…it makes me dance!
When attempting to communicate our wants, needs, desires, and feelings we are sometimes at a loss for words. As a result, we often turn to the talented singers and song writers to help put words to our feelings. We can pull out our ipods, log in to itunes, search youtube, or simply turn on the radio and find a song that expresses exactly what we are feeling at that moment. I have found that this is a great way to connect with others, especially to teens. They live and breathe music. I often will ask them to name a song that expresses how they feel. I will then look it up and print out the lyrics. Whoa, if you only could see what I see. These kids are hurting and doing it silently and they aren’t the only ones.
I absolutely love music of all genres and as a result, I have so many that are dear to me. I could not possibly select a favorite. However, the following are a few that make my heart sing (or cry).
Beautiful (Christina Aguilera) – Having worked with children for nearly 17 years, I believe every child should listen to this song daily from age 5 to 12. We have got to stop tearing our children down and work harder to build them up.
I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor) – It seems like this song has a greater impact to our middle age women. By about age 40, we have all experienced something that we felt we could not overcome, but somehow we survived.
Forget You (Cee-Lo) – Now I have to first say I am not a fan of the original title. I strongly believe “forget you” works perfectly. So this song is for the guys, but not solely. I mean falling in love and losing that love to someone else is tough, but how uplifting is it to be able to say, “forget you, oo oo ooo!” I love it.
Earth Song (Michael Jackson) – Gotta have a song for the world, right? This song, especially with the video, is so powerful and speak volumes to what we as human beings have done to each other and our environment. Shame on us! Listening to this song makes me feel compassion!
So what’s your go to song? What does it represent and what does it do for you?
The Crossroads 
deadmau5 is beautiful. classical. makes common sense to listen and cry sometimes or smilesometimes or dance ALL THE TIME 😦
inspiring post. hope you get inspired too
Thank you for sharing your “go to”. It is important to have songs for all emotions.
LOL he’s beats sare so sensual. He’s straight up classical and melodic,
secret ssssst
pst hi
makea wishehy
b/c you have it granted if I rep sond 2 u
One of my own favourites is Leaane Rhymes Some say Love (Bette Midler – The Rose) powerful stanzas … its the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance
also
And the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live !! ..
Ahhhh The Rose is a classic indeed! That song makes me teary every time I hear it. The lyrics are so descriptive it just makes you really feel pain and joy of love.
How I got here: the title attracted me as I feel the same. What kept me here: An enticing narrative of the beautiful work you’re doing with children, and how – through your sensitivity – you got to them on their terms, through music… you use more than 5 senses and these skids are lucky to have you.
Thanks for the pos,t and also for having shared this great idea, which I will use to connect with a teenager’s niece who is going through a difficult time, after the loss of her father. I wish she spoke English as I would bring her to talk to you…
Thank you. I do hope the young lady is able to connect with someone in some way, so she can process the loss of her father in a healthy way. Maybe you could even suggest some songs for her.
Thanks for your care. Yes, she’s seeing a psychologist, but it takes time. Great suggestion; she loves music and that’s a good way to get to her. That’s why I liked your idea at first as I never had thought about that myself.
Ah, my go to song is ‘Fix you’ from Coldplay; …but if you never try, you’ll never know..is what hooks me.
I like it! This is a great song to just print the lyrics and read them like a poem. Great messages in there.
Great post! True and uplifting!
Here’s my contribution:
– Fly me to the Moon, Julie London: it makes me feel light and makes me remember to cherish dear Life
– Good Morning Starshine from Hair the movie: cheers me up and makes me smile
Yep, I guess I am a romantic soul. Love!
Haha. Good Morning Starshine will make anyone smile. What a fun song. I remember singing that in my elementary school choir.
And there is nothing wrong with being a romantic. 🙂
I was drawn in by the title of this post and the first line sealed the deal. Think I’ll ask my teenage son tonight to pick a song tonight and see what he says. He’s going through a lot right now and seeing a therapist to give him an outlet and work on building some confidence.
As far as songs go, there are so many I like, and like you I listen to many genres. But when I’m feeling good and productive, it’s latin music that I turn to. It’s on when I’m feeling creative in the kitchen and elsewhere. Never fails.
Give him a day or so to pick the song. It’s sometimes tough to think of them off the top of your head. I hope things get better for him. Sounds like he has a supportive mom and that makes a world of difference.
Oh, now Latin music makes me dance no matter how I am feeling! Great choice.
I have all sorts of “go to” songs to cover every mood, but at the moment the best one is Pharrell’s “Happy.” If the kids and I are all out of sorts it instantly changes the mood and gets us all dancing and singing together.
I must ask, though – are you sure that it’s the lyrics specifically speaking to these kids? When I look back at the songs I loved as a kid more often than not I’m surprised by the lyrics. So much of the meaning flew over my head at the time and it was the beat/melody/harmonies that affected me more.
You bring up a great point. I will agree that when things are going well and I just want to have fun, I am drawn by the beat of songs and not so much the lyrics. What I have found however, is when teenagers are feeling really down, they tend to really dig into the lyrics. They want to connect and music provides that. When I do this with teens I ALWAYS print the lyrics (or just pull them up on the Internet) and read them aloud. Then we can talk about each line.
Oh I see! For some reason I thought you were talking about younger kids. That’s actually a really smart way to get teens talking about their feelings and connecting with you. I’ll file that one away for future use with my own little ladies..
I have many songs that minister to me for different reason. Sometimes, i just want to be left alone with my Blues or Jazz, Other times, its the fun sun thingy or soft Rock! All depends on my moods. Thank you for this article. I love.
Isn’t it wonderful that there are so many songs and genres available to satisfy all of our different moods? Thank you for sharing.
Yes there are and until you encounter them…you’d never know there’s one for everyone and every mood! I think some needs to do an expose on great sounds. Good work.
Great blog post….I too love Beautiful by Christina Aguilera…and I agree everyone no matter their age should listen to this song daily. Too many people do not think they are beautiful and we know that everyone is beautiful!!!
So true!
“If there is a magic that we all can grasp, it is music.”
– Unknown
Indeed!
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Try by Pink is one that speaks to me right now.
“Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame
Someone’s bound to get burned
But just because it burns
Doesn’t mean you’re gonna die
You’ve gotta get up and try, and try, and try
Gotta get up and try, and try, and try
You gotta get up and try, and try, and try”
Yes, yes, yes. I am loving that song. That one will get you through the tough times. Definitely a “never give up” song. We all need that.
Great post to get me thinking and I figured it’s New York State of Mind by the incredible Billy Joel! As a native New Yorker, it always gets me choked up when I hear it:)
Thank you for sharing. It is always good to have the one song that reminds you of home.
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Nominated you for the Liebster Award!!
Thank you for the nomination. How cool is that. Now, inquiring minds want to know. Did my blog made you laugh, cry, or think?
Laugh and think. I’m not at the crying part yet.
Hi … I have nominated your blog for a one lovely blog award … see link http://www.wonderingrose.wordpress.com for details.
Keep up the good work … the best to you …
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