60's Songs That Taught Me About Overcoming!
Throughout the years, so many songs have shaped the way I look at life; some good, some bad. Music is a powerful tool and if we aren't careful, it can be a negative influence. If we harness it the right way, it can help us be unstoppable in the pursuit of our goals and dreams!
I love those feel-good songs that make me happy, motivating me to rise above any obstacle and overcome, so I've compiled a list of songs that taught me about overcoming. To make it more fun, I've broken them out by decade and created a blog series!
Although I was born in 1978, my parents were roaming the halls of their high schools in the 60's, and many of their favorite songs and bands influenced my life.
Let's get groovy and kick it off with the 1960's!
1. Blackbird - The Beatles
Overcomer Power Lyrics: "Take these broken wings and learn to fly, All your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise."
Motivational Boost: No matter how broken you are or have been, there's still hope for you. As long as you have breath, you have another chance to start over and make the life you dream of. Now is your time... you just need to believe. Let's fly!
2. Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds
Overcomer Power Lyrics: "To everything - turn, turn, turn; There is a season - turn, turn, turn; And a time to every purpose under heaven"
Motivational Boost: Good and bad things will happen in life. Fortunately, we aren't alone in our season. Everyone will go through trials, victories, heartaches, and celebrations... and the world is full of overcomers!
BONUS: Did you know this songs was inspired by a passage in the Bible? Oh yeah. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (check it out)!
3. Respect - Aretha Franklin
Overcomer Power Lyrics:"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Take care, TCB"
Motivational Boost: We teach others how to treat us by what we allow. If we're being disrespected, we need to stand up for ourselves and respectfully let them know their behavior is not okay. We deserve respect and should likewise respect others.
And thank you, Aretha, for the spelling lesson! (TCB means "take care of business", in case you weren't aware. Look at Aretha, using internet slang before the internet was a thang. #TrendSetter)
4. Hey Jude - The Beatles
Overcomer Power Lyrics:"And any time you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders."
Motivational Boost: Pain and heartache are a part of life. It's easy to allow them to weigh us down and keep us stuck, but John, Paul, George, and Ringo remind us it's better not to let it go and let it be, man. Just let it be. (Same band, different song.)
5. Steppin’ Stone (I’m Not Your) - The Monkeys
Overcomer Power Lyrics:"I'm not your steppin' stone." (...and repeat a thousand times.)
Motivational Boost: It's pretty much straight to the point, but The Monkeys make it clear we shouldn't allow others to walk all over us. We can't control how others will act, but we can always choose how we'll respond to their actions.
Tip: When writing the story of your life, don't let others hold the pen.
6. Daydream - The Lovin’ Spoonful
Overcomer Power Lyrics: "And even if time ain't really on my side, it's one of those days for taking a walk outside."
Motivational Boost: Our time on earth is relatively short and we don't always know what will happen and when. We shouldn't keep ourselves trapped with worry about what lies ahead. Instead, let's enjoy the day, the journey, and our dreams!
7. A Beautiful Morning - The Rascals
Overcomer Power Lyrics:" Ain't no sense in stayin' inside. If the weather's fine an' you got the time, it's your chance to wake up and plan another brand new day."
Motivational Boost: There's a great big, beautiful world out there, yet we seem overly content staying inside glued to the television and our electronic devices. To get up, go outside, and breathe in the fresh air is therapeutic for the body and soul. It gives us clarity and helps us refocus on our tasks, goals, and vision. Plan a day trip, a big adventure, or a staycation. It doesn't have to cost a thing! And, if you have allergies, take a Claritin first. (Clarity... Claritin... it all makes sense!)
8. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head - B.J. Thomas
Overcomer Power Lyrics:"I'm never gonna stop the rain by complaining, because I'm free. Nothing's worrying me. It won't be long 'till happiness steps up to greet me."
Motivational Boost: Life isn't always rainbows, butterflies, and sunshine, but there's always a blessing to be found if you look hard enough. We know there will be struggles and difficulties... and we also know they won't last forever. Complaining about things we can't change does us no good. We actually free ourselves of burdens when we let them go and focus on what we can do moving forward. So grab your umbrella and get ready to dance in the rain (with the sweet moves you learned in this video)!
9. You Can’t Hurry Love - The Supremes
Overcomer Power Lyrics:"You can't hurry love. No, you just have to wait. You got to trust, give it time, no matter how long it takes."
Motivational Boost: Ah, love. So many of us rush into relationships, lacking the patience we need to let things develop and unfold as they should. Thankfully, restoration is possible (I'm living proof), even if it's your second, third, or fourth try! It's never too late to truly love and be loved. Thanks, Supremes, for reminding us what mama said.
10. He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother - The Hollies
Overcomer Power Lyrics:"So on we go, his welfare is of my concern. No burden is he to bear, we'll get there. For I know he would not encumber me. He ain't heavy, he's my brother."
Motivational Boost: This fuzzy-haired singer paints a heart-felt picture of how to be the ideal friend. No matter what his pal is facing, he won't let him endure it alone. He's determined they'll get through it together. I want friends like that... and I want to be that kind of friend to others.
Random thought: Why is he not wearing a shirt under that jacket? I mean, could you have at least worn a large medallion necklace to shift our focus back to the powerful song lyrics? Just sayin'.
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And there you have it; the top 10 songs of the 60's that taught me about overcoming. There are so many songs to choose from and it's difficult to capture them all.
Which songs made your list? I'd love to know! Comment and share your favorite overcomer songs from the 60's on my Facebook page!
Be sure to stay tuned for my next post of '70's Songs That Taught Me About Overcoming!'
