When it comes to healing after childhood trauma, no one understands the process better than fellow survivors. After undergoing the VCUG test as children, we understand firsthand how confusing and frustrating it can be to navigate overwhelming emotions after trauma—especially when it comes to differentiating between rage, grief, sorrow, terror, and loss.
No matter what you’re feeling at this point in your journey, no matter who you are or where you live, whether your family and loved ones know everything about your experience or nothing at all, we’re here for you. Better yet, we’ve compiled a playlist of bangers—“trauma jams,” if you will—to pump you up and lend a listening ear when needed. When human beings can’t seem to give us what we need, when no words seem to describe the loud chaos in our minds, music can give us the healing we need and deserve.
Without further ado, please enjoy this “Trauma Jams” playlist for VCUG trauma recovery created by VCUG survivors, for VCUG survivors.
VCUG Trauma Recovery Playlist: 12 Songs Selected by Survivors, for Survivors
Without further ado, please enjoy this “Trauma Jams” playlist created by VCUG survivors, for VCUG survivors!
1. “RUNNING” by NF
“RUNNING” is one of many powerful songs on NF’s 2019 album The Search. Introspective and thought-provoking, this all-too-relatable track features the same raw lyrics, poignant storytelling, and lyrical vulnerability that we’ve come to expect and love from this phenomenal Michigan rapper, a powerful artist inspired by his personal struggles in childhood and with mental health.
Other bangers from this pro-mental health artist include “HAPPY,” “HOPE,” and “THE SEARCH.”
I'm tired
Of holding on to you
It's time to let my pride
Go and learn to love myself again, yeah
I don't wanna wait another day; I've waited long enough
I'm ready I can see the sun; it's coming up
There's happiness on the horizon
I'm hopeful I can see the light,
I've hesitated all my life but I'm all done
I'm done running from you
-NF, “RUNNING”
2. “Cinderella Snapped” by Jax
“Cinderella Snapped” by Jax is an empowering tell-all from the girl’s POV. She puts a skilled twist on a classic fairytale with riveting lyrics of Rapunzel shaving her head, Ariel being confident without any feet, Beauty realizing that she’s actually the Beast, and Cinderella suing the guy who kissed her while she was asleep—a visceral reality for so many VCUG survivors. If you’re in the mood for a poppy, high-energy, women-supporting-women anthem, Jax has the song for you.
Sleeping Beauty sued the dude who kissed her while she was asleep And Ariel was confident without any feet Tiana went and got a biomedical degree And Beauty realized that she was the Beast
I don't need no prince to save me
-Jax, “Cinderella Snapped”
3. “amelia” by Renforshort
“amelia,” a mesmerizing and beautifully layered track by Canadian singer-songwriter renforshort (Lauren Isenberg), stands out with its infectious energy and anthemic drive. Her distinctive vocal style captures the essence of youthful rebellion and the longing for independence and freedom. This hit is a genre-bending masterpiece with compelling lyrics and punk elements that makes it a must-listen for fellow survivors.
“I explain 'amelia' as the personification of the part of my brain that I put so much stress on," explains Lauren. "It's when you don't get help for yourself or find help, you end up putting a lot on yourself. She's that part of my brain that's so stressed out all the time.”
Amelia, you never felt like you belong The note you left, it didn't sound like you at all Did you lose imagination? Were you scared of growing up? Oh, Amelia, I always wished you had a better song
-Renforshort, “Amelia”
4. “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls
“Iris” is an iconic 1998 hit by the Goo Goo Dolls. It sets itself apart with heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful emotional delivery that always hits us in the feels—yes, even 25 years after its release.
If you’re looking for other awesome throwbacks by the Google Dolls, take a look at the classic hit from Treasure Planet, “I’m Still Here.”
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming Or the moment of truth in your lies When everything feels like the movies Yeah, you bleed just to know, you're alive
And I don't want the world to see me 'Cause I don't think that they'd understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
- Goo Goo Dolls, “Iris”
5. “GRRRLS” by AViVA
This high-energy banger by AViVA stands out with its edgy sound and bold electronic elements. With themes of self-empowerment, feminism, individuality, and breaking free of societal constructs, “GRRRLS” easily commands the attention of the entire room from start to finish. Grab the girl gang and have a listen.
I can't fake it; I'll just make it on my own I can't blame them; I'll just maim them on my throne I can't fake it; I'll just make it on my own I can't blame them; I just got to get to my throne
I am the latest colors, I sing the newest songs I read all the lyrics, so I can sing along
-AViVA, “GRRRLS”
6. “You Broke Me First” by Tate McRae
Tate McRae’s “You Broke Me First” mesmerizes us with emotionally charged lyrics to tell a poignant and vulnerable story about navigating the fallout of broken relationships. Heartfelt storytelling and atmospheric electronics make this one a must-listen from Tate McRae (seriously, we love her).
Now suddenly you're asking for it back Could you tell me, where'd you get the nerve? Yeah, you could say you miss all that we had But I don't really care how bad it hurts When you broke me first
-Tate McRae, “You Broke Me First”
8. “You’d Never Know” by BLÜ EYES
“You’d Never Know” by BLÜ EYES is a powerful song that has resonated with countless people who battle chronic illnesses all over the world. Katie’s raw vulnerability, impactful lyrics, and emotional storytelling capture her story and transform it into relatable lyrics that have helped so many others in their healing journeys.
You can bet that you’ll be hearing more about BLÜ EYES in the future—this girl’s not going anywhere! Some of her other beats we love include “Healing Hurts,” “Rest in Peace,” “Never Got Better,” “Just Life,” and “Actually Happy.”
And you couldn't tell But the inside of my head was a living hell I tried my best explaining how it felt But nobody ever understood Doctor said that everything looks good So I blamed myself
I don't think I've ever been so lonely Didn't know if I would make it out The dead of the winter of my life In the middle of the summertime And it still haunts me now
But you'd never know
-BLÜ EYES, “You’d Never Know"
9. “dying on the inside” by Nessa Barrett
“dying on the inside” is a 2021 banger by American singer-songwriter Nessa Barrett, whose breathtaking lyrics and emotional presence captivate listeners of her songs. Melancholic and atmospheric, “dying on the inside” definitely makes the Unsilenced Playlist.
It's been my best-kept secret for a while now No one ever sees it, but it's all around It's the dinner conversation no one talks about Don't know how much longer I can keep this down
Beauty is a knife I've been holding by the blade
Swallowing my pride so I won't eat anything
It's all a lie, honestly, it's eating me alive
They're all like "Did you change your hair?" "Did you lose a little weight?" "You should keep it up 'cause it really looks great" I hate that I always look my best When I'm dying on the inside
-Nessa Barrett, “dying on the inside”
10. “Girls Like Us” by Zoe Wees
“Girls Like Us” is an empowering song by the German singer-songwriter Zoe Wees. Released in 2020, the track falls under the genre of pop music with elements of ballad and contemporary R&B. “Girls Like Us” is set apart by powerful and relatable themes like self-acceptance, resilience, and finding strength in unity. It addresses the challenges and pressures faced by young women by encouraging them to embrace their individuality and stand together in solidarity, and its piano-driven melodies and dynamic vocals make it an authentic must-listen for our fellow survivors.
It's so hard to explain With your heart in a cage Only whisper but you wanna shout 'Cause the second you wake Too much pressure to take Every part of you wants to cry out
It's hard for girls like us We don't know who we trust Not even the ones we love 'Cause they don't know Try to numb this pain 'Cause we don't wanna get hurt again Left alone out in the rain They don't know
-Zoe Wees, “Girls Like Us”
11. “Praying” by Kesha
Kesha’s “Praying” might just be one of the most gorgeous songs of all time. Stemming from a deeply personal place of hurt and overcoming adversity, Kesha combines powerful and heartfelt lyrics to deliver profound storytelling that shine with resilience, healing, and self-empowerment.
I'm proud of who I am No more monsters, I can breathe again And you said that I was done Well, you were wrong and now the best is yet to come 'Cause I can make it on my own And I don't need you, I found a strength I've never known I'll bring thunder, I'll bring rain When I'm finished, they won't even know your name
You brought the flames and you put me through hell I had to learn how to fight for myself And we both know all the truth I could tell I'll just say this is "I wish you farewell"
-Kesha, “Praying”
12. “Ivy” by Taylor Swift
“ivy” by Taylor Swift is a lesser-known but equally captivating track by one of the biggest genre-bending stars in music today. Released on her 2020 album evermore, “ivy” is enchanting and introspective, with ethereal harmonies to enhance its poetic and powerful storytelling.
My pain fits in the palm of your freezing hand Taking mine, but it's been promised to another Oh, I can't Stop you putting roots in my dreamland My house of stone, your ivy grows And now I'm covered in you And I'm covered in you
So yeah, it's a fire It's a goddamn blaze in the dark And you started it You started it So yeah, it's a war It's the goddamn fight of my life And you started it You started it
-Taylor Swift, “Ivy”
Join the Unsilenced Movement
Doctors have performed pediatric VCUGs for decades, but medical organizations decline to mention that VCUG trauma is comparable to a violent rape. Multiple studies in the 1990s alone have confirmed that VCUG patients are routinely used as proxies for child sexual abuse victims—a crucial detail, one would think, to share with caregivers wishing to give informed consent for their child’s VCUG.
The Unsilenced Movement is here to bridge the gap for pediatric patients and their loved ones by advocating for overdue reform in pediatric urology. Join the fight to end sexual abuse in children’s healthcare.
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