Music to get you through...

llm822

I don't know about the rest of you, but I've always drawn strength from music.  No matter what my struggle might be, it helps to find a song to get me through it.  I thought it might be nice if we could compile a list of songs together.  Is there a song that motivates you to get up out of bed?  A song that inspires you and gives you hope?  Or even a song that helps you cry when you need to get it all out?  Do you have a "Breast Cancer Theme Song"?  If so, add it to the list.  And if you've got a minute, tell us why it's helpful for you.

Here's mine:  "Lark" by Josh Ritter (see quote in my signature below).  This guy is perhaps my favorite singer/songwriter ever - my sister's as well.  His latest album had just come out, and I was home alone, listening to this song over and over again.  It just oozes happiness and optimism!  So there I was, lying in bed just basking in the good vibes when my sister called and asked me what song I liked the best so far.  I simply said "I like 'Lark' a lot" - she said "That's why I called - IT'S YOUR SONG!"  And it totally is

Anonymous

What a great idea for a thread!  I love it!  Music is incredibly powerful.  It can transport you, transform you or, in the case of cancer, treat you.  I swear certain songs make me sronger!  So here is my favorite-

War of My Life by John Mayer

"I'm in the war of my life, at the door of my life.                                                                      Out of time and there's no where to run.                                                                              I'm in the war of my life, at the core of my life.                                                                     Got no choice but to fight 'till it's done.

So fight on, fight on everyone.                                                                                              I won't give up, I won't run.                                                                                                   Fight on, got no choice but to fight 'till it's done.                                                                    I won't stop for anyone."

photobug

I have a few that I like depending on my mood:

"Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles

"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor when I'm in the mood to talk back

"Everythings Alright" from the Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack - when I need comforting

"Shining Star" Earth Wind and Fire - gets me up and moving

"I Can See Clearly Now" Johnny Nash - for when I'm feeling optimistic

"Cry Sky" by Double Trouble when I feel like crying.

Great topic!  I'm currently trying to put together a playlist for my ipod for when I'm in the hospital.  I'll be sure to check back for more ideas.

thenewme

Great topic!  It really is amazing how powerful music can be! 

llm822- I hadn't heard of Josh Ritter - thanks for sharing!  Wow, acoustic guitar is so.... pure, you know?  Nice!

Who knew Bryan Adams sings OPERA??  I love Bryan Adams anyway, but Il Maestro and O Sole Mio bring me back to my time living in Italy and a really fun and carefree time in my life.

Basshunter, just because I love the song!   There's something about a great beat and foreign language - especially since in this case the lyrics are nothing to write home about, LOL!

So what's on YOUR ipod?

NatsFan

One of my offbeat favorites - "I Am Not Dead Yet" from Monty Python's Spamalot. 

I love that show - I saw it 3 times on stage, including on the night before I found the lump, so it has special meaning for me that way as that night was my last night of innocence.  I frequently use the soundtrack of it while on the elliptical - like Thenewme says, it brings back a time of being carefree.

"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from Spamalot (and from the Life of Brian movie) is also a good ironic tune with in-your-face lyrics about death as well, but the simplicity and directness of "I Am Not Dead Yet" always brings a grin for me. But I think you have to enjoy Monty Python style humor to enjoy those songs.   

Anonymous

Love this one by a little known singer called Joshua Kadison.  Especially the line-

"Didn't anyone tell you how wonderful you are?" 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6cgOV9KjW8

thenewme

Oooh Kate, good one!  I like it!

NatsFan, I had to look that one up - I haven't seen Spamalot.  That cracked me up!!! Here's a link... I'm Not Dead Yet

How about this one... Summertime by Jerry Mungo  - love it and can't get it out of my head!

thenewme

Oh yeah, mustn't forget my current theme song... Crazy by Gnarls Barkley, LOL!

Kodapants

I could only listen to the music on Positive Life Radio for the first 2 years.  I turn it on first thing in morning

and at work. Then slowly I have been able to add my before cancer music from my i-pod and computer.  I

listened to my i-pod last weekend over and over.  I didn't cry once,   I think menopause has dried up my tears along with everything else

Koda

AussieSheila

When my soul needs some soothing I head straight for Melody Gardot.  For a young woman of 24, she has experienced more physical pain than most of us will ever know and her music reflects that.

I can't link on this 'puter but if you Google/youtube the name all of her latest discs are there.  So sweet.

Sheila.

crazy4carrots

I'm classically trained so my special favourite that I've taken into the OR is Saint Saens' Organ Symphony (for root canal, carpal tunnel surgery, lumpectomy etc).  It always sees me through!

But for sheer laughs you can't beat the Monty Python crew.  The tune that kills me every time I hear it (or even think it!) is "Every Sperm is Sacred" from Monty Python's The Meaning of Life.  If you've never seen the movie  (and won't be offended by its rather sacreligious sarcastic tone), please google it.

And for absolutely beautiful, dream-inducing music, check out Vocalise by Rachmaninoff.

NatsFan

Newme - thanks for finding that Spamalot clip!!  I watched it and laughed all over again. I have it bookmarked to play on those days when I'm singing the blues.  Linda - Every Sperm is Sacred makes me laugh too - I grew up old-time Catholic and it's scary-accurate! But like you said you have to appreciate Monty Python's type of humor. 

irishdreama

I have to say, that while it's not exactly an upbeat song, the chorus from "Jesus take the wheel" by Carrie Underwood got me through every time I felt like I had just had enough. I put it in God's hands-that worked for me.