The New York Times’ advice column, “Social Q’s,” got a query from a recently dumped girl who just couldn’t seem to cheer up. Writer Philip Galanes pointed out that the proper soundtrack can get you grooving to your own gloom! He singled out Pink’s new anthem about getting back out there after her own divorce, “So What.” He then encouraged the sad soul to sing along at full blast until it became her new mantra: So, so what/I’m still a rock star/I’ve got my rock moves/And I don’t need you.Yeah, that’s some solid (as a rock) advice! But Pink isn’t the only one who has weathered the storm after a split.
Since misery loves company, here are The Frisky’s picks for beating the blues to get you back in the mood to be your butt-kicking self!
1. “Believe,” Cher
Well I know that I’ll get through this
’Cause I know that I am strong
I don’t need you anymore.
After her divorce from Sonny Bono, she strutted around in a full body leather g-string on a ship full of marines. Those boys may protect our freedom, but Cher certainly knows how celebrate hers!
2. “Smile,” Lily Allen
At worst I feel bad for a while
but then I just smile, I go ahead and smile.
This sadistic little ditty is guaranteed to at least get a smirk out of you. When someone hurts you, it’s always nice to get the final laugh.
3. “The Sign,” Ace of Base
I saw the sign and it opened up my mind
And I am happy now living without you
I’ve left you, ooohhh!
After a split, even if you didn’t see it coming, you can totally trace back the details that drove you two apart. It’s gratifying to take credit for being able to read the signs and it’s even better when you can groove to the bragging.
4. “When the Heartache Is Over,” Tina Turner
Time to move on with my life now
Leaving the past all behind
I can make my own decisions
It was only a matter of time
Sometimes I look back in anger
Thinking about all the pain
But I know that I’m stronger without you
And that I’ll never need you again.
Ms. Turner is a breakup inspiration and she has lived to tell the tale. The sexy sexagenarian got away from abusive Ike, made it on her own terms, and now we all applaud her performance.
5. “Bye, Bye, Bye,” N’Sync
I loved you endlessly
When you weren’t there for me
So now it’s time to leave and make it alone.
This empowering goodbye is a kiss off you can pop and lock to. You know this is probably what JT sang to his ex-boyfriends Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, and Chris Kirpatrick.
6. “Survivor,” Destiny’s Child
Now that you’re out of my life
I’m so much better
You thought that I’d be weak without you
But I’m stronger
You thought that I’d be broke without you
But I’m richer
You thought that I’d be sad without you
I laugh harder.
Beyoncé breaks it down for the dude who tried to break her heart.
7. “Since You Been Gone,” Kelly Clarkson
But since you’ve been gone
I can breathe for the first time
I’m so moving on, yeah yeah
Thanks to you, now I get, what I want
Since you’ve been gone.
Well, now that Kelly’s rich and famous she’s really gotten what she wants. It’s too bad for her ex, but she’s only profited from his loss.
8. “I Will Survive,” Cake
At first I was afraid, I was petrified
I kept thinking I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights just thinking how you’d done me wrong
And I grew strong
I learned how to get along.
There is just something extra pathetic, er, heartwarming about grungy dudes singing a classic disco track about a split. What pussies! If their career can survive covering Gloria Gaynor, then you can make it through anything!
