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The GW Hatchet

AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904

The GW Hatchet

Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet

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The music of love (good and bad)

A nasty breakup or a lonely heart can make Valentine’s Day unbearable, but Hatchet Arts has got you covered. We’ve compiled two sets of songs – love songs and breakup songs – in honor of the holiday. So whether you’re popping champagne with your love or drowning your sorrows with something stronger, we’ve got a playlist to suit your mood.

Love stinks

“A Case of You” , Joni Mitchell
Off her classic breakup album “Blue,” this song features Joni Mitchell expressing her longing for her missing love in a refreshingly quantifiable way.

“That Look You Give That Guy” , Eels
In this song about unrequited love, Eels’ singer Mark “E” Everett dispels the myth that it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

“I’m So Tired” , The Beatles
John Lennon’s ragged, weary vocals on this track embody the physical and mental exhaustion of a broken heart.

“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” , Bob Dylan
Feel better about any breakup with this classic Dylan song. Listen to the beautiful melody and wicked lyrics with a bottle of wine while remembering: I’m better off without you; so long.

“Heartless” , Kanye West
If you’re the scorned lover, take comfort in knowing Kanye understands how it feels to have a heartless asshole mess you over.

“Laura” , Girls
Know you’ve been a jerk? Wishing you could still be friends? This song sums it all up (and in the catchiest way).

“Relator” , Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson
Don’t let the bright, bouncy tune fool you; this couple (voiced perfectly by Johansson and Yorn) has nothing in common, and neither person is willing to compromise.

“Slave” , The Rolling Stones
Finally finished with an overbearing significant other? Celebrate with this raw Stones track – before you realize that it’s Valentine’s Day and you’re single.

“Who Loves The Sun” , The Velvet Underground
Who loves the sun? Certainly not people who have been dumped – singer Lou Reed will be staying indoors for a while.

“You’re So Last Summer”, Taking Back Sunday
Hearken back to your high school breakups – maybe this song was played, maybe not, but the important thing is you got over him/her. You’ll get over this one, too.


Love is all you need

“These Old Shoes” , Deer Tick
A much more sincere version of Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” this song is beautiful with its folksy tune and desperate determination to reach a lover at all costs.

“Someone To Watch Over Me” , Ella Fitzgerald
Valentine’s Day can suck for those of us who have no one to love (or hate). Ella reminds us, however, that waiting is worth it – just so long as that special person hurries up!

“Such Great Heights” , Iron and Wine/The Postal Service
Whether you prefer Iron and Wine or The Postal Service, this song is a great anthem for long-distance relationships everywhere.

“If Not For You” , George Harrison
Harrison’s version is simple, sweet and genuine; a good combination for a love song.

“Waste” , Phish
Grab an acoustic guitar, Google some tabs, and learn this song right now. It’s a simple confession: “Come waste your time with me.” That’s all anyone really needs.

“At Last” , Etta James
Etta manages to vocalize the moment great love is realized.

“Something” , The Beatles
Written by a lustful George Harrison, this Beatles song is a classic that has been wooing Valentines past and present. Its future is looking pretty good, too.

“First Day of My Life” , Bright Eyes
Oberst writes a song on the confessions and commitment of new love, but without the clichés. Perhaps the loveliest aspect of this song is its music video: Youtube it and see for yourself.

“I’ll Follow You Into the Dark” , Death Cab for Cutie
A song that gives a new perspective on, “Till death do us part.”

Compiled by Rachel Wallace, Lindsey Reilly and Caroline Coppel.

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