a playlist for a feeling

curated playlists to be prescribed for certain ailments of the human heart

the origin of the playlist pharmacy

Dear Reader,

The Playlist Pharmacy was inspired by a beautiful book of poetry (The Poetry Pharmacy, written by William Sieghart) and a novel that holds a special place in my heart (The Little Paris Bookshop, written by Nina George). Both books embrace the idea that art is healing, but in a specific way; prescribing a poem or a book to certain ailments of the heart.

Music has a healing power in life. As said by Rob in High Fidelity (Nick Hornby) “Making a playlist is a delicate art. It’s like writing a love letter, but in a better way. You get to use someone else’s poetry to express how you feel.”

The music on these playlists are diverse; many of the songs are not in English. My request is that you will listen to these beautiful artists with an open heart. The reason these songs have been prescribed could be lyrical, based on the production, a certain melody, a certain tone of voice or even a memory.. for whatever reason, it connected me to that emotion. It often might not make sense. Emotions rarely do, so take it for what it is.

The introductions for each song will be my endeavor to explain how each piece connected me to that feeling. I am not a musician or a music critic or an expert in any way. I simply love music and these are the prescriptions that have guided me through the twists and turns of life.

Enjoy your journey. My sincere hope is that at least a few of these prescriptions can be a balm to your heart.

With love,

R.H.W