"To Build a Home," The Cinematic Orchestra
Listening to the driving strings in the chorus of “To Build a Home” makes me think of movement—the turning of wheels or running through fields—to meet the person I’ve been missing. Paired with its slow, wistful verses, this song is ideal for long spells of daydreaming.
"Swallowed in the Sea," Coldplay
Coldplay is always my go-to in times of distress. The cryptic metaphors, passionate vocals, and building guitars of “Swallowed in the Sea” act as an emotional detox, making every one of your feelings pour out all at once. Hope, agony, and desire all flood over you listening to this underrated track.
"Home," Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
The perfect song to reminisce to, “Home” allows you to laugh at all of the old jokes that only you and your love would understand. Through the five minutes of whistling, tambourine, and belting, this song summarizes the one thing you want: to be “home,” back with your other half.
"You and I," Ingrid Michaelson
Sure, Ingrid Michaelson may rhyme “France,” “dance,” and “ants,” but “You and I” is no joke. While its overwhelmingly lovely, whimsical lyrics and strumming ukulele may only deepen the wounds of heartbreak, this tune’s sweet outlook on the future reminds you that blue skies will surely come again.
"Time to Run," Lord Huron
Despite the sorrow distance may bring, no number of miles can silence love. “Time to Run” will make you want to jump up out of the fetal position and proclaim that though he or she may be far away, you have found the one.
"Rivers and Roads," The Head and the Heart
Though it begins softly, I cannot listen to “Rivers and Roads” without belting out its final chorus. The song continuously builds from a humble, folksy tune to one of sheer, unashamed determination. “Rivers and Roads” is the be-all-end-all of long-distance love songs as it takes you through all of your melodramatic, histrionic, yet totally necessary phases: the mourning, contemplation, hopefulness, and finally, the resolve to persevere until a better day.