Like I always say, music is such a huge part of who I am. When I’m going through a rough patch in my life or when I am just searching for a dosage of daily inspiration, I always go to my iTunes. The power that a single song possesses is immense and is often times the best medicine for a wounded soul. During the past year and a half of my life, I went through more trials than I ever have in my 20 years on this planet. There were times when the words of encouragement my friends and family gave me simply weren’t enough to ease the pain I was going through on the inside. It was during these moments when I found solace in the sweet, raspy voice of Lauryn Hill, the spirit-gripping lyrics of Dead Prez, and the hypnotizing cadence of Bob Marley. The songs I listened to gave me reassurance that everything would be okay in the end. They challenged me to act wisely. Their rhythms put my mind to rest. Their content gave me hope. These are just a few of those songs, just click on their names under the photos. Enjoy!
“See, I picks my friends like I pick my fruit & Ganny told me that when I was only a youth
I don't go 'round trying to be what I'm not, I don't waste my time trying to get what you got
I work at pleasin' me cause I can't please you, and that's why I do what I do
My soul flies free like a willow tree, doo wee doo wee do wee…”
“Sometimes you just have to let it go
Leaving all my fears to burn down
Push them away so I can move on…”
“Life can bring us through many changes, it’s alright. Just don't give up and know it's gonna be alright.
People come and they go, it's just the way that it goes. Everything is everything, it’s alright.”
“Beware the false motives of others. Be careful of those who pretend to be brothers
And you never suppose it's those who are closest to you, to you.
They say all the right things to gain their position, then use your kindness as their ammunition
To shoot you down in the name of ambition, they do..”
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy ‘cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets while we stand aside and look?
Some say it's just a part of it, we've got to fulfill the book.”
A lot of people make promises with no plans to keep 'em. But me, no matter what I'm ridin' till I get my freedom
If I fail, then it's only a challenge to go harder. Don't want to be no martyr so I adapt to things smarter
It's death before dishonor. And I put that on my son and my momma
And don't take it as a threat, that's a promise.”
What are the songs that help you through tough times?Leave them in a comment!
And make sure you vote for this blog in the Black Weblog Awards (CLICK HERE)! That GOOD GOOD Blog was nominated for Best Blog Design, Best Culture, & Best Fashion! I am so thankful to everyone who voted, thank you so much. From the bottom of my heart.
A very heartfelt post. I have all these songs and their messages are really comforting and strong. I find myself listening to a lot of gospel music during tough times, as well as Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott and India Arie.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am going to vote for your blog! Congrats =]
Music is powerful, indeed.
ReplyDeletei luv these songs 2.
ReplyDelete1st time hearing dead prez, but i like!
thanks for putting me on!!!
Another great post, Dami.. all of these songs have had the same impact on me too.. it is unreal how on point you are with my taste in music :) Keep it up.
ReplyDelete-Your favorite roomie ;)
Love the songs especially 'redemption song'
ReplyDeleteLove this blog! Definitely bookmarking it for some feel good music when I need it! Thanks. I also sent you an email the other day when you asked about the WW food.. don't know if you got it!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work :)
-Krystle
Erkay Badu , Lauryn Hill & The great BOB!! Music therapy mutualness!
ReplyDeleteI love when words in lyrics actually mean something & can be truly felt when sung.
ReplyDeleteI love redemption song by Bob Marley.
ReplyDeleteI think you have some amazing songs listed to help you get through Ms Badu is no exception...Will be listening to these to help em get through my day
xoxo
listening to nina simone, billie holiday and frank ocean a lot lately :))) (listening to nina as i write this!)
ReplyDeleteAll great songs....thanks 4 sharing :)
ReplyDeleteTruly classics of our generation! This is a great list. Love that throwback Badu song! I had never heard that Ledisi song though-- thanks :)
ReplyDeleteSongs that helped me?
ReplyDeleteThis too shall pass + strength, courage & wisdom- india.arie
I'm sorry to hear you've had a rough past year, I wouldn't have even guessed based off of how positive you always are on this blog!! It's okay, we all have those rough patches in life, like you said. I hope everything is okay now at least!
ReplyDeleteSome songs I listen to that help me get through are a LOT of Anthony Hamilton, Marvin Sapp, Roberta Flack, Nina Simone, Abba, definitely Bob Marley...there is a lot actually I can list them on and on forever. Music really is medicine.
love the redemption song! :)
ReplyDeletekatslovefashion.blogspot.com
Music is my life, as well. I actually get bothered when I come upon an individual that does not care much for music. Like, how do you live?!!! lol. Music makes the world go around. And just like yourself, anytime I am frustrated or annoyed or just plain ol' angry, I just turn to my music. It immediately calms me down. And I'm back to my happy place.
ReplyDeleteGurlfriend, lemme tell you these songs have gotten me through some tuff stuff {you hear me??} i always lift my head to the Lord but sometimes you gotta hear the earth angels sang their songs to motivate ya--great post---oh yeah, my mother says thank youfor the birthday shout-out---remain blessed my friend!
ReplyDelete<3
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for the feedback! It's so interesting to see how my musical taste overlaps with that of my readers! I love it :)
ReplyDeletei remember being younger and saying that no one understood music like i did. they just didn't get how it would rock me to the core. over the years i've lost that. this post has helped bring it back for me. i love every song on this playlist. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete-suzanne
awkwardly chic
This is my first time I heard Alright by Ledisi, and I love it!!
ReplyDeletelove the lyrics! amazing. :)
A.
http://fashionimperative.blogspot.com/
Wow...you have inspired my next post! (mysisterskeepa.blogspot.com) Lauryn HIll is my savior, an amazing soul. Bob is my pretend Grandfather, he is the first musical person I remember hearing as a child. I would say that Redemption Song by Lauryn and Ziggy is also AWESOME!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is right on ;). I found a blog that gives me life. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeletewww.carmenvogue.com
This is a lovely post, you are right music is powerful
ReplyDeletewww.foreversweet89@blogspot.com
I don't think there can be life without music. Simple! Music can fit every single mood you can come up with. It is so inspiring. Great post
ReplyDeleteAdiya
Thanks for the lovely comment! Love Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley. My favorite artists that help me get through would have to be Radiohead and Coldplay. I am now following! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://style-love.blogspot.com/
Great selection.
ReplyDeletehttp://daydreamsofaneverendingcloset.blogspot.com/
Looking for free internet radio stations to find the best new music? Tweewoo is the perfect site to satisfy all of your musical desires.
ReplyDeleteA really heartfelt post.Buy Diablo 3 items I've these tunes along with their mail messages are really relaxing and powerful. I have found personally playing many gospel audio in the course of challenging times, and also Lauryn InclineGuild Wars 2 Gold kaufen as well as Bj Scott in addition to Asia Arie.
ReplyDelete