A Favorite #ThursdayTherapyTune for #Depression

The Song: Blue Skies

Artist:  Noah and the Whale

This is HANDS DOWN my favorite song EVER for working through depression in therapy. It is not as versatile as many of the songs I share on the blog, but the purpose it serves, it serves amazingly well. Though one may think the song is about a relationship when first listening or reading the lyrics, remember that a “relationship” can be between many other things than just another person. In addition, it does not necessarily have to be a romantic relationship and can represent family members or friends. Remember it is all in how the listener interprets the song in therapy. So here are the three main reasons why I love using this song when working with depression:

1. Relatable- The lyrics so beautifully capture thoughts of someone suffering from depression and are inviting to the listener as they open the song up to be “for” people in the same situation: “This is a song for anyone with a broken heart…who can’t get out of bed…” In addition, there is the comforting ending phrase which is repeated, “I know that it’s hard”, which expresses empathy to the listener and reassures them that they are not alone.

2. Positivity– Now that the listener is captured and engaged, the meaningful lyrics begin to emerge with a glimmer of hope to continue on and find happiness moving through the dark into the light. …I’ll do anything to be happy… Cause blues skies are calling… Blue skies are coming… It’s time to leave those feelings behind…” So many songs which express depression tend to stay in the negative realm. This is not necessarily a bad thing for certain people who need to express themselves and their negative thoughts, however having positivity in the lyrics is perfect for beginning to move forward in therapy. We don’t want to keep the listener in the dark and rather let them express and move forward towards a more positive outlook.

3. Realization- The best part of the song is the singer’s realization that it’s time to make a change and that it is a tough situation that needs to be worked through. “…It’s time to leave those feelings behind… I know we can’t keep going… I know that it’s hard…” This is an especially important concept when working through depression, as the person suffering needs to be empowered to take action to improve their situation, which will in turn help alleviate depressive symptoms.

So take a listen to Noah and the Whale’s “Blue Skies”. They have some great music for therapy with relatable lyrics which can be so useful in working through emotional issues with certain settings. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!