There comes a time in so many queer lives when we realize we can no longer be the person our family wants us to be. For any number of reasons, for some of us it becomes unavoidably apparent that we must “break up” with our family. Sometimes they give us a choice, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes we live out of cars and sometimes we buy the first ticket we can afford and pick a destination on the board. We sleep on couches, on floors, in the seats of bus stations. We doubt our own strength, until we realize nothing will ever stand in our way.
You know the scene where the main character packs a suitcase and hops a train? This is the soundtrack to that scene. If you’re trying your hardest to be independent, or just got kicked out of your house, this is for you. Maybe you’re living in your own place for the first time, or flying across the country to take a chance on a job no one wanted you to take. Maybe you haven’t heard from your parents in weeks, and you’re wondering if you’ll ever be allowed to come home again. No matter what anyone has told you, no matter how impossible it feels to keep going sometimes, you can do it. You are stronger and better than you believe. If you’re hesitating, just go. Pack up your things and book that ticket. You can do this.
Go Your Own Way
[STREAM THE PLAYLIST HERE]
Never Going Back Again –Â Fleetwood Mac
Graceland (Paul Simon Cover) –Â The Tallest Man on Earth
Wrecking Ball – Gillian Welch
Going To California – Led Zeppelin
I’ll Fly Away – Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch
Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard – Paul Simon
Born To Run – Bruce Springsteen
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
BONUS TRACK: Survivor – Destiny’s Child
Tell me your favorite independent-minded tracks below.
Want to suggest a playlist theme? Hit Crystal up on Formspring and someone on the team will make it for you.
