Divorce is often described as a storm: turbulent, overwhelming, and at times destructive. But even in the eye of the storm, there are moments of clarity and empowerment—moments that remind you of who you are and what you deserve. For anyone going through the pain of divorce, finding an outlet to process emotions is essential. That’s where The Chicks’ Gaslighter album comes in.
Released in 2020, Gaslighter is more than just an album; it’s a musical journey through betrayal, heartbreak, empowerment, and ultimately, renewal. Inspired by Natalie Maines’s own divorce, the album’s raw lyrics and bold sound resonate deeply for anyone navigating similar waters. Listening to it can be both cathartic and invigorating—a reminder that you’re not alone, and that joy can coexist with grief as you rebuild your life.
Here are some lessons you can take away from Gaslighter, along with reasons it might just become the soundtrack to your own healing journey.
1. Owning Your Truth Is Powerful
The title track, Gaslighter, kicks off the album with a punch. With sharp, unapologetic lyrics like “You made your bed and then your bed caught fire,” The Chicks call out deception and manipulation head-on. For anyone who has experienced gaslighting in their relationship, this song gives permission to acknowledge the truth—even when others try to distort it.
Lesson: Divorce often requires reclaiming your truth. Whether it’s confronting lies or setting boundaries, you deserve to own your story without shame.
2. Grief and Anger Are Part of the Process—Let Them Out
Songs like Tights on My Boat and Sleep at Night simmer with biting honesty and frustration. Lines like “I hope you die peacefully in your sleep” may sound shocking, but they highlight an important truth: anger is a valid emotion. Divorce brings hurt, and repressing those feelings only makes them fester.
Lesson: It’s okay to feel everything—rage, sadness, disappointment. Expressing your emotions in healthy ways, whether through music, journaling, or therapy, can help you release pain and move forward.
3. You’re Allowed to Find Joy Again
Divorce isn’t just about what you lose; it’s also about what you gain. For Her and Young Man offer tender reflections on rebuilding identity and finding joy, particularly as a mother navigating a new chapter. These songs remind us that while divorce changes your family dynamics, love remains constant.
Lesson: Amid the heartbreak, you can still find moments of joy—laughing with your kids, reconnecting with old passions, or simply rediscovering yourself. Gaslighter celebrates that journey.
4. Empowerment Comes Through Letting Go
Tracks like Hope It’s Something Good and Set Me Free capture the bittersweet process of moving on. Letting go doesn’t mean ignoring the past—it means acknowledging the hurt while choosing to release its hold on you.
Lesson: Forgiveness (for yourself and others) isn’t about excusing bad behavior; it’s about freeing yourself from resentment. Divorce gives you an opportunity to prioritize your peace.
5. Music Heals—Let It Be Your Companion
Perhaps the greatest lesson from Gaslighter is this: music can heal. Whether you’re screaming along to the fiery chorus of Gaslighter, crying through Everybody Loves You, or feeling hopeful listening to March March, music validates your feelings and connects you to something bigger than yourself.
Lesson: Healing isn’t linear. Some days you’ll feel strong and independent, while others you’ll grieve what was lost. Let Gaslighter be the soundtrack that gets you through it.
Final Thoughts: Dance, Cry, and Sing Your Way Through Healing
The beauty of Gaslighter lies in its authenticity. The Chicks don’t shy away from the ugly parts of divorce, nor do they wallow in self-pity. Instead, they invite listeners to feel it all—the anger, the sadness, the joy, and the freedom that comes from starting over.
If you’re navigating a divorce, I encourage you to put on this album. Sing it loud in your car. Cry through the ballads. Dance in your living room with your kids. Let it remind you that you’re stronger than you think, that you’re not alone, and that joy is waiting for you on the other side.
Because at the end of the day, Gaslighter isn’t just about heartbreak—it’s about finding yourself again. And that’s something worth celebrating.
Need support as you navigate the financial complexities of divorce? At Purposeful Wealth Advisors, we help women make empowered, meaningful decisions about their money during and after divorce. Reach out for a complimentary 30-minute consultation today to learn how we can support your journey to a stronger, more confident future.
