Love is in the air in Glassboro, pink and red hearts blend with the green and white jerseys that students don down the boulevard. Whether celebrating with a significant other, enjoying the day with friends, or embracing the single life, music sets the tone for every Valentine’s Day experience. 

From classic love songs for when you’re in love to breakup anthems for when you’re in your feelings, and everything in between, Rowan students are always listening to music during a time when so many different emotions are spreading on the streets. 

Music has a way of resonating with people on a personal level. Whether someone is falling in love, going through a breakup, or just practicing self-love, there is always a song that seems to capture the moment perfectly. The lyrics, melody, and overall tone can feel almost tailor-made, reflecting emotions in a way that words alone often cannot. When it comes to the season of love, the question is whether there is a song that can accurately portray people’s love lives. 

Sophomore marketing major Tara Garibay feels this timeless classic accurately describes her love life. 

“Love Story by Taylor Swift,” Garibay said. 

Sometimes Valentine’s Day just isn’t for everyone. Facing the facts, not everybody is in a happy, fruitful relationship. Sometimes the overly bright decor of pink, purple, and white just gives people a headache, and some Rowan students are in their feels this Valentine’s Day, and they have the songs to prove it. 

Freshman Samantha Toledo seeks comfort when she listens to music, and when she is in her feelings. 

“Moon Song by Phoebe Bridgers is my go-to sad song it makes me more sad but in a comforting way,” said Toledo. 

On the other hand, people are genuinely celebrating this holiday with their special person, the stars have aligned. Romantic gestures fill the air, from heart-shaped chocolate gifts to candlelit dinners. They are in love. Sometimes, the only way to describe these feelings is with a song. Freshman psychology major Elizabeth McMahon thinks the feeling of other artists being in love makes her feel more in love.

“Recently it’s been so American by Olivia Rodrigo because it’s just very hype and like it makes me feel like happy, and she’s all like I don’t know, she’s in love so it makes me in love,” said McMahon.  

Music is meant to tell a story, whether it’s a fictional story during a musical to add to the already building plot. Or a true story in a song that speaks of love, pain, and everything in between. Yet sometimes, stories can be exaggerated and not accurately show the truth behind today’s dating and love culture. 

Freshman Ariyanna Carter thinks only a niche type of music accurately portrays current-day relationships. 

“I feel most of them, I feel like no, it’s kind of more like the lovey-dovey overdramatic stuff. but I feel like some like, very indie obscure ones like they do,” said Carter. 

Overall whether someone is celebrating Valentine’s Day with the person they love or embracing self-love, there is always a soundtrack ready on their phone to carry them through the good, the bad, and everything in between. Music can show the emotions of the moment, offering comfort, joy, or even a little catharsis when needed.

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