Why Do Some Songs Feel Like They Were Written for Us?

Have you ever felt that you had a feeling that was easier to understand and explain throughout music? Sometimes a song can translate exactly how we feel, as if the artist had read our mind. This happens with several different songs, but it is all due to their unique way of capturing emotions, making personal situations feel more universal, as if many other people were feeling the same thing. 

There are several reasons why you feel like you deeply connect with the music, one of them is the lyrics, the best relatable songs don't focus on a certain situation, they talk about general emotions, making the stories on the songs feel personal. When talking about lyrics, Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams are experts in this area. Most of Taylor Swift’s songs feel like they are reliving memories; she can turn her own experiences into very relatable narratives. Some songs like: “All Too Well (10 Minutes Version) (Taylor's Version)”, “You Belong With Me (Taylor's Version)”, “So High School” and many others, are perfect examples of how specific the lyrics are based on some experiences Taylor had,  making you feel like your situation was described in the songs.  

Gracie Abrams follows kind of the same pattern, which is shown in the following songs: “Mess It Up”, “Risk”, “Friend” and “Free Now”. Her songs feel emotional, but at the same time, they leave room for listeners to connect with them in their own way. She writes about feelings like regret, uncertainty, and missing someone, but instead of telling a super detailed story, she keeps the lyrics relatable enough that everyone can see themselves in them. That's what makes her music so special and loved, it feels like she's putting into words emotions that are complicated and hard to explain.

Beyond the lyrics, the sounds and melody also enhance the emotion, the experts in this area are Gracie Abrams, with "I Miss You, I’m Sorry", “I know it won't work”, “That's So True” and “Blowing Smoke” and Billie Eilish, with “when the party’s over”, “watch” and “Happier Than Ever”. The way a song is produced, the instruments, the beat, rhythm, and even the softness and intensity of the vocals, can make the emotions in the lyric feel even stronger. Gracie Abrams, for example, often uses soft, breathy vocals and simple instrumentals to create a deep and emotional atmosphere. Her songs feel almost like a diary entry, making listeners connect with them on a personal and deeper level. On the other hand, Billie Eilish plays a lot with contrast in her songs. In “when the party’s over”, her quiet, layered vocals make the song feel affective and sad, while in “Happier Than Ever”, the slow build-up that explodes, similarly, into a rock styled ending makes the emotions feel even more intense, giving a sense of frustration and the “explosion” of feelings. These artists show that sometimes, it's just not what is being said in a song (lyrics), but how it sounds (the melody) that makes it touch the sore spot.

Another big reason why some songs may feel more personal is the connection between the artist and their audience. When an artist shares their emotions more freely and openly, listeners feel like they truly understand them and end up creating an invisible string with the artist. Taylor's songs that show that are “Enchanted (Taylor's Version)", “Long Live (Taylor's Version)” and “The Archer”. One specific song from Gracie creates a sense of connection between the audience and the artists, strengthening the invisible string, the song is “21”. As for Olivia Rodrigo, she makes her listeners feel like they're living through her experiences with her. Songs like “drivers license”, “traitor” and “happier”  are filled with raw emotions, making it easy for the fans to relate. Her lyrics feel like a personal conversation, almost like a friend is telling you a story, or they're giving you advice. This sensitivity strengthens the bond between the artist and their listeners, making their music feel even more special and relatable.

Relatable songs are more than just words and melodies. They are reflections of real emotions and experiences, told in a way that makes people feel understood. Artists like Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish remind us that no matter what we are going through, someone has felt it too, and turned it into music. And maybe that's why music feels so special; it doesn't just describe feelings, it helps us process them. Whether it's a song that brings you comfort during tough times or one that perfectly captures a joyful moment, music has a way of making us feel less alone. In the end, the right song at the right time can be more than just a soundtrack, it can be a reminder that our emotions are valid, relatable and shared by other people.