Sometimes life gets a little weary. At those times you might find yourself in need of some motivation, or maybe just an opportunity to take a breath. Whether you're trying to trudge through your final few years of college or trying to get yourself out of a rut, Disney knows how to keep you going courtesy of some quality musical numbers.
1. "Almost There," The Princess and the Frog
"I remember Daddy told me, fairy tales can come true
You gotta make 'em happen, it all depends on you "
Probably the most motivational Disney song of all time. Who doesn't need to be reminded how close they are to achieving their dreams? Or how close they are to graduating? Tiana knows the value of hard work and perseverance and this song makes you value that too.
2. "I'll Make a Man Out of You," Mulan
"Tranquil as a forest, but a fire withinOnce you find your center, you are sure to win"
Be honest, the minute you saw the gif of Shang, you were ready to defeat the Huns, weren't you? Not only is this song guaranteed to make you ready to fight a semi-balding man with yellow eyes, but you'll probably be ready to tackle some work after you finish belting the lyrics.
3. "Go the Distance," Hercules
"I have often dreamed of a far off placeWhere a hero's welcome would be waiting for me
Where the crowds would cheer when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying this is where I'm meant to be"
People have been sleeping on the song. Yes, it is kind of slow. Yes, it has a rather long interlude. But it so worth the listen. This song probably hits the deepest as it is all about trying to find a place filled with people that love and support you. It's about trying to find your place in the world and who doesn't need that?
4. "How Far I'll Go," Moana
"If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind meOne day I'll know, how far I'll go "
I don't know about you guys, but I feel like way too many people have been setting limits for me all my life. Too frequently I was meant to feel like I could not achieve my goals. This Disney song captures the all too real struggle of trying to break away from your family or social expectations perfectly.
5. "Break Away," The Princess Diaries 2
"I'll spread my wings, and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky "
Okay so maybe this isn't a Disney animated movie, but it is Disney nonetheless. And who didn't at least once listen to this song while moodily staring out of a window? This song is the jam and encourages taking chances to achieve your goals.
6. "Dig a Little Deeper," The Princess and the Frog
"When you found out who you areYou find out what you need "
The Princess and the Frog is on here twice because it honestly deserves to be. Not to mention this song, which espouses the idea that you can find everything within yourself, is great motivation for when you feel lost or when you have put your all into a goal only to never achieve it. You may not get everything you want, but you get what you need. Mama Odie knows that.
7. "The Climb," The Hannah Montana Movie
"But I gotta keep trying,Gotta keep my head held high"
You guys didn't honestly think I'd make a Disney post without including Hannah Montana did you? Like The Princess Diaries, this movie wasn't animated but still featured some amazing musical guest performances (did anybody catch T. Swizzle or Rascal Flatts?) and this song which we have all been singing along to since middle school. Is it cheesy? Yes. Does it still somehow manage to remind you that life, even if it is difficult at the moment, is worth it? Yes.
In case you ever need a casual throwback to your childhood and a pump up at the same time, this list has you covered. Overall though, it's probably a good idea to remember all of these songs have the same basic principle running through them: whatever you want, whatever you're going through, you have what it takes; just keep on keeping on.
