Sweet, Deep Jams
In this time of transition, music is great therapy to get through moments of adversity. When I need to get out of my funk, or I just want to get in a good mood or find inspiration, I have a few go-to sweet, deep, jams that remind me that it's going to be OK.
Below are my Top 5 songs that motivate me to battle on when the times are tough. Maybe some of these songs will motivate you when you need a pick-me-up.
No. 5
Album: Boneclouds, 2006
A few years ago, I was struggling to push myself, and I was getting frustrated. My wife introduced me this song, which is about being present in the moment and appreciating what you have. The rest will fall into place.
"Be here now, no other place to be All the doubts that linger, just set them free And let good things happen And let the future come into each moment Like a rising sun"
No. 4
Album: Smile, 2000
Like Mason Jennings, the musical roots of the Jayhawks stem from my home state of Minnesota and, in particular, the old 400 Bar in Minneapolis. This song reaches me for obvious reasons. The title says it all. But the lyrics remind me that I need to solves the little things before I can tackle the larger ones.
"Before you climb the mountain First the foothills must appear Step high and light And take up your staff and shining armor"
No. 3
Album: Starting Over, 2020
This is my song of 2021! It's simple, but its message goes deep. Like many, 2020 has been tough, and I have experienced events I never thought would happen to me. However, if I work hard and accept the hand dealt me, I can overcome it, succeed, and be better off in the end.
"When nobody wins afraid of losing And the hard roads are the ones worth choosing Some day we'll look back and smile And know it was worth every mile"
No. 2
Album: Wasting Light, 2011
Need to just rock out?!? "Walk" is one of those songs that helps me pick myself up, dust myself off, and do it better the next time. It's a jam that tells me to value my life and sometimes make sacrifices to start over again. I turn up the speed on my treadmill when the bridge blasts through my headphones.
"Now, For the very first time Don't you pay no mind Set me free, again To keep alive, a moment at a time That's still inside, a whisper to a riot The sacrifice, the knowing to survive The first decline, another state of mind I'm on my knees, I'm praying for a sign Forever, whenever, I never wanna die..."
No. 1
Album: 5150, 1986
This song has so much much meaning, and it became my favorite song right away. I got an A+ when I used it as my poetry project in Mrs. O'Connor's freshmen English class. It was my motivational jam during rehab after I tore my ACL in a football game. And it was even played at my wedding. It is my mantra song, because it tells me that no goal is too high.
"Run, run, run away Like a train running off the track Got the truth being left behind Fall between the cracks Standing on broken dreams Never losing sight Just spread your wings"
