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 Good Times by Chic (Song #196)

Good times
These are the good times
Leave your cares behind
These are the good times
Good times
These are the good times
Our new state of mind
These are the good times

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from the song Living On Love by Trina Hamlin (Song #187)

I’m living on love
Feeling alive
I’m living on love I feel no pain
These tears of joy fall down again
As I run through that springtime rain

I say “Hallelujah”
The sun’s going to shine
I say “Hallelujah”
I’m feeling so fine

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from the song Just Fine by Mary J. Blige (Song#141)

Feels so good, when you’re doing all the things that you want to do
Get the best out of life, treat yourself to something new
Keep your head up high
In yourself, believe in you, believe in me

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To get a leg up you must put your foot down
You roll your sleeve up
You put your back into it
You get your head around it

To find the fast track to enlightenment
You must cleanse your mind and body
You must get your head around it
Must get your head around it

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from the song Zip- A- Dee-Doo-Dah by James Baskett (song #135)

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay,
My, oh, my, what a wonderful day.
Plenty of sunshine headin’ my way,
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay!

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from the song Accentuate The Positive by Dr. John (Song #131)

(warning video is a little shaky)

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from the song Alright by Darius Rucker (Song #125)

Cause I’ve got a roof over my head,
the woman I love laying in my bed
And it’s alright, alright
I’ve got shoes under my feet
Forever in her eyes staring back at me
And it’s alright, alright
And I’ve got all I need
And it’s alright by me

Click here to watch the video Alright by Darius Rucker

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from the song LifeSong by Selena Evangeline (Song #98)

Lost what we’re trying to find
Spinning ’round in circles
So caught up in our lives
We never stop to see heaven’s here on Earth
So take a chance and make it all come true
If you want to
But don’t forget love’s around you.
Take the time to see it come on. . .

Keep your head up high
Love each day of your life
Dream with open eyes
Take each moment in stride

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