The most popular post on this site is “Break-up 2009,” a list of the songs that I listened to when I first lost my job. Even though the initial shock of that day’s already worn off, I’m still dealing with what happens when a bunch of lawyers can’t manage a business. I also figure I’m not the only one who can benefit from a cathartic wailing of “Untouchable Face,” so here’s an entire page devoted to music to get laid off to. I’ll be editing it off and on as the mood strikes; you should post your comments, too. All the cool kids are doing it.
**BREAK-UP 2009: Music to Get Laid Off To**
Write My Ticket, Tift Merritt
I can hear ‘em sitting ’round joking, “She talks so big, come back broken.” /
Well, I had to try. I ain’t so proud.
Your Love Made a U-Turn, Tift Merritt
Thought I’d found love and affection when you turned your love in the other direction / Your love made a U-turn away from me.
Gives You Hell, All-American Rejects
I wake up every evening / With a big smile on my face /And it never feels out of place. / And you’re still probably working / At a 9 to 5 pace /I wonder how bad that tastes
Move Along, All-American Rejects
And even when your hope is gone / Move along, move along just to make it through
Show Me a Little Shame, Ben Harper
You change your mind so many times, I wonder if you have a mind at all / And I’d rather be by myself than to have your lonesome company come to call
Three of Us, Starlee Kline (has nothing to do with my lay-off but has everything to do with a fantastic bit of radio on This American Life)
So What, Pink
I’m still a rock star! I got my rock moves!
Untouchable Face, Ani diFranco
(Hey! This is a family blog!)
Could You Lie, Alison Krauss
Could you lie and say you love me just a little
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing, Jack Johnson
I can’t always be waiting, waiting on you / I can’t always be playing, playing your fool / I keep playing your part / But it’s not my scene / Want this plot to twist/ I’ve had enough mystery
Laid a Highway, Tift Merritt [FN1]
So while the company traded with our lives / We were busy watching that slow moon rise / Dancing on the dry grass ridge / Making love down by the Cedar County Bridge
Better Things, Dar Williams
It’s really good to see you rocking out and having fun / Living like you just begun
I Fall to Pieces, Patsy Cline
Each time someone speaks your name / I fall to pieces / Time only adds to the flame
It Ain’t Me, Babe, Johnny and June Carter Cash
You say you’re lookin’ for someone / Who’s never weak but always strong…But it ain’t me, babe
—-
FN1. Yes, I realize I have lots of Tift Merritt on here, and no, her music is not all doom and gloom. To wit, one of my favorite songs of hers is quite lovely and romantic. See here.
