Music - the ultimate motivator
Music is a powerful tool for the mind and body.
It can aid relaxation and sleep.
It can help us to concentrate. It can move us to tears, get us dancing and ignite joy.
Did you know, music can also help us to power through tough times?
Darwin Symphony Orchestra musician Nell Stonham says neuroscientists have long studied the effects of music on the brain.
“Music is known to increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters involved in making us feel good,” says the flautist from Dorset, who now lives in Jingili with her husband and two music-loving children.
So, what are the ingredients for a great motivational song?
“A strong driving beat is important, and bonus points if it’s a melody you can sing along to,” says Nell.
This top 10 list of songs, featuring two Northern Territory artists, will get you through anything, from daily-grind stress to heartbreak, chronic pain or trauma. It’ll certainly be a handy play list if you’re training for a sporting event.
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10. Be A Light, Thomas Rhett feat. Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin & Keith Urban.
This song has been chosen by Kungarakan and Gurindji woman, Allirra Ludwig, who recently became the first Indigenous woman to complete all six world marathons, most recently Boston in April.
This Six Star Finisher from Darwin began running to overcome diabetes ten years ago, and never looked back.
Allirra is the granddaughter of St Mary’s “godfather” Vic Ludwig, is the founder of the Darwin Deadlies running club and operates a small cabinet making business in Darwin together with her husband, Frank Jennings.
Together they have four children. Just like her recent historic sporting achievement, her song choice is timely, moving and sure to inspire.
“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.”
“Be a light by Thomas Rhett allows me to bring the focus back to myself and the things I can control,” says Allirra.
“Am I being a good person? Am I role modelling good behaviour to my children?”
“My brain is always going a million miles an hour. It’s like grand central station in there which makes it hard to focus on long training rides that go for three hours. Listening to music helps calm the chaos.”
When marathon champion Allirra Ludwig gives her your motivational song - you listen!
9. The Climb, Miley Cyrus
“Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side,
It’s the climb.”
This song is about enjoying the journey, and appreciating the smaller steps of progress along the way. Turn the volume up on this one, roll down the windows and let your hair (or beard) stream out the window as you drive off into the sunset.
Here is Miley .. enjoying the climb
8. My Shot, Hamilton the musical
“I am not throwin away my shot, I am not throwin away my shot,
Hey yo, I’m just like my country, I’m young, scrappy and hungry,
And I’m not throwin away my shot.”
This R&B number is about grabbing a once in a lifetime opportunity with both hands and not letting go. Play it before your next job interview, public speaking event or during your next run to help you power through to the finish.
7. The Greatest, Sia
“I see another mountain to climb, but I got stamina… Don’t give up, I won’t give up, I don’t
give up, don’t give up, no.”
Emotion-packed and liberating, The Greatest is an absolute ripper by Australian singer and
songwriter, Sia. It has been interpreted as a coming out song, also paying tribute to the
victims of the Orlando shooting. From any standpoint, this beautiful piece is about never giving up, no matter how difficult the fight. The dancing in the video clip is worth emulating, preferably after a champagne or two.
6. Right Here, Right Now, Jess Mauboy
We’ve got to have our own Jess in our top 10
“I’m walking along, singing my song,
Following my intuition, it doesn’t need to be a mission,
And if it goes wrong, then let it go wrong,
I don’t need nobody’s blessing, I can do this on my own.”
The Territory’s own Jess Mauboy is a beautifully upbeat and empowering song of 2023 about living in the moment and not sweating the small stuff. Jess performed Right Here, Right Now at Sydney Worldpride in March and it has become a glittering LGBTQI anthem.
5. Wish You Well, Baker Boy feat. Bernard Fanning
“Toss a coin in a wishing well, and I just wanna wish you well.
Got a love you can never sell, broken heart makes you feel like a jail cell…
I wish there was a way that I could break ya shell, and set your body free like you’re cool as hell.”
Did you catch this song at Bass in the Grass?
Danzal James Baker OAM – known to most of us as Baker Boy – was electric in front of the home crowd, delivering a funky and flipped version of Bernard Fanning’s Wish you Well. Uplifting and hopeful, here’s some music with national relevance featuring a huge message of coming together and supporting each other with love.
4. Don’t Stop Believing, Journey
“Workin hard to get my fill, everybody wants a thrill,
payin anything to roll the dice, just one more time.
Some will win, some will lose, some are born to sing the blues,
whoa, the movie never ends, it goes on and on and on and on.”
Don’t Stop Believing has become known as one of the best American rock anthems of all time.
It’s a karaoke classic from the good old days of Mitchell St, featuring a powerful riff and chorus, and a powerful sentiment. No matter how dull or tough the days may seem, hold onto your dreams, and never stop believing.
The idea came from one of the band members, Cain, who was doubtful of his music career in Hollywood. His Dad told him to never stop believing, and the inspiring hit was born.
3. Dream On, Aerosmith
“Oh, sing with me, sing for the year,
Sing for the laughter, and sing for the tear,
Sing it with me, if it’s just for today…”
Steven Tyler wrote the lyrics to this Grammy Hall of Fame song by the time he was 14. If that’s not enough to give you goosebumps, just wait for the climax of this radio staple. The song’s meaning is direct and powerful: dream until your dreams come true.
2. Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
I mean, who hasn’t run up a massive set of stairs to Eye of the Tiger?
“So many times it happens too fast, you change your passion for glory.
Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past, you must fight just to keep them alive.“
A cheesy choice but universally celebrated, Eye of the Tiger helped Rocky with all those one-armed push ups and beach sprints.
Get ready to unleash your beast with this US rock classic, commissioned by none other than Sylvester Stallone himself. It was the biggest hit in 1982, and 40 years later, it seems we still can’t live without it.
1. The Best, Tina Turner
“You’re simply the best, better than all the rest,
Better than anyone, anyone I’ve ever met.
I’m stuck on your heart, I hang on every word you say,
Tear us apart, baby I would rather be dead.”
Our number one song choice pays tribute to the Queen of rock and roll, Tina Turner, who passed away this morning in her Switzerland home after a long illness, aged 83. Turner was a true survivor, the epitome of resilience, and an absolute vocal powerhouse. The Best is famous for helping many rugby league players over the try line and it’s our irrefutable favourite today.
You’re simply the best, Tina Turner.
We love you Tina!