So how could a song teach me that I was unhappy, holding a grudge, and didn’t know how to move forward?

I’ve always been a fan of Erykah Badu, and I knew “Bag Lady” was a nice neo-soul tune, but I had no idea what the message actually communicated.

In the middle of my messy situation, I casually played the song with no intention of dissecting my problems at the time.

“Girl I know, sometimes it’s hard and we can’t let go. Oh when someone hurts you oh so bad inside,” she says.

I couldn’t believe how much these lyrics related with my current situation. It was truly a “run that back” moment.

I realized I couldn’t get to my next chapter or level in life by holding onto to the hurtful words or actions of someone else, waiting on someone’s apology that will never come, and refusing to leave bad habits.

“Bag lady you gone hurt your back
Dragging all them bags like that
I guess nobody ever told you
All you must hold onto, is you”

Healing from past pains or traumas isn’t easy, but holding on to them doesn’t alleviate  any of the pain either.

“One day he gon’ say you crowding my space so, pack light”

It’s time to unpack all the things that you may have been holding onto for too long. Piece by piece. This way, we can move on to new relationships and opportunities without carrying the problems of our old ones with us.

“if you start breathin’ babe
You won’t believe it, it feels so much better, so much better baby
Bag lady, let it go let it go let it go let it go oh”

The soulful melodies of these lyrics couldn’t have been more relevant. Letting go is a long and sometimes fearful process, but as Ms. Badu mentions, you will feel so much better.

Letting go and allowing God to intercede and repair your heart allows you to leave those bags behind and move forward with strength, grace, and an overflow of self-love.

Click the link below to listen to the song.

w/ Love,

E.