The Journey to Love

 Torris Sanders 

Professor Harris 

ENGL 2017-65125 

May 1, 2025 

The Journey to Love 

My project is a story based on the book “Salvation” by bell hooks. It explores the journey of the main character who wants romantic love and how she overcomes life's challenges to reach that goal, using music as a timeline to highlight her experiences. The playlist will start with what the main character thinks love should be, reflecting her ideal view of love. She shares her 

personal journey and growth, focusing on the complexities of love and the search for true connection.Then it will move to songs that reflect her sadness and longing during moments of isolation and the pain of unreciprocated feelings. While also including songs about learning from mistakes and truly understanding the journey to true love. She learns to embrace hope and strength, finding joy in authentic connections. Finally I’ll incorporate uplifting songs that celebrate her finding, enjoying, and committing to love. This will connect to the themes of hope and strength talked about in the book “Salvation”, I hope this flow will highlight her emotional journey and the power of love that hooks emphasizes in the book. This project taught me how different experiences shape our views on love. It shows how deep and complex relationships can be, especially first love, and how they help us grow. While highlighting how music connects with our feelings about love in many ways. 

1. A Sunday Kind of Love- Etta James

This song embodies the yearning for a love that is consistent and comforting, like a peaceful Sunday morning, it reflects the desire for a relationship that offers stability and warmth, a sanctuary from the chaos in life. 

2. All I Want- Olivia Rodrigo 

This song captures the raw, unfiltered desperation of wanting someone who may not feel the same way. It shows the painful vulnerability of unreciprocated love and the intense longing for connection. 

3. Superficial Love- Ruth B 

This song represents the search for a love that goes beyond mere appearances and fleeting attraction. It emphasizes the need for genuine emotional depth and a connection that resonates on a deeper level. 

4. Falling For U- Peachy!, mxmtoon 

This song perfectly encapsulates the sweet, innocent, and carefree feelings of a new romance blossoming. It brings to mind the excitement and anticipation of discovering someone special. 

5. Love- Keyshia Cole 

This song really dives into the complex, often turbulent nature of love, exploring both its highs and lows, while acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices that come with navigating a long-term relationship. 

6. You’re the One- Dondria

This song expresses the unwavering certainty and devotion that comes with finding your soulmate. It celebrates the joy of knowing you've found someone you think is truly special and irreplaceable. 

7. Heartbreak Anniversary- GIVEON 

This song explores the recurring pain and poignant memories that resurface each year on the anniversary of a breakup, by capturing the lingering emotions and unresolved feelings that can haunt us long after a relationship ends. 

8. No Pain, (No Gain)- Betty Wright 

This song acknowledges that personal growth and resilience often emerge from enduring difficult experiences. It reflects the idea that overcoming challenges can make us stronger and wiser in the long run. 

9. Can’t Raise a Man- K. Michelle 

This song addresses the frustration and disappointment of trying to nurture maturity in a partner who refuses to grow. It shows the imbalance and emotional labor that can strain a relationship when one person is unwilling to evolve which is important in a long term relationship. 

10. Tired- Kelly Price 

This song conveys the exhaustion and emotional toll of dealing with persistent relationship problems. It reflects the weariness that sets in when love feels more like a burden than a source of support. 

11. Forever Don’t Last- Jazmine Sullivan

This song reflects the painful truth that even the strongest love can eventually fade away, it shows the sorrow of realizing that some bonds, no matter how intense, are not meant to last forever. 

12. Moral of the Story- Ashe 

This song shows the valuable lessons and hard-earned wisdom gained from past relationship failures, expressing the importance of learning from our mistakes and applying those insights to future relationships. 

13. Falling Behind- Laufey 

This song expresses the anxiety and fear of being left behind, whether in a relationship or in life. It captures the insecurity and vulnerability that come with feeling like you're not keeping pace with your partner's growth or achievements. 

14. I See the Light- Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi 

This song symbolizes a moment of clarity and mutual understanding within a relationship, leading to renewed hope and optimism. It represents the transformative power of communication and shared vision. 

15. When I See U- Fantasia 

This song perfectly captures the overwhelming joy and deep contentment of reuniting with someone you cherish, it embodies the euphoria and relief of being in the presence of a beloved person. 

16. Steady Love- India.Arie

This song celebrates the comfort, stability, and unwavering support found in a solid, reliable relationship. It proves the value of a partner who provides a safe and consistent space while battling life's uncertainties. 

17. I Love You More- Son of Cloud 

This Song beautifully emphasizes the boundless and unconditional nature of true love, which knows no limits. It embodies a love that is patient, forgiving, and ever-expanding, transcending all obstacles. 

Link to playlist 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/35Z7pQRiNaTe41R7EvGlRw?si=zA3nxuJZTDGHUrj56OUdfg

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