Music, and more specifically lyrics, have a way of touching our hearts. Lyrics can affect our moods, unite nations, allow us to forgive one another, and change the way we view life.
Yesterday, I found myself listening to a song that I had never heard before. With the drop of the first few lines, I rushed over to the music player and started the song over again. This time, I would be sure to listen to its words much more closely.
It’s funny how that happens, isn’t it? The musical double take.
It made me wonder if there are other songs that have the power to do that. More importantly, what lessons can they teach? Here are a few of those songs.
You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones
The world has a way of giving you exactly what you need when you need it most.
Beautiful – Christina Aguilera
The words in “Beautiful” gave a generation hope when there seemingly wasn’t any. They taught our youth what it actually meant to be beautiful.
Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson
Michael kindly reminds us that changing the world starts in only one place. You.
One Tin Soldier – The Original Caste
All the fighting in the world is done at what cost?
Peace really is the answer.
Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.
Suicide is real.
Each year, 42,773 Americans commit suicide, and for each “successful” one, 25 others have attempted it.
No one is alone. We all hurt and we all suffer. “Everybody Hurts” acknowledges this.
We Shall Be Free – Garth Brooks
As tensions rise, is there a better song that demonstrates what it would mean for the world to be free of hate, prejudice, and anger?
Same Love – Macklemore and Lewis
Having recently just heard this song for the first time, it nearly brought me to tears with its message.
We pretend to be a proactive community, but if you talk to minorities, work still has to be done.
Beautiful Day – U2
Ah yes, my alarm clock. Is there a better way to wake up than having someone tell you “It’s a beautiful day”?
Live Like You Were Dying – Tim McGraw
If tomorrow was your last day and you knew it, would you treat today differently? I know I would.
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
What list would be complete without this all-time favorite? I think the message is pretty clear, don’t you?
Cat’s In The Cradle – Harry Chapin
Have you ever taken the time to listen to the message in this song?
Don’t lose sight of the important things in life for the things that aren’t important.
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
An all-time favorite of mine.
Take time, slow down, and appreciate the world, your world, for how amazing it is.
Win – Brian McKnight
An amazing song about the power of persistence.
“And if I fall… I’ll just get up and try again.”
Imagine – John Lennon
How different would the world be if it stopped hating and started loving?
I Believe I Can Fly – R. Kelly
This song brilliantly advises the listener that we all come on hard times. The only thing that’s important in times like these is to not doubt yourself.
Roll With The Changes – REO Speedwagon
Change takes two things:
- A want to have it
- A willingness to go for it
Turn the page on your old story and start writing a new one.
You Raise Me Up – Secret Garden
Everybody has someone in their life that has the ability to pick them up when they are down.
If that person isn’t around when you need it most, these lyrics will do nicely.
True Colors – Cyndi Lauper
Never be afraid to be yourself.
Remember, you are the only version of you on the planet.
Changes – 2Pac
The world has come so far, but not far enough.
These lyrics are as powerful now as they were then.
Spiritual Revolutionary – Nabil and Karim
You are capable of achieving whatever you want.
Whether you do or not is up to you.
If You’re Out There – John Legend
Imagine what would happen if we all stood up against hate, anger, fear, discrimination, prejudice, and racism.
How different would the world be?
Come Together – The Youngbloods
Another classic about the power of a united species.
What would happen if we as humans took this advice?
I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
When times are at their darkest, remember that eventually, it will be a “bright, bright, Sun-Shiny day.”
Drive – Incubus
The quintessential life lesson.
When something has you fearful, the only way to overcome it is to do it anyway.
Hold On – Alabama Shakes
Perseverance at its finest.
Hold on, push through, and keep fighting.
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