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Home , About You Now, Always Love You, Another Guy, Anywhere with You, A Little Bit, Breakup song

I had form’d most of my ingenious acquaintances into a club of mu- tual improvement, which we called The Junto. -Benjamin Franklin 1 In this edition of The Junto the staff created a mixtape for all our readers for Valentine’s Day. Whether you are listening for or heartbreak, The Junto staff have got you covered this year! SIDE A

Love & Side A The Junto Valentines Day 2021 More Than Words by extreme

Isaak Torres // Copy Editor “More than words Is all you have to do to make it real, Then you wouldn't have to say, 'That you love me, 'Cause I'd already know.” This phrase from the song “More Than Words” by Extreme is what truly speaks to me. When you love someone it should be shown in your actions and not so much in your words. Whoever this song is about seems to feel that if this person’s love interest really did love him then it would be shown in actions so that way when it is finally said he would already have known. This song says love should be seen and felt and when it is finally expressed in words it should be the past experience with that person that holds the meaning. Love should be more than words and this song clearly and powerfully expresses that. by & Rachel Arzoumanian // Copy Editor

The iconic song “I Will Always Love You” was written by famous country singer Dolly Parton in 1974. Dolly wrote the song not about the end of a romantic relationship, but the end of a . Parton made the difficult decision to leave the Porter Wagner Show in 1973 to pursue an indepen- dent career after being on the show for five years. Porter Wagner did not want Dolly to leave the show and they had a disagreement over the matter. She wrote the song one evening after feeling par- ticularly upset over the situation and sang it to Wagner the next day, who was touched. Parton wrote in her song: If I should stay/I would only be in your way/And so I'll go, but I know/I'll think of you each step of the way/And I will always love you/I will always love you. The timeless lyrics can res- onate with anybody. Dolly released the song as a part of her album Jolene. The song hit No. 1 on the charts twice. Parton reportedly sang it for Wagner one last time on the day he died in 2007. The original recording of the song has a gentle country twang and is sung gently, and at some parts is al- most spoken. The song has been recorded multiple times since its original release by Parton and oth- ers, but the most iconic version by far is Whitney Houston, who recorded it for her 1992 film The Bodyguard. Houston’s version is very soulful and powerful. The song topped the for 14 weeks, became the best-selling single by a woman in music history, and is the longest running No. 1 single from a soundtrack. It’s the perfect song to mourn a lost relationship while expressing that you still appreciate the other person and wish them well. 4 Side A The Junto Valentines Day 2021 This Magic Moment by Kellie Painter // Off Leash Editor Let me tell you, I'm more of a sad song kinda gal but when it comes to “This Magic Moment” By Ben E. King and The Drifters I soon start to believe that love is actually real. I remember the first time I heard this song. My dad always makes my family and I listen to his old music in the car because it is more “classy” and I always try to tune them out as much as possible. When it came to this song though, I actually really liked it. The chorus is amazing! The lyrics “Sweeter than wine, softer than the summer night” is pure perfection. The song was re- leased in 1968, love seemed like such a simple thing back then. Today it is superficial, filled with technology and crazy expectations because love is now so commercialized. I feel as though this song depicts real happiness and genuinely good feelings as a whole. They sing about how when the mo- ment the two people kissed everything that they could ever want was right in front of them and noth- ing more. For me, it is the simplicity of the song that makes me love it.

True Love by p!nk & lily allen Julia Vinci // Copy Editor Ah, February 14th. The day that many eagerly long for, and many oth- ers wish would never arrive. It is the one day of the year a person can walk down the street holding a giant pink bear and not receive any questioning glances. For a lot of people, those who we call our friends and family are the most important people in our lives. We may not bear romantic intentions involving them, but we still carry love for them. For example, my friend Bomi is someone who is extremely precious to me. I have a ridiculous amount of love for her, even though none of it is romantic. Personally, I don’t know what genuine romantic affiliation feels like, but know songs that describe the love I have experienced. One of them is “True Love”, by P!nk, featur- ing Lily Allen. It was released in 2012, and quickly became an iconic for the ages. One of my favorite lines from this song is “At the same time, I wanna hug you, I wanna wrap my hands around your neck.” It is a song about being so annoyed with a person’s qualities that it almost seems easier to leave, but then coming to the realization that “life would suck” without them. The story that “True Love” tells is about the kind of love that may not be seamless and without bumps, but will al- ways fiercely hold in the end. My sister Sofia and I are a prime example of this kind of love. Like most sibling relationships, she and I have our similarities, but are vastly different people. We have our ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I would do anything for my sister.

5 Side A The Junto Valentines Day 2021 Beautiful Boy by john lennon

Sienna Walenciak // People Editor Some of the best love songs stray from romantic tunes and ballads. John Lennon, for example, wrote his 1981 song “Beautiful Boy” about his and Yoko Ono’s son Sean. The song opens with lyrics of Lennon comforting his son, who would have been around 6-years- old at the time of its release, after having a nightmare. “The monster’s gone, he’s on the run, and your daddy’s here.” After these opening words, the song descends into a of Lennon professing his love to Sean, how much joy his son gives him, and all the beauty his son has to offer the world, “I can hardly wait to see you come of age.” The chorus, a repeat of the song’s title over and over, further underscores the depth of Lennon’s af- fection for his son. At the end of the song, Lennon speaks rather than sings. “Goodnight, Sean. See you in the morning, bright and early.”Although “Beautiful Boy” may not be a declaration of romance, there’s no denying that Lennon’s gorgeous song to his son is a spectacular love song in its own right. Wonderwall by oasis

Mallika Pal // Places Editor

“Wonderwall” was released in 1995, written by the English rock band Oasis. It topped the charts in Australia and New Zealand, and was amongst the top ten on many other charts including Canada and the . It was written by lead singer Liam Gallagher and his brother Noel, who described the song to be about "an imaginary friend who's gonna come and save you from yourself". It begins with a soft acoustic strum and the lyrics “Today is gonna be the day that they’re gonna throw it back to you/ By now you should’ve somehow realized what you gotta do/ I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do .” These starting words imply a girl standing at a lonely crossroad in her life, with her lover (the singer) being the only one standing by her side. The song not only went vi- ral because of its sweet chords, but also because of the relatable lyrics. My favorite line to belt is “There are many things that I would like to say to you/ But I don’t know how.” Whatever physical obstacles lie in the couple’s path, they’re nothing compared with the narrator’s inability to express his feel- ings. This song hits and it is one of my favorites.

6 Side A The Junto Valentines Day 2021 La Vie En Rose by edith piaf Alania Mariano // Editor-in-Chief This french piece is a classic love song made in the 40’s originally sung by Edith Piaf. “La Vie En Rose” is a love story that explains the feeling when you first fall in love with somebody. The title means “life in pink,” or seeing life through rose colored glasses. The song compares how when you first fall in love, the world is pink and suddenly seems so much more beautiful. Although the song is most well known for being sung by American artists, such as , Bublé, and , I personally think the original is the best. Listening to this song makes me want to runaway to and never come back! Don’t Go Breaking My by & kiki lee

Colette Potter // Copy Editor “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is an absolute classic. I have lots of fond memories of belting this song in the car or with friends. Singing the duet is so much fun, and I feel like pretty much everyone knows the chorus. The song puts a smile on my face everytime I listen. Kiki Dee’s part was originally for Dusty Springfield, but she was sick when she and Elton John were supposed to record it. Kiki Lee was one of Elton John’s backup singers, and filled the place. The song, released in 1976, was based on classic . It spent four weeks at the number one Billboard spot. The song is catchy and cheerful, and a fun classic. One Less Lonely Girl by

Nailah Lockhart // Photography Editor “One Less Lonely Girl” is one of many Bieber’s classic hit songs that was released in 2009. This /R&B record fits with the subject of Valen- tines Day so well with the thoughtful lyrics. It even has a line mentioning this special holiday: “Christmas wasn’t merry, fourteenth of February, not one of ‘em spent with you.” So it definitely fits with the Valentines Day spirit. 7 Side A The Junto Valentines Day 2021 Can’t Help Falling In Love by

Gabriella Feltmann // Copy Editor In my opinion, Elvis’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is one of the most romantic songs of all time. Released in 1961 for the album Blue Hawaii, it took the #2 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, and was a hit on the British charts as well. The song tells the story of a man who can’t resist his love, and it gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is slow and sappy, and downright breathtaking. Elvis sings about how quickly he fell in love, and how he and the person he sings to, are meant to be. But my favorite line has got to be “Take my hand, take my whole life too.” He sings about giving himself fully to the person he . Whenever I hear this song, I can’t help but sing along to the lyrics. I love romantic songs like this, but so few have the same power and ability to move people like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by nina simone Branden Cunard // P.O.V Editor You cannot get more classic than this. Nina Simone’s take is, although a cover of the original, one of the most recognizable songs of all time. Covered from herself to Bette Midler in Hocus Pocus, Si- mone’s artistry is a staple piece of the music industry. Written originally by a man named Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, this blues-styled love-song told the story of someone who is going through a rough patch in a relationship where they are still in love with their significant other, even when that lover does not reciprocate those feelings. The narrator is almost enchanting their lover at this point in time to stay with them as if they’re irresistible. Simone covered the song in 1964, adding a sense of pain and a raw-voice to the already heartfelt tune. Hearing it from a woman’s perspective adds a layer of power, however. She put her lover in a trance, not wanting to let go. Asserting her dominance, per se, shows how even when hurting in a tough relationship, she wants her lover to be by her side. Simone’s vocals are raw. They’re unique. Saying that this vocality is underappreciated and underrated are understatements. I am bringing light to not just a sole song of hers. Oh no, I am merely opening my generation, and maybe even the millennial generation, up to a deep route of amazing artistry. Nina Simone wrote utter poetry on pieces of paper, hit the keys on her classical piano with mere ease, and went to town in telling a story through lyrics. She spoke up about the in- justices society had towards African-Americans during her time through her music. As someone who is a white, cis-gendered man in “modern” times, I could not imagine what it was like being a woman-of-color in the music industry at the dawn of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. What she did and how she did it was needed in order to make voices heard who were, and still are, shut down by society today and given an inferiority complex. She is a trailblazer for women-of-color in the music industry. Her legacy will never die out. 8 Side A The Junto Valentines Day 2021 First Day of My Life by bright eyes Julianna LoPiccolo // Off Leash Editor This song came out in 2005, but I hadn’t heard it until August 2020 when Stephanie Meyer released her Midnight Sun playlist. (For those of you who do not know, Midnight Sun is the newly published ver- sion of Twilight in Edward’s perspective.) The day I first listened to it, “First Day of My Life” shot to the top of my Top 25 Most Played songs, not because it is filled with the most beautiful, heart wrenching lyrics, or because it does anything novel—but for its simplicity. The acoustic guitar paired with the raspy lone vocals just —for the lack of a better phrase—does something. In just 3 min- utes and 9 seconds, Bright Eyes manages to say things like, “This is the first day of my life, I’m glad I didn’t die before I met you...I could go anywhere with you and I’d probably be happy.” And my favorite, “I’d rather be working for a paycheck than waiting to win the lottery.” Which in and of itself, describes the song—it isn’t per- fect, it is content in little victories, and doesn’t waste valuable time waiting for something unattainable. Skeleton Key by origami angel

Steven McDonald // Copy Editor

‘Skeleton Key” from the album Somewhere City is all about trusting whoever it is you love. Ignoring my submission to the mixtape for a second, the entire album is hell bent on spreading a cheerful message, such as valuing friends, hanging out for the heck of it, and spreading some happy nostalgia vibes, all delivered in classy . “Skeleton Key” is the only track on the album that is about love and companionship, and though its a relatively short song it gets its message of multifaceted and universal trust across. Origami Angel is a pretty young band with Somewhere City being their first album, which was released in 2019 and their first EP, Quiet hours, being made in 2017 and can’t recommend them enough, but if you are just here for the love then “Skeleton Key” is .

9 SIDE B

Heartbreak

10 Side B The Junto Valentines Day 2021 She Wouldn’t Be Gone by blake shelton Isaak Torres // Copy Editor “I wouldn't be beating on the dash Screaming out her name at the windshield tears soaking up my face If I had loved her this much all along, maybe maybe, yeah maybe She wouldn't be gone” Breakups are hard to say the least. “In She Wouldn’t Be Gone”, Blake Shelton takes the listener through a musical story of how he lost a love because of his mistakes. He explains how if he would have been better for her maybe she would still be around. This is relatable to many people and is the cause for the song's great success. For anyone who has been through a tough breakup, they can understand the feeling of driving around losing your mind, over thinking, and overall just losing a part of yourself. That is the essence of this song and what makes it a powerful breakup song. by

Rachel Arzoumanian // Copy Editor

American Idol Winner, two-time Grammy winner, and talk show host Kelly Clarkson released “Since U Been Gone” as a part of her album Breakaway on November 16, 2004. The song is a style song about being relieved about a breakup, as it says: But /I can breathe for the first time/I'm so moving on, yeah, yeah/Thanks to you/Now I get what I want/Since you been gone. It’s fun to rock out to, whether or not you’ve been through a breakup. It was written by and Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald with artist Pink in mind, and later was offered to Hillary Duff to sing. Clarkson was the third choice, but she killed it and gave it its distinct pop rock sound as opposed to the acoustic ballad that it was originally written as. It is an iconic breakup song that truly defined early 2000s music.

11 Side B The Junto Valentines Day 2021 A Little Bit Yours by jp saxe Kellie Painter // Off Leash Editor Sadly heartbreaks are inevitable but sometimes songs help heal the wounds. I’ll be vulnerable and let everyone know that I have a very, very long playlist dedicated just to breakup songs. That being said, I had a hard time choosing the best breakup song. I ultimately decid- ed on “A Little Bit Yours” by JP Saxe. This song is one that I just re- cently started listening to and the first few lyrics really hit home for me. It starts with, “You found someone new before me, And you didn't try nearly as hard”. Is that not just gut-wrenching? It’s the fact that you could still be broken while the other person has moved on and is happy again before you’ve healed. And when Saxe sings, “I let myself feel things I know that you don’t”, cue the waterworks! It’s the worst feeling when you know that somebody doesn’t feel the same things as you and then you have to act like you’re fine. To me, this song is extremely validating. Over- all, when it comes to breakup songs, it is more so the fact that other people have felt the same feelings the writer did. It’s knowing that I’m not alone and that these feelings will pass. Always remember to be patient and know that the right person will come along. For the time being, allow yourself to belt sappy love songs in the car, because it’s okay to do so.

Smile by lily allen

Julia Vinci // Copy Editor

For those of us that are more bitter than sweet this Valentine’s Day, the thing to remember is that many things count as love. A romantic relationship, while longed for by many, isn’t everything. On the oth- er side of the spectrum from love stands heartbreak. Just like love, heartbreak does not necessarily blossom from a failed romantic rela- tionship. While “Smile” by Lily Allen does feature a breakup, not all heartbreak has similar origin. ‘Smile’ is about coming back from heartbreak. It was released in 2006, but its popularity has recently spiked due to its appearance in a Tiktok dance challenge. The lyrics describe Allen’s previous partner cheating on her, and how she dealt with it. At first, she didn’t know how to react to being by herself. She ended the relationship, and felt bad for a short time, but then threw guilt out the window. In the end, she was happier be- cause that toxic attachment came to an end.

12 Side B The Junto Valentines Day 2021 Go Your Own Way & Dreams by

Sienna Walenciak // People Editor During the making of Fleetwood Mac’s , keyboardist Christine McVie and bass guitarist John McVie were going through a divorce, re- fusing to talk about anything except music. Similarly, guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and lead vocalist Stevie Nicks were ending their tumul- tuous 8-year relationship. While these difficulties made recording ses- sions tense, out of all the emotional turmoil, the songs “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” were born. Go Your Own Way was penned by Buckingham, and is his clear re- sponse to his breakup with Nicks. From the opening lyric, “Loving you isn’t the right thing to do” to the chorus, “You can go your own way,” the song conveys the bitterness felt over their relationship ending. He felt betrayed and spurned by Nicks, and it shows through the lyrics. Nicks gives her take on their breakup with the song, “Dreams”. According to Nicks, “Dreams" is an attempt to see the silver lining in her breakup with Buckingham. She bypasses the bitter and takes a much more philosophical approach than “Go Your Own Way”. However, this doesn’t stop her from putting her own jabs into the song, such as the lyric, “Players only love you when they’re playing.” Both singles from Rumours are considered “twin songs” written about the same failed relationship, be- coming popular break-up anthems since their release.

Bust Your Windows by Mallika Pal // Places Editor This is a classic revenge song that many can sing along at the top of their lungs. That’s what I do every time I put it on. Powerhouse singer Jazmine Sullivan wrote this song based on real events in her life. She walked in on her boyfriend cheating on her with another woman, and although she “knew it wouldn’t mind [her] broken heart”, she bust the windows of his car. The song holds a lot of truth, and fans found it relatable. Sullivan sang about the realistic feelings of pent up anger from the horrors of cheating: “But I'm glad you see what happens when/ You see you can't just play with people's feelings/ Tell them you love them and don't mean it/ You'll probably say that it was juvenile/ But I think that I deserve to smile.” Although her song was popular when it was released, it had a comeback when the popular show had a cover of it. Iconic Glee character has a similar, strong voice as Sullivan, and carried the song well. Her cover introduced this song to Gen Z, hence why it is still booming today. 13 Side B The Junto Valentines Day 2021 Cherry by harry styles

Alania Mariano // Editor-in-Chief If you are looking for a song to cry to this Valentine’s Day, this is the one. Harry Styles wrote this album after his breakup with Camille Rowe, an American-French model. This song represents Styles seeing Rowe build a relationship with another man. As said in the song, “Don’t you call him baby” and “Don’t you call him what you used to call me,” it shows the pain he felt seeing his ex move on after their breakup. My personal favorite part of this song is the last few seconds. He included a past voicemail of Rowe speaking in French. I think this part of the song makes it more personal and gives his listeners an insight into their past relationship. My Tears Dry on Their Own by winehouse Colette Potter // Copy Editor This song is such an empowering breakup anthem. The chorus is “He walks away/The sun goes down/He takes the day, but I’m grown/And in your way/ In this blue shade/My tears dry on their own.” Winehouse creates a scenario of a breakup tainting the day, but the sun going down and moving on. The song is upbeat with a horn, flute, and drum background. As always, kills it with her vocals, which are also very distinctive. This song is blunt, but still stays poetic. To end, my favorite lyric is “I don’t understand, why do I stress a man, when there’s so many bigger things at hand.” It perfectly captures and nonchalance nature of the song. Winehouse passed away almost ten years ago, but her vocals and lyrical brilliance live on. by Nailah Lockhart // Photography Editor If you are feeling down this February and have no one to spend it with, this song is definitely for you. This is a classic R&B Mariah Carey song released in 2005. This song is about heartbreak, the end of a break up, and return- ing to your ex to work things out. This is a song that you can scream at the top of your lungs in your room on Valentines Day. 14 Side B The Junto Valentines Day 2021 by gloria gaynor

Gabriella Feltmann // Copy Editor

This is one of those songs that makes you want to get up and dance along. The beat is catchy and the message is incredibly empowering. But it’s more than just a catchy tune. This is a song for survivors. When Gloria Gaynor recorded this song, she had recently lost her mother and had been struggling to continue her music career. But this song was about struggle and overcoming it, and she felt that it had been written just for her. Today, this song means so much to so many people. It’s not just for those struggling after a breakup. This song is for domestic abuse survivors, it’s for peo- ple who have been marginalized, and it’s for anyone facing hard times and still fighting. That makes “I Will Survive” so incredibly powerful. Gloria Gaynor sang, “As long as I know how to love I know I’ll stay alive,” and as long as we keep on loving and don’t let our struggles beat us, we will survive. Heather by conan gray

Branden Cunard // P.O.V Editor The song “Heather,” by Conan Gray, tells the story of someone who has had a secret relationship/bond with another guy that they fell deeply in love with, but the guy they’re in love with leaves them for another girl, “Heather.” What makes this particularly interesting is the song centers around the person saying all these things they did with this guy and how real and raw the love felt, but that same guy went to another guy like he was hiding something. It’s the tale of “forbidden love.” Conan Gray is a 22-year-old singer/song- writer who is relatively new to the music industry. His music is more lowkey, but this song went abso- lutely viral on all platforms, including TikTok. He is seen as someone who is more relatable since he is a part of Gen-Z and has a relatively-soothing “indie” style to his artistry. “Heather,” which will put anyone in their feels, hits home to someone like me. Something that is rarely talked about from an LGBTQ+ perspective is the stereotypical “teenage love.” People in my community, like myself, do not experience this. It’s taboo, it’s hard to have that attraction to someone, and it’s even more difficult to find someone. Many people may be closeted, hence the forbidden love. Conan Gray falls under the LGBTQ+ community. His song takes the form of someone who is gay/bisexual/etc that is in love with this closeted guy, but that guy and dates another girl in public. This is nothing new to someone like me, let alone an entire community. A high school is a horrid place for LGBTQ+ folk, but hearing this song go viral across the internet is a great form of expression to show what it’s like to be someone like me during this time in my life. The secrecy and heartbreak of a lover who you can- not be seen with in public, especially when they go after someone of the opposite sex since they feel like they “have to.” Needless to say, this song is a masterpiece in song form. Side B The Junto Valentines Day 2021 Last by

Julianna LoPiccolo // Off Leash Editor

“Last Kiss” is one of the best songs I have ever experienced. Taylor Swift is known for her love songs as well as her breakup songs, but I will always be a sucker for a good sad song, and this is the best. Every verse hurts, but Taylor Swift never miss- es out on a chance to bring it home with her bridges and—yet again—this is her best. Try not to shed a tear when the then 19 year old sings, “So I’ll watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep, and I’ll feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe… and I hope the sun shines and it’s a beautiful day, and some- thing reminds you—you wish you had stayed.” Don’t let the six minute run time scare you, every second is worth it! (While in Speak Now, also listen to “Dear John”.)

Just A Friend by biz markie

Steven McDonald // Copy Editor

My slot for a heartbreak song is filled by “Just A Friend” by Biz Markie, which I chose because I heard it somewhere, was reminded of it, and really enjoyed listening to it. The premise is that you fall in love with someone and shower them with care, but they reciprocate by cheating and lying. A pretty tragic premise, but Biz spins an inter- esting story about how he fell , called her everyday, treated her right, but always had to deal with her “Just friend”, while always feeling nervous about that. In a sense the song plays into the stereotype of two people of opposite gender not being able to ‘only’ be friends, but ignoring that, “Just A friend” is a classic tune that poked a little fun at how sad you might feel right out of a painful break up, with the female character being eternalized in as blah-blah, and Biz being the guy who wrote a hit song that I happen to really like.

16 People Valentines Day 2021 The Staff of The Junto

Advisor - Jeannine N Capecci Editor-in-Chief - Alania Mariano Points of View - Branden Cunard Places - Mallika Pal People - Sienna Walenciak Photography - Nailah Lockhart

Copy Editors Colette Potter Gabriella Feltmann Isaak Torres Rachel Arzoumanian Steven McDonald Julia Vinci

Off Leash Editors Kellie Painter Julianna LoPiccolo

17 Click links to check out this mixtape on our podcast and listen to the songs featured in this issue!

SIDE A SIDE B

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