In our first Survivor’s Playlist, we compiled a bevy of songs, with your help, to uplift, inspire, console and sometimes let you scream your rage out (that’s important, too). Music has long held that unique ability to touch a certain part of our psyche, the part that helps us tap into strong emotions, an especially important aspect for survivors of domestic violence who’ve long-felt their emotions stifled by a controlling abuser. And for those who can’t tap into those emotions on their own, there are also music therapists who can help.

Research has shown music can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression, sometimes going so far as to end destructive thoughts of suicide. As cheesy as it may sound, music provides the soundtrack to our life experiences, expressing our feelings in a way we may not be able to on our own.

As such, we asked survivors what songs are resonating with them right now—current or past hits—and compiled a new playlist for your listening pleasure, starting with the Dixie Chicks newest release, aptly name “Gaslighter.” Released in May, it’s no wonder this one has become a theme song for survivors. “Tried to say I'm crazy, babe, we know I'm not crazy, that's you. Gaslighting, you're a li-li-li-liar ... oh, honey, that's you.” Read more about gaslighting here and head over to YouTube to watch Licensed Clinical Psychologist Ramani Durvasula’s take on the song, “Gaslighter.”

“Gaslighter,” Dixie Chicks

“Because of You,” Kelly Clarkson

“Better Man,” Little Big Town

“Black Eyes, Blue Tears,” Shania Twain

“Brand New Me,” Alicia Keys

“Burn the Ships,” For King and Country

“Caribbean Blue,” Enya

“Control,” Janet Jackson

“Fighter,” Christina Aguilera

“Free Bird,” Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Hallelujah,” Allison Crowe

“Hit the Ground,” Lizz Wright

“Hurts 2B Human,” P!nk feat. Khalid

 “I Am Here,” P!nk

“I’m Still Standing,” Elton John

“I Don’t Wanna Fight,” Tina Turner

“Lay Your Head on My Shoulder,” John Legend

“Learn to Let Go,” Kesha

“Masterpiece,” Pistol Annies

“My Give a Damn’s Busted,” Jo Dee Messina 

“Not Ready to Make Nice,” Dixie Chicks

“Oceans,” Hillsong United

“Over It,” Katherine McPhee

“Over You,” Daughtry

“Positive Role Model,” Pet Shop Boys

“Praying,” Kesha

“Rise,” Skillet

“Roar,” Katy Perry

“Sailing,” Christopher Cross

“Set Fire to the Rain,” Adele

“Shining,” DJ Khaled, Feat. Beyoncé and Jay-Z 

“Sober,” P!nk

“Something in the Water,” Carrie Underwood

“Sound of Madness,” Shinedown

“So What,” P!nk

“Tell Your Heart to Beat Again,” Danny Gokey

“The First Cut is the Deepest,” Sheryl Crow

“Try,” P!nk

“The Sun is Rising,” Britt Nicole

 “Til It Happens to You,” Lady Gaga

“Titanium,” David Guetta

“Unbreakable,” Jamie Scott

“Warrior,” Demi Lovato

“You Learn,” Alanis Morissette

“You Say,” Lauren Daigle

A Ready-to-Go Playlist

We’ve made all the songs from above into a free playlist on Spotify! Click and enjoy. 

Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash.