Songs On My Winter Playlist As Personality Types
It is possible that my obsession with personality tests, or any system that allows me to learn more about myself and the world around me, sprouted from my days of reading Harry Potter and Divergent and trying to figure out if I was a Ravenclaw or a Hufflepuff, or in which faction I would reside. Whether this is true or not, along the line of understanding my “Big Three” and figuring out which Enneagram Type I fit into, I came across the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test.
The way it works is pretty simple: each personality type is assigned four letters that will indicate if they are Introverted or Extraverted, if they are more in touch with their Senses or their Intuition, if they make decisions by Thinking or Feeling, and if they deal with the world in a Judging or Perceiving manner. In this article inspired by Film Write Samsha Masson’s “Movie Recommendations Based On Your Personality Type”, I will be making educated guesses about which personality types the songs on my winter playlist would be if they were people.
Treacherous by Taylor Swift as an ENFP
“Treacherous” is a risk-taker with no patience for the boring. She is constantly on the go and often burns the candle at both ends. She likes to be spontaneous and is also very sensual. Personally, I like to picture her as a faceless dark-haired woman in a red dress who is emotional, independent and likes to act on instinct. ENFPs are curious and observant. They have no time for brooding and like to experience life at its fullest. They are imaginative like the lyrics in Swift’s song and they see life as a part of a big, mysterious puzzle. They are independent, whilst simultaneously seeking deep connections with others.
“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for—and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool—for love—for your dreams—for the adventure of being alive.”
- Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Scott Street by Phoebe Bridgers as an ISFJ
As an individual, I picture “Scott Street” as someone who is in-touch with their surroundings. They tend to overthink many of their decisions and are generally very perceptive. This character likes spending time alone, but also values quality time with the people they are close to. ISFJs are sensitive to other people’s emotions and tend to develop very strong relationships thanks to their excellent social skills. They are known for their reliability and altruism, yet their kindness and practical approach to life can often lead them into difficult situations. “Scott Street” is a great example of such a person working through a difficult time.
“Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.”
- Brian Tracy
I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore by Lucy Dacus as an ESFJ
This song represents someone who is very aware of the way they are perceived by others. This person enjoys being surrounded by other people and they usually enjoy being the center of attention. They are loved by all and can often be seen as someone who has their life together (although this might not always be the case). ESFJs are people-focused and attentive. They love guiding others and are constantly aware of their emotional environment. “I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore” perfectly represents an ESFJ who might be struggling with something that causes them to stray away from their easy-going and relaxed nature.
“Encourage, lift, and strengthen one another. For the positive energy spread to one will be felt by all.”
- Deborah Day
The Adults Are Talking by The Strokes as an INTP
I see “The Adults Are Talking” as a song about someone who does not see much value in tradition. This is the type of person who might’ve been told: “You’re so mature for your age” a few dozen times throughout their lives. They like living in the moment and have a very flexible mindset when they are thinking about the future. INTPs have a unique perspective and a vigorous intellect that allow them to stray away from the conventional in regard to many aspects of their lives. They make up only 3% of the population and genuinely enjoy being as unique as possible.
“Learn from yesterday, live today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning.”
- Albert Einstein
Blue Hair by TV Girl as an INFJ
“Blue Hair” is an individualistic soul who knows no boundaries when it comes to creativity and the imagination. They are often daydreaming or stuck in another world, but are at the same time realistic and practical when it comes to the dreams they will no doubt accomplish. INFJs are insightful, creative, principled and passionate. They approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination. This is the rarest of all personality types and is made up of a unique combination of traits that make them complex in the same way I picture “Blue Hair” to be.
“Treat people as they are what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.”
- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games by of Montreal as an ISFP
This song is a surreal journey from start to finish. The bassline makes me feel all loopy and the repeated lyrics “Let’s pretend we don’t exist / Let’s pretend we’re in Antarctica” are a perfect match for the personality type best known as the “Adventurer.” ISFPs are open-minded and they always live in the moment. They live in colourful and sensual worlds, and experience life like no other personality types. They are also true artists in the sense that they use aesthetics in everyday decisions.
“I change during the course of a day. I wake up and I’m one person, and when I go to sleep I know for certain that I’m somebody else.”
- Bob Dylan
Death With Dignity by Sufjan Stevens as an INFP
“Death With Dignity” is probably the most poetic song off of my winter playlist. Even just the opening line “Spirit of my silence I can hear you, but I’m afraid to be near you” is imaginative and creative in a unique way. Just like how I believe most Hozier songs are representative of INFPs, I also believe this of most Sufjan Steven songs. Especially those from the album “Carrie and Lowell”. According to 16personalities.com, INPS are “Curious about the depths of human nature.” This is the personality type of most poets and writers, including William Shakespeare.
“All that is gold does not glitter; not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither; deep roots are not reached by the frost.”
- J.R.R. Tolkien
Interstellar Me by Inner Wave as an ENFJ
“Interstellar Me” is bold and full of passion. He is a natural-born leader who is charming and charismatic to his very core. Anyone who knows him would simply say that “There’s just something about him.” A ‘quality’ that is difficult to describe but impossible to miss. ENFJs are known as “Protagonists.” They are essentially the main characters and the Heathers that we’ve been talking about all along.
“Everything you do right now ripples outward and affects everyone. Your posture can shine your heart or transmit anxiety. Your breath can radiate love or muddy the room in depression. Your glance can awaken joy. Your words can inspire freedom. Your every act can open hearts and minds”
- David Deida
Stella Brown by Jelani Aryeh as an INTJ
“Stella Brown” is the object of someone’s fascination. Aryeh writes about how helpless he has become because of his affection for Stella Brown; using lyrics such as “I’m too precocious and I often doubt / How can I be the boy you dream about / Stella Brown.” When it comes to romantic relationships, people with the INTJ personality type are constantly reaching for a goal. They are strategic and almost always have a plan. In a perfect world, this would be incredibly useful, but since humans are always unpredictable, this can often cause them to struggle at being a compatible partner.
“Thought constitutes the greatness of man. Man is a reed, the feeblest thing in nature, but he is a thinking reed.”
- Blaise Pascal
Chicago by Sufjan Stevens as an ENTJ
“Chicago” is a song about moving forward. Stevens writes about leaving the past behind and having no ties or regrets. “We have our mindset / All things know / All things know.” ENTJs never hesitate to reach for a dream. They are determined and have sharp minds, and find their joy in their achievements. “Chicago” is representative of an ENTJ because the song portrays someone who is very observant and very aware of the consequences that might arise from their decisions, but who won’t give up easily, and who will push every boundary in order to achieve their well-thought-out goals.
“Your time is limited so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don't let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
- Steve Jobs
So Good At Being In Trouble by Unknown Mortal Orchestra as an ESTP
“So Good At Being In Trouble” represents a person who likes taking risks, and who will follow no moral compass other than their own. This person is sociable and bold. They find joy in pushing boundaries and discovering new experiences. This song represents an ESTP. ESTPs often believe that rules are made to be broken. They are action-oriented leaders who do not spend a lot of time following others, and who are always up for an adventure.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
- Helen Keller
Was It Something I Said by MyKey ft. Cavetown as an ENTP
As a person, I picture this song to be someone who loves a good debate. They love to speak their mind and often have semi-controversial ideas that can easily get them into trouble. ENTPs enjoy the mental exercises of discussions and thought, more than they enjoy any sort of execution. This personality type is a perfect match for this song because it represents the quick-thinkers of the world. Those who always have something to say, and those who love to learn new things.
“Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the dangers of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of ‘crack-pot’ than the stigma of conformity. And on issues that seem important to you, stand up and be counted at any cost.”
- Thomas J. Watson
Paul by Big Thief as an ISTJ
“Paul” is a love song about vulnerability. Lyrics such as “I’ll be your morning bright goodnight shadow machine / I’ll be your record player, baby, if you know what I mean” speak of an intimate partnership between two individuals. ISTJs are the most abundant personality type. 13% of the world’s population are known to be these responsible, honest and strong-willed individuals. They are dependable through-and-through, just like the characters in this song would most certainly be.
“My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty… it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.”
- George Washington
Out Like a Light by Ricky Montgomery & The Honeysticks as an ESTJ
This song is a fantasy of a perfect life spent with someone who can’t offer this. “Dreaming of our first born and your hair covered in popcorn” shows us a glimpse into a hypothetical situation of the life that could have been. ESTJs are people who love tradition and order. Honesty, dedication and dignity are most important to them. They love to be organized and to be in control of their lives. Unfortunately, this can’t always be the case, which is why this song is a perfect match with this personality type.
“Good order is the foundation of all things”
- Edmund Burke
The Birthday Party by The 1975 as an ESFP
This song represents someone who loves to be around others, and who often loves the spotlight. However, this can sometimes be their downfall when they party a little too hard. ESFPs are known as “Entertainers.” They are attractive to others and are drawn to immediate pleasures. This is the personality type of many celebrities, as they love to exist in the public eye.
“I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you surely don’t deserve me at my best.”
- Marilyn Monroe
Bored by Janeece as an ISTP
ISTPs are hard-working and creative. They move from project to project with little to no difficulties and have an individualistic mindset that allows them to pursue their goals with complete conviction. They are spontaneous and know how to prioritize, but are very easily bored. This song matches their habit of moving on too quickly, thus finding themselves in a rut when they have nothing left to do.
“I wanted to live the life, a different life. I didn’t want to go to the same place every day and see the same people and do the same job. I wanted interesting challenges.”
- Harrison Ford