Happy Songs With Substance
Often times I find myself getting stuck in a rut because of my song choices. I can’t count how much I have played Celine Dion’s “All by Myself” and convinced myself that at 19 my younger days are gone. Many times, a song can create its own world which entraps us like a quicksand of vibrations. In my opinion, her song is so incredibly genuine and powerful that it is too much for the human empathy. Recently I have asked myself why I listen to these kinds of sad songs so frequently. The pathetic answer I had for myself was that sad songs have more substance. After this was brought to my attention, I could not accept it. There had to be happy songs with substance.
On my hunt for happy songs with more meaning, I actually found so much it was overwhelming. I started with “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede. There are so many layers to this song and it has just a genuine and original take on love. The way he yells with joy his description of being hooked and high on believing can only make those familiar with the feeling grin.
Although I was genuinely uplifted by this song, I was still skeptical that there would be very many more songs on topics other than just being in love. I was wrong! Johnny Nash with his song “I Can See Clearly Now” stopped me dead in my tracks. This song along with Dancing Queen, Footloose, I’m Gonna Be, and so many others started to improve my mood long term. Just by swapping out the sad song for these happy songs I realized I was sleeping better and excited for my job and lectures.
I realized the power of music and art in my own life. Beyond this, music has given me an understanding that it is my choice how I live my life. By this I mean I control the people I talk to, and the negativity I allow into my life. This includes sad songs, junk food, bad friends, and bad choices.
I think the path to eliminating negativity in your life starts with musical inspiration. Listening to happy songs is a simple and conscious thing anyone can start doing to train their brain to be happier. It may take practice. In my own personal experience, the more I listened to the happy songs, the more I wanted to listen to more and find new artists. I think it is worth it to make this small and easy adjustment for a healthier mind.
Your word choice and descriptions are so powerful and eloquent! It was really beautiful writing! And your overall message is such a great point. I feel like lots of people listen to sad songs- I know when I’m sad, I intentionally listen to sad songs, which only makes me feel worse! I’ll definitely take your recommendations for some happier songs!
I relate to this in so many ways! I love listening to sad songs, not because I want to be sad, but because I want the music I listen to to make me feel something. I like it when a song can pull out emotions that I’ve been holding back or those that are unexplainable. I has also found more happy songs that do the same thing but sad songs are my go to when I need to feel something.