Upon reviewing my 2022 song selects, I can’t help but think to myself that the majority of these songs contributed to my personal restoration and growth. This year was without a doubt my most stressful year in this past decade – one where I was constantly in my head and spending a lot of unnecessary time and valuable time on superficial things.
It’s an unbearable and indescribable feeling to be a person that has so much free will, yet feels bounded and unable to breathe. Looking back now, I realized that I was so conflicted because I was trying to find a solution to a problem that wasn’t meant to be solved. At the end of the day, what’s broken is broken and there is only so much you can do and we have to know when to take a step back. I learned a lot from this year about letting go and not trying to fix something that is already broken.
1 – “Walk Away” by Mina Okabe
The meaning behind this song is about feeling uncertain and conflicted about deciding to either walk away or wait around to be proven wrong. This song is literally the story of my life this past year, as I have found myself more often than I’d like to admit conflicted in investing even more time in others or just let go and walk away. Lesson learned: be open to giving chances but know when it’s time to walk away.
“You’re messing with my head’ / Cause I wait for you / Maybe I’ve misread all the things you do / Looking for a reason to stay / Why can’t I walk away / Walk away, away from you?”
2- 如果可以
If you’ve watched the movie ‘月老,‘ you would know that this was the theme song for that movie. I’ve never heard Weibird‘s songs before, but I loved how fitting his voice was for this song. Fun note: This was also probably the second or third song that I learned how to sing at KTV!
3 – 踊り子) by Vaundy
After two years of Japan’s borders being closed off to tourism, it finally reopened and I was able to celebrate New Year’s with my sister! In lieu with this song’s backstory, I definitely felt like I’ve emerged from this trip stronger and more independent. I don’t understand Japanese but this song’s chorus just encourages adventure and makes me exhilarated to be on the go. An incredibly appropriate song to ring in the new year of 2023.
“Nothing’s gonna change my love for you” by Khalil Fong
This song is memorable to me because upon climbing to the top of Yushan, Taiwan’s highest mountain, one of the highlights of this year, we were able to witness an actual live engagement happen at the top of the mountain – what a surprise! The groom had played this song in the background and it felt so weirdly fitting with the scenery. And in case you’re wondering, she said ‘YES!’
