Free to Frolic

In honor of our Garden Party theme, the staff compiled a list of songs they would listen to whilst “Frolicking in a Meadow.” They encourage readers to put on this playlist and feel free to frolic!

“Katie Queen of Tennessee” by The Apache Relay

This song holds a special place in my heart because my roommate introduced it to me! The seamlessly blended vocal harmonies and guitar arrangements create a sense of sun-drenched nostalgia. Every time I hear this song I immediately want to go outside!

~ Grace Rivera ’26

“The Avalanche” by Sufjan Stevens

This is THE quintessential frolic song. The soft melody and the wind instruments really tie it all together. All of Stevens' work has a "frolic through the meadow" vibe, but “The Avalanche” really makes you feel like it's a warm spring afternoon and you're wandering around Colonial Williamsburg.

~ Katie Fitzgerald ’26

“Paddle to the Stars” by The Dip

The lyrics profess a simple love and are backed by bluesy instrumentals, making for the perfect feel-good song to listen to while dancing through flower-filled fields.

~ Portia Dai ’26

“The Beach” by Alexandre Desplat

This song is called “The Beach,” but I think the soft whimsy can apply to a meadow just as well. "The Beach," from the 2019 Little Women score, is written by one of my favorite composers, Alexandre Desplat. The airy and delicate sound is the perfect, playful background as you prance through a little flower field in a pretty little dress.

~ Marion Biondi ’24

“Ride” by Lana Del Rey

It’s all about feeling alive and free.

~ Adia Elcock ’27

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane

It's just one of those comfort songs that my friends and I love to listen to and sing any time, anywhere. There is something magical about the song. Plus, it talks about being somewhere special.

~ Sophia Kaisermann ’27

“Wildflower & Barley” by Hozier

The song itself sounds like literal sunshine.

~ Emma Carmichael ’26

“Vampire Empire” by Big Thief

A very folksy song; the bridge really does make me feel like I'm wandering around aimlessly in a meadow. An absolutely beautiful song, and Adrianne Lenker's voice really shines through.

~ Katie Fitzgerald ’26

“Would That I” by Hozier

The beginning especially feels like a warm spring day, with a breeze ruffling the wildflowers nearby. Even when you reach the chorus, it just makes you want to run through a field of said flowers — it was built for frolicking.

~ Emelia Marshall ’25