Music has a way of stepping in when words fall short. Whether it’s playing through headphones during long school days, late nights, or moments of overthinking, certain songs become more than background noise—they become lifelines. They shared the songs currently carrying their lives.
Many students gravitated toward songs that help them stay motivated or simply make the day feel lighter. Cruz Brown shared that his current go-to is “Do I Do” by Stevie Wonder because “it’s a great vibe and it helps me get through the day.” His response reflects a common theme among students who rely on upbeat, feel-good tracks to keep themselves moving through busy schedules.
Others were more intentional about how they listen to music. Diego Sanroman shared that he uses an iPod rather than his phone, explaining that it helps eliminate distractions while studying. “The iPod was built to do one thing, and that’s play music,” Sanroman said. He also noted that downloading music saves storage space and better supports artists compared to streaming, adding, “Lastly, it’s just cool.” His song of choice, “Read My Mind” by The Killers, stands out for its meaning. “For the most part, it’s the lyrics,” he explained. “It kind of encapsulates teenage life—something about them makes me revisit it time and time again.”
For some Condors, music is a source of emotional release and reflection. Camille Acuna chose “I Know It’s Over” by The Smiths, describing it as “a really melancholy song about hopeless love.” While the song is often interpreted romantically, Acuna shared that she connects to it on a broader level. “It reflects how hopeless I’ve felt,” she said, “and how I can feel the pressure getting worse, like in the song.” Her response highlights how music can mirror feelings students may struggle to articulate on their own.
Not every song carrying students’ lives is serious—and that contrast is part of what made the poll so telling. Nicholas Alva Lamas shared that “Goofy Goober” from SpongeBob SquarePants is his current favorite because of its high energy. “It helps boost my mood and keeps me upbeat on days when I’m feeling unmotivated or low,” he said. His answer served as a reminder that sometimes joy, humor, and nostalgia are just as powerful as deep lyrics.
From Prince and Fleetwood Mac to Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, and even cartoon soundtracks, the wide range of responses shows that there’s no single way music “carries” someone. Whether it provides motivation, comfort, reflection, or a much-needed laugh, music remains one of the most personal and powerful ways Condors navigate everyday life.
