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A playlist for the one that got away

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KYLE GARCIA TAKATA | SENIOR STAFF

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FEBRUARY 09, 2023

We’ve all either been there or heard about it through cliche movie tropes. There have been so many portrayals of “the one that got away” throughout media — most popularly Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away.” But, I wanted to grasp that feeling through other songs as well. No offense to Katy Perry, of course. So, to get me through my melancholy feelings when thinking about “the one that got away,” I compiled this playlist and I’ve decided to share it with all who may be going through the same thing. And yes, this playlist will have a ton of Taylor Swift because she is everyone’s breakup comfort artist.

“About You” by The 1975

The 1975 is known for the songs about sex, drugs and love. This one’s the one that always has me thinking of that person. The lyrics say everything you’re thinking about missing someone and not truly knowing why, “I miss you on the train, I miss you in the morning.” You simply just always think about what could’ve been.

“the 1” by Taylor Swift

Although Folklore consists of songs that are largely fictional, Taylor Swift still manages to capture feelings that are completely real. “the 1” grasps every emotion about wondering and wishing someone could’ve been your “one.” You think about running into them again one day just for the sake of seeing them. And I think that feeling is so vastly unique and communal all at once.

“Satellite” by Harry Styles

Harry Styles says it perfectly in this song. “Spinning out, waiting for you to pull me in.” It’s not just about thinking about the one that got away; it’s about waiting for them to take you back and going crazy doing so. I didn’t realize how much I related this song to certain situations until I listened closely to what Harry Styles was singing and now it’s one of the songs I go to when I need to tend to that feeling most.

“Sad Beautiful Tragic” by Taylor Swift

This song is perfect for those who think about the one that got away, but knowing they’ve been hurt by them too. It’s a completely valid emotion, and we’re allowed to miss and think about those who’ve hurt us — and I think this song is perfect for capturing that emotion.

“hiccup” by Valley

If you’re in a state of “why am I missing/thinking about this person so much,” this song is for you. It’s about not necessarily going through something drastic that led to the end of things, but a simple hiccup, and wondering what would’ve been if that hiccup hadn’t happened.

“Last Kiss” by Taylor Swift

When you’re sitting alone and thinking about how suddenly things ended, this song is perfect. It’s a beautifully written song about never expecting for something so great to end so drastically and never expecting someone to hurt you so much, but still wishing they were yours. Still thinking about them, hoping they’re thinking about you too — wondering if they’re hurting too.

These songs speak to those going through that tough feeling, missing someone and wondering what could’ve been. It’s a universal emotion, and I feel like we need more artistic expressions of that specific emotion. These songs have helped me through that feeling, and I hope it does the same for others.

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FEBRUARY 09, 2023