I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they’re worth taking
Lovin’ might be a mistake
But it’s worth making
Don’t let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter

Who cares what they’re wearing on Main Street of Saville Row
It’s what you wear from ear to ear
And not from head to toe.

from the song I Gotta Believe by Yolanda Adams (Song #222)

I believe that I can make it, I can make it through the night
I believe that I can walk on, with my head held high
I believe that I am special in every way
But in order to have my victory-I gotta believe-Ooh yeah!

Motivational songs are big songs whether it be in the music, or in the message. They exist throughout time and across genres. You will hear them before pep rallies and at graduations. And in television and film, motivational songs are the unseen character that supports the story and helps moves it along…

A daily ritual of listening to motivational songs can be very beneficial. Anyone who has ever had to train at anything be it an athlete or a politician knows how important motivational messages can be. Staying focused and getting work done is a hard task and if a lyric gets caught in your head encouraging you to “Keep on Pushin“, that could be just the push you need.

How do they work?

Well for one thing, motivational songs captivates our minds by, as doctors have described it, as “tickling several of the most important parts of the brain in a highly pleasurable way.” It is comforting and reassuring as it divides time up in a way that makes sense to us. The tempo and beat create patterns that causes the dissonance that ultimately gets resolved in a timely fashion that we depend upon.

Another key factor is that music supports and encourages movement. We see examples of this all throughout our lives. Like when we go to work out, the first thing we pull out is our iPod with our favorite “pump it up” jams. Or, when we are doing anything laborious a work song comes in handy to keep the pace.

But, the most fascinating thing is how music conjures up memories and emotions. It creates a euphoric feeling when we listen to oldies. We remember a time when we were younger and fancy free. We relive a moment in time and feel a sense of validation.

But the most important thing is that music is for everyone and people of all ability levels can participate. Just the other day I watched that movie Young@Heart about the senior choir in Massachusetts that became a touring sensation. Singing really gave the members something to look forward to and made them feel good and happy about their lives, despite their pending health issues.

But when faced with challenges, motivational songs are recommended listening for a successful and prosperous outcome. Songs like Dolly Parton’s “Better Get To Livin” and “We’re a Winner” by Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions, are the kind with upbeat instrumentation that can get you up and moving with messages that are so motivational they can help you to move mountains.

from the song Wonderful Person by Black Masses (Song #200) AND GROWING….

YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PERSON…..

from the song Respect Yourself by The Staple Singers (Song #197)

Respect yourself, respect yourself
If you don’t respect yourself
Ain’t nobody gonna give a good cahoot, na na na na
Respect yourself, respect yourself

Download from Amazon:

from the song Stand by Rascal Flatts (Song #164)

Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you’re made of
You might bend, till you break
Cause its all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you’ve had enough
You get mad you get strong
Wipe your hands shake it off
Then you Stand, Then you stand

Download from Amazon:

from the song Make It Happen by Mariah Carey (song #151)

If you believe in yourself enough
And know what you want
You’re gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)
And if you get down on your knees at night
And pray to the Lord
He’s gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)

Download from Amazon:

So you stand up
Be strong go out there
Hold on to the real thing that matter
‘Cause no one’s gonna hand it to you on a silver platter
There’s no need to feel you’re on your own
Just let your intuition guide you through
Take one step toward what you believe
Don’t be afraid to make your move

Download from Amazon:

(sorry no audio or video available at this time )