Music is a universal language. It connects people of different languages and cultures, it provides careers and entertainment, it is used to worship, and it helps us to express ourselves in a unique way. Music can be an especially helpful tool in helping people cope with trauma, fear, happiness, and sadness. All in all, music is an extremely important piece of our daily lives.
Here are five songs that we find to be fun to listen to, but also super helpful and motivational for those dealing with childhood illnesses:
1. "Can't Stop The Feeling!" - Justin Timberlake ( From Dreamworks Trolls )
This song was written for and featured in the Dreamworks 2016 motion picture, Trolls. With its upbeat tempo, and fun lyrics, it is the perfect song to dance to with your kids and family! It is sung by NSYNC alumni, Justin Timberlake (who plays a Troll named Branch in the movie). Everytime we hear this song, whether it be on the radio or in the original movie, we can’t help but smile, sing-along, and show off our dance moves. We encourage you to turn on this dance tune when you need some “happy” music!
2. "How Far I'll Go" - Auli'i Cravalho (From Disney's Moana)
Another motivational song, from another Disney movie soundtrack! This song speaks to the idea of following your dreams and being true to yourself. Written by Broadway legend, Lin-Manuel Miranda (known for Hamilton, In the Heights, Les Miserables, and more), this song is inspiring! Sung in the movie by the main character who is looking for adventure, this song reminds us of The Little Mermaid. This could explain why we love it so much! Listen to this song with your kids to remind them to follow their dreams no matter what gets in their way.
3. "Here Comes the Sun" - The Beatles
This iconic Beatles song is the best thing to turn any stormy day to a bright sunny one. Although very few lyrics, somehow they tend to get the best point across; that good times are to come. If any song on this list were to be the most uplifting, this is the one that we would choose. “Here comes the sun, and I say it’s alright. Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces,” reminds us that although we may be dealing with “stormy weather” or challenging times that take away our smiles, the sun will always rise and eventually joy will follow. We also find this song to be a great summer anthem!
4. "This Is Me" - Keala Settle ( FromThe Greatest Showman)
This emotional song from the movie The Greatest Showman, is the perfect thing to listen to when you are feeling self conscious or are in need of some self-motivation. The lyrics remind us that people will stare, say rude or cruel things, and be anything but kind or fair to you, however, none of that matters. “I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be...I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies, this is me,” brings this idea to life, as it shows that being yourself is all that matters. These emotional yet catchy lyrics speak to what a lot of childhood cancer patients face in regards to thier battle, scars, comments form other, stares, etc. Not only does this song have a great overall message, but it also always makes us want to get up, sing along, and show the whole world who we are and that we are proud of it. We know that after hearing this song, you are going to gain a whole new level of confidence and internal strength!
5. "Fight Song" - Rachel Platten
This Christian hit from 2014 is yet another warrior song! These lyrics speak directly to anyone fighting a battle in their life. It tells you to take action and transform the anger, fear, sadness, and pain you are experiencing into strength for the fight of your life. Taking what has shown you the biggest grief and struggle in your life is what ultimately will provide you with the best fighting tools. Platten’s lyrics motivate us to take what we are given and use that to prove that we are stronger than our downfalls. We find this song to be extremely motivational.
All of these songs provide lyrics and great tempos that are sure to encourage strength, love, and confidence. We hope that they not only bring you to your feet so that you can dance along, but that they become some of your favorite songs to listen to when in a time of fear, sorrow, sadness, or even times of great joy.