Break Up Music

I admit it.

I am a romantic.

Really. Deep under the layers of well-congealed cynicism there is an edge that just looooooves to go warm and fuzzy at the drop of a hat. Yes, I sing Taylor Swift in the shower.

Okay, now on that note, I have another confession.

One of my favorite genres of music of all time are…..break-songs.

Yes, you read me right, break-up songs. Is it the rage? The anger? The frustrated sexuality? The not so deeply hidden desire all women have to whack a man, especially their man, with a two-by-four on occasion? Is it the heady combination of betrayal and self-righteousness, sorrow, and fury? The joy of communal, massive, emotionalism?

Now, one may say that it is a problem to indulge in these emotions—especially any traumatized men reading this post. But, I would beg to differ. First, as long as their have been music and poetry, the two have been used to express universal problems and emotions—and like it or hate it, as long as their has been love, there have been those hurt, abused, abandoned, and betrayed by it. Second, people are emotional creatures, women especially experience this phenomena, and men especially suffer from it. In that case, men should thank God for break up-music. Break-up songs allow people, especially women, to vent both their feelings and frustrations without taking eggs to a man’s car, or a baseball bat to his head. I will never take a combat knife to my ex’s car, but oh man ya betcha will I sing along to “Before He Cheats.” Third, once you find a relationship worth keeping, break-up music reminds you exactly why it is a good thing and why it is worth a lot to keep it in good health and wellness.

On that note, “Look it Up” is one of my new favorite songs.