It's Monday and you realize that you have to stop and get gas on the way to work. You didn't have time to blow dry your hair so you look like Smeagol, and of course, the pump you pull up to tells you to "see attendant before pumping." As you drive off with your gas, you realize that you forgot your lunch and will be essentially starving to death until 5 P.M.
We've all had days like this, or at least we have had days similar to it. You might be having that day right now, who knows? If you are, then you're in luck.
As a remedy to your hump day struggles or Monday blues, here are 10 songs that you probably won't hear on the radio but that you actually need to hear.
1. "Hey Jude" by The Beatles
"And when you start to feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders."
This is an unexpected pick, especially for it being the first on the list. It starts out very somber, but of course a few lines of na na na's can force any pain away. This song got me through my freshman year of college, and I hope it can soothe you the way it has soothed me.
2. "Float On" by Modest Mouse
"I backed my car into a cop car the other day. Well, he just drove off, sometimes life's OK."
This pick has some obvious reasons behind it because everyone wants to be reminded that we will "all float on," of course. But aside from the positive lyrics, Modest Mouse (or Mighty Mouse, as Brooke Davis would call them) creates such a funky, fun sound that you can't help but smile when you listen to them.
3. "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra
"And don't you know, it's a beautiful new day, hey, hey."
This song has been a personal favorite of mine for a long time, so I am undoubtedly biased in putting it on this list. However, it is one of the most truly happy-go-lucky songs I have heard. So, if you haven't heard it before, please give it a try.
4. "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
"I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do, they're really saying I love you."
This is the top dog of happy-go-lucky songs. If you don't listen to this song for the sheer fact that it's Louis Armstrong singing it, then at least do it for the lyrics. It's the classic feel-good song, and it really can make you realize how good the world around you is.
5. "Hold On Loosely" by 38 Special
"So hold on loosely, and don't let go. If you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control."
Now we're turning up the beat a little bit. I don't know what it is about this song, but it's always made me feel good. If you need to spend four minutes playing the air guitar and feeling completely care-free then you should listen to it.
6. "Drops of Jupiter" by Train
"Can you imagine no love, pride, deep fried chicken."
A part of you loved this song at one time. Don't you dare lie to me. It has the same na na na effect as my first pick, and it talks about deep fried chicken and outer space a lot. So really, can you go wrong?
7. "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World
"It's only in your head to feel left out or looked down on."
This song brings out my mojo, and also my head banging skills. It's also the blatant truth from beginning to end. So, if you ever feel down on yourself or your life, listen to this song and believe every word of it. Love you.
8. "If It Makes You Happy" by Sheryl Crow
"OK, we get along. So what if right now everything's wrong?"
Aside from the fact that the movie "Crossroads" (which featured the song) brings your soul to life, this song is a true banger. It invented the bass drop. Screaming the lyrics "if it makes you happy, it can't be that baaaad" alone in my car is the most cathartic experience there is. Sure it might make you cry at first, but then it lifts that weight right off of your chest. Thank you, Sheryl. For everything.
9. "Shake It Out" by Florence + the Machine
"It's hard to dance, with a devil on your back so shake him off."
Sometimes you have to shake it out without having to listen to T.Swift's version for the 4,000th time. This song is wonderfully weird in the best way, and it puts your feelings into perspective.
10. "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
"Here comes the sun and I say, it's all right."
This may be a personal problem, but I can't put the Beatles on this list only once. They have too many amazing songs that make the world smile (I almost put "Penny Lane" on here too, I'm obsessed.) This song is what I view as their ultimate feel good song. Enjoy!
I hope you can use one or all of these songs to get to the bottom of your feelings and turn that frown upside down. If this doesn't do the trick and you are still feeling down, however, then this picture should do the trick.
