Encouraging Songs
May. 6th, 2017 01:15 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kerravonsenI was going to say "happy songs" but they aren't just happy, they are songs which try to be encouraging. I'm pondering the nature of encouraging songs, and the different approaches they take. Some of them mean well, but end up being DIScouraging instead.
There are a whole pile of "encouraging" songs that I'm not going to list here, which I find more irritating than anything. They're the ones which declare that "you are special" and that all you have to do is just go for it and believe in yourself and everything will work out. No. To "believe in yourself" may be a necessary condition, but it is not sufficient. These songs can be downright discouraging, because they imply that success is as easy as snapping your fingers to summon the right attitude, and that after that, there won't be any problems. Far too naive and simplistic for me. Almost bordering on blame-the-victim, too; that if you don't succeed, there is something wrong with you because you weren't optimistic enough.
But here are some other songs that I do find encouraging, in a rough order of least- to most- helpful.
"This Is My Fight Song" (Rachel Platten) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo1VInw-SKc and look at the Piano Guys instrumental version at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOO5qRjVFLw
This one has an upbeat chorus, and it speaks of struggle, which is good. This is an "I'm plucky and you aren't going to stop me" sort of song - good for the able-bodied and those whose self-doubt is small, whose main obstacle is the doubt of others. But when it speaks of strength, and the bit in the video where everyone Is pumping their muscles, that gets me in the mindset of tensing up and gritting my teeth and enduring... and I've had enough of that. There is only so far that stubbornness and grit can take you. I've had many years of stubbornness and grit... and grit wears you down eventually.
"The Rose" (Bette Midler) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCt7RvEkK8s
Sometimes this one makes me cry in despair, and sometimes it lifts me up. "When you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong" is one of my favourite lines in this. Its a "quiet hope" sort of song.
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" (Bobby McFerrin) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU
I'd forgotten that Robin Williams was in this video. The irony there is that there was a persistent rumour that Bobby McFerrin had committed suicide, while he is alive and well... and it's Robin Williams who ended up taking his own life.
But, back to the song itself. This gets kudos for being funny and silly. One line I dislike is "when you worry you bring everybody down." I don't like it because it is negative - not only are you worrying, but you're supposed to feel guilty about worrying - that is not helpful! But otherwise it is great fun. I'd forgotten how much utter fun the video was (since I usually just listen to the recording I have).
"Everything is Awesome" (Lego Movie) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StTqXEQ2l-Y
I'm certain one is supposed to be sick of this song - that's how it was presented in the movie. But when I saw the Lego Movie for the first time, with my niece, when we were talking about it afterwards, I said "I'm going to enjoy this song for as long as I can, before I get sick of it" and every time I'm tempted to get sick of this song, I remember that, and decide not to get sick of it. Yes, it's a silly song, because, really, not everything is awesome, but it is so fantastically upbeat.
"Try Everything" (Shakira) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6rP-YP4c5I
This is another one of those keep-on-going songs, ones that don't account for doubt or weakness, but the thing I like about it is that it does account for mistakes, and that nobody gets it right the first time (not even birds flying).
"Shake it off" (Taylor Swift) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM
This one has much good about it. The subtext of the video is that you don't have to be perfect, even when surrounded by people who are much more skilled than you are - just be yourself. The other more direct message is that you don't have to worry about things that are out of your control - such as the behaviour of other people. Which is true.
Sometimes I don't have the emotional resources to be able to "shake it off", but it's still a mostly-helpful song.
"Another Train" (The Poozies) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I-7nraIrrY
This song is rather poignant -- and I can't help but think of Daniel Jackson when I listen to it, since the first time I encountered this song was a Daniel-themed vid, perfectly fitting for him. While this is also a keep-on-going song, it isn't one of those bouncy upbeat ones; it's more cautiously hopeful: "There's another train. There always is. Maybe the next one is yours...". It isn't so much about starting again as it is starting from this moment, from now; not to let the past drag you down, nor fear of the future paralyse you. Just take the next train.
"Level Up" (Vienna Teng) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4n_8R5lKnw
This is lovely. While it is again one of those get-up-after-you've-been-knocked-down kind of songs, it does have some gems of wisdom, about opening up and being vulnerable instead of closing down.
"so long as you can feel it all,..so long as all your doors are flung wide"
"yes, you are only one...no, it is not enough..but if you lift your eyes, I am your brother"
"I can see clearly now" (Johnny Nash) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FscIgtDJFXg or the cover by Jimmy Cliff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrHxhQPOO2c
I was singing this song on the trip back from a spiritual retreat I went to many years ago. It was just that open and hopeful and suited the occasion.
"I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day."
"It's Gonna be Okay" (The Piano Guys) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pBjopDymts
Of all these, this one is my current favourite. Why? Not just because it is upbeat, but because it speaks to my situation, where self-doubt and negativity is the biggest enemy, and my survival depends on trusting that it is "gonna be okay", but that I don't have to grit my teeth to do so.
"And there is a battle raging in your heart but, you must win.
It comes for all of us, saying we are not enough.
So fight for your life, the world's gonna try,
To sell you some lies."
And that I will survive because I have survived.
"No matter what you’ve been through here you are.
No matter if you think you’re falling apart.
It’s gonna be OKAY!"
There are a whole pile of "encouraging" songs that I'm not going to list here, which I find more irritating than anything. They're the ones which declare that "you are special" and that all you have to do is just go for it and believe in yourself and everything will work out. No. To "believe in yourself" may be a necessary condition, but it is not sufficient. These songs can be downright discouraging, because they imply that success is as easy as snapping your fingers to summon the right attitude, and that after that, there won't be any problems. Far too naive and simplistic for me. Almost bordering on blame-the-victim, too; that if you don't succeed, there is something wrong with you because you weren't optimistic enough.
But here are some other songs that I do find encouraging, in a rough order of least- to most- helpful.
"This Is My Fight Song" (Rachel Platten) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo1VInw-SKc and look at the Piano Guys instrumental version at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOO5qRjVFLw
This one has an upbeat chorus, and it speaks of struggle, which is good. This is an "I'm plucky and you aren't going to stop me" sort of song - good for the able-bodied and those whose self-doubt is small, whose main obstacle is the doubt of others. But when it speaks of strength, and the bit in the video where everyone Is pumping their muscles, that gets me in the mindset of tensing up and gritting my teeth and enduring... and I've had enough of that. There is only so far that stubbornness and grit can take you. I've had many years of stubbornness and grit... and grit wears you down eventually.
"The Rose" (Bette Midler) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCt7RvEkK8s
Sometimes this one makes me cry in despair, and sometimes it lifts me up. "When you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong" is one of my favourite lines in this. Its a "quiet hope" sort of song.
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" (Bobby McFerrin) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU
I'd forgotten that Robin Williams was in this video. The irony there is that there was a persistent rumour that Bobby McFerrin had committed suicide, while he is alive and well... and it's Robin Williams who ended up taking his own life.
But, back to the song itself. This gets kudos for being funny and silly. One line I dislike is "when you worry you bring everybody down." I don't like it because it is negative - not only are you worrying, but you're supposed to feel guilty about worrying - that is not helpful! But otherwise it is great fun. I'd forgotten how much utter fun the video was (since I usually just listen to the recording I have).
"Everything is Awesome" (Lego Movie) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StTqXEQ2l-Y
I'm certain one is supposed to be sick of this song - that's how it was presented in the movie. But when I saw the Lego Movie for the first time, with my niece, when we were talking about it afterwards, I said "I'm going to enjoy this song for as long as I can, before I get sick of it" and every time I'm tempted to get sick of this song, I remember that, and decide not to get sick of it. Yes, it's a silly song, because, really, not everything is awesome, but it is so fantastically upbeat.
"Try Everything" (Shakira) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6rP-YP4c5I
This is another one of those keep-on-going songs, ones that don't account for doubt or weakness, but the thing I like about it is that it does account for mistakes, and that nobody gets it right the first time (not even birds flying).
"Shake it off" (Taylor Swift) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM
This one has much good about it. The subtext of the video is that you don't have to be perfect, even when surrounded by people who are much more skilled than you are - just be yourself. The other more direct message is that you don't have to worry about things that are out of your control - such as the behaviour of other people. Which is true.
Sometimes I don't have the emotional resources to be able to "shake it off", but it's still a mostly-helpful song.
"Another Train" (The Poozies) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I-7nraIrrY
This song is rather poignant -- and I can't help but think of Daniel Jackson when I listen to it, since the first time I encountered this song was a Daniel-themed vid, perfectly fitting for him. While this is also a keep-on-going song, it isn't one of those bouncy upbeat ones; it's more cautiously hopeful: "There's another train. There always is. Maybe the next one is yours...". It isn't so much about starting again as it is starting from this moment, from now; not to let the past drag you down, nor fear of the future paralyse you. Just take the next train.
"Level Up" (Vienna Teng) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4n_8R5lKnw
This is lovely. While it is again one of those get-up-after-you've-been-knocked-down kind of songs, it does have some gems of wisdom, about opening up and being vulnerable instead of closing down.
"so long as you can feel it all,..so long as all your doors are flung wide"
"yes, you are only one...no, it is not enough..but if you lift your eyes, I am your brother"
"I can see clearly now" (Johnny Nash) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FscIgtDJFXg or the cover by Jimmy Cliff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrHxhQPOO2c
I was singing this song on the trip back from a spiritual retreat I went to many years ago. It was just that open and hopeful and suited the occasion.
"I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day."
"It's Gonna be Okay" (The Piano Guys) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pBjopDymts
Of all these, this one is my current favourite. Why? Not just because it is upbeat, but because it speaks to my situation, where self-doubt and negativity is the biggest enemy, and my survival depends on trusting that it is "gonna be okay", but that I don't have to grit my teeth to do so.
"And there is a battle raging in your heart but, you must win.
It comes for all of us, saying we are not enough.
So fight for your life, the world's gonna try,
To sell you some lies."
And that I will survive because I have survived.
"No matter what you’ve been through here you are.
No matter if you think you’re falling apart.
It’s gonna be OKAY!"
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no subject
Date: 2017-05-05 07:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-05-05 10:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-05-06 02:29 am (UTC)I've never really thought about 'I Can See Clearly Now', though I always sing along to it.
I also like 'The Eye of the Tiger'. :-)
I've been battling negative thoughts lately, being aware of the things I say about and to myself and my body with its bad health. Not that the things aren't true, but I'm making an effort to find positive things to think instead which are also true. "Well done, body, for getting me this far. I'm going to be nicer to you and do things which are good for you."
no subject
Date: 2017-05-06 04:25 am (UTC)\o/
One thing I keep saying is that the human body is amazing that it can keep going even when there are lots of things wrong with it -- unlike robots.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-06 10:47 am (UTC)this is the song that says you can be knocked down to the bottom, but with hard work and help from your friends, there is way back up and you CAN make it.
The Mary Ellen Carter, by Stan Rogers, the most inspiring song I know, and no platitudes.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-06 11:20 am (UTC)Thank you again for introducing me to that song, so many years ago.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-06 07:09 pm (UTC)I find this really discouraging about a lot of Christian "theology" as well. If you're not healed/blessed/financially secure, it's because you don't have enough faith.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-06 11:43 pm (UTC)Oh yes. (shakes head in disapproval) They have no idea how utterly insulting it is to God to say that. They're treating God like a slot machine, rather than someone who is perfectly capable of making up their own mind. Yes, prayer is always answered, but sometimes the answer is "no".
no subject
Date: 2017-05-05 04:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-05-05 10:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-05-06 01:27 am (UTC)His other music that I could find on youtube is completely different, but really really good...
no subject
Date: 2017-05-06 01:34 am (UTC)I bought myself "The Best of Bobby McFerrin" and his other stuff is indeed quite different, very Jazz. Some absolutely amazing things he does with his voice.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-07 03:02 am (UTC)I love "Don't Worry, Be Happy!" It was overexposed a lot that first year, but I never truly got sick of it. It's simple and cheerful, and makes me think of the color yellow. A lot of the encouraging songs I recall are from the 60s or 70s: "Feelin' Groovy", "A Little Help from My Friends", "Sunshine Superman", "Let the Sunshine In". That was a pretty hopeful era.
Sometimes I like dissonance between a song's lyrics and it's tune. In particular there are some country songs with cheerful upbeat tunes and defiant "break-up" lyrics. (Think "These Boots are Made for Walking" or "Blame It on Your Lyin' Cheatin' Heart"). But it's not exclusive to country music: there are examples in a lot of other genres--"Mack the Knife" is rather gruesome, but the tune is just as upbeat as you can get. There is just something ironic about such songs that tickles me.
And then there are songs that are not at all what people think they are: "Hallelujah" for example--everyone locks in on the repetition of "Hallelujah" and forgets that the song is about a "brokenHallelujah", or "Send in the Clowns", people think it must be a fun song because it's about clowns, when it means anything but fun.
I am not nearly so fond of those sorts of songs in the same way.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-07 05:36 am (UTC)I'm not familiar with "Sunshine Superman", but, yes, those other three were fab.
"Feelin' Groovy" is... a cheerful song, just look around and see the sunshine.
"A Little Help From My Friends" I can't listen to anymore without thinking of "Lathe of Heaven" (TV-movie based on the novel by Ursula le Guin)
"Let the Sunshine In" -- if it's that medly along with "Age of Aquarius", I absolutely adore that song, though I hadn't really thought of it as encouraging/happy song; I just love the harmonies.
There is just something ironic about such songs that tickles me.
(nods)
Lily Allen is quite good at songs like that; being upbeat and ironic and dark at the same time. Bit of a potty mouth, though, as one could tell easily by the title of one of the aforementioned songs: "F**k You" (link to bowdlerized version)
no subject
Date: 2017-05-07 04:01 am (UTC)Doesn't that suggest a Gloria Gaynor classic to be added to the list?
no subject
Date: 2017-05-07 04:58 am (UTC)