Student Articles

The most inspirational songs of all time…

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Category: Students' Articles

Published on Friday, 04 November 2011 11:52

Joanne Tierney, 4th year BA ECCE

…as chosen by me! It has often been said that music has the power to do almost anything. It can make us feel good about ourselves; it can make us remember certain events or memories. It can make us feel down, it can make us feel crazy, and certain types of music can drive us completely insane or put a smile on our faces. My point is music is pretty important and it can influence our mood.

I won’t lie, being a fourth year brings challenges. It’s not fun and sometimes I feel it’s very easy to focus on the bad things, all the readings and the work that has to be done. One of the many things I try to do to get away from all the stress is I listen to music (the iPod is very important in this regard!). This got me thinking of some of the songs that I find inspirational or heart-warming.

Sometimes when I start talking about music I can’t stop and when I was thinking of this topic my list of songs started to mushroom to be honest, but I promise I’ll restrict myself to talking about My top 5 inspirational songs! 

But what makes an inspirational song? Well for me, I try to consider the complete song, the overall song. I think about the melody, I like listening to the harmonies and I really listen to the lyrics. The lyrics are very important. I sometimes think that these songs are trying to tell us a story or they give us reasons to feel a little better about ourselves! Some of the songs that I have chosen aren’t the most cheerful of songs because sometimes inspiration doesn’t come to us in sunshine and laughter.

So without further ado my top 5 most inspirational songs are:

5. I will Follow You into the Dark - Death Cab for Cutie

I did warn you, I will Follow You into the Dark is not the happiest of songs but I like that idea of someone being with you during dark times. And it’s a very well-crafted piece of music too! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rePcHxFJIuU&ob=av2e 

4. We March On - Royseven

We March On. That phrase alone is strong enough to inspire. If you haven’t heard the song I suggest you look it up! My take on it is that it’s about somebody looking for the power to change as the opening line suggests: “Looking for somebody, oh somebody who’s just not me…” And of course you have the empowering chorus: “But we march on…” I have been listening to it quite a bit of late myself! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciIw0OogSqA

3. Firework - Katy Perry

This could not be forgotten in any list of inspirational songs! The idea that you could have to power to be as pretty and as special as a firework is awesome! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw&ob=av2e

2. Blackbird - The Beatles

It may be a bit dated but you cannot over look any of the Beatles songs, it would be a crime (in my humble opinion!). I think the opening verse says it all: 

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night 

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise.” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5CUHHGlQg0

1. True Colours - Cyndi Laupar (I much prefer Eva Cassidy’s version though!)

“You with the sad eyes… I see your true colours shining true…” *sniffles* this has to be the one of the saddest songs of all time, but I think if you really listen to the words and allow their meaning to sink in, it is rather inspirational. Just knowing that you’re loved by someone special is a really sweet thought! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPn0KFlbqX8&ob=av2e

I must apologise for my teary moment there. But it had to be said (or rather typed!). So if you are feeling a little down, I’d recommend that you listen to music because stress is never good! Hope you’re not too stressed with college work! 

Until the next time!

Joanne Tierney