I don’t have time to write much at the moment, but I feel the need to share some songs. I’m finding myself dipping into a bit of a funk again, and it boils down to being unable to let go of little things that don’t matter. I know better, but I have to constantly remind myself that most of the day-to-day bullshit means nothing, and that what really matters is how I deal with said bullshit.

With that in mind, here are some songs I find inspiring. They are in no particular order. Maybe one or more of them can help you, too.

“One Life, One Chance” by H2O

H2O helped me get through some shit back in my early 20’s. I likely would not be here today if it weren’t for their music.

“And no one said it was gonna be easy
And I’m not afraid to try
And with the odds stacked up against me, I will have to fight
One life, one chance, gotta do it right”

“Kid” by The Bouncing Souls

The Bouncing Souls (and the album Hopeless Romantic in particular) helped me get through the same shit that H2O helped me get through. I absolutely would not be here today without The Bouncing Souls and Hopeless Romantic.

“Is it true when we get old our hearts die?
I heard it in a movie once, and I think I know why
Life can suck so bad it makes you wanna die
But you get by

Life goes by”

“First Failure” by Gorilla Biscuits

Gorilla Biscuits did not save my life, but they do kick a ton of ass.

“When my eyes see a loser in the mirror
I think ‘what did I do?’

Sure I fucked up, but I got back up
So that loser shit’s out the window
And if you been let down, it might not be the last time
Cheer up, it will hurt much less tomorrow
We’re all tired of fucking up and that’s not just being sorry
It means brush the dirt off

Get up and try again”

“Choices Made” by CIV

After Gorilla Biscuits broke up, 3/4 of the band formed CIV. The other 1/4 formed Quicksand, and they fucking rule, but they won’t be featured here today.

“I don’t need you to make my choices
I can speak, you can hear my voice
And I don’t need you to make my choices
I can speak, you can hear my voice

And everyone’s not looking for approval
Sometimes you gotta go it alone
Don’t work too hard being normal
Just work hard on what you want”

“Change the Key” by 7 Seconds

Good to Go is not regarded as the most important 7 Seconds album, but it’s the one I heard first, and is also my favorite. Right place, right time and all that. The band’s entire discography is a masterclass in positive hardcore.

“I’ve learned that patience is better
I take a breath and count real slow to ten
Why don’t we try it together?
We’ll make mistakes, get up and start again

Don’t feel a need to be violent
I’m working with this rage inside of
Me
And I will never be silenced
I’ll try and use this rage to set me free

Change my ways and I’m still trying
It ain’t easy but I’m not crying
Change my plans and my direction
I gotta change the key that makes this person me”

“Vent” by Snapcase

Snapcase is a fucking great band.

“So it’s been a bad day
Everything seems grey
My upstairs is out of place
I need to be by myself
Rely on no one else
Only I can erase the slate
All of the walls I’ve built to protect me seem to fall
Down
All around and I see things so differently
Down is the taste of the day
But things will change
I can be strong and keep my head up
Time
All I need is some time by myself
I need to go where there is no one to come and try to find me
My feelings must open up and vent
Breathe
All of the walls I’ve built to protect me seem to fall
Down
All around and I see things so differently
Down is the taste of the day
But things will change
I can be strong
Beat frustration
Keep my head up
And accept my feelings now
So there will be better days
Sacred getaways are the means of my escape
Then I will collect my thoughts or lose them if I choose
I control this game”

That’s all the time I have right now, friends. Thanks for reading.