I have often created playlists, as early as in High School. In many ways, I have convinced myself that if I lived in the USA, I would have been one of those people who would make mixtapes and share them with friends. Alas, I am just some guy living in the Philippines.

The past couple of weeks have been eventful, in many ways. On one hand, I have made life decisions due to  my “Quarter-Life Crisis Part 2”, more on that when I’ve definitely crossed the bridge. On the other, well, just more decisions to make this seemingly bleak life be more interesting. But, in between crossing roads, and the fine line moments between insanity and zen, I get by with a couple of private Spotify playlists I have created with songs which seem just perfect for those life scenes when you’re looking outside the window, or when you’re seated in a café, or just lying down on your bed.

1. Yellow by Coldplay

“Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do, yeah, they were all yellow.”

A classic Coldplay song which has been a staple since before my High School years. In many ways it’s too dramatic, but the song makes sense in my opinion. It feels like it fits practically every situation I have been in, but at the same time, not so? It’s honestly quite difficult to explain, but let’s leave it at that.

Also, if ever Coldplay will come to Manila this 2016, how I wish I get to witness the band perform this live!

2. Signal Fire by Snow Patrol

“All this fear falls away to leave me naked, hold me close, cause I need you to guide me to safety.”

I first heard this back in High School, but it didn’t really kick me then. Sure, I enjoyed listening to it, but it wasn’t as if I’d put it in my “Must Listen To” playlist. It was only in the summer before Senior Year in college, when I fell in love with “Signal Fire”.

3. Taking Chances by Céline Dion

“What do you say to taking chances? What do you say to jumping off the edge? Never knowing if there’s solid ground below, or a hand to hold, or hell to pay. What do you say?”

It was in Freshman Year in college when I got hooked to the song, since then it has stuck with me, quite literally whenever I find myself facing multiple roads…for that matter even before I do come to that point.

4. Fix You by Coldplay

“Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you”

When I heard this song, it instantly became my “go-to song” whenever I find myself at a low point in life, or if I just feel utterly lonely, or confused. Watching the music video would also get me teary-eyed; there’s something about Chris Martin walking then running towards you which feels comforting.

5. Shake It Out by Florence + The Machine

“And I am done with my graceless heart, so tonight I’m gonna cut it out and then restart. ‘Cause I like to keep my issues drawn, it’s always darkest before the dawn”

I initially heard the Glee version of this, but it felt too over-the-top drama for me to refer to everytime I just wanted to go back to feeling good after doing something bad (whether intentional or not). A bit of searching on Google and found that Florence + The Machine originally performed this, and the rest is history. Honestly, it’s been a staple song after a night of drinking too much. Oops.

6. Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

“So tell me when you’re gonna let me in, I’m getting tired and I need somewhere to begin.”

Since I first heard this song, I never let it go. It has been in every playlist I have ever made, unless it is highly customized for a certain purpose. Even if Lily Allen’s version was considered to be bigger success (and I do love that version too), I still prefer the original one. Lily Allen’s is too haunting, Keane’s is just right to listen to for everyday.

7. California King Bed by Rihanna

“So confused wanna ask you if you love me, but I don’t wanna seem so weak. Maybe I’ve been California dreaming”

Rihanna has always been a favorite of mine ever since she rose to fame when I was a Sophomore in High School. This song in particular was just a truthful, romantic song which was practically played over a hundred times (no kidding!) when I was in Rennes for JTA.

8. Secrets by OneRepublic

“This time don’t need another perfect lie, don’t care if critics ever jump in line. I’m gonna give all my secrets away.”

Another song which has stayed with me since Freshman Year in college. The rhythm, the mood of Secrets is soothing, and reassuring. In many ways, it feels like a promise of starting something new. And coincidentally, I fell in love with this song more when a cousin of mine used it for her wedding!

But among all songs, and not just the first eight, the one which gets me through almost every point in life, whatever my mood is, would be…

9. Dancing On My Own by Robyn

“So far away but still so near. The lights go on, the music dies. But you don’t see me standing here, I just came to say goodbye.”

When I first heard this song in college, it became a favorite song of mine in parties and clubs. I kid you not, I would go insane and dance to it like crazy. No inhibitions. I think what’s worse was, beyond the occasional spilling of alcohol, would be how I would sing to it. Passionately. Me passionately singing to Dancing On My Own could just be messy. And sad. And sometimes tears. But I love it nonetheless.

To this date, “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn remains one of the most played songs on my iTunes and Spotify, and I am even happy that more people learned of the song because of this scene in Girls. It’s spot on in many ways, because honestly, that’s me sometimes. The song plays, and wherever I am, I just give it my all dancing to Robyn.