Back To School Special

This week for many students marked the dreaded date of going back to school. I loved school (yea I am nerd, so what?) I loved getting to meet friends who are still a part of my life today, learning new things and skills, and just taking the idea of learning all in. I was even lucky enough to be able to teach elementary school and run after school and summer camp programs for a few years.


However as good as my school life was, I always am reminded of a Bruce Springsteen lyric from his song "No Surrender".

It got me thinking, what lessons from songs have I learned that either I didn't learn in school or was an addition to something I did learn?  I wanted to share with you some songs that taught me a lesson, specifically in the subjects of Family, Friends, Faith, and Future, the only "F's" you need to worry about this school year.

Music is an amazing thing. The right inspiring lyrics, or motivational songs can give you a kick in the backside; provide a quick pick me up to motivate you to accomplish your goals; or just a reminder about appreciating the beauty of the world that we live in and provides that little lift that we occasionally need. 

Family:

If you are thinking I am going to talk about Sister Sledge's "We Are Family" you don't know me that well as that is a cop out. Instead I want to highlight three songs that makes me think of my own family. It doesn't take much for me to realize the following quote is true: "Families are like fudge, mostly sweet and full of nuts".

That's My Job: Conway Twitty

"That's My Job" is a song written by Gary Burr, and recorded by American country music artist Conway Twitty. It was released in November 1987 as the third single from the album Borderline. The song reached #6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and tells the story of a dad who lets his son know exactly what it means to be a dad.  

Listening to this reminds me of my own dad and what he has done for me throughout the years and I can only to strive to be like him if I am lucky to have a child of my own one day. 

Mama Said: The Shirelles

The girl group The Shirelles made a great song that talks about the advice we get from Moms. 

Sometimes You Can't Make It Own Your Own: U2

The lyrics were written by lead singer Bono as a tribute to his father, Bob Hewson, who died of cancer in 2001; Bono sang the song at his funeral. The video to the song begins with a note from Bono about his father, saying "I wish I'd known him better." This song teaches me that no matter what is going on in life you can always rely on your family.


Friends:

Friends In Low Places: Garth Brooks

They say that friends are like stars, that even though you may not see them they are always there. I have been blessed in my life to have some great friends. We are always there for each other and I am proud to be in "low" and "high" places with them.

Two more songs that have taught me about friendship are:

With A Little Help From My Friends: Joe Cocker/Beatles

You've Got A Friend: James Taylor

Stand By Me: Ben E. King

Faith:

My faith is a big part of my life and though there was a time where I may have had doubts and questions it is the thing that keeps me grounded and who I am. Here are just a few songs that remind me of my faith and what it means to me.

It IS Well With My Soul

The River Of Dreams: Billy Joel

Put Your Hand In The Hand: Ocean

Below My Feet: Mumford and Sons

The Future:

Finally there are songs that I adore that remind me of the future and that even though I do not know what it will bring, it is not so bad because I have my faith, my family and my friends. These songs below inspire me in some way.

The Rainbow Connection and Finale from The Muppet Movie: Kermit and the Muppets
"Life's like a movie, write your own ending, keep believing, keep pretending, we've done just what we've set out to do, thanks to the lovers the dreamers and you."

Keep Banging On Your Drum: Dead Man Fall

No one lives forever, 

Business here you've got to finish 

You won’t make your mind up 

You won’t make your mind up for me 

Hang out of your window 

Shout it down to the people below. 

Everyone will hear you. 

They are going to hear you. 

Here Comes The Sun: The Beatles
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it's all right

It's My Life: Bon Jovi
It's my life its now or never, I ain't gonna live forever.

Badlands: Bruce Springsteen

Talkin' bout a dream, trying to make it real.

It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive.

There you go, some music to do homework by.....

What lessons have you learned and from which songs? I'd love you to leave a comment!

Until next time.....