Oh, Indigo Girls, you know what I seek: “I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains/I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains.” Haven’t we all gone in search of being "Closer to Fine" (I shoot higher than fine, but I digress)? We seek oracles, therapists and friends to consult, when really all the best advice can be right there: in a song. Songwriters make it their job to distill life lessons, from Jim Croce’s "You Don’t Mess Around with Jim" to Petula Clark’s "Don’t Sleep in the Subway." Life is often a confusing journey with little direction, but with a bit of help from some wise (or at least wizened) souls, we can put that road trip into overdrive. Here is a list of some songs that pack messages you might miss along the way.

The Flaming Lips, "Do You Realize?"
Here’s a song you really need to memorize. It’s probably the least crazy and most relatable of all songs from this psych-rock band. Really, if The Flaming Lips can figure it out, maybe you can, too. Hug someone.

Sample lyric: “Do you realize – that everyone you know someday will die.”


Johnny Cash, "Don’t Take Your Guns to Town."
This is a story song with a hero named Billy Joe who sadly doesn’t fare well. But I like to think of this as a song about keeping your emotions in check, or at least making sure you don’t upset someone who can’t. Staying out of saloons is also a good idea.

Sample lyric: "I can shoot as quick and straight as anybody can/But I wouldn't shoot without a cause."


The Smiths, "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before."
This is actually a very sad break up song, but really the title speaks for itself. If someone is about to tell you a joke and you know it, it’s better to stop him or her before you make that grimace and say, “I know that one.” You might also want to be kind to people who repeat themselves and maybe pretend to hear it fresh.

Sample lyric: “I still love you, oh, I still love you/Only slightly, only slightly less than I used to, my love.”


Katy Perry, "Firework."
I was tempted here to suggest I Kissed a Girl, since Perry really seemed to enjoy that and, hey, why not kiss girls? They’re awesome. Instead, I think we can all use a little self-esteem boost every once in a while. If you’re not letting your colours burst, well, why not?

Sample lyric: “’Cause baby, you're a firework/Come on, show 'em what you're worth/Make 'em go, oh/As you shoot across the sky.”



Beastie Boys, "Fight For Your Right."
This is pretty self-explanatory, though the song is officially about your right to party. Extend it into all areas of your life.

Sample lyric: “Kick It!”



Related links:
CBC Music: Five love songs to inanimate objects

 

posted by Lisa Christiansen on Feb 22, 2012