Karma

Meaningful Music Series - Post 2

Music is a very important part of my life. Listening to the right song can change my mood and outlook. It has been a passion project of mine to share songs that have meaning to me, in hopes that they help someone else.

Today, I chose Karma by AJR.

In moments when I resonate with Karma—when it feels like no matter how hard I try, it’s not enough—I turn to DBT skills that help ground me. I practice radical acceptance, reminding myself that while I may not control outcomes, I can choose how I respond. I use opposite action by engaging in music that uplifts me, even when I feel like isolating. And I lean into self-validation, acknowledging that my effort, emotions, and experiences are real and worthy of compassion. Music, like DBT, offers a pathway back to myself—and sharing songs like this is my way of connecting, healing, and hoping that others feel a little less alone.

Lyrics

Chorus:
I've been so good, I've been helpful and friendly
I've been so good, Why am I feeling empty?
I've been so good, I've been so good this year
I've been so good, But it's still getting harder
I've been so good, Where the hell is the karma?
I've been so good, I've been so good this year

Verse 1:
Why are you asking me why?
My days and nights are filled with disappointment
Fine, oh, no, everything's fine
I'm not sure why I booked today's appointment

Masking. We say, “Oh, I’m fine.” when asked how our day was or how we are. When is it ever true? I don’t know about you but this also makes me think of when I decide to do something good for me, then talk myself out of it (“I’m not sure why I booked today’s appointment.”).

Chorus

Verse 2
What? Am I normal or not?
Am I crazier than other patients?
Right, I've done everything right
So where's the karma, Doc? I've lost my patience

When will it get better? We all cling to the “It will be better soon” but sometimes it feels like it will never come. I’m not saying we should bask in the empty hopeless feeling but we can acknowledge that that is where we are in the moment and then use coping skills to find a way through the fog.

Chorus:
'Cause I've been so good, I've been working my ass off
I've been so good, Still, I'm lonely and stressed out
I've been so good, I've been so good this year
And I've been so good, But it's still getting harder
I've been so good, Where the hell is the karma?
I've been so good, I've been so good this year

I’ve been working my ass off but I’m still lonely and stressed out. Why is it still getting harder?! I swear this is how I feel every day. We’re taught that the harder we work the more value we have, but society also tells us that it will never be enough. What we have to do is set our own goals and be proud when we accomplish them. We need to value ourselves and our accomplishments.

Outro:
Time, I know we're out of time
But what if sad thoughts come and I can't stop it?
Bye, I don't wanna say bye
If only I could keep you in my pocket
To give me some diagnosis of why I'm so hollow
Please give me instructions, I promise I'll follow
I tripped on my ankle and fractured my elbow
But doesn't that mean that the tour's gonna sell, though?
I try to explain the good faith that's been wasted
But after an hour, it sounds like complaining
Wait, don't go away, can I lie here forever?
You say that I'm better, why don't I feel better?
The universe works in mysterious ways
But I'm starting to think it ain't working for me
Doctor, should I be good, should I be good this year?

Is it all worth it? Again, this is something you have to decide for yourself. Will the stress and worry of life and the future get you down or will you absolve yourself of needing to prove your worth to others?

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it helps with your personal growth and that it benefits the community you share that growth with. I can’t wait to share more of my Meaningful Music with you!

Special shout out to AJR! Follow them wherever you listen to music!!