A Spotify Playlist For Social Distancing

If you, like me, are already feeling stir-crazy as while practicing responsible social distancing, you might be waiting for that perfect playlist to come along and see you through.

Look no further, my friend. Here are the sounds of social distancing, the songs destined to serenade these days at home to come.

Remember: We’re all in this together. (But, like, emotionally and spiritually. Not physically. Please, stay away from other humans.)

Do your part. Stop the spread. And listen to these jams while you do.

1. Stay by Alessia Cara

“All you have to do is stay a minute, just take your time.”

Even though it’s going to be more than a minute, “stay” really is the name of the game right now. Like, seriously. Just… don’t go anywhere. But listen to this song and dance it up. It’s a jam.

2. NASA by Ariana Grande

“Give you the whole world, I’mma need space.”

Queen Ari knows where it’s at. Even though she was definitely directing this to her boo, it’s a pretty on-point call to the world right now: Give. Me. Space.

3. My House by Flo Rida

“Welcome to my house… we don’t have to go out.”

So this one is iffy, mostly because the context of this song is clearly a bangin’ house party. Setting that aside though, it’s time to get comfy at home and enjoy our own tiny house party. Bars, concerts, and clubs are off the table for a while. Living room DDR tournament, anyone?

4. The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars

“Today, I don’t feel like doing anything… I’ll be loungin’ on the couch just chillin’ in my snuggie.”

From the look of things, it’s probably going to be quite a while before public gatherings are back on schedule. Which means a lot of pajama parties, blanket forts, and Netflix binges. Bruno Mars knows what’s up during these long stretches at home. We don’t feel like doing anything either.

5. For Now by Lauv

“But for now, I’ll love you through the phone.”

If you or your main squeeze are currently quarantined or just long-distance, you won’t be squeezing each other for a minute. Lauv gets it and sings about wishing for the time when the two of you will be together again. Thank goodness for technology, right?

6. Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson

“Ain’t no need to go outside… we got everything we need right here.”

The opposite of Lauv’s ballad, this tune is for the lucky lovers who got quarantined together. Ration wisely, but why don’t you whip up some delightful breakfast goodies and just watch the world go by?

7. The Man Who Can’t Be Moved by The Script

“I’m not moving… I’m the man who can’t be moved.”

How about this melodramatic power ballad about lost love to keep us company? His resolve to stay put on that lonely street corner is inspiring, and whether you’re not moving from your couch, from your home, or from your decision to not eat all the Ben & Jerry’s you’ve stockpiled in the first few days of quarantine, I respect your decision to not be moved.

8. Antisocial by Ed Sheeran ft. Travis Scott

“All you cool people, you better leave now… don’t touch me, don’t touch me, don’t touch me.”

All the introverts have been training for this their entire lives. They were born ready. This is your song, my friends.