witchcraft, so “you can burn sage and I’ll cleanse the crystals.” Lorde’s angelic voice with a dancey beat on this track is definitely worth adding to your getting-ready playlist.
We hope you enjoyed this list and wish you luck navigating third quarter stress, weather, and workload!
