Music is highly subjective but as a materials writer it’s vital that I start my day quickly and positively. I use music to scaffold various parts of my morning routine and below are five of the songs I use to kick off my day and why I love them so much.
Please share your favourite “wake up and get moving” tracks or other morning routine hacks in the comments below.
1. Ride on Time — Black Box
I daren’t think for how long this track has been part of my morning routine! What could me more motivating than the opening vocal by the incredible and uncredited Loleatta Holloway.
“Gotta get up. Gotta get up.”
I love the concept of ‘riding on time’. Instead of being left behind by time as it passes you, why not work at such a pace that you are literally riding at the same pace as time? That sounds like the perfect flow state.
My favourite line comes next…
“And time won’t take my love away.”
A pertinent reminder that each day you can do what you love and give your love to the world through what you do, however the main obstacle is time, how you manage it and use it. So don’t let time take your ‘love’ away.
This is one song you cannot ‘snooze’ through.
2. Beautiful Day — U2
I can’t imagine I’m the only one who gets inspired in the morning by this track.
It’s a simple sentiment but so true. Each day has its beauty. All you have to do is pay attention. The chorus reminds me of this quote by Gandhi.
So don’t delay — seize that beautiful day!
3. I Like to Move It (feat. Mad Stuntman) [Eric More Club Remix] — Real 2 Real , The Mad Stuntman
Ok, I know this is very cheesy and quite repetitive, but in the morning it’s so easy to just go slow, take it easy and take ages to get through simple things like making breakfast. This song gives me the impetus to get through morning tasks and gets me dancing, which can’t be a bad thing (unless you are forced to watch me).
“I like to move it. MOVE IT!!!!!”
This song inspired this classic homework response…
Brilliant!!!
4. If Today Was Your Last Day — Nickelback
No prizes for spotting the theme in these tracks but if it’s inspiring lyrics you want; this song is jam packed with motivational snippets.
Here are the lyrics in full:
My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day’s a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride
If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day
Against the grain should be a way of life
What’s worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts ’cause there’s no second try
So live it like you’ll never live it twice
Don’t take the free ride in your own life
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreamin’ of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day
If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it’s never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
Cause you can’t rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin’ stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side
So much wisdom here. Some days, some lines will resonate more than others but they all serve to remind you to take action now and remove those obstacles that are holding you back.
5. Push It — Salt-N-Pepa
It was tough to name only five but I thought this was worth mentioning as it accompanies the exercise part of my morning routine.
Usually I’m doing sit-ups while this is playing so being encouraged “Push it! Push it! Push it real good!” is enough to keep me going through one of my least favourite exercises.
And that’s it. If you’re interested in seeing how these tracks fit into my morning routine and my other favourite tracks, check out my Spotify playlist.
Now over to you!!
What are your favourite songs to get you going in the morning?
Til’ next time
Peter
