I love music and feel like song lyrics do a better job of explaining my feelings than I can. Diabetes gives me such complex feelings I thought it needed a playlist. Here is a list (in no particular order) of 1o songs I would put on my diabetes playlist and why…
1. Defying Gravity – Wicked
For the five of you who read my blog, you know the significance of this song for me. It reminds me to keep trying and moving forward, even when it is hard. It’s tattooed on my arm now. There is something cathartic about belting out “If I’m flying solo. At least I’m flying free” at the top of my lungs. I may never belt it like Idina, but a girl can dream.
2. A Little Bit Longer – The Jonas Brothers
As a millennial with diabetes, I had to include some Jo Bros. Nicky J, does not know it, but he is my diabestie (diabetic best friend). He wrote this song about his experience with T1D. Hearing him tell his story and perform it live is pretty raw and emotional. His advocacy or lack of it may divide the diabetes community, but if he wants to post shirtless pictures to show off his dexcom I’m not going to stop him. I’m single so I gotta get what I can, ok.
3. When a Heart Breaks – Ben Rector
Not a lot of people know Ben Rector, but I adore him and his music. This song reminds of me of how it felt first being diagnosed. The first time I heard the lyrics “I knew I was fine about this time yesterday” was the semester I was back at college after diagnosis. Once you’re diagnosed with diabetes your life is marked as before and after. Everything changes in an instant with one sentence. This song captures that.
4. This is Me Trying – Taylor Swift
y’all had to know Taylor Swift was going to make the list. The lyrics of this song cut real deep. From “They told me all my cages were mental. So I got wasted like all my potential” to “I just wanted you to know this is me trying” it hurts in the best way. Taylor has also said she wrote this song from the POV of people struggling chronic illness or depression or anything like that. It’s how how people don’t see how for them just showing up can be hard. The verse about being a former gifted kid really cuts though. Damn you Taylor.
5. Let it Go – Frozen
Ok, this one really needs an explanation. John Lasseter, who was one of the executive producers for Frozen has a son with T1D. He saw his son struggle with being different and pushed for Elsa to be a hero and accept her powers just like his son had to accept his T1D. Thus paving the way for the big Let it Go number. It’s also sung my my girl Idina so I had to add it.
6. We Can Do Hard things – Tish Melton
I love Glennon Doyle and her podcast. This song was written by her youngest daughter and is the theme song for the podcast. It’s the song I put on when I am really struggling. It reminds me that it is ok to to admit that things are hard, but I can do it.
7. Soon you’ll Get Better – Taylor Swift
Yes, another Taylor Swift song. This one was actually written about her mom’s battle with cancer, but I really related. There is something about the desperation in the song that reminds me of the early days of my diagnosis. I remember feeling like I could just will the diagnosis away if I just ignored it or tried hard enough.
8. Sugar We’re Going Down – Fall Out Boy
This one isn’t deep at all. Whenever I see a double arrow down on my dexcom and my blood sugar is dropping I always sing “We’re going down, down in an earlier round” in my head. It makes giggle during serious situations.
9. Hallelujah – Haim
This one was a recent discovery. Este, the oldest sister of Haim has T1D. The sisters wrote this song partially about her struggles with diabetes and how she leans on her sisters. As a permanent sad girl, am a sucker for stripped down, highly acoustic songs with deep lyrics so this checks all the boxes. Their voices are incredible and the way they blend together is even better.
10. Superman – Five for Fighting
People often like to tell me how strong I am or how much I have overcome. I get they mean well, but actually hurts. A lot of the time I don’t want to be strong orI get angry because I have to be. “Even heroes have the right to bleed” is right
There you have it. My diabetes play list. If you want to listen to the songs, I made a playlist on spotify.
thechronicconfessional.com 