These are weird times we’re living in. The world is so focused on fear – even I am guilty of getting sucked into fear driven by social media, politicians, and the 24/7 news cycle. I am grateful for the friends, family, and community who help point me back to the things that matter in life, and that together we’re able to weather these strange times.
I wanted to share a few songs that have entered my playlist as I go throughout my day – some newly discovered, and others that have been on my playlist for a while, and I hope these will offer encouragement and hope to you as well!
1. When This is Over (Jimmie Allen)
I haven’t done much research on the background of this song – it was released during COVID, and feels like it was written for a time such as this. It’s a great reminder of how I spend my time – that while I’m waiting for this weird season to pass, that I come out of it not only older, but more empathetic and that I am more intentional about community.
Lyrics
When this is over
I hope I take a little less for granted
Hope I’m a little more understandin’
When some things don’t make sense
I hope I take a little less for granted
Hope I’m a little more understandin’
When some things don’t make sense
When this is over
I hope I smile at a passin’ stranger
Take time to get to know my neighbors
And break bread every now and then
I hope I smile at a passin’ stranger
Take time to get to know my neighbors
And break bread every now and then
Chorus:
Oh, oh, oh ’cause right now all I got is time
To think about the bottom line
What I have, where I stand
How I live, who I am
I hope these hard times make me better and not just older
When this is over
Oh, oh, oh ’cause right now all I got is time
To think about the bottom line
What I have, where I stand
How I live, who I am
I hope these hard times make me better and not just older
When this is over
I hope I stay out of my head
And I’m a little more empathetic
Put myself in people’s shoesWhen this is over
I’ll kiss the ground and send a prayer to the sky
Thank God I’m breathin’ air and alive
And I get one more day with you, oh, oh
And I’m a little more empathetic
Put myself in people’s shoesWhen this is over
I’ll kiss the ground and send a prayer to the sky
Thank God I’m breathin’ air and alive
And I get one more day with you, oh, oh
(Repeat Chorus x2)
2. He Will Hold Me Fast (Shane & Shane)
This may be one of my favorite songs. I was first introduced to this at my church, and I’ve posted about it on social media before. It’s a great reminder of who Christ is, the promises in the Bible, and offers hope even in the darkest of days or in the midst of life’s trials.
Lyrics
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast.
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast.
Chorus:
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
(Chorus)
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
‘Till our faith is turned to sight
When He comes at last!
He will hold me fast
‘Till our faith is turned to sight
When He comes at last!
(Chorus)
He began to work on me
He began to work on me
You’ll complete the work on me
You’ll complete the work on
Oooh hooo oooh
He began to work on me
You’ll complete the work on me
You’ll complete the work on
Oooh hooo oooh
3. Getting Good (Lauren Alaina)
I heard this song after I heard a sermon where “move at the pace of joy” was on the screen and there was an assignment to write down everything I found joy in each day. I remember going on vacation with my family in high school, and standing in the middle of Main Street, USA in the Magic Kingdom, my dad encouraged me to take a mental picture, to soak it all in, and to touch a white pillar on the outside of the store. It was a great reminder to slow down, and even now, years later, I’m able to remember that moment because I slowed down – and I’ve been able to capture other moments of joy since then.
This song is a great reminder not to look for happiness in the ‘next thing’ or ‘next event’, or even letting a reminder that the fear of future events not ruin the current moments.
Lyrics:
Once I fall in love then I’ll be happy
But then you fall in love and there’s still a hole
But then you fall in love and there’s still a hole
Once I get some money it’ll all be easy
But then you get that money, you still feel broke
But then you get that money, you still feel broke
Once I get a little older, I won’t worry
Then you get older and it don’t feel like it should
Then you get older and it don’t feel like it should
I’m thinking once I learn to grow right where I’m planted
Maybe that’s when life starts getting good
Maybe that’s when life starts getting good
Once I get a car that don’t stall in the morning
I can make it anywhere I want, just wait
But I can see it right now sitting in my driveway
Afraid if I take it out, I’ll chip the paint
I can make it anywhere I want, just wait
But I can see it right now sitting in my driveway
Afraid if I take it out, I’ll chip the paint
Once I get a house that I can hang my hat on
I bet I’ll want to build a bigger one if I could, yeah
I’m thinking, once I learn to grow right where I’m planted
Maybe that’s when life starts getting good
I bet I’ll want to build a bigger one if I could, yeah
I’m thinking, once I learn to grow right where I’m planted
Maybe that’s when life starts getting good
Oh, getting good
Getting good
Life starts getting good
I’m thinking maybe that’s when life starts getting good
Getting good
Life starts getting good
I’m thinking maybe that’s when life starts getting good
I’m afraid of both my parents dying
I call my dad, he answers right away
And I didn’t hear a word ’cause I was thinking
About what hasn’t happened yet but will someday
I call my dad, he answers right away
And I didn’t hear a word ’cause I was thinking
About what hasn’t happened yet but will someday
And we hang up the phone before I know it
I’m crying over the conversation my fear took
I’m thinking once I learn to soak up every moment
I’ll realize my life’s already good
I’m crying over the conversation my fear took
I’m thinking once I learn to soak up every moment
I’ll realize my life’s already good
Already good
Already good
Life’s already good
I’ll realize my life’s already good
Already good
Life’s already good
I’ll realize my life’s already good
Thank God that my life’s already good
4. Be a Light (Thomas Rhett)
Featuring Keith Urban, Chris Tomlin, Hillary Scott & Reba McEntire
A reminder to be humble. A challenge to be the person to offer peace in a time of turmoil. A reminder to listen to others, to love more, and that this life on earth doesn’t last forever – which offers a great perspective on where our priorities should be.
Lyrics:
In a time full of war, be peace
In a time full of doubt, just believe
Yeah, there ain’t that much difference between you and me
In a time full of war, be peace
In a time full of doubt, just believe
Yeah, there ain’t that much difference between you and me
In a time full of war, be peace
Chorus:
In a world full of hate, be a light
When you do somebody wrong, make it right
Don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light
When you do somebody wrong, make it right
Don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine
In a world full of hate, be a light
(La-la-la, la, la, la, la)
In a place that needs change, make a difference
In a time full of noise, just listen
‘Cause life is but a breeze, better live it
In a place that needs a change, make a difference
In a time full of noise, just listen
‘Cause life is but a breeze, better live it
In a place that needs a change, make a difference
(Chorus)
La-la-la, la, la, la, la
La-la-la, la, la, la, la
La-la-la, la, la, la, la
La-la-la, la, la, la, la
La-la-la, la, la, la, la
La-la-la, la, la, la, la
La-la-la, la, la, la, la
In a race that you can’t win, slow it down
Yeah, you only get one go around
‘Cause the finish line is six feet in the ground
In a race you can’t win, just slow it down
Yeah, you only get one go around
‘Cause the finish line is six feet in the ground
In a race you can’t win, just slow it down
(Chorus)
Yeah, it’s hard to live in color, when you just see black and white
In a world full of hate, be a light
In a world full of hate, be a light
5. Carousels [Dreaming of Tomorrow] (Alamoth Lane)
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. It’s performed by a local band in Columbus, Ohio in 2007 (I believe they are now disbanded, sadly). It’s a song that reminds me to live for today, appreciate those around me – and a warning that trying to control the world can end up costing us all the joys of life. It’s also where I get my optimistic motto of “the best is yet to come”, which can be a great reminder when I may not see the joyful moments of life. It’s also a reminder of how precious life is, with each day being a gift.
Lyrics
Yesterday, wasn’t all that bad,
If I appreciate just what I had.
Wanting a little more, never goes away.
What if I begin to live for today.I wish that life was like those carousels.
Where pennies keep it going round and round.
But all we got is today, so we’ll live for right now, for right now.
If I appreciate just what I had.
Wanting a little more, never goes away.
What if I begin to live for today.I wish that life was like those carousels.
Where pennies keep it going round and round.
But all we got is today, so we’ll live for right now, for right now.
Chorus
And we’re dreaming of tomorrow.
We’re looking for the best in everyone.
Thinking about those good times,
And knowing that the best is yet to come.Look at me, look at who I used to be.
Trying to control the world can cost me everything.
Going to sleep at night it’s this I pray:
I want to wake up for just one more day.I wish that life was like those carousels.
Where pennies keep it going round and round.
But all we got is today, so we’ll live for right now, for right now.(Chorus)What if life was like those carousels.
Pennies kept it moving round and round.
I got lots of pennies, ohh I got lots of change Lord.
So please, one more time around.
And we’re dreaming of tomorrow.
We’re looking for the best in everyone.
Thinking about those good times,
And knowing that the best is yet to come.Look at me, look at who I used to be.
Trying to control the world can cost me everything.
Going to sleep at night it’s this I pray:
I want to wake up for just one more day.I wish that life was like those carousels.
Where pennies keep it going round and round.
But all we got is today, so we’ll live for right now, for right now.(Chorus)What if life was like those carousels.
Pennies kept it moving round and round.
I got lots of pennies, ohh I got lots of change Lord.
So please, one more time around.
All we got is today.
All we got is today.
All we got is today.
And we’ll live for right now, for right now.
Dreaming of tomorrow.
Looking for the best in everyone.
Dreaming of tomorrow.
Knowing that the best is yet to come.
Tell me your song selection.
These are just a few of my favorite songs, but are songs that currently resonate with me. What songs do you find comfort in? Did any of these songs resonate with you? Tell me in the comments below.
If you feel helpless during these times, please reach out to a friend, family member – or you can even reach out to me, as I know there are always people seeking community in group events, such as hiking, or tennis, or just sitting outside in community, and I can help organize a group event.