As October comes to a close, take a listen to the playlist that Wellspring staff and members of our volunteer group, Men With Wellspring, have compiled in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. These powerful songs highlight some of the many emotions experienced by those impacted by DV.
Please note: many of these songs contain references to relationship abuse and sexual assault, and may evoke strong emotions for listeners. While we know there are many songs that give voice to the pain and rage of DV, with this playlist, we have selected songs that we hope will tell a story of a survivor’s experience that culminates in hope and freedom.
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- Til It Happens to You – Lady Gaga
- A song that speaks to how people respond to survivors and tell them how to handle their trauma.
- Face Down – Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
- “‘Face Down’ is a song I’d play until I’m 96 years old because it’s always been about me, being based on the experience of me and my brother growing up with domestic violence. But the number of people who’ve reached out to us since ‘Face Down’ came out is amazing. And it shows just how many people experience abuse,” said RJA’s frontman, Ronnie Winters.
- Family Portrait – Pink
- Pink experienced her parents’ divorce when she was nine and wrote this song reflecting on her experience as a child.
- Oh Mother – Christina Aguilera
- Christina said, “I think going through what I went through at a young age – the abuse that went on in my household – did affect me a lot. Domestic violence is a topic that is very hush-hush in society”.
- Voices Carry – ‘Til Tuesday
- A song about getting out of an abusive relationship.
- How Come, How Long – Babyface feat. Stevie Wonder
- From Men With Wellspring: “Don’t be a passive bystander when you see domestic violence.”
- Jar of Hearts – Christina Perri
- From our staff: “This song helped me so much going through my own journey.”
- She Used to Be Mine – Sara Bareilles
- A song from the musical, Waitress, about reflecting back and wishing things could be different.
- Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
- Tracy said of “Fast Car,” “It’s about a relationship that doesn’t work out because it’s starting from the wrong place.”
- Better Man – Little Big Town
- A song about breaking the cycle of toxic relationships.
- It’s OK – Nightbirde
- From staff: “My favorite lyric in this song is, ‘If you’re lost, we’re all a little lost – and it’s okay.'”
- Chiquitita – ABBA
- A woman sings to her friend about what she’s been through and offers to be the shoulder she can cry on.
- Stand By You – Rachel Platten
- Another song about our friends helping us find peace after walking through hell.
- I Believe You – Fletcher
- From our staff: “This song is about listening to, and believing, survivors.”
- Praying – Kesha
- From our staff: “One of my favorites. Kesha was sexually assaulted by her former music producer and wrote this song in response.”
- Rise – Katy Perry
- Though written with the Olympics in mind, Katy Perry’s song about overcoming obstacles is a powerful reminder to rise above.
- The Climb – Miley Cyrus
- From our staff: “When I was going through my divorce 11-12 years ago I used to listen to this song… My marriage of 18 years was a DV situation. As a single mom of 4 trying to start a new chapter in my life it came with a lot of challenges. When I was going through my tough time I would play this song because it inspired me and gave me some sort of hope. No matter how long it takes, I will eventually get there, and I did. I really love this song.”
- Fighter – Christina Aguilera
- One of Christina’s most powerful songs, ‘Fighter,’ is about overcoming a toxic partner.
- Survivor – Destiny’s Child
- A powerful message about not giving up.
- Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson
- I love Kelly Clarkson’s song about being able to breathe for the first time once she’s free from her partner.
- Can’t Take That Away – Mariah Carey
- From our staff: “The lyrics are so powerful!”
- This Is Me – Keala Settle
- A powerful song from the movie The Greatest Showman about overcoming shame and finding self-acceptance.
- I Am Woman – Helen Reddy
- From Men With Wellspring: “Talk about empowerment!!”
- Stronger – Britney Spears
- Britney sings about getting stronger after her struggles.
- Beautiful – Christina Aguilera
- A song about self-acceptance.
- Freedom! ’90 – George Michael
- From our staff: “I especially like belting out the lyric ‘I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me.’
- Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
- An inspiring song about new beginnings.
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