Morning Glory Playlist
Years ago, I discovered that music can drastically alter my mood. It can make me laugh, make me cry, eliminate the effects of a long day by making me dance, and even pull me out of a depressive state. When I realized these amazing effects, I started a playlist of songs that would resonate with my array of high and low feelings, hopefully generate a release of emotions, and songs that reminded me I was not alone in what I was feeling. In respect of Mental Health Awareness Month, I decided to share 10 songs that uplift me on dark days, also known as my “Morning Glory” playlist.
Josh Groban – River
My 2020 Pandemic Anthem goes to Josh Groban’s “River”. Every lyric in this song spoke to me and how I felt during those soul depleting times. “Groban explained to People that the “river” mentioned in the song represents hope. “Whenever we have dark times in our lives, whether we suffer from depression, or addiction, or anxiety, or even just having a really bad day, the worst is that it feels like we are suffering alone,” he said. “In a world of billions connected by social media, far too many people feel this way and while the conversation is getting better, it’s not talked about nearly enough.””
“Some days I can’t say why I’m feeling lonely | And some days I am too proud to ask for help | And I stumble through the noise trying to find some peace”
Matthew West – Mended
This song carried me through my second knee surgery, quitting my government job and the tough times of indecision that followed. I love it so much, I listen to the Matthew West Pandora station on a weekly (and sometimes daily) basis to keep me uplifted. <3
“When you see nothing but damaged goods | I see something good in the making | I’m not finished yet | When you see wounded, I see mended”
Disturbed – The Sound of Silence
I love this powerful song. His voice is phenomenal, but the message is great too (and yes, I know it’s originally a S&G song, which is also fabulous). We exist in a world where we don’t hear each other, aren’t communicating, only focused on ourselves. Let’s not remain alone in the silence.
“People talking without speaking | People hearing without listening”
Crowder – Come As You Are
I just discovered Crowder! His voice wows me. It’s a beautiful song and I love it every time I listen to it.
“So lay down your hurt | Lay down your heart | Come as you are”
Danny Gokey – Tell Your Heart to Beat Again
When I listen to this song, I imagine a grieving person listening to these lyrics months after the unexpected death of a loved one. It’s a beautiful song. Emotional. For me. And that’s the goal right now, to feel all the feels.
“So get back up, take step one | Leave the darkness, feel the sun | ‘Cause your story’s far from over | And your journey’s just begun”
Calum Scott, Leona Lewis – You Are the Reason
Their voices are beautiful! At this point, I switch the focus to self-love and sing the lyrics to myself.
“And if I could turn back the clock | I’d make sure the light defeated the dark | I’d spend every hour, of every day | Keeping you safe”
Cher – Burlesque – You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me
Because…well…Cher. She’s strong, and amazing, and this song is when I start building myself back up.
“I’m down now | But I’ll be standing tall again | Times are hard but I was built tough | I’m gonna show you all what I’m made of”
Rachel Platten – Fight Song
Another wonderful song to build myself back up, to finally take back my power.
“This is my fight song | Take back my life song | Prove I’m alright song | My power’s turned on”
Shakira – Try Everything
This is actually the first song on the “Morning Glory” playlist. Shakira is such a wonderful and beautiful soul, filled with grace and joy. I usually listen to this song first to mentally prepare me to start feeling her peace, her joy of life, and hopefully encompass the lyrics of the song.
“I won’t give up | No, I won’t give in till I reach the end | And then I’ll start again”
Justin Bieber, ft. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee – Despacito
And finally, at the end of the crying jag, after the uplifting power ballads, for a little fun, I make myself dance around my apartment.
I have no idea what the lyrics are about, and doubt they correlate to the theme above, but…I dance…every…time.
These songs have pulled me through many tough times. Do you listen to any songs that help pull you through the dark days or to stop you from reaching the dark days?
SFK
Additional Resources:
- Immediate assistance is available for those in need of help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or by calling 1-800-662-HELP.
- For more information on mental health or mental health month, visit Mental Health America.
- Read A Proclamation on National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2021 issued by the White House on April 30, 2021.
- Create a Self-Care Plan (or view self-care tips here).