Here’s Your Soundtrack To The Fall of The Patriarchy
From the Indigo Girls to Lizzo, these 15 songs make us feel powerful.
If it feels to you like the world is a little, well, unfriendly toward women right now, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of depressing news and progress can feel slow–even backward. That’s why we need to give ourselves the time and space to release our frustrations, both large and small. And what better way to do that than by cranking up some women-centric tunes?
Which is why we asked The Persistent contributors for their favorite songs to add to our ultimate soundtrack to the fall of the patriarchy. Whether you’re organizing a protest or just dancing around your living room, put this playlist on in the background for an instant burst of empowerment–and joy. We could all use some more of both.
As a queer woman, I thought Chappell Roan's breakthrough album "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" album was perfection. The joy, the heartbreak, the rejection of norms – and all of it completely unrelated to men.
— Lucy Webster, contributing writer
Several years ago when I was having a particularly difficult time I would blast Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” in my headphones on my morning commute. "Why men great 'til they gotta be great?" Why indeed Lizzo, why?
— Kathleen Davis, executive editor
I defy anyone not to feel invigorated after listening to P!nk’s “Try.” And because I can’t stop at just one song, when I’m exhausted by discrimination against women, I feel vindicated when I listen to Taylor Swift’s “The Man.”
— Luba Kassova, contributing writer
Listening to the Indigo Girls reminds me of being in high school blasting "Closer to Fine" and dancing in a field with my friends. Their lyrics and harmonies resonated with me years ago and they still do now. More recently, I discovered Grace Abrahams. I love the rawness and honesty in all her songs but my 8-year-old daughter and I especially love dancing to "That's So True." There is something about it that makes me catch my breath and try not to break down over the thought of future heartaches ahead for my daughter.
— Ginanne Brownell, contributing writer
Lily Allen's "West End Girl" should be the soundtrack for anyone dealing with a cheating, lying partner. It's boldly feminist. It's funny. It's heartbreaking. It's an entire novel within an album. Speaking of getting over heartbreak, there’s nothing like Taylor Swift's extended version of "All Too Well" and Kacey Musgraves's 2021 "star-crossed" feels empowering and healing.
— Deborah Copaken, contributing writer
Ironically, my husband introduced me to the Lambrini Girls and the song “Big Dick Energy.” Their rage-infused punk isn't my usual cup of tea, but what's not to like about two women screaming "How big is that dick in reality?/It's not that big." Truly, it’s a song to make the biggest man feel small.
I also have to mention songs that invent a word, then list the attributes of that word. They truly do a service to humanity. TLC’s “No Scrubs” is a perfect example. If you’ve missed out on this, a “scrub” is a guy who “thinks he's fine/also known as a busta/always talkin about what he wants/And just sits on his broke ass.” Play it to your daughters, thank me later.
— Emma Haslett, Managing Editor
I got acquainted with Alicia Keys’ "Girl on Fire" years ago when I was a regular at a Zumba class at my gym. My instructor started using it for a cool down song and every time I heard it I felt...a sort of quiet power. I'm sure that feeling was partly post-dancing endorphins, but the song got under my skin and I started playing it whenever I wanted to feel both feminine and invincible.
— Denise Schipani, contributing writer
"Venom" by Little Simz helps me get through it when the patriarchy makes life suck.
— Han Goldstein, Social Media Manager
Anything by Kate Bush. Listening to her music while knowing that she is playing her own instruments and being her full weirdo brilliant self is pretty empowering.— Cat Willett, Illustrator
What would you get if Erykah Badu, an ocean breeze, and a dash of Tori Amos collaborated on an album? The closest I can come up with (and it still doesn’t do her justice) is British singer-songwriter Cleo Sol. Her blend of mellow, melodic crooning and soothing vocals and lyrics have tamed many a frazzle in my mind–and remind me to love myself and to keep trying. Her 2023 song "Self" is my favorite. It’s the combination of fierceness wrapped in gentleness that reminds me that my relationship with myself is the most important thing.
— Grace L. Williams, contributing writer
Listen to The Persistent’s Soundtrack To The Fall of the Patriarchy here
What songs would you add to our playlist? Send your recommendations to hello@thepersistent.com. We’ll be back with more recommendations next Friday!
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