The end of the school year is approaching for many of us, and with that entails stress, tears and endless exams. And while it's easy to lose focus and motivation when this time of the school year approaches, there are several ways to motivate ourselves and keep on keepin' on, just for these last couple weeks — one of them being music. So if you're losing faith in your academic abilities, here are a couple songs that'll push you to see the silver lining in the mess that is school:

1. Noah & the Whale: "L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N"

Frontman Charlie Fink's voice resonates deeply in our ears as he reassures us with stories of Lisa and Joey who persevered through difficult times with the mantra:

"L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.

What you don't have now will come back again
You've got heart and you go in your own way"

2. Jukebox the Ghost - "The Popular Thing"

This indie pop band reminds us in a catchy tune to be ourselves and follow our own beat, not other people's trends, even if "everybody's doin' it."

3. Bombadil - "Thank You"

Bombadil reminds us to give thanks to the top notch humans in our lives in this heartfelt tune. Reflect on all of the people who have carried you on their shoulders throughout this arduous school year, and take a moment to give thanks for the sacrifices they made and how they have helped you grow and mature as a person.

4. Tame Impala - "Yes I'm Changing"

The lyrics of this song reveal to listeners that we are always changing and growing, and if people don't want to come along and grow with us, it's okay to let them go. In high school we often find ourselves bound to social rules and trying to please those around us, but Parker focuses on the meanings of change and what they entail. Most of all we learn that change isn't necessarily as bad as society makes it out to be.

5. Foster the People - "Best Friend"

Foster the People explains through this song the importance of being there for your best friend when they're "all strung out." The lyrics describe friendship and the bonds we have with our friends and to be there for them through thick and thin.

6. Lewis Watson - "Sink or Swim"

Watson serenades us with a gentle voice and a heartfelt melody that prods us to try, even when we are scared to fail. The line that inspired me the most was:

"Don't be scared,
Who cares if we lose again

Let it out,
Don't let doubt ever have its day."

7. Twenty One Pilots - "Ride"

Twenty One Pilots reassures us that while we will always have doubts, we should definitely spend our time embracing the lives we live and rolling with the punches life may throw our way.

8. Death Cab for Cutie - "Stay Young, Go Dancing"

A shift from their usual melancholy sound, Death Cab's "Stay Young, Go Dancing," is a pure and heartfelt expression of joy. The lyrics seem to point to a romantic endeavor had by frontman Ben Gibbard, but is also an adorable reminder to listeners of how that "special someone" makes everything sweeter.

9. Paramore -"Anklebiters"

While Paramore is known for a heavier rock sound, Hayley Williams creates a lively and poppy vibe while simultaneously urging us not to waste our time pleasing the world and leaving ourselves out to dry. The message she sends is one of empowerment, freedom and self-love.

10. Best Coast - "The Only Place"

This song helps us to remember the joys and freedom of summer. Sometimes it's easy to think that the school year is dragging on and our break will never come, but Best Coast's beachy and fun energy will pick you up and make it easy to recall that happy times are ahead.

11. The Weepies - "Not Your Year"

The simple and folky background allows listeners to pay attention to the soothing lyrics that resonate with all of us because we've all had days or weeks or even months when we felt like failures. In the end, Deb Talen's voice echos the words we've all needed to hear at one point or another:

"Breathe through it, write a list of desires
Make a toast, make a wish, slash some tires
Paint a heart repeating, beating
Don’t give up, don’t give up, don’t give up.”

12. The Lighthouse and the Whaler - "I Want to Feel Alive"

We all had moments this year where we felt useless or boring or wished we were more bold. This song brings that feeling to life and helps us see we are not the only ones to feel that way.

13. Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar - "Freedom"

And of course, what better way to end a playlist of motivational songs than one by none other than Queen B? The lyrics are full of empowerment and encouragement for people of color and restores our strength, which was sapped by this past year.

In conclusion, summer is right around the corner for many of us, and I hope these songs help to guide you along a path to finish out this school year with a bang!