What’s your favorite pick-me-up song?
March 3, 2009
I’m been working on (well in my head anyways) a motivational play list. Not a workout mix per se, but a mix of songs that all have meaning to me and let me reflect a bit.
Sue reminded me of this when she commented WAAAY back in November and yet I STILL haven’t finished it. So I’m hoping by asking, it will get my butt in gear. I’ll organize everyone recommendations (including my own) into an iTunes iMix in the next few weeks.
So this weeks question is…
What songs would you recommend for a “pick-me-up” mix?
| « « Ask Roni _v21s1 Eating Out, Diet Anxiety, Deal with a Slump, Eating Healthy and Tasty | 10 Tips to Help You Find Balance » » |








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On March 3rd, 2009 at 1:20 pm Stephanie said:
My latest ‘pick me up song’ is So What by Pink. She rocks…even though she’s having a hard time she is still pushing through. Plus…she’s sassy, just like me! ;-)
On March 3rd, 2009 at 1:23 pm Deb said:
Anything by Maroon 5!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 1:23 pm Rachel said:
“Say,” by John Mayer
On March 3rd, 2009 at 1:24 pm Sherre said:
WAY before your time, Roni, but I Will Survive, by Gloria Gaynor. :)
On March 3rd, 2009 at 1:26 pm Jodi said:
Hi Roni -
Here are just a few of the maaannny I have on my MP3 player that I use to work out.. I get bored easy, and like a large variety….
I Love Rock n’ Roll - Joan Jett
We’ve got the Beat - the Go-Go’s
Shook me all Night - AC/DC
Figured You Out - Nickelback
Low - Flo Rida
Put Your Back Into It - Ice Cube
So What - Pink
Iko Iko - Amazulu
You May be Right - Billy Joel
Funky Cold Medina - Tone Loc
On March 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm Amanda said:
“Break Stuff” by Limp Bizcuit ALWAYs helps. I plug in the headphones and blare it usually 2 or 3 times while I’m on the bike and in minutes I’m a million times better than before. It’s been my go-to since it came out and it’ll always be in my playlist.
On March 3rd, 2009 at 1:48 pm Brette said:
I Have Confidence- from the Sound of Music Soundtrack.
It’s always is a nice “pick me up”. Just so dang cheery!!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm Sheila said:
Roni- I have lots of songs that pick me up when I hear them, but I will only list a couple…
1. Joy and Pain by Rob Bass (Love this song!!!)
2. Free to be me by Francesca Battistelli (my new favorite!!)
Check out her website and it plays the song…
http://www.francescamusic.com/tracks/free-to-be-me-lyrics
The second song is relatively new, and it is a christain song, but the lyrics could apply to anything…here’s a the words to the chorus:
Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I’m so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I’m free to be me
I hope you like the song and it becomes a “pick me up” song!!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 1:52 pm Christine said:
I like to listen to anything by Flight of the Conchords (esp. Business Time)–they can make me laugh anytime!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm Lilbet said:
The Bitch is Back Elton John
;)
On March 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm sarah said:
oohh…i rarely comment, but I love music and it’s very important for me when working out.
my current pick me ups are:
5 years time - Noah & The Whale
(seriously, just try not to feel happy listening to this)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8YCSJpF4g4
Walking on a dream - Empire of the sun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmM2RwlxGt0
Such Great Heights - Postal Service
(It will make you want to run…maybe to UPS ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMOkfI7wCrI
Beautiful U R - Deborah Cox
(okay, it’s a little cheesy, but awesome when working out)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BoGA5sPRrg
Fans - Kings of Leon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1hgRDRc3ug
My life long pick me ups:
Everyday People - Arrested Development
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgtcTVDcjH0
Dreams - The Cranberries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9AE8QQfx_E
Let Go - Frou Frou
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgcIpKL86Jk
Now We Are Free - Gladiator Soundtrack
(trust me on this one…it’s very moving, and builds and builds. GREAT for running and thinking…and letting stuff out…mentally & physically…cool down too…but i guess you have to be into it.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsVLOa1×3zo
And because I’m short, it reminds me of high school and it’s just plain funny:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icr0eW1fRSs
i could do this all day. i’ll stop now i promise.
On March 3rd, 2009 at 2:36 pm Cyndi said:
If Anyone Cared - Nickelback
If You’re Going Through Hell - Rodney Atkins (This is great for the last mile on a long run!)
Better Life - Keith Urban
On March 3rd, 2009 at 2:39 pm marymaybe said:
Natasha Bedingfield- Pocket Full Of Sunshine
got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine.
I got a love, and I know that it’s all mine.
Oh.
Do what you want, but you’re never gonna break me.
Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me.
No.
Take me away: A secret place.
A sweet escape: Take me away.
Take me away to better days.
Take me away: A higher place.
I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine.
I got a love, and I know that it’s all mine.
Oh.
Do what you want, but you’re never gonna break me.
Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me.
No.
I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine.
I got a love, and I know that it’s all mine.
Oh.
Wish that you could, but you ain’t gonna own me.
Do anything you can to control me.
Oh, no.
Take me away: A secret place.
A sweet escape: Take me away.
Take me away to better days.
Take me away: A higher place.
There’s a place that I go,
But nobody knows.
Where the rivers flow,
And I call it home.
And there’s no more lies.
In the darkness, there’s light.
And nobody cries.
There’s only butterflies.
Take me away: A secret place.
A sweet escape: Take me away.
On March 3rd, 2009 at 2:53 pm Nicole said:
This is the best pick me up or to get you into that upbeat tempo run!
Holding Out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler (remember, from Footloose!)
It rocks!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 3:02 pm Brandi said:
Dreams by Diana Degarmo
On March 3rd, 2009 at 3:23 pm Sabrina said:
I put my list up last week…and have been procrastinating this week when it comes to blogging, I have a list of stuff to write about (including a veggie burger recipe I am in love with)…Anywho, my list is here
http://beaniesbloging.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-list-o-tunesand-few-other-things.html
Can’t wait to watch the video!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 3:32 pm Kimberly said:
I’m Walking On Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves
Move It, Move It - Madagascar (movie)
Free - Plumb
On March 3rd, 2009 at 3:33 pm Stefanie said:
dancing on sunshine is one of my favorites!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 3:34 pm sassyaztec said:
I’m such a mom…. Move it, Move it and Single Ladies (Beyonce). Either one comes on in our house, instant dance party.
~Lisa
http://sassyaztec.blogspot.com/
On March 3rd, 2009 at 3:38 pm pam said:
Shania Twain UP!
Kid Rock All Summer Long
On March 3rd, 2009 at 3:38 pm Mandi said:
“Don’t Stop Believin’ ” by Journey always gets me in a good mood!
And, of course “Whiskey Girl” and “She’s a Hottie” by my favorite…Toby Keith always give me that extra boost…since, of course, he is singing about me, right?!?!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 3:58 pm SMK said:
LOL @ Move it, Move it - What a great song! I was introduced to it by my sister and my 5 year old nephew. I love watching the video on YouTube!
Here’s my list. It includes all sorts of songs that I just like hearing and like singing along too. Alot of them remind me of really good times too.
Baby baby baby - TLC
Ain’t to proud to beg - TLC
I’ll be there - Mariah Carey’s cover from her MTV Unplugged album.
Glamorous - Fergie
Be Yourself - Audioslave
Honkytonk Woman - Rolling Stones
Your My Best Friend - Queen
Are you in? - Incubus
Bad Medicine - Bon Jovi
Beep - PCD
Bossy - Kelis
Caress Me Down - Sublime
Relax - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Full Moon - Brandy
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems - Kenny Chesney
For You - Staind
I Believe in a thing called love - The Darkness
Frontin - Pharell
Ignition - R. Kelly
Umbrella - Rihanna
Rusty Cage - Soundgarden
Roadhouse Blues - The Doors
Psychosocial - Slipknot
On March 3rd, 2009 at 3:59 pm Josee said:
gotta have “beautiful day” by U.2 in there somewhere… for me… the ULTIMATE pick me up song!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 4:02 pm runnin4fun said:
OK, I’m weird-when I’m about to die during my run I put on “It’s Tricky” by Run DMC really loud-works everytime!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 4:17 pm Courtney said:
Hey Ya by Outkast. I put this on my running mix when I was training for my half marathon and it was PERFECT as a boost in the middle of a long run. I”m also going to set it as my boost song (or whatever that’s called) on my Nike+
On March 3rd, 2009 at 5:02 pm Elaine said:
I’ve Only Just Begun Having My Fun - Ms. Britney Spears
On March 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 pm heather said:
Damn Girl by Justin Timberlake
I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross — the lyrics specifically: there’s a new me comin out, and I just want to live, and I just have to give, I’m completely positive
Tubthumping by Chumba Wumba
Stronger by Kanye West
Work It by Missy Elliott
Gotta Get Thru Thus by Daniel Bedingfield
On March 3rd, 2009 at 5:29 pm Monica Shaw said:
“Alive and Kicking” by Simple Minds
On March 3rd, 2009 at 6:36 pm Brianne said:
I’m loving Lady GaGa’s album. Great tempos.
On March 3rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm Mariana said:
Don´t stop me now - Queen:
“Don´t stop me now, I am having such a good time, I am having a ball”
On March 3rd, 2009 at 7:01 pm Shannon said:
The songs I consider as “pick me up” are not typically reflective but rather a little mindless…..I can’t think of the song names but there are a few by the Ting Tings, Pink’s Fun House, Britney Spears - several off Circus and Blackout
On March 3rd, 2009 at 7:31 pm mel said:
I am a runner and these are a few songs that always get me running faster:
Kat Deluna “Run this Show”, and “Whine Up”
Missy Elliot “Ching a Ling”
P.Diddy & Christina Augulara “Tell Me”
Kevin Rudolph “Let it Rock”
On March 3rd, 2009 at 7:33 pm kathy said:
oh my…my second favorite category - music……!
(the first, of course, is FOOD!)
I Feel so Alive - POD (GREAT UPLIFTING SONG!!!!!)
Just Push Play - Aerosmith
Anything by Basia
You can’t, you won’t - Beastie Boys
Shake it up tonight - Cheryl Lynn
Trippin Billies - Daev MAtthews
Most Earth Wind and Fire
Suicide Blonde - INXS
Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
The ENTIRE ‘Maybe you’ve been brainwashed too’ album from New Radicals.
ExGirlfriend - No doubt
Boom Boom Boom - Outthere Brothers
Suck My Kiss - Red Hot Chilis
oh my…Saliva, Stone Temple Pilots, Sublime, Tears for Fears, Train, U2…..
I think I just got a weeeeeee bit carried away eh??
As you can see, I have a hard time stopping at just one of ANYTHING!!!!!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 7:42 pm Tanya said:
Okay - first the plug to check out the workout playlists at http://inthegym.net (my other gig). But I have so many pick me up songs:
My hardcore badass song - Don’t make me Kill (8 Ball)
What made me squeeze out the extra 5 minutes on the treadmill this morning: Looking Boy (HotStyles).
On March 3rd, 2009 at 7:55 pm Cammy said:
My current “go to” songs are “Don’t Stop” by Flleetwood Mac and “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi. And always, “These Are Days” by 10,000 Maniacs, for celebrating the joy in life.
Great topic. I’ve poached quite a few possibilities to add to my playlist. Thanks! :)
On March 3rd, 2009 at 9:43 pm KUrunner said:
Lose Yourself by Eminem and Stronger by Kanye West
They both are high energy songs, but they have really inspiring lyrics too.
On March 3rd, 2009 at 11:06 pm Liz said:
Oh jeez, its hard to pick!
Lemonade by G.Love with Jack Johnson
Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Ray
Canned Heat by Jamiroquai
Seasons of Love from Rent
I Dare You to Move by SwitchFoot
Shes on Fire by Train
In the Meantime by Tim Blane
Canned Heat is my favorite, I listen to it when I just need some energy, something to smile to or if I wearing heels that are way too high and I need some confidence that I can make it somewhere!
On March 3rd, 2009 at 11:23 pm Deb said:
Ok, I’m embarassed to admit this, but….
Mariah Carey…Make it Happen
On March 3rd, 2009 at 11:29 pm Jessie said:
I’m Alive - Celine Dion - great pick me up song!!! Really good when you put to pictures for a slideshow.
On March 4th, 2009 at 12:19 am Liz said:
I forgot Video by India Arie. Another great song! This is a great question, as I listen to my iTunes I keep thinking of songs!
On March 4th, 2009 at 5:02 am Marni said:
The Rocky movies theme song!
On March 4th, 2009 at 5:03 am Max said:
My all time favorite pick me up song is “Ain’t nothing gonna break my stride” by Matthew Wilder. Whenever I hear it it reminds me to never give up and just keep on going!
On March 4th, 2009 at 9:11 am Janice said:
Fat Bottomed Girls-Queen
It’s Raining Men-The Weather Girls
YMCA-The Village People
Born to Run-Bruce Springsteen
Shook Me All Night Long-AC/DC
Old Time Rock and Roll-Bob Seger
On March 4th, 2009 at 9:16 am Michelle said:
How many hours does the battery of an i-pod last? There is so much good music out there!
On March 4th, 2009 at 9:30 am Allison said:
All-American Rejects - “Move Along”
On March 4th, 2009 at 10:01 am Charlie Hills said:
When I was doing my marathon training I liked listening to Quantum Mechanic by Thomas Dolby with Dr. Fiorella Terenzi on guest vocals. The beat was the perfect pace for walking and her voice is so unique. (I know you’re not talking about a workout mix, but that’s what popped in my head first.)
On March 4th, 2009 at 12:03 pm Laura said:
I crank up Poison–Nothing But a Good Time or Queen–Another One Bites the Dust!!
On March 4th, 2009 at 12:24 pm Michelle in CA said:
I second #36’s songs and also love: Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall
On March 4th, 2009 at 1:13 pm Tanya said:
It’s so ironic, I heard my choice yesterday and said to myself, “Didn’t Roni just ask about motivational songs?” I’m a mental health therapist and everyday is crazy and yesterday was a mess. The song I listented to numerous times was “Stand” by Rascal Flatts. A professor of mine played it the last day of class to remind us of the different hats we wear when working with clients and how we need to take stock in ourselves at the same time. But honestly the song applies to all different situations!! It really helped me yesterday when I just wanted run and hide. Thanks!!
On March 4th, 2009 at 1:32 pm Allison K said:
“Revenge Wears No Wristwatch,” The Walkmen
“Don’t You Evah,” Spoon
“Reckoner,” Radiohead
“Hysteric,” Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Just a few!
On March 4th, 2009 at 2:05 pm Camevil said:
“Overkill” by Men At Work. Great beat and awesome self-reflective lyrics that can help move you out of any low spot.
On March 4th, 2009 at 2:19 pm Leslie said:
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves!!!
On March 4th, 2009 at 3:17 pm Little Warrior's Mom said:
Maybe God is Trying to Tell You Something - The Color Purple soundtrack (GREAT for interval training)
Wonder - Natalie Merchant
My Sharona
Perfume - Sparks
He Thinks He’ll Keep Her — Mary Chapin Carpenter
On March 4th, 2009 at 5:27 pm Super Healthy Kids said:
Independent Woman by Desitny’s Child!!
On March 4th, 2009 at 8:51 pm Kate Young said:
Nichole Nordeman’s “Legacy” and “Brave” :o)
On March 5th, 2009 at 9:53 pm SassyGirlKitchen said:
My favorite song that gets me hopping is Back in Black by AC DC. It’s so funny but I am not a hard rock person, BUT this song gets me GOING!!
On March 7th, 2009 at 12:41 am Rachel said:
“Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn & John
“Supermassive Black Hole ” by Muse
“Have a Nice Day” by Bon Jovi
“Somebody Told Me” by the Killers (that was always my power song when I used my nike+ipod)
On March 12th, 2009 at 3:39 pm Chicky said:
Go to http://www.Pandora.com when it asks you for an artist to start with type in Buddy Holly. You will get all kinds of oldies and goodies that are fun. Just listen to it for a few days and give a thumbs up to all the songs you like. Then later you can look at the list of songs you liked and BAM you have your new playlist.
I love Pandora for this reason. I create all kinds of playlists by doing this. My most recent one is Buddy Holly but just pick an artist that you like or a style of music and you are ready to go.
On April 3rd, 2009 at 12:29 am bridget said:
I love Kylie Minogue or her sister Danii. Both have great music to work out to.
On April 21st, 2009 at 8:14 pm Anne said:
This is exactly the type of thing I am looking for when I found this while googling. I want to make a pick me up, kick butt CD for a friend that is battling Cancer. Other than the obvious, I Will Survive, she’s just dealing with getting through each day. Thanks for all the great ideas.