Music. It’s that rhapsody of sound that can work all manner of miracles. From increasing focus and learning potential, to changing the neurotransmitters in our brains, music has amazing power and reach. Interestingly, music has varying effects on the physicality of those who play it, vs. those who listen to it, but, for now, let’s focus on ourselves as listeners.

If you’ve ever used music to soothe a baby to sleep, or calm a cat before a vet visit (yes, seriously), you know how beneficial it can be. Almost everyone, it seems, is positively affected by music, and some research suggests that we, as humans, are actually hard-wired to enjoy these sweet sounds.

So, in appreciation of music’s fabulous healing abilities, here are 10 songs whose lyrics make it all but impossible not to feel better after listening to them.

“Raise Your Glass” - P!nK

“So raise your glass if you are wrong, in all the right ways.

All my underdogs. We will never be, never be,

Anything but loud, and nitty gritty dirty little freaks.”

Perfect for those days when you feel like you don’t fit in anywhere, but don’t care!

“The Healing Room” - Sinead O’Connor

“I have a universe inside me

Where I can go and spirit guides me

There I can ask oh any question

I get the answers if I listen.”

Whoah.

“Perfect” - Pink

“Pretty, pretty please,

Don’t you ever, ever feel

Like you’re less than, less than perfect.

Pretty, pretty please,

If you ever, ever feel

Like you’re nothing,

You Are Perfect to me.”

P!nk just really gets it.

“Stronger” - Kelly Clarkson

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

Stand a little taller

Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone

What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter

Footsteps even lighter

Doesn’t mean I’m over cause you’re gone.”

Preach.

“Dancin’ On My Own” - Robyn

Okay, so the lyrics to this one are really about a girl who is watching her ex kiss someone else, while she dances alone. BUT, the groove is so happy, and if you take the title line and beam some pride into your ability to stand alone and dance with yourself, it does the trick. If you need inspiration, watch how Lena Dunham does it.

“Born This Way” - Lady Gaga

“There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are

She said, “‘Cause he made you perfect, babe

“So hold your head up girl and you’ll go far,

Listen to me when I say”

I’m beautiful in my way

‘Cause God makes no mistakes

I’m on the right track, baby I was born this way

Don’t hide yourself in regret

Just love yourself and you’re set

I’m on the right track, baby

I was born this way (Born this way).”

ALL. OF. IT.

“Rabbit Heart” - Florence And The Machine

This one is really more about the overall meaning of the song, than any one phrase in particular. Florence Welch has said that this tune was about overcoming her fears (represented by the rabbit), and embracing her success. Perfect for when you need to take a risk or look fear in the eye.

“America’s Sweetheart” - Elle King

“But I, I think I’m pretty with these old boots on

I think its funny when I drink too much, hey

You try and change me you can go to hell

‘Cause I don’t want to be nobody else

I like the chip I got in my front teeth

And I got bad tattoos you won’t believe.”

For when you are practicing radical self-acceptance.

“Video” - India Arie

I’m not the average girl from your video

And I ain’t built like a supermodel

But I learned to love myself unconditionally,

Because I am a queen

I not the average girl from your video

My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes

No matter what I’m wearing I will always be

India.Arie

When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me

Every freckle on my face is where it?s suppose to be

And I know my creator didn’t make no mistakes on me

My feet, my thighs, my Lips, my eyes, I’m loving what I see.”

Perfect!

“I Am Not My Hair” - India Arie

“I am not my hair

I am not this skin

I am not your expectations no no

I am not my hair

I am not this skin

I am a soul that lives within.”

India Arie is an ambassador for Self-Love.

Tell me, what did you think of these picks? What songs would you add?

Contact me for more information on how music lifts moods!