The weather, welcome or unwelcome, inevitably and profoundly influences daily outlook, outfit, and activity. Seasonal anxiety varies greatly between individuals, depending on present attitude, weather duration, or personal and professional responsibilities. A cold, rainy day may regularly invoke a sense of isolation or melancholy, while crystal-clear, blue skies may promote productivity, optimism, and vitality. Similarly uplifting, music possesses the unique ability to empower the mind and inspire the spirit. Rather than dreading the next downpour, embrace the opportunity to break out the beach towel and lather on a thick layer of sunscreen. “The Quintessential Songs for a Sunshine State of Mind,” will deliver an infusion of hope, happiness, and harmony, without the additional pressure of fitting into a bikini. These “sunny songs” are guaranteed to provide shelter from the cold and prevent any day from “raining on your parade.”
“A Place in the Sun” by Stevie Wonder
Wonder’s inspirational classic is essential for every sunshine-seeking, soul-searching sulker. Each encouraging word proudly radiates a prevailing hope for the future, the sincere pursuit of happiness, and the profound power of dreams. The world cannot follow a single path to attain peace, but Wonder urges each individual to blaze his own unique trail to discover “a place in the sun.”
“Lighten-Up Lyrics”: “‘Cause there’s a place in the sun, where there’s hope for everyone, where my poor restless heart’s gotta run.”
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by Israeli Kamakawiwo’ole
Kamakawiwo’ole’s uniquely infuses the ukulele and personal Hawaiian heritage to memorably reinvent two timeless classics in a single stroke of genius. The sweet, soothing, intimate rendition should undoubtedly be considered amongst the absolute greatest “sunny songs” of all-time. Float away in an aura of heightened perspective and enhanced appreciation for the surrounding world with Kamakawiwo’ole’s masterpiece.
“Lighten-Up Lyrics”: “Well I see skies of blue and clouds of white and the brightness of day, I like the dark and I think to myself what a wonderful world.”
“Waiting for a Sunny Day” by Bruce Springsteen
In typical, unrivaled fashion, “The Boss” boldly and brilliantly fuses a commanding chorus with catchy, contagious melodies. The resulting handiwork is a refreshing downpour of eager anticipation. Emulate Springsteen’s stage presence and control the day’s outlook with confidence, decisiveness, and resolve. Remember, rain is merely temporary, sunny days loom on the horizon.
“Lighten-Up Lyrics”: “It’s rainin’ but there ain’t a cloud in the sky, musta been a tear from your eye, everything will be okay.”
“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
The soothing, gentle guitar introduction instantly conveys a gratifying spirit of welcoming warmth. As the Beatles’ signature, infectious harmonies effortlessly escalate; the song’s straightforward optimism promotes a universally-attainable sense of hope. Ultimately, “Here Comes the Sun” allows greeting each day with a smile never seem easier.
“Lighten-Up Lyrics”: “Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here. Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right.”
“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
The ultimate list of “sunny songs” is inevitably incomplete without Nash’s poignant refrain of rebirth and renewal. “I Can See Clearly Now” inspires a resounding spirit of resolve and instills an unwavering sense of confidence amidst the most dire of circumstances. Stop weather-induced stress at once, and simply press play.
“Lighten-Up Lyrics: “Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind, it’s gonna be a bright, bright sun-shiny day.”
“Morning has Broken” by Cat Stevens
Stevens offers a soulful, spiritual approach to overcome a case of the rainy-day blues, advocating an alternative, positive perspective. “Morning has Broken” illustrates rain as a necessary gift to divinely sustain Earth’s living plants and creatures. Develop a sense of appreciation for the current shower, rather than woefully dwelling on rain’s negative aspects.
Lighten-Up Lyrics”: “Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from heaven like the first dewfall, on the first grass.
“Heavenly Day” by Patti Griffin
Simply listening to Griffin’s heartfelt “Heavenly Day,” may in fact, literally compel the clouds to disappear and reduce rain to rays of sunshine. Worst case scenario, the song will alleviate existing anxiety and positively inspire a sunny state of mind. An optimistic outlook transforms the rainiest days into “heavenly days.”
“Lighten-Up Lyrics”: “Tomorrow may rain with sorrow, here’s a little time we can borrow, forget all our troubles in these moments so few.”
“Island in the Sun” by Weezer
Rivers Cuomo’s “feel-good” anthem extends the perfect vacation-invitation for any rainy day. “Island in the Sun” effortlessly encapsulates the warmth of midday, July-sunshine and the refreshing rush of a West Caribbean-tide sweeping across the ankles. Weezer presents the perfect selection for a winter daydream getaway, or audio opportunity to rekindle fond memories from the past.
“Lighten-Up Lyrics”: “On an island in the sun, we’ll be playing, having fun. And it makes me feel so fine, I can’t control my brain.”
“Daylight” by Matt and Kim
Matt and Kim’s hit single, “Daylight,” relentlessly delivers a spirited instrumental and vocal barrage of positive energy. The song’s overriding theme is to uniquely experience life to the fullest, in spite of hardships, setbacks, or limited resources. Each day presents the distinct opportunity to actively improve life and seek freedom from burdensome personal trials and tribulations.
“Lighten-Up Lyrics”: “In the daylight I don’t pick up the phone, ’cause in the daylight anywhere feels like home.”
“Brighter than Sunshine” by Aqualung
Aqualung intimately illustrates love’s overwhelming outpouring of unbridled, blissful emotion. The song swimmingly encompasses a Jack Dawson-esque, “I’m on top of the world” mentality. “Brighter than Sunshine’s” invigorated, upbeat rhythm compels the heart to flutter and renders the rain irrelevant. Aqualung provides the perfect selection for the rainy day, on-the-go listener.
“Lighten-Up Lyrics”: “Let the rain fall, I don’t care. I’m yours and suddenly you’re mine. Suddenly you’re mine and it’s brighter than sunshine.”
“Daylight” by Better than Ezra
From the opening tambourine shake to the stirring, resounding echoes of “Come on, give me one reason, come on, find me in daylight,” Better than Ezra harmoniously galvanize the brotherhood of broken hearts to adopt a collective chorus of hope. “Daylight” melodically shares an empowering vision; guaranteed to “rock and roll” the weather-weary soul to navigate life’s inherent ups and downs.
“Lighten-Up Lyrics:” “In the darkest hour of the night, you’ll find daylight.”
“Turn Up the Sun” by Oasis
From the outset, Oasis masterfully authors an engaging, energetic journey calling out humanity to channel its energy for positive, lasting change. “Turn Up the Sun,” thematically portrays mankind as the master and commander of his ultimate fate. Turn up the volume and jump-start the morning’s mood to the tune of “Turn Up the Sun,” while focusing on sincere service towards the less fortunate.
“Lighten Lyrics”: “Come on, turn up the sun, turn it up for everyone. Love one another, love one another.”
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
Last, but certainly not least on the “sunny-song playlist,” ranks the quintessential song for the faith-filled idealist. If Marley is considered the transcendent “feel-good” artist, “Three Little Birds” serves as Marley’s “Mona Lisa.” The film, I am Legend, illustrates the supreme healing power of song. Amidst post-apocalyptic upheaval, Will Smith’s character repeatedly draws strength from Marley’s “Three Little Birds.”
“Lighten-Up Lyrics”: “Don’t worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh! Every little thing gonna be all right.”
