9 ‘cheer-me-up’ songs to help you get through your bad days

Music means different things to different people. It has the power to move us—soothe are souls and comfort our minds in ways, unimaginable. Music connects people with themselves and with others, within and beyond borders and boundaries. We turn to music at various points in lives—the highs: moments of joy, excitement, celebration and love; the lows: moments of self-doubt, loneliness and out-of-the-blue sadness. And in all its complexities of rhythm, tune, instruments and lyrics, different songs of various genres can each have a unique and distinct impact on us. When it comes to lyrics, words often take us through the whole gamut—they can accurately describe what we may be going through at a certain point of time, they can change our mood, they can reassure in times of need, inspire us, and release that much-needed dose of dopamine in our body. And if you’re having one of those not-so-great days, you’ve come to the right place. We curated a list of powerful song lyrics that will make you smile and keep you going! 

Have it all by Jason Mraz 



“May you have auspiciousness and causes of success
May you have the confidence to always do your best
May you take no effort in your being generous
Sharing what you can, nothing more nothing less
May you know the meaning of the word happiness
May you always lead from the beating in your chest
May you be treated like an esteemed guest
May you get to rest, may you catch your breath.”

Jason Mraz hits all the right notes with his song Have it All. When you’re sliding down a rabbit hole of self-doubt, insecurity and loneliness or when you feel like you’re doing nothing right, pause. Breathe. Play the song, and let it be your reminder that you’re doing just fine and there are people—your nearest and dearest ones—rooting for you every step of the way. 

Superheroes by The Script 



“'Cause he's stronger than you know,
A heart of steel starts to grow
When you've been fighting for it all your life
You've been struggling to make things right
That's how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour, turn the pain into power.”

Here’s your cue to keep going—we promise, it’ll all be worth it in the end. Superheroes, by The Script on repeat is everything you need on the days you feel like giving up and are demotivated to work or study. Listen to the song while you go for a run for a boost of endorphins or on your two-minute break before you get back to cramming. In the simplest way possible, all the lyrics are trying to say is that, ‘you’ve worked so hard, don’t stop now.’

Try Everything by Shakira 



“I messed up tonight, I lost another fight
Lost to myself, but I'll just start again
I keep falling down, I keep on hitting the ground
I always get up now, see what's next
Birds don't just fly, they fall down and get up
Nobody learns without gettin' it wrong
I won't give up, no, I won't give in
'Til I reach the end, and then I'll start again
No, I won't leave, I wanna try everything
I wanna try even though I could fail.”

Written by Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel Eriksen and Sia Kate and sung by the ever-fabulous Shakira, the song Try Everything featured in the award-winning film Zootopia, is more than likely to put a smile on your face. The lyrics are simplistic in nature and normalise mistakes, however big or small they may be. The words encourage people across age groups to simply keep trying, make mistakes, fall, get up and carry on. 

Der Lagi Lekin by Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy
 


“Der lagi lekin, maine ab hai
Jeena seekh liya, jaise bhi ho din
Maine ab hai, jeena seekh liya
Ab maine…
Yeh jaana hai, khushi hai kya
Gum kya, 
Dono hi, do pal ki hai rutein
Na yeh there na rukein
Zindagi do rangon se bane
Ab roothe ab mane
Yeh hi toh hai…Yahan”

A personal favourite, Der Lagi Lekin written by Javed Akhtar for the film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is an exploration of life itself. The song speaks about how both happiness and sadness are momentary and fleeting. The song and its words enable us to understand our own emotions and feelings in a manner that is self-accepting and non-judgmental. The song takes us through the many facets of life and allows us to process precisely what we may be going through. 

Fix you by Coldplay



“When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse
And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you.”

Heads up: this song may just make you cry. One of the universal favourites, ‘Fix you’ by Coldplay is almost as if Chris Martin’s voice and the guitar riff are embracing you in all its glory as you cry, or go through the gamut of emotions that you are going through. It’s just the hug you need on one of your low days. 

Louder than Words by Jonathan Larson



"Oh, why do we refuse to hang a light?
When the streets are dangerous?
Why does it take an accident?
Before the truth gets through to us?
Cages or wings?
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds.
Fear or love, baby?
Don't say the answer
Actions speak louder than words."

Written by playwright Jonathan Larson, Louder than words is a powerful song that questions the absurdities of human behaviour, sensibilities and attitudes. Listening to this song is the perfect remedy on days when decisions are hard, life gets overwhelming or everything feels like too much. The words guide you to answers that you may be seeking and definitely give you the push you need! 

Here comes the sun by The Beatles


 
“Little darlin', it's been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little darlin', it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's alright.”

This song evokes nothing but warmth, comfort, hope and love in those moments when you may need it the most. Hug yourself tightly in reassurance as you listen to the words of this song—there’s always light at the end of the tunnel, sunshine after a storm and most importantly at the end of the day, you’re all you need and you’ll be more than okay! 

Badal Pe Paaon hain by Hema Sardesai 



"Socha Kaha Tha, Yeh Jo, Yeh Jo Ho Gaya
Maana Kaha Tha, Yeh Lo, Yeh Lo Ho Gaya
Chutaki Koi Kaato Na Hai Hum Toh Hosh Mein
Kadmon Ko Thaamo Yeh Hai Udate Josh Mein
Baadal Pe Paanv Hain, Ya Jhuta Daanv Hai
Abb Toh Bhay Chal Padi Apani Yeh Naav Hai"

Badal pe paaon hain (literally, my feet are over the clouds) from the film Chak De! India celebrates you, all your achievements big or small. The words remind you that you did it—it may seem surreal even fairytale-like at first. But the song is a hard pinch into the reality that you created for yourself. Smile, celebrate and be super-duper proud of yourself. 

Everywhere you look by The Hit Crew


 
"This old world's confusing me.
With clouds as mean as you've ever seen
Ain't a bird who knows your tune.
Then a little voice inside you whispers,
Kid don't sell your dreams, so soon
Everywhere you look, everywhere you go
There's a heart (x2), a hand to hold onto.
Everywhere you look, everywhere you go
There's a place, of somebody who needs you
When you're lost out there and you're all alone,
A light is waiting to carry you home."

The title track of the much-adored show, Full House is everything cosy and wholesome. You may be feeling lost, confused and alone but the words of this song serve as a reminder that you’re not—that there’s a whole bandwagon of people who love you and will be there to cheer you on during your high moments and be there to support you during your low ones!