I love music for so many reasons and it has been my constant companion in my CFS/electrosensitivity journey. Sometimes it lifts me up, sometimes it taps into a particular emotion I find hard to articulate, sometimes it makes me want to dance and sing, sometimes it makes me feel peaceful. One way or another, it uplifts me.
I really don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t like music in some form. I generally go for music that puts a smile on my face and lifts my spirit, particularly when my spirit is feeling a little worse for wear.
Managing a chronic health condition, while also managing other life challenges, I’ve found over the years that the following songs can give me a boost when nothing else can. For some of these songs it’s the melody that lifts my spirit, sometimes it’s the lyrics, but something in them gets to the heart of me and helps tap into that joy, peace and happiness I think we all seek – especially when trying to distract ourselves from pain and illness. I hope they have a similar positive effect on you!
25 Songs That Lift My Spirit & Make Me Smile
Bridge of Light – Pink (“Just when you think hope is lost, and giving up is all you’ve got …” – Yep, it’s a great one for when you’re feeling like that!!) – Watch on Youtube
Carry On – Fun (Upbeat, Inspiring, anthemic, fist pumping, “I can do it” sort of song)
Watch on Youtube
Some Nights – Fun (Upbeat – despite its actual topic – and lifts me up with its power and passion)
Watch on Youtube
Welcome to Wherever You Are – Bon Jovi (This one got me through some of my hardest times. Trying to accept that being ill, miserable and in pain is “exactly where you’re s’posed to be” is not easy, but the whole song is so inspirational and uplifting – and gives me hope when I most need it – “remember every new beginning is some beginning’s end”)
Watch on Youtube
Bells of Freedom – Bon Jovi (Anthemic, uplifting, we-can-take-on-the-world attitude and sound. I just love it!)
Watch on Youtube
Beautiful Day – U2 (What can I say? Awesome song. You just can’t help feeling a little brighter listening to this song – preferably really loud :-))
Watch on Youtube
Walk On – U2 (Inspiring, encouraging, hopeful)
Watch on Youtube
Elevation – U2 (Upbeat, but similarly inspiring)
Watch on Youtube
Stuck In A Moment – U2 (This one got me through the hardest times too – as did the whole “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” album. It’s kind of nice to think we’re just “stuck in a moment” as opposed to “this is gonna last forever”. It gives me great perspective)
Accidentally Kelly Street – Frente (Just pure fun, upbeat, makes you want to dance and sing and laugh) Watch on Youtube
Absence of Fear – Jewel (Makes me feel peaceful and meditative. I just adore this song and the whole Spirit album)
Angels – Robbie Williams (Put your arms in the air and sway holding your lit-up mobile phone – lighters being out of fashion these days!! Gotta love Robbie. And this song is just one of hope and feeling safe and protected. Ahhh!)
Watch on Youtube
I Will Talk And Hollywood Will Listen – Robbie Williams (Makes me laugh every time, but never fails to bring my spirit up, with its grandiose lyrics, cheeky arrogance only Robbie can pull off – watch the Youtube clip to see what I mean – and slow rise in tempo and sound)
Watch on Youtube
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond (The first few beats and my spirit is lifting … it’s an oldie, but a goodie)
Watch on Youtube
Firework – Katy Perry (A great, uplifting song about when you’re feeling lost in every way. Katy surprised and inspired me in her movie that I took my daughter to see. She is one strong, inspiring lady who I’m happy to have as a role model for my child)
Watch on Youtube
Four Seasons in One Day – Crowded House (Mellow, but Crowded House’s sound always calms me, and the inciteful, intelligent lyrics are just great)
Watch on Youtube
Something So Strong – Crowded House (Boppy, always lifts me up)
Watch on Youtube
Old School Yard – Cat Stevens (Just love the liveliness of this Cat Stevens song. The tune, lyrics, the lot. Just brightens me up – and maybe I like the nostalgia of days gone by too :-))
Watch on Youtube
Edge of Glory – Lady Gaga (Pump up song. Full of energy in its words and music. Just really positive)
Watch on Youtube
You’re The Voice – John Farnham (Gotta love this song. Great message, great uplifting music, bagpipes!!!, and just one of the best songs ever if you ask me)
Watch on Youtube
Shine – Shannon Noll (Nollsy loves an anthem, but he does it well. This one is a pump-up, you-can-do-it anthem too, so I love the lyrics & the music. You can tell I’m an 80s child even if this is a 2000s song)
Watch on Youtube
Drive – Shannon Noll (Great pump-up song to listen to when driving – play it loud! Really it’s just a fun, uplifting song I reckon)
Watch on Youtube
Learn To Fly – Shannon Noll (I find most of his songs uplifting – can you tell?! This one’s more of a ballad, but the message is so positive and … well, uplifting – I think I need a thesaurus!! ;-))
Watch on Youtube
Shine – Vanessa Amerosi (2 songs called Shine in my list. Maybe I should get out more. But I’ve loved this one since the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Such a positive message and great music)
The Holy City (I’m not religious – spiritual, but not religious – but this song never fails to have me belting out “Jerusalem, Jerusalem …” along with Carols by Candlelight at Christmas. Thought I’d throw it in because it truly is one of the most uplifting songs I know)
Watch on Youtube
(Keeping this list to 25 was a major task as I have so many songs that I love. I could probably add 25 more, but I did this list fairly quickly off the top of my head and while quickly perusing my CD – yes, CD!! – collection. But before I go here’s a bonus one I just couldn’t leave out:
Glitter In The Air – Pink (This song is just beautiful. It calms me and takes me off into another world. I just love how peaceful I feel when I listen to it. AND I’m going to see Pink Live in Concert in exactly 2 weeks time!! Woohoo! I love any live concert, but I’ve never seen Pink, so stay tuned for my review :-))
Watch on Youtube
What are YOUR favourite songs that lift YOUR spirit while managing the challenges of life – including CFS? Please put them in the comment below and I can then either add them to this list or make another one – Reader’s choice!! :-). My list is pretty mainstream. Any suggestions for some less mainstream ones?
Keep Smiling
Louise
P.S. If you hadn’t worked it out, yep, all those links are affiliate links, which means if you decide you’d like to buy the mp3 from Amazon I get a tiny commission. Thanks in advance if you decide to purchase through that link :-). It’ll be the first step toward my millions ;-)!!
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