14 Songs to Remind You Everything is OK When You Are Feeling Down
Music Alters Your Mood
Listening to different styles of music can have a great impact on your mood. I know for me if I listen to depressing and angst-ridden music when I am down it pulls me further in. However, personally, when I am depressed listening to upbeat, bouncy music makes me cringe. While some of the songs on this list initially may seem sad they all have uplifting messages.
I think there is something on this list for everyone if you listen to the words. Alternatively, check out these 8 upbeat songs to brighten your day if you are looking for something with a bit more bounce. These 10 uplifting songs about life share wonderful messages about how beautiful life can be. Or this list of 14 songs celebrating positive body image if you are in need of a self-esteem booster.
You can also conveniently find these songs over on this Spotify playlist with a bonus version of one of the songs added in!
1. Drive – Incubus
One of two Incubus songs on here. ‘Drive’ is an excellent reminder that we need to take charge of our own lives and be ready to take every day as they come.
“But lately I am beginning to find
That I should be the one behind the wheelWhatever tomorrow brings
I’ll be there with open arms and open eyesWhatever tomorrow brings
I’ll be there, I’ll be there”
2. Warning – Incubus
I love Incubus and this is one of my favorite songs so I couldn’t help include two of their songs here. This song has reminded to get back into life through many depressed times. It reminds me that life is precious and we need to utilize the day, so we don’t look back on our life with regrets.
“She woke in the morning.
She knew that her life had passed her by
She called out a warning.
Don’t ever let life pass you by.”
3. Beautiful – Christina Aguilera
A reminder to love your body and never to listen to what other people say.
“I am beautiful
No matter what they say
Words can’t bring me down
I am beautiful
In every single way
Yes words can’t bring me down
Oh no
So don’t you bring me down today”
4. You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones
The lyrics say it all.
“You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometime you find
You get what you need”
5. Phlex – Blindspott
This is a bit of a sad song, but, with an inspirational reminder to live your life to not take life for granted.
“Not one day that you are here on this earth
Has been promised to you
So make the most of every day as if it was your last
And every breath, as if it was the same “
6. Everybody Hurts – R.E.M
Another mellow song, but with a solemn reminder that you’re not alone we all go through tough times and you will get through it.
“When you’re sure you’ve had enough
Of this life
Well hang on
Don’t let yourself go
‘Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes”
7. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
How can anyone not feel empowered after listening to this song?
“Oh no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
And I’ve got all my love to give and I’ll survive
I will survive, hey, hey”
8. Good Riddance – Green Day
A reminder to learn from unexpected events.
“Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why
It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time
It’s something unpredictable, but in the end, it’s right
I hope you had the time of your life”
9. Castles Made of Sand – Jimi Hendrix
A beautiful poetic reminder that life is fragile, always changing and something better will come to pass.
“Look, a golden winged ship is passing my way”
And it really didn’t have to stop, it just kept on goingAnd so castles made of sand
Slips into the sea, eventually”
10. Be Yourself – Audioslave
Despite Chris Cornell’s tragic end, this sweet, melancholy song has a simple message.
“To be yourself is all that you can do”
11. Try – Pink
Pink says it all and she says it well.
“But just because it burns, doesn’t mean you’re gonna die
You gotta get up and try, and try, and try”
12. Unstoppable – Sia
For a song when you need some empowerment
“I put my armor on, show you how strong how I am
I put my armor on, I’ll show you that I amI’m unstoppable”
13. Smile – Josh Groben
This is one way to tackle through tough times. Just smile, it’s contagious.
“If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you”
14. This is Me – Keala Settle
This song is from ‘The Greatest Showman’ movie which is all about overcoming diversity and making dreams come true.
“I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen”I make no apologies, this is me”