I once worked with a client who said the song “Never Too Late” by Three Days Grace kept her from committing suicide. She said the song happened to play on her iPod at just the right moment to change her mind. When we listened to the song together, her sad eyes lit up and some source of strength inside was again awakened.
While music does have a way of coming to us when we need it most, it is also helpful to have songs readily available. I often hear about songs that people turn to that help them stay sober, deal with adversity, push through the last mile of a marathon, or just get through a tough day.
A motivational boost may be as easy as pushing play, however, the degree to which a song is inspiring is up to the listener. What music motivates you? Here are a few that work for me, which I also use in music therapy sessions to address motivation and perseverance.
Is there a song that can give you a boost of hope, energy, or willpower when you need it?
What songs have you used in your music therapy practice to motivate others?
Share your ideas in the comments below.
.
The Fire by The Roots:
3 Things by Jason Mraz
Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
.
Subscribe to the Harmony Resource email list for free updates:
SHARE:
Thank you, Ami, for reminding me that music motivates me every day! Thanks for posting “Won’t Back Down” – great message, and “3 Things.” I just sent “3 Things” to a friend who is going through a difficult time. Three songs that motivate me are “Changes IV” by Cat Stevens; “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind, & Fire; and “Haven’t Got Time for the Pain,” by Carly Simon. Four songs that motivate my clients who are nursing home residents are “My Way,” by Frank Sinatra; “Smile,” by Nat King Cole; “That’s Amore,” by Dean Martin; and “God Bless America.” Four songs that motivate my preschool clients with special needs are “Elmo’s Song;” “1960’s Spider Man Theme Song” “Let It Go (from “Frozen”); “Alee Galoo Galoo,” (from Music Together; with each child’s name inserted into the verse, one at a time).
Great article, Ami! You provide many valuable resources that I’m going to start using to bring more variety to my sessions! Here are a few examples of motivational songs I use in my substance abuse rehab:
1. I believe by Christina Perri
2. One Day by Matisyahu
3. Depth Over Distance by Ben Howard
4. I see Fire by Ed Sheeran (Try the Kygo remix)
Thanks, Nicole! Those are great songs to add to the list.
Christina Perri is a beautiful and powerful lyricist. My clients often request her song “Human.”