Illustrations by Minna Gilligan.

Illustrations by Minna Gilligan.

At times, the concept of having a soulmate seems like fooey. I’ve thought to myself, “We’re fooling ourselves. This is some romantic comedy nonsense.” But then you feel the power of a person/animal/place/outfit that is undeniable, and you understand. When Björk asks, “Who is it that never lets you down?” in her song “Who Is It?” I think of all the figures planted in my heart and soul and marvel at the simple question. When Jeff Tweedy says, “I miss you more than I need sleep,” in the Uncle Tupelo song “Wait Up,” I know what he means. Soulmates are real and you find them in unexpected places. They aren’t always lovers. They aren’t always humans. They’re something or someone that brings you home to yourself in the most honest way.

Margaret Glaspy is a 27-year-old songwriter from California. Her debut album, Emotions and Math, is out now.