Movie Songs That Have a Whole New Meaning in Quarantine
We never thought we’d be relating movie songs to what it’s like to live through a pandemic, but here we are. 2020 is full of surprises. Today we’re sharing some iconic songs from film that are relatable as heck and give us hope for the future. At minimum, there are some solid song and movie recs on this list. Anything else you would add?
10. I’m Telling You I’m Not Going – Dreamgirls
“And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is a torch song from the Broadway musical and film adaptation Dreamgirls, sung by the character Effie White. Originally Effie is singing her heart out because her relationship is ending. Right now, we give it a whole new meaning. We applaud you for staying home, for resisting, for being devoted to social distancing. We applaud you for telling us you are not going to that party, function or group gathering – and just like Jennifer Hudson, we think you deserve an Academy Award for it.
9. Into the Unknown – Frozen II
“Rocketman” may have snatched the Oscar for Best Original Song, but we believe Elsa was ahead of her time with this absolute jam. In the age of coronavirus, we are really feeling all of Elsa’s inner turmoil: waking up daily feeling restless, deep diving into the unknown for weeks on end now. All this has a silver lining though: Frozen II is transformative for everyone in it. And yes, we do invite you to sing this one with the volume high. Nobody is watching, after all.
8. Lose Yourself – 8 Mile
With stay at home orders in effect, we are losing track of time, losing out on big plans, and losing ourselves in it all a bit too. And that is okay! But if you’re looking for some inspiration and motivation instead, this anthem from Eminem has some surprisingly good advice: “Lose yourself in the music, the moment.” If that does not help, we recommend you look up Weird Al Yankovic’s parody of the song and go down the rabbit hole of parodies. Another viable way to spend your quarantine.
7. Exhale (Shoop Shoop) – Waiting to Exhale
After losing yourself in all that music, don’t forget to breathe. Just breathe. Pause. Inhale and EXHALE. And if you want to do a little shoop shoop after that exhale, even better. Whitney Houston does it best in this gorgeous song! Fun fact: did you know Forest Whitaker directed the music video for “Exhale,” as well as the movie Waiting to Exhale?
6. We’re All In This Together – High School Musical
If you grew up with High School Musical, you’re probably doing the iconic dance moves from this song right now, and you’ll also probably have the tune stuck in your head for the rest of the day (sorry not sorry). Whether you love or hate this enthusiastically bubbly number, the message rings true. We are all in this together, together at home.
5. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Rock of Ages
Stacee Jax (played by Tom Cruise) interrupted a heated make out session as soon as he heard this song. Almost as powerful as Tom Cruise not wearing a shirt during the majority of this film, if we do say so ourselves. Seeing the cast of this 80s rock musical belt out Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” gives us the motivation we need to keep on going.
4. Can You Feel the Love Tonight – The Lion King
As Mayor Garcetti (LA) has been saying repeatedly: lead with love. Reach out to your neighbors, stay in touch with your family. These are of course very hard times, and a lot of people are struggling right now. Know that a small gesture of kindness (even virtually!) can have an everlasting impact on someone who is having a hard time. This Lion King ballad reminds us of the magic love can bring.
3. How Far I’ll Go – Moana
Moana was right about one thing: it definitely feels like we have been staring at the edge of the water for as long as we can remember. And who knows how far we’ll go once all of this is over. We would personally love to go to Motunui and make a little piggy friend. But first things first, staying at home helps keep our communities healthy. For a little escapism in the meantime, we highly recommend watching this Pixar film and singing along like the Disney star you are (anything’s possible if you just believe)!
2. Everybody Rejoice – The Wiz
This one gives us a spot-on reflection of what we think the common feeling will be when we can leave our homes again. Diana Ross sings, “Everybody’s glad. Because our silent fear and dread is gone. Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully.” We rejoice in knowing that we’re all doing our part to flatten the curve right now, and we rejoice in knowing that we’ll reunite on our Rooftops as soon as it is safe.
1. Everything Is Awesome – The Lego Movie
Ok, we admit: this one is a little intense. But Tegan and Sara and The Lonely Island are pretty entertaining in the music video. If you happen to have Legos in your house, now’s the time to dig them up. Make your own music video. Or simply build a new world. We leave this on one note: Everything will be awesome again.
