5 karaoke songs to perform at home—and process your emotions—during the pandemic
Grab your phone, pull up the lyrics, and sing your feelings.
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Here we are. Still in it. Many of you may be living alone, separated from friends and family. And those of you living with roommates, friends, or family are beginning to wish you were isolating alone. It’s a lot. What’s left to do but sing?
You don’t need an audience for karaoke. If you are social distancing with roommates, awesome. They will definitely love this. If not, it’s no matter. Grab your phone, pull up the lyrics, and sing your feelings. Your cat is here for it.
I’ve been using karaoke to process my emotions at least since the 2016 election. In the time of the coronavirus pandemic, I’m so upset, lonely, and stressed out that I could scream; and I will—into my bluetooth mic alone in the bedroom.
Here are five song choices for all of us while we practice social distancing.
“It’s The End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by REM
I don’t actually feel fine but I am so ready to yell “Leonard! Bernstein!” at the top of my lungs, and so are your neighbors next door, and I actually think that may help.
“When Doves Cry” by Prince
I use this song as both an end times anthem and a harbinger of change. The song (and my emotions) are a little bit all over the place—a perfect metaphor for my day to day at home with my family. I wake up feeling so hopeful, but by dinnertime I’m so worn out and wonder: “Why do we scream at each other?” Maybe it’s the dishes in the sink.
“Mad World” by Tears for Fears
Self-explanatory. I guess you could do the Gary Jules version from my favorite movie ever, but that probably means you’re a millennial. I actually prefer this synthy, slightly harder edge of the original. (Also you are not going to top this version performed by TFF’s Curt Smith and his daughter Diva last week.)
“Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & the Pips
Remember when we could travel? At this point it’s going to be a virtual train. Sit back and enjoy the ride from your couch. Let’s all dream of the day when we can go back to find a simpler place and time.
“Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles
So depressing, but pretty. And gives us just a little bit of hope, which is honestly what we’re all craving. Wipe your tears and sing it like you mean it: “Just stop your crying, it’ll be alright.” Someone (maybe you?) needs to hear this. Also, you should take a shower and change into your daytime pajamas. Harry (and I) would like to remind you that when all this is over: “We can meet again somewhere. Somewhere far away from here.”
For a fun game, just post the question on social; ask for the song you should sing next. Let the universe decide. Karaoke roulette!
I’ll be singing “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick and Friends. (Sobs from my bedroom.)
“Keep smiling, keep shining.”
What songs are getting you through this trying time? Let us know in the comments below.
Sarah Howard Parker is a writer and actress living in London. She answers your questions about karaoke (and life) at Karaoke Advice, and writes about parenting and reading for The Horn Book.
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