The millennial generation has been blessed with some amazing musicians, with lyrics full of inspiration, empowerment, and thematic lessons to be absorbed. With artists like Pink, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and Macklemore, singing of issues stretching from climate change, gender equality, LGBTQ rights, to the awakening of activist involvement, our generation has been inspired to enact change, promote new ideas, and create a better world.

However, this musical mission has been embarked on long before our time, and many of these songs still hold meaning today. Because of this, millennials should take time to learn of music of the past, as its lessons could serve as inspiration and guidance in the future.

1. "Carry On Wayward Son" - Kansas

Best lyrics :

Carry on my wayward son

For there'll be peace when you are done

Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more

The song reminds listeners to carry out their endeavors and conquer their trials, for there will be peace when they're done.

2. "Working Class Hero" - John Lennon

Best lyrics :

There's room at the top they are telling you still
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill
If you want to be like the folks on the hill
A working class hero is something to be

Lennon addresses the government and a dismantled society led by politicians and government officials, explaining that the rich exploit the poor. He suggests that being a "working class hero", or someone who aids in the rebuilding of society, is something to aspire to be.

3. "Livin' On A Prayer" - Bon Jovi

Best lyrics :

Gina works the diner all day working for her man
She brings home her pay, for love, for love

She says, we've got to hold on to what we've got
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
We've got each other and that's a lot for love
We'll give it a shot

4. "Candle In The Wind" - Elton John

Best lyrics :

Loneliness was tough
The toughest role you ever played
Hollywood created a superstar
And pain was the price you paid
Even when you died
Oh the press still hounded you
All the papers had to say
Was that Marilyn was found in the nude

Elton John's immensely well-received single served as a tribute to Norma Jean, aka Marilyn Monroe. The lyrics offer a side to Marilyn that Elton John refers to as Hollywood created- talking about her loneliness and pressure to maintain her image and form.

5. "Landslide" - Fleetwood Mac

Best lyrics :

Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love ?
Can the child within my heart rise above
Can I sail through the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life

Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm getting older, too

The lyrics of fearing change and growing as a person, is something all listeners, can relate to.

6. "Billie Jean" - Michael Jackson

Best lyrics :

People always told me be careful of what you do
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts
And mother always told me be careful of who you love
And be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth

This song means so much to music as a whole because it's iconic music video was the first by a black artist to enter heavy rotation on MTV.

7. "Blowin' In The Wind" - Bob Dylan

Best lyrics:

Yes, 'n' how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind
The answer is blowin' in the wind

Yes, 'n' how many years can a mountain exist
Before it's washed to the sea
Yes, 'n' how many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free
Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn't see
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind

8. "Escape" - Rupert Holmes

Best lyrics:

So I waited with high hopes, then she walked in the place
I knew her smile in an instant, I knew the curve of her face
It was my own lovely lady, and she said, "Oh, it´s you"
And we laughed for a moment, and I said, "I never knew"

"That you liked Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain
And the feel of the ocean, and the taste of champagne
If you like making love at midnight, in the dunes of the cape
You´re the love that I´ve looked for, come with me, and escape"

Holmes teaches us that sometimes exactly what we're searching for has been there all along and to try a little harder with loved ones.

9. "Wildflowers" - Tom Petty

Best lyrics :

Run away, go find a lover
Run away, let your heart be your guide
You deserve the deepest of cover
You belong in that home by and by

In one his greatest songs, Petty reminds listeners to always go somewhere they feel free to be themselves, with their heart on their arm.

10. "A Change Is Gonna Come" - Sam Cooke

Best lyrics :

I was born by a river, oh my
In this little old tent
Oh, just like this river
I've been running ever since
It's been alone

Lord, I'm coming but I know, but I know
A change is gotta come, now
Yes, it is, my oh, my oh, my oh

While this song was made in response to the Civil Right's era, it still holds relevance today. It reminds us that we may celebrate the victories we have made in equality, but still need more change to come.