OKA's EQ Playlist-Interpersonal Relationships

What songs remind you of human connections—of loving others, being connected and feeling cared for?

Interpersonal Relationships in the EQ-i refers to your ability and tendency to establish and nurture relationships within which trust and compassion reside. Being connected, caring for others, intimacy, vulnerability—these are the themes and building blocks of half the songs ever written. OKA’s Interpersonal Relationships playlist would include the following songs for sure. Click the album image or the song title to hear the song.

Can’t Help Falling in Love, Elvis Presley

Wise men say not to do it, but I just can’t help falling in love with you—that is how important and powerful our connection is. Elvis’ classic 1961 hit is a template love song; there are none better.

The Way Young Lovers Do, Van Morrison

The frenetic urgency of new love—the almost electric longing—has never been set to music (voice, horns, rhythm line) any better than this gem from Morrison’s timeless Astral Weeks.

At My Most Beautiful, R.E.M.

This love song is sweet and innocent—from a band not known for either. The tender vulnerabilities we engage for those we love are on full display here.

Come in From the Cold, Joni Mitchell

Almost 20 years after her hey-day, Joni Mitchell did some of her best work. This song is about physical yearning and the urgency of warmth and human contact.

All of Me, John Legend

The EQ-i’s Interpersonal Relationships is about my connection with you. This great John Legend song is about completely intertwining with someone else.

At Last, Etta James

Once the relationship has started, there is relief and release—expectation and anticipation are fulfilled. “At last my love has come along.” This is the oldest song on this list, but it is timeless. Etta James from 1960.

I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston

This terrific Dolly Parton song, in Whitey Houston’s hands, went to #1 for 14 weeks and took home the Record of the Year Grammy in 1994. This is the pledge that, once bonded through love, you’ll always be so connected.

Follow Me, John Denver

If you love someone, you want them near. “Follow me, where I go, what I do, and who I know. Make it part of you to be a part of me.” The trust and compassion of Interpersonal Relationships makes, in a way, two people into one.

You’re My Home, Billy Joel

Before he was one of the biggest acts in show business, Billy Joel was a penny-less musician, and he wrote this love song to his wife because he could afford no other gift.

Let’s Stay Together, Al Green

Love is work and Interpersonal Relationships are the result of many conscious decisions. Al Green’s classic plea: “Let’s stay together” is a decision to stay connected, “loving you whether times are good or bad, happy or sad.“

If I Should Fall Behind, Bruce Springsteen

When the Boss turned his sights on the realities of marriage and adult relationships, he produced this amazingly poignant and real request of grace and support. “If as we’re walking, a hand should slip free, I’ll wait for you, and if I fall behind, wait for me.”

Time After Time, Cyndi Lauper

Relationships may end, but the love at their core so often remains. “When you’re lost, you can look, and you will find me—time after time.”

Welcome to Earth (Pollywog), Sturgill Simpson

Of course, not all love songs are romantic. This beautiful and quirky song of human connection is from a new father to his son. The father’s devotion is total.

You are the Sunshine of my Life, Stevie Wonder

When you are filled with love for someone—a lover, a child, even a good friend—even the taught of them can light up your life.

Just Breathe, Willie Nelson

Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder wrote this beautiful love song about real presence and simply and completely being with someone. This is my favorite version, played and sung by Willie Nelson and his son Lukas Nelson. “Stay with me—let’s just breathe.”

You’ve Got a Friend, James Taylor

Carole King’s classic in the hands of James Taylor stands a soft and gentle assertion of friendship and relational support. This is the I Will Always Love You—for friendship.

Waiting on a Friend, Rolling Stones

After 15 years of Rock and R&B beats and a host of great, but trashy lyrics, the Rolling Stones put out this rather sweet ode to friendship. “I’m not waiting on a lady. I’m just waiting on a friend.”

You’ve Got a Friend in Me, Randy Newman & Lyle Lovett

“Some other folks might be a little bit smarter than I am—bigger and stronger too, maybe. But none of them will ever love you the way I do. It’s me and you, boy.” That this song conjures up images of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their little boy, Andy makes this song all the more heartwarming.

Bridge Over Troubled Water, Simon & Garfunkel

Perhaps the ultimate tribute to friendship and the ways in which we will serve and support those we love. Record of the Year, 1970.

In My Life, The Beatles

In the end, it is those whom you love that you will remember. “Though I know I’ll never lose affection for people and things that went before, I know I’ll often stop and think about them, in my life, I love you more. In my life, I love you more.”

What songs would make your Interpersonal Relationships playlist?

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