With finals week quickly approaching, I thought it’d be appropriate to share some of the songs that I personally turn to when I need an extra ounce of courage. From ballads to anthems, Tyler, The Creator to Tame Impala, here are seven songs that can help you power through finals week or whatever challenges you might be facing. Lyrics courtesy of genius.com.
1. “Find Your Wings” – Tyler, The Creator
Best line: ‘Hey you, whatcha doin and why you runnin’? Supposed to fly and take control cause you’re the pilot.’
Featuring the melodic vocals of not only Tyler but also Syd and Kali Uchis, “Find Your Wings” is a simple yet satisfying bop that shares a great message about finding inner strength and not giving up on yourself. The song features a smooth, down tempo instrumental track that makes it a perfect song to put on when you need a little motivation to keep going.
2. “Hero” – Mariah Carey
Best line: ‘So when you feel like hope is gone look inside you and be strong and you’ll finally see the truth that a hero lies in you’
With a vocal range unmatched by most, Mariah is no stranger to power ballads, and she really gave it her all on this one. The universal message about finding inner strength and being your own hero makes it a superb song to have in your back pocket whether you’re facing a challenge or just need a reminder to believe in yourself.
3. “Ultralight Beam” – Kanye West
Best line: Don’t have much strength to fight, so I look to the light (war), To make these wrongs turn right head up high I look to the light.’
This powerful track off of West’s 2016 album, The Life of Pablo, is arguably some of his best work to date. Featuring an ensemble cast of singers including Kelly Price and Kirk Franklin, among others, the song is really a masterpiece that transmits a message of relying on faith and the light of God to carry you through dark times.
4. “Gotta Get Thru This” – Daniel Bedingfield
Best line: ‘I gotta get through this, I gotta get through this, I gotta make it, gonna make, gonna make it through.’
While Bedingfield might be singing about love, I think the lyrics to this UK garage classic make it the perfect anthem for anyone just trying to make it through. If you’re not sold on the lyrics, allow the infectious, danceable rhythm to offer you a moment of respite from your studies or whatever you may be going through.
5. “W.A.Y.S.” – Jhené Aiko
Best line: ‘You have gotta lose your mind just to find your peace of mind, you have gotta trust the signs, everything will turn out fine.’
This impassioned song from sultry singer Jhené Aiko comes off of her 2014 album, Souled Out. The inspiring lyrics are a call to anyone who might be going through a trial or a rocky phase in life. Aiko is essentially asking listeners to believe in themselves and trust the process, a message anyone can take something away from.
6. “Patience” – Tame Impala
Best line: ‘It’s always drive straight, don’t be late ‘cause time waits for no one. I should be flying straight with no delay ‘cause time takes from everyone.’
This 2019 single from the mastermind musician Kevin Parker not only offers a smooth, synth driven beat reminiscent of an era gone by, but also lyrics that perfectly embody the drudgery of growing up. Put it on if and when you need a musical reminder to practice patience in all that you do on this journey called life.
7. “Before I Let Go” – Beyoncé
Best line: ‘I just wanna have a good time (turn around), turn around, kick, then slide. And twirl that ass to the right, now. Ooh bunny hop, bunny hop, drop pop.’
Coming off of her 2019 album Homecoming: The Live Album, Queen Bey really did the damn thing on this one. While the lyrics to this revamped soul classic may not seem inherently inspiring, indeed they are. Consider this last bop on the list a treat for all your hard work. But listen with caution, because you might just need to take a step back from your studies, or whatever you’re doing, and dance a jig or two.