A playlist with songs representing a day in August

Driving through August
By Sonam Kaloti, Arts Editor

August holds a special power in the year. It’s the ultimate juxtaposition month being the end of summer, while also representing new beginnings. Certain situations and feelings occur more in August: breakups before life gets hectic again with back-to-school season, a final chance for a summer romance, dread towards the sneaking-up summers end, the joy of still having another month to mess around under the sticky sun, and so on. Here’s a playlist that travels along these events and feelings throughout a day in August:

Morning

You just woke up and it’s already sunny outside. Enjoy it while it lasts, because a 7am wakeup call in four months will look like the dead of night. You have work. Despite being tired, you turn your music on and get ready for the day on hype mode.

“I Feel Alive?” – COIN

If there’s any way to wake up in a good mood, it’s knowing how fantastic being alive is. When you’re truly in that mind state, nothing feels better than just screaming “I FEEL ALIVE!” and as COIN continues, “we’re okay, yeah we’re okay!”

“Work Bitch” – Britney Spears

“You want a Lamborghini? / Sip martinis? / Look hot in a bikini? You better work, bitch!” When Britney tells you what to do, you listen.

Lunch

Ah, a break. As you mindlessly scroll your feeds on an outdoor patio, you hear a familiar text ding. Oh, you’re getting broken up with! Luckily, if anything, he beat you to it. Moving forward—damn, this banh mi is amazing. Let’s listen to some harder music instead of thinking about that mess.

“Sound of Where’d U Go” – Illenium, Said The Sky, 1788-L

“No, don’t come find me, I won’t be here waiting / I so can do it alone / You’re not worth staying.” Well isn’t that the mood right now. With one of the hardest drops, this song is the best to represent your current internal workings.

“oops!” – Yung Gravy

Their loss. Time to turn up on the patio deck. You’re going to be doing inconspicuous footwork your whole walk back to work with this one. Who cares about anything—seriously. Let’s just vibe.

Afternoon

Now, you’re not exactly sad as you finish up your work, but something’s happening. Feelings… who needs ‘em?

“Superposition” – Young the Giant

“Why don’t we collide the spaces that divide us? I want you to want me,” yeah… it’s okay to mope a little.

“Miracle, Baby” – Nothing But Thieves

They say be careful what you wish for, and you may have a lot of wishes stacked up right now. Take it from Nothing But Thieves, “You need a miracle, baby / But I wouldn’t wait too long / It’s not gonna save ya.”

Dinner

Over it. It’s refreshing to be back in the world as a strong and independent person, and you’re excited to find yourself again. Spices are floating in the air, and your windows are open. You can save the leftovers for tomorrow.

“Woman” – Kesha

“I’m a motherfuckin’ woman! Baby, alright! I don’t need a man if he holds me too tight,” that’s real. This song is all-around fun-loving and inspirational at the same time. Even Kesha starts laughing midway through the second verse.

“6PM In New York” – Drake

What more is there to say besides, “Oh, you gotta love it, oh, you got—oh, you gotta love it.”

Evening

Taking a walk with your dog and thinking about how grateful you are that you’re alive and it’s the perfect temperature of warm with a cool breeze, and of how beautiful the sky is as the sun sets. How you did good at work today, and you have beach plans with friends tomorrow. How you’re free and ready to have a hot girl summer.

“Lemonade” – Internet Money, Gunna, Don Toliver, NAV

This song just makes me feel good. Don’t know what they put in there, but it’s a guaranteed good time.

“Look at the Sky” – Porter Robinson

This one has a bright outlook on the future, with the chorus singing, “Look at the sky, I’m still here / I’ll be alive next year / I can make something good.” A perfect way to end off any day: hopeful for a new start and great tomorrow.

August days are meant to be enjoyed, especially after the last year and a half. People are getting vaccinated and come September we should be back in full swing. Things are looking up and there’s nothing that should keep you from looking up, too.