Grammy Break-Up Therapy: The Three Stages of Break-Up Grief As Told By This Year’s Grammy Record of the Year Nominees
Music has the ability to connect with people during some of their most vulnerable moments. 2023 was a peak year for break-up anthems, and the lyrics for three songs in particular nailed the emotions that stem from these awful situations. These three songs are nominated for Record of the Year at the 2024 Grammys and can help you cope with the break-up blues:
Sadness: “vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s lead single off of her sophomore album “GUTS” truly captures the sad vibes that initially stem from most break-ups. Rodrigo poignantly relates her ex to a vampire in the way that he’s sucked the life out of her and made her feel foolish and hurt after the break-up. The bridge of the song is exceptionally heartfelt; Rodrigo sings: “You said it was true love, but wouldn’t that be hard? / You can’t love anyone, ‘cause that would mean you had a heart / I tried to help you out, now I know that I can’t / ‘Cause how you think’s the kind of thing I’ll never understand.” The pain in the vocals are evident, and this is the perfect song to blast and cry along to when you’re in your feels after a relationship ends.
Anger: “Kill Bill” by SZA
SZA’s “SOS” album exploded on the charts this past year with numerous songs racking of streams and notoriety. Her biggest song was “Kill Bill,” a vengeful, tongue-and-cheek song that talks about anger that results after a break-up. The song includes lyrics like: “I’m so mature, I got me a therapist to tell me there’s other men / I don’t want none, I just want you / If I can’t have you, no one should.” SZA takes things a step further by talking about the most extreme lengths a person can go to after a break-up. While she (nor I) definitely don’t recommend following the guidelines of the song, the message of feeling an inexplainable anger and rage due to the pain you’re left to deal with remain all too familiar. This song is the perfect song to play when going on a revenge workout kick or to have in the background as you delete your ex off of social media.
Acceptance and Peace: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
Finally, we have the big hit off of Miley Cyrus’ “Endless Summer Vacation” album. The song “Flowers” became a huge radio hit and self-acceptance anthem for many. While the empowering chorus is often celebrated, I think the well-crafted verses really stand out to me. The second chorus in particular really nails the acceptance theme of the song. Cyrus sings: Paint my nails cherry red / Match the roses that you left / No remorse, no regret / I forgive every word you said.” Cyrus details ways in which she can provide self-love while also being at peace with the fallout from a break-out. She belts out a song that can be used by so many others when they reach this level of peace after a break-up, and there’s a beauty in that clarity and acceptance.
So, load up your break-up playlist with these hit songs, and feel free to blast them the next time you’re dealing with the stages of break-up grief.