When I last maintained the blog "Inspiration Music for Writers", I had one or two posts that had to do with motivational music. And while I fully intend on revamping those entries and reposting them here, the world has moved on since then. And in the meantime a whole new crop of songs have been released and are currently part of the zeitgeist. And so, here it is: my list of songs on modern popular charts that remind me why I am doing what I'm doing, and keep me doing what I'm doing. Especially potent when played first thing in the morning:
1. Britney Spears - Work B**ch: At first, I paid no attention to this song. What little of the lyrics I caught seemed silly and nursery-rhyming. "Tell everybody in your town", or some such nonsense. But then one day I really listened. And suddenly I realized that the message was super simple and powerful: sure, Will.i.am (one of the song writers) refers mainly to material goods, but it can apply to anything: contrary to some belief systems, no matter what your goal is, you're going to have to work your ass off for it. I like to think of this song, when I listen to it, as a little pep talk to myself. Tough self-love, let's say. It also works for workouts. Which is why the video doesn't really mesh for me with the message. Here I am giving myself a pep talk and meanwhile Britney Spears is involved in some kind of weird slavery imagery? Ick. Also, product placement. Ick.
2. Katy Perry - Roar: This song, for me, is about finding one's inner strength. Beyond all the Rockyesque references, for me it's about getting it done even when I don't want to. Again, pretty lame video. Spearing a banana it's quite the achievement that comes to mind.
3. Sara Bareilles - Brave: Brave, something that a writer or artist of any kind requires every step of the way. Even writing a first draft can be difficult if you have other people's criticizing voices in your head. And every time you submit a piece of writing to literary magazines, to agents, publishers, and eventually to the public, there's always a chance of rejection. Even telling other people that you're a writing, aspiring or published, requires immense amounts of bravery...since most people judge. At those times, it's a good idea to remember the lyrics of this song.
4. Hedley - Anything: And then when judgements come, there's always this ditty by Hedley to remember. Its such an awesome stance towards the haters. Also, I really like the idea of momentum. Because again, anything worth doing requires work. And the more I work, it seems, the more work I am motivated to do.
5. Down with Webster - One in a Million: I like this song for times when I am filled with self-doubt. There are so many folks self-publishing these days or having their books traditionally published. Sometimes it feels like deciding to be an author is the decision to enter a heavily saturated market. But I have to believe. I have to know that I can do this, and that even though my chances at success are small, there are not non-existent. Don't think you can do it? Belief. There's one thing you need.
6. Classified - Inner Ninja: But you also need to know your stuff. To master your craft. And that's the lesson I learned from "Inner Ninja." If you want to be the best at something, especially an art, you have to learn it and you need to practice it. Belief, work, persistence. That's all we need.
7. Beyoncé - Grown Woman: Another one for the haters. The message is simple: just leave it alone. It's my decision to write, and that's what I'm going to do.
****Update: Bonus Motivation Track: Rollin' by iSH! So good!****
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