Side note: I tried my best to keep classic musicals out, but for some, there’s no better example than those old-school favorites.

Another note: There will be some spoilers in some of the descriptions, but I’ll try to keep them as vague as I can.

As well, if you're looking to listen to all of these songs, I made a Spotify playlist andI'd love for you to give it a listen.

When you’re ready for a good cry:

I Know The Truth: Aida-

This song features a woman finding out the man she has been betrothed to loves someone else, despite telling her she will be his everything. Her whole life is shattering, and the song that comes as a result of that shattering is painful and emotional. I cry a little bit every time I listen to it.

I’ll Cover You- Reprise: Rent

Another song with gorgeous lyrics is this song of loss of love, this time quite literally, as someone has just died. The words are melodic and sweet, but you can feel the sorrow and power in every beat of this musical eulogy.

When you know you’ve messed up:

Totally F***ed: Spring Awakening

This song features some of the angstiest lyrics you can find in musical theater in a musical theatre/rock hybrid that is CRAZY to witness, even from the safety of a YouTube bootleg, but that’s not why this song is on my list. This song tells the story of a man who, in trying to help his friend, has gotten kicked out of his home, gotten expelled from school, and is now trying to put the pieces back together by yelling at the world. (And don’t we all have that mood?)

When you want to sound cultured:

Inside Out: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

This song is much more operatic than the others on this list so far, but the lyrics are philosophic, telling about the peril of the world looking at everything from shallow viewpoints. She further says she wishes everyone could live “inside out” so she would know who is a horrid person or a good one. It’s worth a listen.

When you want to laugh:

Shy: Once Upon A Mattress

This song sounds gentle and sweet at first, but we quickly realize this princess looking for her prince is no Cinderella (and she’ll tell you so throughout the show). Shy is loud, brash, and keeping your volume at full blast will definitely get you some weird looks.

When you need to cheer up:

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

This song is the perfect alarm on a Monday morning- I swear! It is quirky and funny, and the cast of Monty Python could really do no wrong. This song makes it much easier to look at what is right in the world instead of what could be going wrong (and it’s super funny. I could have used it for the “when you need to laugh” honestly, but I made the hard decision to put it here instead.

When you Feel Like Going With the Flow:

So What?- Cabaret

This song is very “whatever.” It’s from a classic show, but this is a song I feel like doesn’t get enough love. This song embraces the parts of life that seem to matter, but there is the overarching theme of the little things we have or don’t do not matter so much as having a life with people who matter and being who you are comfortable with.

When you feel a case of angst coming on:

The Bitch of Living- Spring Awakening

Okay, first off- I won’t kid you all. This song is about a group of boys raging when they’re going through puberty. There are some VERY distinct lines about sexual frustration. That being said, this is my go-to when I feel like I need a song to jam to when I feel frustrated with anything. My friends can attest to the fact that I break into this all the time and sing the choruses. Each boy’s individual story is interesting, too. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.

When you want your inner hopeless romantic to shine:

You Walk With Me: The Full Monty

This song features a dynamic story of a group of men who become exotic dancers to get their wives back and make rent, but within that storyline, there is this song that makes love appear simple and lovely, and knowing the additional story (two men who have been denying each other the whole show finally coming together), it makes me lovesick.

I Know It’s Today- Shrek: The Musical

We probably all know the story of Shrek and Fiona, but in this song, we hear a “through the ages” wish Fiona makes about her fairytale prince coming and rescuing her from her tower. Listeners can’t help but be swept up into her book of tales.

When you’re feeling low-key sexy:

Welcome to Burlesque- Burlesque

This song is sultry and a little dark while also luring the listener in to get in touch with their own sexuality and how to use it. Or, if you’re just scrolling through, you can let Cher feel seductive for you.

When you feel like starting a rebellion:

Seize the Day- Newsies

This song tells the story of the newsboy revolt in New York City in the early 1900s, and it has a youthful sense of revolution that differs from other songs from shows that came before it. And, if nothing else, it’s a Disney show!

Do you Hear the People Sing?- Les Miserables

I said I would stay away from classics, but I could not resist because this song is about the French Revolution, and what better example could be better? Comparing the power and optimism of this song to others is almost impossible, as every word of this leaks confidence, strength, and liberty.

When you’re feeling whimsical:

Pure Imagination- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka and his mystical chocolate are not a foreign concept, and this song keeps the listener drawn into the awe and pull of getting somewhere where imagination can overtake reality.

When you’re feeling misunderstood:

The Wizard and I- Wicked

This song is perfect for underdogs who dream about a better tomorrow. The perfect mix of sass and sentimental, deep daydreaming, you’ll find hope in Elphaba (the wicked witch) as she discovers the start of her strength.

When you feel like you were born in the wrong decade:

40s- Luck Be a Lady: Guys and Dolls

Listening to this song takes the listener back, and from how vivid and snappy the language is, you’ll half expect women in glittering gowns and men in sharp suits to come popping out of your computer or phone.

60s- Sherry: Jersey Boys

This song makes me dance every time I hear it, and just the first chorus transports you not only into the story of the Four Seasons and their triumph rising up as a band, but back to a simple, catchy song that doesn’t take a lot to understand and feels genuine.

Late 60s/70s- Aquarius: Hair

This song has a drowsy, groovy vibe that takes the listener back to a time where you can feel the simple love and joy of being around other people and not thinking too deep about your surroundings (or thinking, but letting emotion run over deep thought). I feel like I need to get my floral headband and look up Woodstock on Wikipedia just thinking about this.

80s- Let’s Hear It For the Boy: Footloose

This song is pretty well-known, but I love how funky the song is while also staying loyal to musical theatre. This show was the first I participated in with my high school drama club, and wearing my mom’s dress from 1989 really married me to this show and how cool and retro it could be.

When you’re embracing your inner child:

When I Grow Up: Matilda

This song gets people of all ages back to childhood and thinking about simple things kids imagine adults to be able to do (and lets adults go back to a place where adulthood was a dream and could be anything). Even Matilda’s mean parents are riding around on scooters and daydreaming.