Let Music Be Your Boyfriend

Breaks-ups are the worst. Whether you’re the one instigating or the one taking the hit, there’s no easy way to do it. As Aristotle once said “art not only imitates nature, but also completes its deficiencies.” And that’s from a man who knew a thing or two about catharsis. So let’s take a look at what will get you through the rough patches along with friends and a couple glasses of the strong stuff.

I’m Looking Through You - The Beatles (Rubber Soul)
This Lennon/McCartney ditty comes off with great effect due to the narrator’s detachment to the situation. To be able to look back and keep walking without breaking stride ... well... there’s almost no better feeling.

Rage - Chromeo (She’s In Control)
Rage may be one of the most direct and self-aware break-up/kiss-off song. If you’re at a loss for words you can borrow some of these lyrics. And don’t let the fact that it was featured in a McDonald’s commercial fool you. This could be the most “street” you will ever sound.

Happy Break Up Song - NOFX (Always Hate Hippies)
When you first find out something particularly unpleasant that’s your time to react. Afterwards, you’ll have to play nice and be the adult you know you are. But for that one glorious moment you can have any reaction you want and no one will judge you. It’s pretty liberating. For that moment, have this song ready.

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) - Beyonce (I Am ... Sasha Fierce)
When you start to go out again and bring out your own inner-diva (remember: a diva is a female version of a hustler) nothing beats this song. Even better is trying to copy the dance. Hours of fun.

Song For the Dumped - Ben Folds Five (Whatever and Ever, Amen)
Most people know this album know for the weepy abortion clinic ballad Brick, but it also has this gem. Not everyone can get away with a great break-up song while playing old-time-y piano. That’s why we have Ben Folds.

Breakin’ Up - The Violent Femmes (New Times)
Gordon Gano writes the kind of lyrics I think I do when I’m drunk. Cutting, twisted metaphors and a killer build - let’s just say les Femmes knew of what they were speaking.

Let’s Break Up - Hayden (The Place Where We Lived)
Ontario’s own Paul Hayden Dresser wrote a beautiful little pop ditty that may take a few listens to pick up the heart-break but it somehow winds up being more uplifting and rewarding than anything in the top 40.


Back To Me - Kathleen Edwards (Back To Me)
We’d love to be the bigger person all the time, but sometimes we need to get our last few cutting remarks in. Thankfully Ms. Edwards does that in song making us all feel a little less silly.

2. Train In Vain - The Clash (London Calling)
There are few things The Clash didn’t do in their illustrious time together, thankfully in that time they recorded one of the best break-up songs ever. It deals with all the confusing emotions of someone who didn’t see it coming and is trying to pick the pieces of their life afterwards.

I Know It’s Over - The Smiths (The Queen Is Dead)
Morrisey is the patron saint of heartache and misunderstandings. When you can’t express the anger, hurt and confusion that comes out of the situation it’s time to grab the closest Smiths album.

Alex West
		About the author:
		After a five year stint in Montreal Alex moved back to her native Toronto to do her Masters and began writing for different publications. When in doubt she always asks, what would Nick Cave do? Luckily the answer almost always involves velvet, wine and writing. In her spare time she enjoys watching civil war reenactments, sharing her James Bond level charm and talking about that girl who did that thing that one time. Read more of her work at: www.scare-tactic.blogspot.com
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