My first day of school was last Thursday, specifically my last first day of high school. A lot of people find the day to be bittersweet, but to be honest, I was annoyed. The passage of summer into the full swing of school and fall is treacherous for me. Summer is a lawless time of waking up midday, spending constant hours with friends, and wasting gas on spontaneous plans, just to repeat it all over again the next day. So, the rigidness of school doesn’t particularly appeal to me. Due to this, I have a specific playlist that I listen to to get excited for the new school year.
“Back and Forth” by Lil Baby, EST Gee
The beginning of school does have its perks. That is football season, and in my case, the full swing of my cheer season. One of the best hype songs of all time, this one gets me in the mood for playing my sport, cheerleading. My team uses the song to get ourselves excited to go and cheer on our school’s football team.
“Paper Planes” by M.I.A.
I live by the belief that things are popular for a reason, and while this song is basic, everyone loves it because it’s good. This track specifically is one that my friends and I blare in our cars in the school parking lot and sing all together. When I hear it on my playlist, it reminds me of those way-too-early in the morning memories, and it makes me smile.
“Chain Smoker” by Chance the Rapper
Unexpectedly, based on its title, “Chain Smoker” is the perfect back-to-school song because its offbeat flow and lyrics about loving yourself flaws and all is the energy I try and bring into every new beginning. There’s only one you in the world, and if you attempt to be someone else to fit in, your eccentric self is going to be lost on others and discarded from your memory.
“Don’t Bring Me Down” by Electric Light Orchestra
Waking up for school at the crack of dawn (and sometimes even before) sours my mood. However, this song, as to be expected based on the title, boosts my mood. Singing it in the car on my treacherous ride to school pumps me up and honestly gets me excited to start my day.
“400 Lux” by Lorde
“400 Lux”‘ premise is around driving around at sunrise with someone special, basking in each other’s presence, and enjoying every moment, even if their love and the sunrise are fleeting. High school is a bubble and a short blink of time where, if you’re lucky, your worries seem juvenile and the fun is constantly flowing. The song reminds me to take in school with gratitude because not everyone has the privilege to enjoy school, and their biggest pain is just having to get up and go.
