This past week has been eventful, troublesome even, for a lot of us due to many different events happening around the world. Music, however, will never be troublesome, always offering us a shoulder to cry on or a place to find solace. I have compiled a list of 15 of my favourite "pick-me-up" songs underneath as a way to spread love to anyone who is in need of some. I hope these lighten your day, even for a little while.
1. "The Space They Can't Touch" - Less Than Jake
Less Than Jake are one of my all-time favourite bands, but that's not why I chose to begin this playlist with them. The energy in this song is undeniable, a guaranteed way to make you feel better.
"So remember you're still bulletproof / Remember the face stares back at you / No matter what they say, no matter what they do / It can't be taken away from you."
2. "No Feelings" - Sex Pistols
Sometimes, self-love is essential. Even though this song borders on arrogance, singing along in your best Johnny Rotten voice is bound to make you feel better.
"I got no emotions for anybody else / You better understand I'm in love with myself, myself / My beautiful self"
3. "The Middle" - Jimmy Eat World
A classic in the pop-punk world, "The Middle" is nothing but encouragement for those of you feeling like the world is against you. Don't you worry: it doesn't matter what the world thinks, as long as you stay true to yourself.
"Live right now, yeah, just be yourself / It doesn't matter if it's good enough for someone else"
4. "Hope" - We Came As Romans
We Came As Romans are a bit heavier than the previous bands, but they are one of the most inspirational ones I know. With lyrics about believing in your worth and becoming a better person, they're my personal go-to band for blue days.
"Stand up, you have a voice to be heard / you're worth more than words / don't let your fire burn out"
5. "Let The Music Play" - Good Charlotte
This song basically explains this whole playlist: let the music play when you're feeling down. Music can cure any bad mood, even just temporarily.
"There's no way to explain / why life is filled with so much pain / But do the flowers ever grow / in the places it don't rain?"
6. "God Save Us All (Death to Pop)" - Sum 41
Sum 41's recent comeback stems from singer Deryck Whibley's recovery from liver and kidney collapse, so needless to say, a lot of their new music is about carrying on through life. There's so much more to this life, and it's worth making it through the odds.
"We have the passion of the unbroken / and our souls we will not sell / You can beat us down, but when we come around / we'll damn you all to hell"
7. "Shoot" - Boys Like Girls
Although this Boys Like Girls album is usually left forgotten, it has some pretty good songs. If your life isn't going the way you want it to, reclaim it. Don't let anyone else tell you how to live it.
"Put the pedal to the metal / It's time for living like it's all green lights on the road tonight"
8. "Last One Standing" - Simple Plan
Fight back. If someone's done you wrong, don't take it. Be the last one standing in the face of opposition. This song is about standing up for your rights and beliefs, which is something nobody should ever feel afraid to do.
"You can say whatever to try to mess with me / I don't care, I'm not scared"
9. "Wondergirl" - Hey Monday
Although Hey Monday are now on an indefinite hiatus (read: broken up), their music still remains. Everyone is worthy of being a superhero, of being their own superhero. Sometimes, you've got to put your foot down, and put yourself first.
"I've got a heart of steel / You can't cut and bleed me dry"
10. "Missing You" - All Time Low
All Time Low are pioneers in cheering their listeners up. Similar to their song "Therapy," this one ensures you that you're not alone, and you never have to face the world without a friend by your side.
"Now don't lose your fight, kid / it only takes a little push to pull on through / With so much left to do / you'll be missing out, and we'll be missing you."
11. "It's Gonna Be Alright" - the Ramones
The Ramones might not have the most eloquent lyrics, but there's no doubt that they're doing something right. They're shouting out to their fans in this song, letting them know that things are going to be just fine.
"It's gonna be OK / It's gonna be alright"
12. "Just Keep Breathing" - We Came As Romans
I added two We Came As Romans songs to this playlist because I couldn't choose which one to pick. This one serves to put things in perspective: while you're still breathing, if you're still doing okay, you still have so much to look forward to.
"Am I still breathing? / Then nothing is as bad as it seems"
13. "Castaway" - The Ready Set
The Ready Set are a bit more on the pop side, but this song finds itself on every hopeful playlist of mine. Another song about having a friend in times of need, The Ready Set is extending a hand to all of us.
"Well I'll be with you in the dark / and give you light when you're afraid / like a billion shining stars"
14. "She's Kinda Hot" - 5 Seconds of Summer
Whether or not you agree that 5 Seconds of Summer belongs in the pop-punk world, this song is an undeniable call to those feeling like outsiders. Sure, we're losers, we don't meet anyone's expectations. And that's okay.
"They say we’re losers and we’re alright with that"
15. "Here I Am Alive" - Yellowcard ft. Tay Jardine
The last song on this playlist has one message to all of you: don't give up. If people try to cut you down or sell you short, turn around and tell them you're going to keep going despite the odds.
"And when they give up, cause they always give up / Say 'here I am alive'"
I hope this playlist could help you through whatever rough times you might be facing, even if just a little bit. Here's where you can listen to it on Spotify!
