There’s nothing wrong with having a day when you’re feeling down. Sometimes it happens, and it’s natural – especially now that the fall semester is in full force. There are days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed, let alone conquering an entire day of classes, meetings, and work. Even if you’re not the biggest Broadway nerd like myself, there are a few musical theatre bops that will lift your mood no matter who you are! There’s something for everyone on this list, and maybe it will even inspire you a bit.
So without further ado, here are my top 10 show tunes for when you’re feeling down!
Wig In A Box from Hedwig and the Angry Inch
“This is the best way that I’ve found to be the best you’ve ever seen.” This song was also listed on my personal top 5 song list and for good reason. Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a show all about self-love, empowerment and moving forward from your past. This tune starts melancholy, which you will be able to relate to your less-than-positive mood, and will soon crescendo into an uplifted and exciting beat that will be sure to get your day going.
Bend and Snap from Legally Blonde
“So depend on your friend called the bend and snap!” This song is more of a dance tune that will get you moving, grooving and doing the bend and snap! Legally Blonde is lighthearted and fun, just like this song. And if you’ve seen the original film, you’ll be sure to love the equally amazing musical!
Dancing Through Life from Wicked
“Nothing matters, but knowing nothing matters – it’s just life, so keep dancing through.” This is an iconic number from the beloved musical, Wicked. Fiyero, a happy-go-lucky student with no worries waltzes into the picture and convinces the other students of Shiz University that they shouldn’t have worries either. It’s a perfect melody to get you through your day – and while it’s, of course, okay to have worries, it’s always fun to pretend alongside the show’s ensemble for 7 minutes and 37 seconds.
Seize the Day from Newsies
“One for all and all for one.” This Disney classic film was reimagined when it was put on Broadway, and it paid off. The arrangement will immediately make you want to tap your foot and put a smile on your face. Even if you don’t know the harrowing yet uplifting story of Jack Kelly and the newsboys, you will still find joy in this song.
I Believe from the Book of Mormon
“And I feel so incredible to be sharing my faith with you.” You may not expect a comedy musical about Mormons to have a song that will make your day feel a bit brighter – but it does. In fact, it has quite a few, but there’s nothing quite like this climactic and iconic song, originally sung by Andrew Rannells.
Friend Like Me from Aladdin
“Let me take your order, jot it down – you ain’t never had a friend like me.” Yes, this is the second Disney musical on our list – and this just so happens to be not only one of Disney’s best songs but Broadway’s best as well. Originally sung by James Monroe Iglehart, this version of the classic tune is complete with plenty of other Disney references, riffs and improv moments that the original Broadway Genie uses to spice it up. It’s very different from the film version, but not so different that you’ll dislike it because of how much it has changed. Trust me when I say that this song will get you lifted from yourself faster than you can say Agrabah!
Raise You Up / Just Be from Kinky Boots
“Accept yourself and you’ll accept others too.” This musical, Kinky Boots, is one of the biggest Broadway parties of the decade, and it’s a show that truly has it all. Beautiful and breathtaking ballads, exciting and dance-worthy production numbers – no matter who you are, this show will have you jumping for joy. The finale number, in particular, is one that praises the acceptance of yourself and others, showing that you can make a difference in the world just by giving love and light to those in your life.
A Musical from Something Rotten!
“Nothing’s as amazing as a musical!” The quote says it all. Something Rotten! is a musical dedicated to the love of musicals; it may sound crazy, but it works. In this world. Shakespeare is a teen heartthrob with a ton of screaming fans, and there’s another writer who is out to be the best that there can be – he desperately tries not to let Shakespeare stand in his way by trying to create the first musical there ever was. If you’re a lover of theatre, you’ll especially love this catchy, kickline-worthy tune that devotes itself to musicals of the past, present, and future.
My Shot from Hamilton
“Don’t be shocked when your history book mentions me.” Come on, now, did you think I’d forget to put a Hamilton song on this list? There are many songs I could have chosen, from Jefferson’s “What Did I Miss?” to Washington’s “On Your Side”, but nothing quite gets you as pumped as the popular track, “My Shot”. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genius lyrics will have you rapping and toe-tapping in no time.
Opening Up from Waitress
“Opening up, letting the day in – pour you a cup, and say, ‘hello, how ya been?’” For the final song on our list, we have one that is all about accepting a new day, even if it might be routine. Even when things get repetitive and the air gets to be negative, it’s important to remember that it may not always be that way. Sara Bareilles’ original Broadway track encapsulates the feeling of Waitress’ main character, Jenna, and those watching her belt out the opening number.
Which one of these tunes is your favorite? Do you have anything to add to the list? Let us know on Instagram or Twitter, we want to hear your thoughts!