Soundtrack to Your Type: Enneagram 6

 Once again, I will  be quickly breaking down today’s type before going into the playlist and why each song was chosen. If you are unsure of which type are, I would recommend visiting the Enneagram Institute to read up on each type to hear what motivates them, what their core fear/desires are, how they behave under stress, and more. When you read through each type, it will become clear which type you most likely are. 

The enneagram is made up of nine types with three subtypes based on the instincts of each person for each type. They are social, self-preserving, and one-to-one. This, along with the wing, is why so many people who share the same enneagram type might seem entirely different from each other.

Over the last several months, I have been working to find a playlist for each type. Before we jump into this project though, I want to acknowledge that I do not speak for all people or any specific group/type. I am just a passionate fan of the enneagram, understanding human nature, and finding music to fit a situation. 

Today, I am inviting you to listen along as I break down the Enneagram Type 6 playlist. 

This week we will be looking at Type 6: the Loyalist. 6s are the type in the middle of the mind center, and are often out of touch with their thoughts. They wing in Type 5 (6w5: the Defender) and Type 7 (6w7: the Buddy) 6s are called the Loyalist because they are the most dependable and committed to their friends, ideas, and beliefs of all the types in the enneagram. They are trustworthy and hard-working. I often joke that they will be the best type in a zombie apocalypse, simply because they are able to foresee problems and find solutions. They can become defensive and anxious in stress. In moments of stress they are more arrogant and competitive at type 3. In growth, they go towards a healthy type 9 and are more relaxed and positive. 6s basic fear is to be without security or guidance. Their basic motivation is having support and security. They need security and reassurance to protect themselves and others from the world. 

6 THE LOYALIST

The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious

“Six” by Sleeping at Last

As always, the beautiful song by Sleeping at Last sets us up with the foundations of the type 6. As I said above, 6s desire security. Their core “sin” or vice is fear. This song captures both their need for support and safety while managing their anxieties and fears. It’s beautiful.

“I want to take shelter but I'm ready, ready to fight 

Somewhere in the middle I feel a little paralyzed 

Maybe I'm stronger 

Than I realize”

“Old Friends” by Ben Rector

6s are committed to the people in their lives and often hold onto their memories. This song just perfectly captures the loyalty of a 6’s fierce dedication to friendship. 

“Can you take me back when we were just kids

Who weren't scared of getting older? 

...

'Cause you can't make old friends”

“Don’t Say It’s Over” by Vacation Manor

“It's best to leave before it's over

But I hate to be the first to drive away

I see the end and try to hold on

But things tend to slip away”

The “dark” side of a 6, specifically as part of the mind center, is that they tend to have a pessimistic view. But rather than feeling melancholy about that, they try to keep things from changing for the worst. They get too in their heads about how they see things working out (or not working) and then get anxious about that. Almost like a mean cycle of unkind thoughts.

“Don't say it's over, 

Nothing ever stays the same”

“Happy & Sad” by Kacey Musgraves 

“I'm the kind of person

Who starts getting kinda nervous

When I'm having the time of my life”

6’s fear and anxiety often gets in the way of them enjoying situations when they get too into their heads. This song is a sweet, sorta sad testament to that feeling. 

“But when everything is perfect, I start hidin'

'Cause I know that rain is comin' my way”

“Paper Rings” by Taylor Swift 

As a sort of reverse of the previous song, I love this song for 6s. The 6-ness comes out in the idea that this song tells a story of someone’s plans were completely rearranged when they met the person that they love. A 6 can become rattled by the idea of this, but this song turns it from a place of fear to a place of love. 

“Darling, you're the one I want, and

I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this”

“these are my friends” by lovelytheband 

I debated if this song was better for a 5 or a 6. It’s all about the “friends” being the voices in one’s head. Ultimately I gave it to the 6s, since 5s generally prefer solitude. This song reminds me that 6s are the “out of touch” type of the mind centric types. 

“But it's pretty good company

It cheers me up when I feel bad

These are my insecurities

They keep me goin'”

“I Guess I Just Feel Like” by John Mayer

“I guess I just feel like good things are gone

And the weight of my worries is too much to take on

...

I think I remember this dream that I had

This love's gonna save us from a world that's gone mad”

This song is about seeking security from the world and remembering when things were easier or felt safe. It’s a very honest look into a 6 and how they feel when they are lacking a place of security and people to support them. While this song sounds sad, it’s rooted in truth and affirmations, even when you feel like giving up. It’s another example of 6s loyalty to their devotions, this time to hope, openness, and freedom. 

“Hate Myself” by dodie. 

“Filling in the gaps, build a problem that

Neither of us needs, something wrong with me”

I mentioned above that 6s tend to overanalyze and see issues before they are really there. This song calls that out beautifully. 

“Oh, so illogical, I'm not magical, I can't read your mind

But how can you not hear the whole conversation?

I have, sitting still with a brain on fire”

“You’ve Got Me” by The Greeting Committee

“If you need me, you can find me

Giving anything, anything, but up on you”

6s can often mis-type as a 2 as their loyalty is often seen as selflessness. While they have similar tendencies, the 6 and 2 are motivated from different places. This song at first listen, could be taken as a 2 song. However, I think it’s ultimately more of a 6 song. It’s partially what a 6 wants to hear while also showing how 6s show their loyalty. You see, a 6’s desire for security and support often overflows into how they treat the people they love, in hopes that they’ll get these things in return. 

“Smoke Signals” by Cavetown (featuring Tessa Violet)

In the same vein as the previous song, this song is all about how a 6 sees their relationships. They value having a space of shelter and wants the people in their life to feel supported and cared for. 

“You can come home to me

When you're ready

I left the gate unlocked for you

'Til then I'm sendin' out

Smoke signals

Hopin' I'll see yours too”

“Back’s Against the Wall” by Judah & the Lion

“In my head I may not know

What I feel down in my soul”

This is such a good anthem for 6s. It’s what they want to hear, but also the support that they provide to others. 

“You’re not alone.”

BONUS: “Mind” by Sleeping at Last

We’ve gone through two of the mind triad. This song represents the types 5, 6, and 7. Listen closely and try to pull out the themes of the 5 & 6, which I’ve gone into depths in this post and my previous one. And let it be a taste of the type 7, which is coming next week! 

“All this information in formation is key

To draw a distinction between waking life and our dreams”

Working my way through this playlist was a challenge. As a highly emotional and extroverted 3w4, I struggled at first to find myself in the type 6. It’s with lots of research and conversations that this playlist was birthed. To my 6s, I hope you’re able to take this playlist and feel supported and loved. You are safe here. To others, I hope this helps you understand the 6s in your life. 

Like I said, next week we will look at Type 7! I am excited to share that playlist with you. 

Peace. Lil.