A Few Good Tunes to Squash a Bad Day

May 21, 2007

I spent much of Saturday in my own little world. No… I didn’t have a psychotic break and I wasn’t on drugs. I was inside my headphones. I’d been meaning to get new rechargeable batteries for them for months now and I finally remembered to do so.

And I’d forgotten how much I loved them. Seriously… if you don’t have a set of nice, wireless headphones yet… I strongly recommend acquiring some. I got a pair of $300 headphones for $80 at Overstock.com. It’s a great investment. I promise.

The experience got me thinking about music and the ways that it influences us. I’ve already touched on the subject. But there are so many ways and so many situations that music can play a part of. So I decided to create a new series of posts exploring some of those situations.

To start things off, I’m going to share ten of my favorite “pick me up” songs. Some of them are lyrically significant in that the words are where the lifting affect lies. Others are musically significant in that the music is where the power lives. And still others are just cheery and perky and put a smile on my face.

If you’ve got Flash installed you’ll even be able to listen to each song - should you so desire. When applicable I’ve included important lyrics or meanings. Other times I’ve just supplied the song. I’ve even included links to the albums on Amazon (and no… they’re not affiliate links… so I’m not making money if you click on them).

So read on. When you’re done reading/listening I’d love to hear what some of your favorite “pick me up” songs are. As you’ll soon be able to tell, my musical tastes are very eclectic. So if you’ve got a favorite, don’t hesitate to pass it along.

Paul Van Dyk - Time of Our Lives
(Buy Me)

This one needs little explanation. The lyrics are simple… but very true. The music is upbeat and fun. How could you not have a good day if it started this way?

Granian - On My Own
(Buy Me)

He starts off talking about something that’s failed. I’m guessing it’s a relationship (he mentions heartache). But it’s not a song about lost love. It’s a recovery song:

All the little things
I’ve learned along the way
(Nothing can ever be picture perfect)
Help to heal my wounds
Without any trace
(On and on they help me carry on there)
Hands come unbound
And the only sound is silence

My thoughts are clearer now
(I’m all surrounded)
Thoughts come clearer now

Divided, Deny it
Tell me what do you think of me now
That I can get by on my own two feet
Don’t hide it, tell me are you a liar
Do you think of me now
That I, I said I, I’ll get by on my own
Said I, I said I

I’ve talked about being able to “get by on your own” numerous times in the past. Relationships are important. But they shouldn’t define us. We should be able to survive just fine on our own. Sometimes even I - the king of “relationships are for the birds” - need a reminder. This song serves that purpose well.

Derek James - There Is The Sun
(Buy Me)

How can you not love this song? Derek James is an independent and, hopefully, up-and-coming artist. He only has one album out so far (that I know of). But man I love his music. There Is The Sun is possibly my favorite song on his album, Stray. Unlike a lot of musicians out there, every song on Derek’s album has a different sound and feel to it (keep reading… I’ve got a couple more to share).

Our Lady Peace - Right Behind You
(Buy Me)

Our Lady Peace is another of my favorites. I love this song because it reminds that someone out there has my back. It also lets me remind others that I have theirs (oh yes… I’ve been known to send my thoughts in the form of a song… ask the recipient of a CD called “These Songs Rock… And So Do You” *wink*).

No matter what you say,
No matter what you do,
No matter what I’m always right there behind you

New Radicals - You Get What You Give
(Buy Me)

There’s a lot of reaction to teen angst in this song. But there’s also a lot of good advice and a very helpful message in it, too:

But when the night is falling
You cannot find a friend, friend
You feel your tree is breaking
Just then

You got the music in you
Don’t let go
You got the music in you
One dance left
This world is gonna pull through
Don’t give up
You got a reason to live
Can’t forget
We only get what we give

This whole damn world can fall apart
You’ll be ok, follow your heart
You’re in harms way I’m right behind

I may not be an angsty teen. But this song will always be one of my favorites. Besides… the music video is pretty funny ;)

Derek James - Skye
(Buy Me)

Another of my favorite Derek James songs. There isn’t one aspect of this song that I can put a finger on. It just always puts me in a good mood. I love to jump in the car, grab this CD, and go for a long drive on a sunny day… windows down… singing along. I equate Derek James with good times.

Cocteau Twins - Bluebeard
(Buy Me)

Ignore the part about whether or not someone is the “right guy” for her. Haha. That’s not why I like this song. I like the “experience” of this song. The music is full and flowing. Elizabeth Fraser’s voice is nothing short of amazing. It’s so easy to get lost in the way her voice merges into the music. If I had to imagine what an Angel sounded like singing… this would be it. I’m not alone, either. Her vocals have been called “angelic” and “magical” on a number of occasions. In fact, she can be heard on two Lord of the Rings soundtracks.

Our Lady Peace - Sorry
(Buy Me)

This one reminds me of my “Sometimes the Truth Sucks” post. He’s talking about opening his eyes and and realizing that it’s time to move on beyond something:

I’m sorry, I can’t lie
I’m wasting too much time
Drowning I’ve been blind
But I’ve opened up my eyes
Sorry, I can’t lie
So I just say goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye

Sometimes this is the best thing for us to do. And sometimes it helps to have a song or two that reaffirms our decision (I’m planning another music post on this topic specifically).

The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
(Buy Me)

They will see us waving from such great heights,
“Come down now”, they’ll say
But everything looks perfect from far away,
“Come down now”, but we’ll stay…

Even though Mandy alerted me to the fact that he’s singing about a relationship, I still like to think of this song as a reminder to tell the people who’d tear us down to bugger off. And it’s next to impossible to not tap a foot, bob around, or snap a finger to the music here. Coupled with Ben Gibbard’s vocals… the song is a must for any “pick me up” day.

Derek James - Summer
(Buy Me)

One final Derek James number here. It’s a little different tempo and tone. And it’s about a girl who doesn’t “know who he is”. But I think you’ll agree that the song is great… and it begs to be sung along to. I don’t know about you. I have a hard time not having a blast when I’m singing (even though I’d never wish my singing on my worst enemy).

So what do you think? Are you feeling better? Are you inspired to kick back and listen to some of your own tunes? Feel like sharing any of them? Hopefully this selection illustrates the point I was trying to make here - music has a big impact on how we’re feeling. Whether your music is an influential part of your day… or a reaction to your day… choose wisely.

Because a song can make a good situation better… or a bad one worse.

Oh… and for those that think I was making up the “fake it till you make it” thing, The All-American Rejects have a song that pretty much says the same thing:

The All-American Rejects - Move Along
(Buy Me)

When all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through

See that bold line from the chorus? Yep… that’s “fake it till you make it” :P

This post is part of a series on music and the effects it has on our lives. Visit the Music Series page for more related posts.

Posted in Music, Series

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