So recently I’ve found that every time I get upset over a guy I spend three hours lying in bed staring at the wall having a silent battle with myself listening to the same playlist of soppy songs. I’ve decided it’s time for a change, why should I let such idiots upset me? I’m a woman. I have the power to give life, I can argue my way out of anything, I can remember all the words to The Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme tune, I’m pretty awesome.
This new mindset needs a new soundtrack. After chatting to loads of my girlfriends, I’ve accumulated the top 10 woman-empowering ‘Independent woman who don’t need no man’ playlist. Ladies, get downloading (legally of course), get a glass of wine and a hair brush and forget about that idiot whilst singing as loud as physically possible to these 10 tracks.
10. Respect – Aretha Franklin
This woman is like the goddess of soul music. This signature song was released in 1971, and is still well known today, thanks to being used in films with a strong female lead, such as Bridget Jones Diary ‘’I’d rather have a job wiping Saddam Hussain’s arse’’. Hilarious. This was one of the first songs that showed women having power over men and demanding things apart from physical affection, thanks for that Aretha otherwise we wouldn’t have any of the other songs in this list!
9. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
This ridiculously catchy song is quite personal to T-Swizzle, however all girls can relate to having that one guy who has acted like such an utter spanner, you honestly have no idea what you ever saw in him in the first place. Even if it wasn’t Harry Styles or Jake Gyllenhal, we’ve all been there. Her previous songs have always been quite soppy and heartfelt, such as ‘Love Story’ and ‘You Belong with Me’, however this darker side of the country singer has proved successful in the charts, with this song and I Knew You Were Trouble climbing high and staying in the charts.
8. Girls (who run the world) – Beyonce
Anyone could have guessed she would have appeared on this list, with ‘’Girls’’ being the first on the list. The constant reminder that girls actually do run the world made sure of her position here. You just can’t fault her, sexy, talented and independent however with a happy family life. Please can I have your life Beyonce? And your thighs maybe?
7. Fighter – Christina Aguilera
This dark tune is quite old however will live on in girl power world forever. The lyrics are powerful and relatable, more than just emotion they convey what you can learn from a bad experience, and her amazing unique voice only gives the words more meaning. Although she may have been seen rolling around in minimal clothing in a boxing ring previously (everyone’s got to live a little), she’s still a strong, independent female icon to me.
6. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
You know, AT FIRST I WAS AFRAID, I WAS PETRIFIED! Yeah that one, a bit of an oldie but still as powerful. Always a dance floor filler and an all round belter. This will just always remind you that no matter how bad it gets, you’ll always get through it through the power of 70’s disco. Also a good song to listen to before surgery I suppose.
5. Single Ladies – Beyonce
WOAH OH OH WOAH OH OH WOAH OH OH WOAH OH OH . sorry, it had to come out. This is an immediate feel good song, there’s not a woman on earth who doesn’t know at least a bit of the dance, and not a man or woman on earth who can resist singing along. By the way the next three are Beyonce songs and I couldn’t decide which order to put them in, she’s the ultimate independent woman to me.
4. Irreplaceable – Beyonce
That’s it fellas, everything you own in a box to the left. This is a song aimed especially at anyone who’s been cheated on. It’s good for reminding us that it’s out with the old and in with the new, there will always be someone better around the corner. It’s also to remind the males of our society that we can, and will replace you.
3. Best Thing I Never Had – Beyonce
Undoubtedly one of the best songs she’s ever released, this song will always bring out the diva hiding in my soul. The line ‘’Thank God I found the good in goodbye’’ has got me through some hard times, cliché as it sounds. This song just makes you feel better about your situation, whatever it is. It’s empowering, catchy, well written and just genuinely a very good song.
2. Independent Woman – Destiny’s child
Question – tell me what you think of this song? It’s bloody amazing that’s what. It Shows women in the dominant role for once, we have our own stuff, our own money and we only need men for one thing. Not to say that’s not how it is, however it’s usually 50 cent and other rappers talking about cars and ‘bitches’ and money. Well move over Fiddy because Beyonce, Kelly and Solange (is that even her name?) are not standing for that.
1. Survivor – Destiny’s child
Ok, as soon as I thought about writing this piece, I knew this would have to be the number 1 song. There’s just no doubt about it. This is the most motivating, empowering song. This is what I listen to when I’m upset, being lazy, at the gym and even going to sleep. It just reminds you to keep going and that whatever it is, you can do it on your own, and whatever someone does to you, you can make yourself feel better and you don’t need anyone to do it for you.
So girls, every time he doesn’t text you back, ignores you in the hallway, doesn’t like your new Facebook picture or is just a genuine idiot, lock yourself in your room, turn in this playlist and remind yourself you are totally awesome and in 4 days time you would have forgotten all about it, promise.
Oh, one more thing…
I’M A SURVIVOR, I’M NOT GON’ GIVE UP, I’M NOT GON’ STOP, I’M GON’ WORK HARDER.