The 2000’s introduced us to some of the corniest, emotional and most cry-worthy songs ever. Songs like “Hero/Heroine” by Boys Like Girls, “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s and “Don’t Phunk with My Heart” by the Black Eyed Peas enraptured us to feel like we needed to be cuddled or loved. Don’t pretend you didn’t realize the date on the calendar. V-day is quickly approaching.
What better way to celebrate that you’re single AF than listening to the songs that make you proud of it?
1. “Don’t Phunk with My Heart”
Fergie said it best when warning us about her feelings: “Don’t Phunk with My Heart.” This upbeat and lighthearted song holds a deeper meaning. If you decide to go home with someone, will they respect you afterward? This theme is consistent with all of us as many guys lose interest in girls after they get what they want. In the song, Fergie argues with the men who want to bring her home claiming that they love her This Valentine’s Day, enjoy being single AF and remember Fergie’s words next time you’re thinking about going home with a guy you like.
2. “Girl”
The most iconic trio of the 21st century (AKA Destiny’s Child) expressed their views of friendship in their song, “Girl.” They sing, “Don’t you be ashamed to say he hurt you/ I’m your girl, you’re my girl, we’re your girls.” In college, it can be hard choosing to hang with the guy you met at the bar over your friends. But, Destiny’s Child reminds us that friends are the most important part of your life. “My friends give me support and love and in my opinion, that’s all you need on the most romantic day of the year,” said Florida State University junior Amanda Miller. So, leave your crush at home this Valentin’s Day and celebrate being single AF with your girls.
3. “Piece of Me”
Britney Spears says it best when she belted out, “Another day another drama.” In her song, “Piece of Me,” Spears gives us a piece of her mind about her daily struggles, and it’s really relatable. “Nothing makes me feel as confident and defiant than when I listen to this song, and despite the haters, I feel liberated,” said FSU senior Lauren Gibson. On Valentine’s Day this year, enjoy being single AF and don’t be afraid to sing, “I’m Mrs. ‘You want a piece of me?'”
4. “So What”
Although we’re not P!nk, so what? We can still call ourselves a rock star. P!nk’s care free attitude in “So What” is bold, brave and note-worthy. “I got a brand new attitude/ And I’m gonna wear it tonight,” she sings. P!nk advises that we need to learn to truly enjoy the time we have now and forget about all the petty stuff that surrounds us. “P!nk’s message is to stop caring what everyone thinks and live a little. What’s more empowering than hearing that?” said Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute junior Hilary Fryd. This Valentine’s Day, let loose and have fun being single. Show off your rock moves, too. You’re a rock star just like P!nk.
5. “Hero/Heroine”
The pop punk love anthem of the 2000s originated from Boys Like Girls “Hero/Heroine.” After being impacted so heavily by someone, almost to the effect of heroin, the lead singer produced this tune. “Do you know that your love is the sweetest sin?” he sings. Full of high vocals, alternative rock instrumentals and deep lyrics, “Hero/Heroine” should be listened to on Valentine’s Day for its message indicating that maybe now is the time to open up and embrace vulnerabilities. And maybe someday our love will be the “sweetest sin.”
6. “Misery Business”
This oldie fueled a wide range of emotions as listeners heard, “But God does it feel so good.” Hayley Williams belted out those empowering lyrics when she finally won the guy over she loooved. “Misery Business taught me to let my hair down and express any pent up emotions. Nothing beats this oldie for its message saying that maybe it does feel really good to get everything off your chest,” said Saint John’s University senior Stephanie Alfano. This Valentine’s Day, don’t bother holding in any emotions about a guy you like. Belt ‘em out just like Hayley Williams.
7. “A Thousand Miles”
Remember in White Chicks when Latrell Spencer belted out “A Thousand Miles” in his car to win over Tiffany Wilson? Vanessa Carlton’s lyrics are pretty romantic. Romantic enough to (almost) win over Tiffany Wilson, and the perfect tune to blast during Valentine’s Day. Nothing quite screams cuddling and Hershey’s kisses than hearing Carlton sing, “Cause you know I’d walk a thousand miles/ If I could just see you, tonight.” Belt out these passionate lyrics with your friends, and remember Latrell Spencer doing the same. I promise you’ll get a laugh this Valentine’s Day.
8. “Since U Been Gone”
Kelly Clarkson’s anthem “Since U Been Gone” reminds you that every man who came into your life blew the chance he had (at one point or another). This dynamic and empowering song makes us feel nothing but good. Clarkson assures you that although a guy didn’t feel all the feels for you, it’s damn right to move on and “breathe for the first time.” This timeless classic is the perfect listen for Valentine’s Day because the energy radiates nothing but proudness of being single AF. It’s nothing but a breath of fresh air.
9. “Hey There Delilah”
The bright lights of New York City gained competition when the Plain White T’s declared to their crush, “Times Square can’t shine as bright as you.” Jamming out to this pop-punk song, it reminded us that maybe one day a guy would fall head over heels in love with us. And maybe tell us we’re beautiful even with 1,000 miles in between us. “I remember listening to this song when I was like 10 and imagining a guy singing to me like across the country, but now in college when I listen to it, I’m like I am happy to be single,” said Hofstra University senior Marissa Dapolito. Don’t worry if you haven’t met Mr. Wonderful in college yet. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day being single AF and remember that you still dazzle just like those city lights.
10. “Kelsey”
In 2007, Metro Station captured every girl’s heart as they sang “I’ll swim the ocean for you.” And don’t forget the angst-y hair each performer styled when singing “Kelsey.” The music video showed the band next to the ocean playing in a grid-like style, which not only enhanced the dramatics but also created cry-worthy moments throughout. Metro Station had our hearts in their palm during this song. Now that Valentine’s Day is coming up, make sure to take out your iPod and blast the song that still keeps us dreaming of a guy, regardless of hairstyle choice, to swim 10,000 miles for us.
