10 Meaningful Song Lyrics about Life that I Play (and Wear) on Repeat

Right around the time that Ed Sheeran released his album, Divide, my grandmother had unfortunately passed away. I remember driving to my high school graduation with my mom, only a few days after we lost my grandmother. I had Ed Sheeran on blast and his song Supermarket Flowers came on. It told the story of Sheeran’s mother losing her mother and her grief after the loss. One lyric in particular stood out to my mom and me: “A life with love is a life that’s been lived.” This describes my grandmother's life perfectly. 

My mom and I printed this deep lyric about life on everything, from picture frames to mugs, for years to come. It was the perfect way for us to keep her memory alive. Lyrics and songs can hold so much meaning. The wonderful thing about the art of music is that it is up for interpretation. Meaningful lyrics from songs have the ability to change our mood, motivate us and even remind us of those we love most.

Here’s my own personal mixtape of 10 other song lyrics about life that have resonated with me in recent years and why I’ve transformed them into messages I can wear on repeat in my lockets, depending on what’s going on in a given day.

Ever Since New York, Harry Styles

I have learned so much throughout my 22 years on earth. One lesson that has always stuck with me is that once you speak your mind, you can’t take it back. Unfortunately, life isn’t like the internet; you can’t delete your comment or photoshop your actions. Whether you’re arguing with a loved one or sharing secrets with a friend, your words are a permanent part of your record. This meaningful song lyric is a constant reminder to be conscious of how I express myself, especially in vulnerable or high intensity moments—not only because what I say could paint me in a bad light, but because it has the power to influence others’ emotions in ways that aren’t always proactive. There’s no “undo” option for that.

_SL-CWB

Right Where You Should Be, Quinn XCII, Ashe, Louis Futon

In moments when I’m overwhelmed or generally frustrated with whatever’s happening in my life, I try to remember that there’s a reason I’ve been faced with a given challenge. I know the light at the end of the tunnel will ultimately reveal itself and the challenges I’ve been dealt will make sense to me in some future moment. Until then, I constantly reprimand myself for even the smallest mistakes and worry that they’ll follow me around forever. You could say I’m a fearful college student, worried that I am not doing the right thing to set myself up for success in the future.

In those moments, this song lyric reminds me that where I am in life is perfect, and that my past doesn’t define my future. I do.

Moral of the Story, Ashe

Okay, one more meaningful song lyric about life—and more specifically—mistakes. (As I write this, I’m becoming aware of how much my focus on my mistakes dictates my life.) From dating the wrong person to having a falling out with a family member and every little white lie in between. I innately know that these mistakes don’t define my worth. In fact, we are all just imperfect humans misstepping our way through life, trying to stay on the right path. Needless to say, I play this lyric in my head on repeat, wear it in my locket, and know that soon enough it will become fully integrated into a more evolved philosophy on mistakes.

_SL-CCL

I often find my greatest happiness in the company of those I love. There have been times where I unintentionally overlooked the people who bring me joy and add light to my life, and took them for granted. This lyric is a reminder that happiness is not easy to come by. When we find it, honor it, be grateful for it, and don’t let it go. And most importantly: prioritize the people who add it to your life.

Current Location, LANY

I’m in a long-distance relationship right now. Telling you that it’s the worst would be an understatement. All I want is to be with my boyfriend right now. When I hear this lyric, I feel like the writer either wrote it specifically for me or is going through exactly the same feeling that I am. I can relate to it. And it also gives me a cheesy message to send him when I’m missing him a little extra. It’s the perfect way for me to say, ‘I miss you.’ I would love to receive a quote like this from him in a Fortune & Frame locket to remind me that I’m on his mind, but for now, I’m happy to create it myself and wear it as a reminder of how I feel.