Songs That'll Bring You Back to Middle School

FlourishAnyway believes there is a playlist for just about any situation and is on a mission to unite and entertain the world through song.

Make a custom playlist for someone you love. The songs in this Life Advice song list are perfect for someone special for graduation, a milestone birthday, or just because.

Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash; Canva

Pearls of Wisdom: Where Music Meets Life Advice

I've been the parent of a teenager who wanted little to do with my life lessons, philosophical nuggets, or pearls of wisdom. My teen didn't want to hear about what anyone learned from their mistakes. "Hurry up and get to the point," was her refrain. She was too busy texting with friends and listening to music.

But this mother was creative and not easily dissuaded. So if a direct approach didn't work, I decided to let the music speak on my behalf.

Here is a list of diverse songs that offer memorable tidbits on how to live a better life. Make your own Life Advice playlist and enjoy listening to the enduring lessons that life has to teach, compliments of pop, rock, and country music.

1. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones

Youth is filled with limitless optimism, the feeling that you can achieve anything, be anybody if you just try hard enough. But in comes this 1969 song that tempers that optimism with reality that is forthright but not bitter. If you look hard enough you can find something redeeming in even the worst of situations.

Best words of wisdom from the song:

You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime, you find
You get what you need.

2. "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera

Look around you at all the pretty people. Do you feel attractive enough? There is so much pressure to be thinner, leaner, stronger. Between skinny jeans and "Swimsuit Illustrated" covers, amidst thigh gaps and social media, it wouldn't be a stretch to image that your self-esteem could use a bit of a boost.

In this 2002 song, Christina Aguilera puts it all in perspective. She reminds you that no matter what others say, you are good enough. Let the only words that truly matter be the ones you tell yourself.

Best pearl of wisdom from the song:

You're beautiful
No matter what they say
Words can't bring you down.

"I have found that if you love life, life will love you back" - Arthur Rubinstein, American classical pianist

martinak15 via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0

3. "Love Can Build a Bridge" by The Judds

In 1990, mother-daughter country music duo The Judds used this song to advocate the importance of joining hands and hearts. When in conflict with a friend, a family member, or another nation, it's easy to forget that we're all just human.

Best words of wisdom from the song:

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine.

4. "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson

In this 1988 song, Michael Jackson echoes the sentiments of an old Chinese proverb, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

5. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

This 1978 hit is one of those songs to keep in your playlist for when things are really going wrong. When you're through sulking and feeling sorry for yourself, suck it up and fight back. Put on your big girl panties (or big boy briefs) and make a comeback with this song as your anthem.

Words to live by:

Do you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die?
No, not I, I will survive
Long as I know how to love
I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live
And all my love to give and I'll survive.
I, I, I will survive.

6. "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers

A down-on-his luck poker player meets an experienced old-timer in this classic 1978 country song. He imparts some sage advice about not only card playing but also life in general.

Whether in love, money, or other endeavors, know when to cut your losses. Also, understand the danger of drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Of course, The Gambler says it prettier.

Words to live by:

You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away, and know when to run.
You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done.

Kenny Rogers' song, "The Gambler," offers superb advice on avoiding an escalation of commitment to a failing course of action. Don't let your ego get the best of you.

Viri G via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0

Kenny Rogers Was Right: Beware of Sunk Costs

You've probably heard these popular phrases:

"in for a penny, in for a pound,"
"going all in," and
"throwing good money after bad."

The sunk cost fallacy or escalation of commitment to a failing course of action is what Kenny's warning us about, and it's a very real social psychological phenomenon.

People tend to become increasingly and irrationally invested in a prior decision when we've already committed substantial resources against it. The result could mean enormous losses.

We can engage in the sunk cost fallacy on a national scale (e.g., the Vietnam War, Iraq War) or as individuals. If you've ever found yourself in a bidding war on eBay or with a real estate deal, then you know how bids can quickly spiral upwards. Suddenly, you may find that it's more about winning than anything else. Other examples include home renovation projects, gambling, bad relationships, and unsatisfying jobs or career choices.

How to Know When to Walk Away

In your personal life, consider the following recommendations when you seek to honor Kenny Rogers' advice about knowing when to walk away and knowing when to run:

Rely on accurate data. Knowing what (e.g., time, money) and how much you've lost thus far can help you make a more rational decision.
Define what "failure" or "success" is before you start. For example, is there a price point above which you will not pay? The sunk cost fallacy depends on you being emotionally over-invested and having soft or shifting definitions of failure and success.
Rather than working yourself into a corner defending your chosen path, invest the up-front time in developing multiple options. If well-meaning others voice concerns about your decision, consider whether you have truly listened.
Consider your decision from an outsider's reference point.

7. "Daughters" by John Mayer

In this 2003 ballad, John Mayer advises men that how they treat their daughters has a lasting impact on how they live and love throughout their lives. It creates a lasting foundation of trust or a lingering fear of abandonment.

Best words of wisdom from this song:

You are the guide and the weight of her world
So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do.

8. "I Believe I Can Fly" by Yolanda Adams

In this 2001 cover of R. Kelly's R&B original, the talented songstress encourages perseverance and self-belief in the face of obstacles. May you take strength from the message.

Best words of wisdom from the song:

If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it
I believe I can fly.

"Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments." - Rose Kennedy, American philanthropist and socialite

9. "Same Love" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

The first time I heard this 2012 song, I was profoundly moved. It takes a lot for a hip hop song to do that, but this is no ordinary hip hop song. It advocates dignified acceptance of others at a very basic human level. The pearl of wisdom from this song: "Strip away the fear, underneath, it's all the same love."

10. "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas

This is a celebration song by The Black Eyed Peas (2009), and what I like about this is that they're thinking ahead: "I gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night." Let's hope that translates into responsible partying.

11. "Dream On" by Aerosmith

You cannot permit this cynical world to rob you of your dreams. Don't let the naysayers win by giving in like that. Remember that some of the most successful companies of our time started out as a couple of dudes in a garage, hell-bent on a dream (e.g., Apple).

This 1973 song urges you to "Dream until your dreams come true."

12. "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.

In this 1993 hit, R.E.M. reminds listeners they are not alone in this life. It urges them to hold on even during the lowest of points, because everybody hurts sometimes.

Best pearl of wisdom in this song:

Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten.

13. "You've Got to Stand for Something" by Aaron Tippin

It was Winston Churchill who remarked that having enemies was a good sign that you stood up for something, sometime in your life. Country music singer Aaron Tippin is no Churchill, but he imparts the advice that his daddy gave him, advocating old fashioned Southern values with this 1990 song.

Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.

"Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out." - James Conant, former president of Harvard University

Martin LaBar via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0, modified by FlourishAnyway

14. "Getcha Head in the Game" by Zac Efron

This 2006 song advises that no matter how interesting things may get on the sidelines, it's key to stay focused. Keep your head in the game.

15. "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas

Kansas waxes philosophical in this 1977 song, providing a reminder that we're all simply passing through this world and "All we are is dust in the wind."

16. "You Gotta Be" by Des'ree

This optimistic 1994 song challenges you to dig deep and find out who you are. It encourages boldness, calmness, and authenticity. There are so many words of wisdom from this song, but the best are this: "Stand up and be counted."

17. "100 Years" by Five for Fighting

Remember being 15 years old and wishing adulthood would come quickly?

This song is a retrospective from a 99 year-old who looks back on a life well lived. He re-examines each point of his life and relationship with his wife -- from youth to old age. In doing so, he realizes that although each stage had its positives and negatives, being 15 years old with your life laid out in front of you isn't such a bad stage after all. (Remember that, teenagers!)

This 2003 song puts it bluntly: "Y ou only got a hundred years to live." Many people, however, don't even have that.

18. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

No matter what your life story has been up to this moment, relish the fact that you can write the rest of it. Take hold of that power and pen a brilliant middle and end to your life story, full of dramatic plot twists if you wish. You're the author, according to Natasha Bedingfield (2004).

19. "(Good Riddance) Time of Your Life" by Green Day

Indie rock group Green Day (1997) offers the advice to live in the moment through all life's milestones so that you can remember your eventful journey, as unpredictable as it was.

20. "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks

Have you ever prayed for something and the prayer wasn't answered? Based on a true account of his encounter with his old high school girl friend, Garth Brooks (1990) explains that some prayers were never meant to be answered, and you should be thankful that they weren't.

Best words of wisdom from this song:

Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because He doesn't answer doesn't mean He don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

21. "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack

Somewhere between mortgages and marriages, education and obligation, adults often lose their childhood zest for life. However, Lee Ann Womack (2000) captures that innocence and hope in this life-affirming song that a narrator sings as a wish to her two young daughters.

Best pearl of wisdom from this song:

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you'll dance.

22. "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw

In an electric country song from 2004, Tim McGraw describes the feeling of being 100% engaged in life and his relationships.

Don't wait until it's time to check out before you fully check in on life. Forgive, offer kindness and love to others, and seek adventure and solitude. Live like no tomorrow. One day there won't be.

23. "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is the rock band that has stood the test of time from the 1980s days of big hair to today. In this 2000 song they offer take on Frank Sinatra's mantra, "I Did It My Way."

Best words of wisdom from this song:

It's my life It's now or never I ain't gonna live forever I just want to live while I'm alive.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American writer

ethermoon via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0, modified by FlourishAnyway

24. "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel

If you watched the movie, "Frozen," then you probably have key parts of this 2013 song stuck in your head. The refrain, "Let it go, let it go," is a good reminder that anger, bitterness, and other negative emotions are just not worth the toll they'll take on your health and relationships.

25. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

Classic American rock band Journey (1981) offers this this anthem of self-belief. When the odds are stacked against you, never lose faith that you can triumph.

:To change ones life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions." - William James, Father of American psychology

wiley photo via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0, modified by FlourishAnyway

Even More Songs That Offer Life Advice

Do you have a song recommendation? Share it with us in the Comments Section below.
Song	Artist	Year Released
26. Think Good Thoughts	Colbie Callait	2011
27. Put A Little Love In Your Heart	Jackie DeShannon	1969
28. R-E-S-P-E-C-T	Aretha Franklin	1967
29. Life's A Dance	John Michael Montgomery	1997
30. Greatest Love Of All	Whitney Houston	1986
31. If Tomorrow Never Comes	Garth Brooks	1989
32. I Can See Clearly Now	Johnny Nash	1972
33. Stronger	Kelly Clarkson	2012
34. Garden Party	Ricky Nelson	1972
35. Cat's In the Cradle	Harry Chapin	1974
36. Don't Worry, Be Happy	Bobby McFerrin	1988
37. Happy	Pharrell Williams	2013
38. Biscuits	Kacey Musgraves	2015
39. Humble and Kind	Tim McGraw	2016
40. Go Big or Go Home	American Authors	2016
41. Keep Your Head Up	Andy Grammer	2011
42. Dream Baby Dream	Bruce Springsteen	2014
43. Dear Daughter	Halestorm	2015
44. Everything but the Truth	Lucinda Williams	2014
45. Affirmation	Savage Garden	1999
46. Simple Man	Lynyrd Skynyrd	1973
47. Strong Enough to Bend	Tanya Tucker	1988
48. You Get What You Give	New Radicals	1998
49. End of the Line	Traveling Wilburys	1989
50. Titanium	David Guetta (featuring Sia)	2011
51. Once a Day	Michael Franti & Spearhead (featuring Sonna Rele & Supa Dups)	2015
52. Get Along	Kenny Chesney	2018
53. Hold On	Wison Phillips	1990
54. Life in One Day	Howard Jones	1985
55. Secret O' Life	James Taylor	1977
56. Secret of Life	Faith Hill	1998
57. Only the Strong Survive	Jerry Butler	1969
58. Love Is the Answer	England Dan & John Ford Coley	1979
59. The Times They Are A-Changin'	Bob Dylan	1964
60. Give a Little, Take a Little	Jimmy Cliff	1969
61. Have It All	Jason Mraz	2018
62. My Wish	Rascal Flatts	2006
63. Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow	Fleetwood Mac	1977
64. The Chain of Love	Clay Walker	2000
65. Shine On	Jef Carson	1998
66. Let Her Go	Passenger	2012
67. Ours	Taylor Swift	2011
68. Try Again	Aaliyah	2000
69. Can't Hurry Love	The Supremes	1966
70. Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen	Baz Luhrmann	1997
71. Invisible	Hunter Hayes	2014
72. One	U2	1992
73. Heal the World	Michael Jackson	1992
74. Queens Don't	RaeLynn	2018
75. Queen	Jessie J	2018
76. Shop Around	The Miracles	1960
77. Respect Yourself	The Staple Singers	1972
78. Don't Be So Hard On Yourself	Jess Glynne	2015
79. Love the One You're With	Stephen Stills	1970
80. Sky's the Limit	American Authors	2020

"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it." – William Arthur Ward, American writer

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0, modified by FlourishAnyway

Questions & Answers

Question: Why did you leave out, "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow" as a great song with life advice?

Answer: Sometimes songs just get left out accidentally, no matter how fabulous they are or appropriate they are for the topic. Thanks for pointing out the oversight. I rely on great readers like yourself to make suggestions and keep this list evolving. Anyone can make a song suggestion by making a comment in the Comments Section of the article, and I'll be happy to consider the song(s) listed.

I love the positive, forward looking vibe of "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow":

Don't stop thinking about tomorrow

Don't stop, it'll soon be here

It'll be here, better than before

Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone!

Have a great day, reader, and thanks again!

Question: What is probably your favorite theme or moral of a "life advice" song, and what is that song?

Answer: It's probably "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw (2004) and similar songs that advocate living a full, authentic life of no regrets with the limited time we have here together rather than wasting it focused on petty matters.

There are many songs that address the theme, but that is my favorite. We are all dying, but we just don't know how rapidly. Make sure you do what's on your bucket list, friend, and take loved ones along for the adventure so you can create shared memories. None of us are getting out of this thing alive so no regrets. Let people know how you feel about them every day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9TShlMkQnc

He said

"I was in my early forties

With a lot of life before me

And a moment came that stopped me on a dime

I spent most of the next days

Looking at the x-rays

Talkin' 'bout the options

And talkin' 'bout sweet time"

I asked him

"When it sank in

That this might really be the real end

How's it hit you

When you get that kind of news?

Man, what'd you do?"

He said

"I went skydiving

I went Rocky Mountain climbing

I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu

And I loved deeper

And I spoke sweeter

And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying"

And he said

"Someday I hope you get the chance

To live like you were dying"

He said

"I was finally the husband

That most of the time I wasn't

And I became a friend a friend would like to have

And all of a sudden going fishin'

Wasn't such an imposition

And I went three times that year I lost my dad

I finally read the Good Book, and I

Took a good, long, hard look

At what I'd do if I could do it all again

And then

I went skydiving

I went Rocky Mountain climbing

I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu

And I loved deeper

And I spoke sweeter

And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying"

And he said

"Someday I hope you get the chance

To live like you were dying

Like tomorrow was a gift

And you've got eternity

To think about

What you'd do with it

What could you do with it

What did I do with it?

What would I do with it?

Skydiving

I went Rocky mountain climbing

I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu

And I loved deeper

And I spoke sweeter

And I watched an eagle as it was flying"

And he said

"Someday I hope you get the chance

To live like you were dying

To live like you were dying"

Question: What are some life-related songs for middle school girls?

Answer: There are a number of relevant songs that give life advice on the Spinditty playlist, but I'd start with these:

• "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack (2000)

• "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart (1988)

• "Respect Yourself" by The Staple Singers (1972)

• "Queens Don't" by RaeLynn (2018)

• "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts (2006)

• "Garden Party" by Ricky Nelson (1972)

If you're looking to add some great songs that have an appropriate theme for that age group, look at several other Spinditty playlists I have on related subjects:

1) Girl Power Playlist: Songs About Female Empowerment (http://hub.me/akaBK)

2) Songs About Changing the World (http://hub.me/alQBP) - Take a look at the song, "With My Own Two Hands" by Ben Harper (2003)

3) Songs About Supporting Someone and Being There (to convey the life lesson about being the friend to others that you want others to be) (http://hub.me/akzbb)

4) Songs About Individuality and Personal Uniqueness (http://hub.me/al4Qy)

I'm sure with all those resources, you can find something that fits your needs! Good luck!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on May 15, 2020:

Peggy - She eye rolls with the best of them though!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 14, 2020:

I got a kick out of how you slip in some good advice to your teen daughter by using music. That just proves there are multiple ways to achieve a goal. You are one smart lady!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 26, 2019:

Brian B - Thanks for the suggestion.

Brian B on December 22, 2019:

Teach Your Children - Americs

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on February 21, 2019:

Some Person - Thank you for the suggestion which I have added. Have a great day.

Some Person on February 20, 2019:

I'd suggest Heal the World by Michael Jackson... was a little surprised it wasn't there given that another Jackson hit is on the list.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on February 03, 2019:

Me - Thanks for your comment. I agree that it's a fantastic song, and if I were ranking the list, it would be way up there instead of being at #70. Ranking would be nearly impossible with this number, however, so I hope you'll be satisfied that at least it made the list? Awesome song. Have a great week ahead.

Me on February 03, 2019:

This should be number one. Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen - Baz Luhrmann

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 27, 2019:

DT - Thank you for the suggestions. I added the U2 song. Have a great weekend.

DT on January 26, 2019:

Rush - Freewill

U2 - One

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 19, 2018:

Marco - Thanks for the suggestion. I have added it here as well as on these two Spinditty playlists: "Songs About Loneliness and Feelings of Isolation" and "Songs About Supporting Someone and Being There." I appreciate you!

Marco on December 19, 2018:

Hunter Hayes - Invisible

Another great song that should be on this list :)

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 12, 2018:

M. Alberta - These are excellent additions. THANK YOU! I've also added "The Chain of Love" to the playlist, "Favorite Pop, Rock, and Country Songs That Tell a Story." Have a terrific day!

M. Alberta on November 11, 2018:

Don't let the chain of love end with you - Clay Walker

Shine on - Jeff Carson

Two more considerations.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 25, 2018:

Hi, Spencer! Thanks for these additions. I also added "Have It All" to the Positive Vibe Playlist: Happy and Uplifting Songs to Put You in a Good Mood. Glad you enjoy these playlists. Have a wonderful day!

Spencer on October 24, 2018:

Hello! I love these lists and they give me such great ideas :)

I have two songs that I think could fit here:

Have it All by Jason Mraz

My Wish by Rascal Flatts

Thanks for compiling these!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 13, 2018:

Lora - Thanks again for your comment, and please pardon my delay in responding to your prior comment from a few hours ago. My daughter popped in from college and things have been a bit scattered! Have a great weekend.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 13, 2018:

Lora - Thank you for such a lovely comment and the song suggestion which I have added. This is one of my favorite playlists because of the simple wisdom that often comes in songs. Have a wonderful weekend!

Lora Hollings on October 13, 2018:

Love the lyrics, the music, and the powerful messages that can contribute to our lives in such a positive way! Thanks for this great article, Flourish.

Lora Hollings on October 12, 2018:

I really enjoyed these songs and their great life advice! They're all good with each one having a powerful message that you can really benefit from. I especially like the songs "Man in the Mirror" which reminded of the famous quote by Ghandi, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." I also love "Dream On" by Aerosmith,"You've Got To Stand For Something" by Aaron Tippin, and the wonderful words in the song, "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers. What valuable messages this song has for so many aspects of our lives! "You've got to know when to hold them, and know when to fold them, know when to walk away and know when to run. Great music, great lyrics, great advice!

A suggestion for another song you might want to add to this already awesome list of songs is "Love is the Answer" by England Dan & John Ford Coley. Thank you Flourish for this wonderful article.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 12, 2018:

Carl - Thank you for the song suggestions. I added "Only the Strong Survive" to this playlist. I put "For What It's Worth on the playlist about changing the world. "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" is on the playlist about Poverty and Homelessness. "Money (That's What I Want)" is on the playlist about money. Thanks again, and have a fabulous weekend!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on September 18, 2018:

Saba - You're wellllllllcome! Have a great day!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on May 08, 2018:

JamaleeB - Thanks for both the suggestion and the kind comment. I have added the song you recommended. Great song. Have a wonderful week!

JamaleeB on May 08, 2018:

I love your list...Searching for song reminders about "learning" for future teachers...How about "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips? Thanks for the song reminders and why they are powerful. :)

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 20, 2018:

Billy - Thank you for sharing your mother's advice. All the best, FlourishAnyway

billy brandt on March 19, 2018:

from my mom: always be true to yourself, the ones you love and the rest of the world too, And another one: Alcohol only seems like your best friend, in reality; it's your worst enemy when it controls your life and you have no clue what reality is because it's like wearing blinders and life passes you by very fast. And you use it as an excuse for all of your problems because your friends and family eventually give up on you so you get drunk by yourself every day and night.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 18, 2018:

Louis - Thanks for the song suggestions.

Louis Brandt on March 17, 2018:

This is a great lineup. But I believe it's missing some really good ones, for me at least. Tommy Bolin Ride the Wind , possibly The greatest song ever. Also recommend the Grateful Dead Touch of Grey. I also noticed new Nine Inch Nails or Clapton.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 31, 2018:

KR - Glad you found it helpful. I wish you great success and happiness.

KR on January 31, 2018:

this helped a bit since i'm trying to write songs about life and what not's thanks flourish :)

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 25, 2018:

Bill - Thanks for the suggestion. Those are some very deep lyrics.

Bill on January 25, 2018:

I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become.

Africa, Toto

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on October 31, 2017:

Steve - Excellent recommendation! I've added it at #49. Thanks and have a great week! Happy Halloween as well!

steve on October 31, 2017:

Traveling Wilburys - End Of The Line - Lyrics

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on September 29, 2017:

livv - Thanks for your comment.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on September 13, 2017:

Paula - Thanks for the kudos. Some of the best life advice is in music. Of course, you have to consider your source, too! Have a great week!

Suzie from Carson City on September 13, 2017:

FA....Hey! This is a really awesome way to enjoy some wonderful music and save a whole lotta money on therapists, counselors & advisors!! Always a fun read! Paula

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on September 13, 2017:

Drema - Thank you for reading and listening. Glad you enjoyed the article.

Drema on September 12, 2017:

This is one of the most beautiful & honest songs I have ever listened too. I love it.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on August 25, 2017:

Cookies and cream - Thanks for the encouragement. Have a good evening.

Cookies and cream on August 25, 2017:

This is so great

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on July 28, 2017:

Patrick - Thank you for the suggest. I have added it at #46. It's also on our playlist about men, masculinity and being a man:

https://spinditty.com/playlists/Songs-About-Men (Shinedown's version).

Patrick on July 27, 2017:

It's probably already been suggested but "Simple Man" by "Lynyrd Skynyrd"

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 20, 2017:

Mona - Thank you so much for your words of support. I am glad you enjoyed it.

Mona Sabalones Gonzalez from Philippines on April 19, 2017:

It's nice to know there are so many inspiring songs from famous singers who we know also lead a difficult life. It never occurred to me that the best inspiration we can get are from those who've been there, done that. Wonderful article, voted up:).

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 17, 2017:

Mariana - Thank you for that addition. I've added it to the list at #45. I do like it!

Mariana on April 17, 2017:

Hey, have you ever listen to "Affirmation" by Savage Garden? It might get into your list. Hope you like it.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on May 18, 2016:

Audrey - Thank you for such kind comments! They mean a lot to me. This is one of my favorites too because of the meaningful messages behind the songs.

Audrey Hunt from Pahrump NV on May 17, 2016:

Love this list of songs! "Dream On" and 'I believe I Can Fly" are 2 of my all-time favorites. Songs that carry messages like this inspire me (as they do others.) I really enjoy taking time out to watch each video. This is one of my favorite hubs.

Thanks my friend.

Peace and joy to you,

Audrey

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on May 13, 2016:

Rajan - Thank you for visiting. This is one of my lonelier hubs, however it's also one of my favorites because of the positive and uplifting messages. Have a great weekend.

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 12, 2016:

This is such a usefulwrite. One just can't get away unaffected by these pearls of wisdom. I particularly like the one in No 20 and the Irish proverb "You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was." Speaks volumes of the wisdom these people had.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 22, 2015:

ezzly - I have found that it's true as well. Have a great week! Thank you for stopping by.

ezzly on June 21, 2015:

Great piece, especially love the quote I have found that if you love life, life will love you back. Liked and awesome.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 22, 2015:

Rajan - Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. Have a lovely week.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 22, 2015:

Peggy - Thank you for stopping by and for sharing! Have a beautiful Sunday!

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on March 22, 2015:

Some powerful pieces of advice and messages.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on March 22, 2015:

There are many good messages in those songs and hopefully you can get your message across to your teenager with the use of some of these songs you mentioned. I was familiar with some but not all of them so it was fun reading the words. Interesting hub! Up votes and happy to share!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 22, 2015:

KristianKikaso - Thank you for your comment. Have a great week and keep a positive song in your heart.

KristianKikaso on March 22, 2015:

So many beautiful songs.... but we are not all the same by choosing the music. Everyone chooses for himself the song of his life that will lead him on his way. Others, might not like your song but you know that this song in your heart resonates like an echo and soothes your heart!!:)

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 20, 2015:

Edward - Thanks for stopping by and for the suggestion! Have a great weekend!

Ed Palumbo from Tualatin, OR on March 19, 2015:

Another song with a lesson: "Yesterday, When I Was Young" by Roy Clark and other artists.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 19, 2015:

Patricia - Thank you for stopping by. I can almost picture you singing out loud in your car to that song! Have a great day! Thank you for sharing, voting, and commenting.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on March 19, 2015:

So many amazing songs....words that say it for us sung in a way that make them become a part of us...

Currently I am listening to one of my 'new' favorite songs, Redeemed, by Big Daddy Weave...it is a goodie for sure. I sing it loud and clear as I drive down the highway :D and of course everyone thinks I am a nut :D

I love how you find places on the map that are connected to your hubs. How clever of you.

Have a lovely Thursday...

Angels are once again on the way to you ps

Voted up++++ and shared

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 15, 2015:

Heidi - I like those suggestions! Thank you. Enjoy the warmer weather!

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on March 13, 2015:

With a lot going on, I missed this one when you first published it. Trying to catch up! :)

All good choices, of course. I'd add Pharrell's "Happy" and Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" to the wisdom in this list.

While the songs are great (as always), I like the discussion of sunk costs. That is professionally and emotionally one of the most difficult concepts to accept.

Have a beautiful weekend ahead! (Love the rose photo, too.)

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 12, 2015:

Susie - Thank you for reading! Have a great day!

Susie Lehto from Minnesota on March 11, 2015:

A fantastic playlist, Flourish.

Awesome hub!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 06, 2015:

Audrey -The right music can uplift, energize, comfort, and just about anything we need it to do. Have a wonderful weekend.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 06, 2015:

Mona - Thanks for stopping by and leaving such sweet words of encouragement. We've missed you!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 06, 2015:

Kristen - Thank you for stopping by and for the vote! Have a terrific weekend!

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on March 06, 2015:

Great list of songs, Flourish. I agree with you, 100%. Some of them are my favorites. Voted up!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 06, 2015:

ezzly - Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Mona Sabalones Gonzalez from Philippines on March 06, 2015:

I love how you are always so positive in your articles. This is a great song, my favorites are Cristine Aguillera's You are Beautiful, and Bon Jovi, It's My Life. But you're right, it would be good to tape all these songs so you can just listen all day to these positive and uplifting messages. Do I talk too much, I'VE REALLY BEEN MISSING HUB PAGES.

Audrey Howitt from California on March 05, 2015:

Funny how music triggers emotions and memories--at least for me--and with this list!

ezzly on March 05, 2015:

Fantastic hub as always Love Can Build A Bridge is one of my favorite songs!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 03, 2015:

Linda - Thank you for your kind praise. Have a wonderful week and try to stay warm!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on March 02, 2015:

Your pearls of wisdom are lovely, Flourish. This is another great hub that is informative, interesting and - as always - visually attractive.