Introducing the Comfort & Safety Playlist
In conjunction with the release of The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred, members of our Springtide Ambassadors Program (SAP) created playlists of songs they feel help create a sense of the sacred wherever they are. In this post, SAP member Diana talks about what songs inspire feelings of peace and comfort. Listen to the full playlist on Spotify.
This summer the 2023 SAP cohort worked together to create a playlist relating to The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred. When asked what songs created a feeling of comfort and safety, they added ones full of faith, jazz, and childhood memories.
An anonymous ambassador mentioned how their chosen song, “Little Boy Heart Alive,” by Andrew Peterson, brings them back to “childlike wonder and excitement about the world.” SAP member Akhil, 15, said their song, “I Gotta Feeling,” by the Black Eyed Peas, brings them comfort because it puts them in a good mood.
SAP member Gabrielle, 24, mentioned how many of the songs in which she finds comfort connect to her favorite childhood movies:
Though I have many comfort movies from my childhood, for me, “Merry-Go-Round of Life,” by Joe Hisaishi is one of the only film scores that evokes the same sense of peace and hope as the movie itself. It's a piece of music that makes me truly appreciate how intertwined the two art forms can be, on top of bringing to mind childhood memories.
Anthony, 23, said his song is also connected to a memory.
This instrumental song (“Forbidden Friendship,” by John Powell) makes me feel comforted and safe because of the memory it is connected to, and because of the cinematic moment with which it is associated: both, for me, represent the birth of a meaningful friendship that made me feel less alone in the world at a moment when I felt very vulnerable. The song symbolically gradually moves from an unsure, soft beginning to an enthusiastic and hopeful finish.
Music is a huge aspect of all our lives. Whether you’re listening to the latest trendy pop songs, a theme song to a movie, or a classic song your dad would always play in the car, music can bring out a feeling that lights your whole world. As you listen to this playlist, we hope your fondest memories of comfort and safety are also brought to light.
Playlist cover art created by SAP member Grace.
Post was written by SAP member Diana.
