When you need a lift!

The rain seemed to come down by the buckets. I was having one of those days. You know what I mean. There was nothing major wrong. I was fine. It just seemed like everything was working against me. I was running late. I was soaked from the rain. I hadn’t had a chance to eat. It was just a crummy day.

After my last appointment of the day, I turned on Spotify and Bob Marley and the Wailers’ song Three Little Birds blasted from my car.

“Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Singing, “Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright.”

Photo by Pexels.

I couldn’t have asked for a better song. It was just what the doctor ordered. It felt good knowing that “every little thing was going to be alright.” Right after it came “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles from their 1969 album Abbey Road.

“Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun
And I say, it’s all right.”

I applauded “my previous self” for being such a good DJ and choosing both songs for my playlist. I spent the rest of the day thinking about songs that lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face. You know what I mean, songs that give a natural lift. We all have our favorites.

I love songs like:

  • “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves.
  • “Beautiful Day” by U2.
  • “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sung by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.
  • “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey.
Photo by Pexels.

I love the positive nature of these songs. I love too the simpleness of what they’re trying to convey. There are other ones too:

  • “Life is a Highway” sung by Rascal Flats.
  • “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day.
  • “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors.
  • “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack.

Generations before used to point to songs like “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry; “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John; “ABC” by the Jackson Five; “Stayin Alive” by The Bee Gees; or even “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations.

Others might suggest “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys; “Happy” by Pharel Williams; “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin; “YMCA” by the Village People; and even “I’m a Believer” by the Monkees.

Here’s to a positive spin to your day! What songs would you add to this list? What songs give you a lift?

Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles

Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves

Best Day of My Life – American Authors

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37 thoughts on “When you need a lift!”

  6. Oh, you have so many good ones here, Brian! Embedded in a great story about how they can turn us around. Here Comes the Sun is one of my favorites. As is “Honey I’m Good” by Andy Grammar. My kids love “I Like To Move It” by Will.I.Am Oh, and “Take On Me” by A-ha!

    Thanks for getting my Friday morning moving, Brian!

    Liked by 2 people

  10. I like those songs, for “good days”. The delicious irony is that we’re quite opposite on the “down days”. I would rather go deeper into my melancholy, as the best way for me is through. That’s the fun part about people. We’re so similar, and so different!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I need to think about that one some more David. I have a bunch of melancholy songs too that I like to just put on autopilot and listen over and over again. I’m not sure if it counts . . . but years ago, after a break-up with a girl I was seeing I swear that I listened to Phil Collins’ song “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” 24/7 for a week. It matched my sour mood. Ha, ha.

      Liked by 2 people

  11. Not sure of the title or singer, but I like the chorus:
    “I can see clearly now the rain is gone…
    and it’s gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day.”

    Also Perry Como’s “I’ve got sunshine wine…”

    While I’d like to be upbeat and sing cheery songs, I am–and maybe all Canadians are–feeling a tad anxious these days.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I think the song you’re referring to is the 1972 song “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash. And you’re right, it’s a good one. Yes, I get the concern. I hear you. I’ve had to step away from the news a bit through the first quarter. It’s been driving me crazy. We live in some crazy times, but I’m hopeful that smarter, calmer folks will prevail and these anxious days will pass. I know I’m grateful to have Canada as a neighbor and a friend. Hopefully we can get back to that. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Music therapy really provides such a boost – and even more powerful when combined with a big dose of sunshine.

    Impressive playlist, Brian. I’m feeling pumped just hearing the lyrics and beats in my head!

    Liked by 2 people

  15. “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” is making my playlist. If that seems counterintuitive, these guys are saying even if the world ends they are STILL happy. That’s the very pinnacle of cheerfulness if you ask me!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I. love “Don’t stop me now”! Also . “I will survive”, which brings me back to dancing days in college. I admit I’m Broadway nerd I’m gonna break into song when I hear familiar tunes.

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