Valentine’s Day–a day that is cherished by some, begrudgingly celebrated by others, and spat upon by edgy teens newly learning about the capitalist structure we live under–it inspires so many different emotions. While some choose to spend the day showing appreciation to their partner, counter-celebrations that go against the commercial, like Galentine’s Day, have popped up in recent years. Romantic relationships are undeniably important to our lives, but the other pieces of the relationship pie come in the form of friends and family.
This one-day-after-V-Day, SCAD Radio has decided to highlight songs about the other relationships in our lives. Without further ado, here are five songs about non-romantic relationships that hold personal significance for me:
- “You’ve Got a Friend” – Carole King
The album Tapestry has become somewhat of a comfort record for me. Pretty much every song on the tracklist is notable–King was an absolute powerhouse of a songwriter. “You’ve Got a Friend” exemplifies the type of friendships that I strive for. Deep, honest, and supportive.
- “I Love My Dog” – Yusuf/Cat Stevens
It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to have a dog–”dog” was actually my first word. For twenty years of my life, it seemed like I’d have to wait until I had my own means to raise a pooch. Then COVID-19 changed all of our lives, and my parents finally caved and got my dog, Finn. Before picking up our little Australian Shepherd pup, I made a playlist of as many songs about dogs that I could find. “I Love My Dog” is the heart and soul of it, and I may or may not have danced with my dog to it in my living room.
- “Person Person” – Mirah
One of the most unexpected difficulties that college brought was being torn between two places. I’ve grown up in one place my whole life, and that’s something that I took for granted. After experiencing loneliness and then fighting through that to make really close friends, it was difficult to return home only to miss an entirely different set of people. “Person Person” perfectly encapsulates the feeling of missing friends and wishing that everyone could just be all together and the tension of wanting to come back, but needing to be away.
- “Takeshi and Elijah” – The Music Tapes
Julian Koster has the ideal outlook. He’s managed to find a way to hold onto a youthful joy despite the insidious workings of the world. “Takeshi and Elijah” captures that rare perspective of warm nostalgia and closely held memories. There’s even a reference to his former band, the deified indie giant Neutral Milk Hotel. This song is brimming with magic. It brings me back to the time of attending house shows and discovering that I’m not alone in the world, with my strange tastes and lofty artistic aspirations.
- “Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
Though I’ve discussed memory quite a lot, this one really brings me back. At a glance, “Isn’t She Lovely” is perhaps one of the most widely known songs about love for one’s offspring. Upon hearing this song, my mom will cry. As a kid, I remember watching PBS and a little segment featuring the song would come on, stopping our household to be danced to. It’s so strange to remember a time before pretty much everything in my life occurred, but absolutely wonderful that a song can bring one back to a place like that.
Happy late Valentine’s Day to you and yours, from SCAD Radio! Check out an entire playlist of non-romantic love songs put together by our volunteers.
