Music Inspires: Introducing the “Part of Something Bigger” Playlist
In conjunction with the release of The State of Religion & Young People 2023: Exploring the Sacred, members of our 2023 Springtide Ambassadors Program (SAP) cohort created playlists of songs they feel help create a sense of the sacred wherever they are. In this post, Christian, SAP Leadership Fellow, talks about songs that connect SAP members to a sense of something bigger. Listen to the full playlist on Spotify.
SAP member Diana, 16, said the song “Love Yourz,” by J. Cole, which talks about finding happiness outside of material things, makes her feel more grateful for her life.
Another SAP member, age 21, who shared their input anonymously, pointed toward the artist Hozier and the song “All Things End,” which poetically details the realities of endings and new beginnings:
“I’ve been listening to this song a lot lately, and I love how he expresses that even though almost everything in our lives is passing and impermanent, it doesn’t take away from the beauty or make those things not worthwhile to feel with our whole hearts. I feel like this song brings out that sense of ‘something bigger’ in that it reminds me how small and temporary I am in the universe, but that feeling is comforting instead of scary.”
Springtide Ambassador Cyrus, 17, chose the song, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” by Tears for Fears, which hints at the human desire for power and control in life. Cyrus said his father used to play it when he was younger.
“At the time, I didn’t understand the meaning behind the lyrics, but as I got older, I slowly started to notice the true meanings.”
Another Springtide Ambassador, Grace, 23, said the song “Same God,” by Elevation Worship, which talks about the steadfastness of God, points her to the roots of her Christian faith. She said,
“It is an anthem that we can hold on to the way God has been faithful to the many generations that came before us. It is in His character.”
Just like Springtide data is a way for young people’s voices to be heard, music is another way for us to express how and what we are feeling. We hope the songs on this playlist help you feel connected to something bigger too.
Playlist cover art created by SAP member Claire.
Post was written by SAP Leadership Fellow Christian.
