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 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 You Can Fly You Can Fly You Can Fly from the movie Peter Pan (Song #133)

Soon you’ll zoom all around the room
All it takes is faith and trust
But the thing that’s a positive must
Is a little bit of pixie dust
The dust is a positive must
You can fly! You can fly!

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from the song My Favorite Things by Julie Andrews (Song # 132)

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Click here to view video has a little extra add too

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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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