Cuz Breakin' Up is Hard To Do

I don't really have any reason for this post. And don't let this list put a damper on your upcoming weekend. This is not my intention here.

So it's not like I've broken up with someone lately, or am still bitter about someone breaking up with me, or even am thinking about off-ing myself in my bedroom some lonely night. It's not like I've been listening to tons of break up songs, either. It's nothing even close to any of that.

I just think that everyone, no matter who you are, needs time to be pathetic and depressed and sad after a relationship has ended. Even if it's for the best that the relationship has ended, it's never a pleasant experience severing some of the feelings that were there when things were good. This is all part of human nature, I believe. And as with anything in life really, music just makes it better. Or in this case, I guess worse would be the better word.

So making a list of the Top 5 break up songs just feels like the right thing to do. And I am all about doing the right thing, dammit. So here goes, counting down from five to number one.

5. I Still Miss Someone - Johnny Cash

This is a classic from the Man in Black. I know this one is a bit old, but hey, old people had to break up with each other back in the day right? So back at the Enchantment Under The Sea dance, there had to be some poor loner in the corner, while Marty McFly was jamming to Johnny B. Goode, feeling really really sorry for himself and missing his old lady. This is the song he went home and played on his record player. Oh, by the way, anything Johnny Cash is timeless.

4. Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap

The first time I heard this song was actually in the movie The Last Kiss. While the movie was kind of good but also kind of disappointing, this song is a perfect break up song. With all the sadness required to make one even more depressed/confused than they usually are after a break up happens. The part of the movie that the song plays at is where everyone in the movie simultaneously breaks up at the same time. Good movie and good song.

3. Evaporated - Ben Folds Five

This song is the sad counterpart of Ben Folds Five's break up song called Song For the Dumped. In that song, Ben counsels his ex-girl to "give me my money back, you b***h" and "and don't forget my black t-shirt." Yeah, you better not forgot his black t-shirt, dammit. Classic stuff. But this list is more about being sad and depressed rather than angry. This song Evaporated is a great song, if you wanna feel just that...evaporated. Most people (even those who are perfectly happy) when they hear this song playing, have to control their tears and stop them from flowing. But not me, of course. So if you haven't ever heard this song, do yourself a favor and go and listen to it. You will find it very handy for your next break up. I promise.

2. What Went Wrong - Blink 182

I had a hard time picking between this one and the number one song on this list. This song could pretty much be considered a co-champion of sad, depressing songs. This song is pretty hardcore and to the point. I think the line "what went wrong? cuz you said this was right...you f***ed up my life" covers the theme of the song pretty well. This song is a little bit angry, but mostly sad and confused. Like every poor lonely soul who breaks up should be....sad and confused.

1. Screaming Infidelities - Dashboard Confessional

Did you honestly think that a song from Dashboard wasn't going to be on the list?!? You should have known better. To me, this is the number one best (if you can use that word in this instance) song to listen to after you break up with someone. Chris Carrabba sings in this song what we are all singing in our little broken hearts when we've ended a relationship. It's funny, because most people don't really like to admit that they like Dashboard or listen to much Dashboard. They'll say something like "No way dude, I don't listen to that crap. It's too damn depressing for me." And then I say, "Call me next time your girl breaks up with you. Then we'll see how you're feelin about things."

So there you have it. I know I haven't done much in the way of making lists, but I promise there will be more to come.

(Oh and just FYI, Dashboard Confessional could easily fill up all the spots on a top 26 or so of best break up songs, not to mention round out an easy top 5. But that wouldn't be any fun, right? Maybe my next list should be Top 5 Dashboard songs that I have tried to kill myself while listening to. Whaddya think? Good idea?)