Top 4 Songs to Celebrate Pride Month
Celebrating Pride Month with music is a tradition that many embrace each June. The tunes of resilience, community, and joy become the backdrop for gatherings and celebrations during this time. While some songs are mainstays like Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” there is a rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences that call for a broader representation in the Pride canon.
The LGBTQ+ community is diverse, with a multitude of stories and identities that deserve recognition. As such, it’s time to reconsider what songs should be included in the pantheon of Pride anthems. In that spirit, we explore four songs that offer a fresh perspective on the Pride canon.
Starting with The Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl,” this country tune narrates a gripping tale of two friends seeking retribution against an abusive partner. While the song is commonly viewed as a story of friendship and support, some fans interpret it as a sapphic love story, noting the duo’s shared future. Drawing parallels to other lesbian narratives like Fried Green Tomatoes, “Goodbye Earl” serves as a testament to resilience and togetherness.
Jamie xx’s “Loud Places” from the album In Colour delves into the complexity of feeling alone in a crowded room. This dance track captures the bittersweet essence of queer revelry, where moments of joy are intertwined with melancholy. Romy’s vocals convey a sense of resignation, emphasizing the fragility of queer romance and the solace found in shared experiences.
The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table” offers a poignant message of inclusivity through its understated country-folk melody. Co-written by Brandi Carlile, the song celebrates chosen family, a hallmark of queer experiences. For those estranged from biological relatives, the track serves as a reminder that Pride is about finding solace in community as much as it is about visibility.
Linda Ronstadt’s “Long Long Time” resonates with its portrayal of unrequited love and longing. The sparse instrumentation underscores the ache of unrealized affection, a sentiment that echoes with many queer listeners. Additionally, the song’s appearance in The Last of Us, portraying a gay love story, adds another layer of emotional depth that tugs at the heartstrings.
As we embrace the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, it’s essential to expand the roster of anthems that represent various experiences and narratives. These four songs offer a glimpse into the complexity and richness of queer stories, reminding us that Pride is a celebration of resilience, love, and inclusivity.