I’ll admit it. I do just want everybody to get along. I am one of those people who wishes we could hug everything out. Because I can’t escape this part of myself, I have decided to force it upon you all. The following is a tiny smackeral of songs that I promise will make you smile. You might even feel inspired to launch into your own little happy dance.
Seriously. If you are not smiling by the time you get through the list, you let me know; and I will dispatch some bunnies to your house with a cache of red balloons and little baskets of chocolate buttons. [Don’t lie just for the buttons. It is a very time consuming process and the bunnies will only bestow them on the truly deserving.]
I tried to include actual videos and live footage. But a couple are slide shows [I did that in cases where the song might not have an official video, or if that is the only video I could find with good sound quality] And of course, I don’t own any of these songs or claim I made them up, yadda, yadda, yadda. . .
One more disclaimer: this is an “off the top of my head” list. I have many more than 10 songs in my collection, and many more than 10 happy ones at that. I just wanted to offer a small sampler; the cream of the crop, if you will.
Now then. Here are the 10. In no particular order. Enjoy– and let me know what your Happy Songs are!
“Good Day Sunshine” by The Beatles – One of my all-time favorite Fab Four tunes. I think almost every song on this list mentions being in love (including this one). But not every one of them talks about being barefoot, another essential ingredient for happiness that the Beatles did not neglect.
“Blessed” by Brett Dennen- Don’t think you’re surprised here. This is one of the Happiest of the Happy Songs. I like to listen to it first thing in the morning. Or sometimes after a long day, when life has particularly worn me out– two wonderful occasions to remember what you’re thankful for, if you ask me.
“Rainbow Connection” as performed by Jason Mraz- I would not pass up an opportunity to merge Kermit with Jason Mraz, and you shouldn’t either. This is a beautifully done version. I have to admit, though. It makes me really want to see the two of them do a duet. But that might be enough cute to shift the rotation of the earth. So I guess we’d better ease into that sort of situation.
“Sunshine” by Matt Costa- The second song on the list with Mister Sun as the muse! No doubt a reflection of my longing for spring. By the way, Matt is a really happy guy. Saw him open for Death Cab for Cutie, and I don’t think he or his band members stopped grinning the entire set. They were great!
“Everybody” by Ingrid Michaelson- Go ahead and file this one under the “Adorable” genre when you add it to your iTunes. This is her latest radio single. Excellent call, record company. I’ve been rockin’ out to it for months and it’s about time you guys appreciated its awesomeness.
“I’ve Got Rhythm” as performed by Gene Kelly in An American in Paris- If you read my blog with any kind of regularity, you may remember this video featured in an earlier post. I couldn’t help but bring it back for the list of happy songs, though. I mean, can you blame me? Didn’t think so!
“Love You Madly” by CAKE- Nothing like a little feel-good 90s rock to lift the spirits. Listening to CAKE always makes me smile. They have cute lyrics, catchy melodies, and a trumpet player. I rest my case.
“(Say Hey) I Love You” by Michael Franti & Spearhead- Someone else I have mentioned a LOT in my writing. This song is his first top 40 hit after making music for at least a decade. But it won’t be his last. He has a great attitude and it shows in his writing. He deserves every drop of his success.
“Steer” by Missy Higgins- Sassy Aussie. Soaring melody. Chick anthem. There you have it.
“First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes- This one man band has a reputation for Anything-But-Happy songs. This one is a rarity in that it’s a sweet ballad. And I like that it’s simple. Great songs don’t often need a lot of bells and whistles.
So, that’s my list. Go on. Go ahead and grin. You know you want to!
You’re right. I want to. I would have put several of yours, but here are a couple of additional ones:
Who Wouldn’t Want To Be Me by Keith Urban (Golden Road)
Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez (On the 6)
You Are The Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder (The Definitive Collection)
I love music so I could probably make a list a mile long, but there’s three.
Great post. It makes me smile.
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Oh, I totally agree about Stevie and Keith! I don’t know that JLO song, but if I was *this close* to putting Justin Timberlake on the list (I just couldn’t decide which song.) He’s a favorite for happy, dance-y pop.
Thanks for the additions!
😀
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“But that might be enough cute to shift the rotation of the earth.” Your writing makes me smile! :o)
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I probably would’ve put something by the Barenaked Ladies. =)
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Thank you for sharing these songs. I’ve lost someone special to me this week and this brings the happy tears. 🙂
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wrong blog link. A little too much wine I think. Funny how that happens when you’re sad.
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Love this. “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, “Mr Blue Sky” by ELO and “Light and Day” by the Polyphonic Spree are three of my favorite ticklers. Oh wait, one more, Joe Brown’s version of “I’ll See You in My Dreams.”
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I googled songs to make you happy and your list came up. I decided to listen to the whole list just to see if it helped at all. During the first 2-3 songs I was still stuck in my “emo” ways but midway through the playlist I started to feel noticeably happier. Thank you for brightening up my day with this list. 🙂
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so glad to hear that! you are not alone in understanding the positive power of good music- this is consistently one of my most read posts, and i hope it stays that way. thanks for your support, and i hope you keep reading. blessings!
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thank you. this is the generation of lost music that 90% of the population has neglected. these days it’s just half naked people with a load of autotune. i lost something today and right now, i feel like i found something that is better.
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This has made me smile
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This is a wonderful list!! I really like it!
& i wanna make my mexican suggest 🙂
– me siento vivo by fobia (i feel alive)
i hope you enjoy it!
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What a great list! Thank you. I had never heard of Ingrid – I was an instant fan!
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great list 😀
i think The Monkees – Im a believer would be a great add to this list
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Hi Beth!
I googled “Songs that make you happy” and came across your blog. The fact that your name is also Beth made me smile! These songs will be great for walking home from school now that it is SPRING!
Beth
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So many Beth’s who love Happy Music! Love it!
-Beth
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Me too!
B.. congratulations on being freshly pressed! But even I googled for happy songs and stumbled across this blog! They are all a delight!
Cheers,
S.
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I am pretty confused about why you don’t think these songs have melodies or rhythms. Sorry they don’t make you happy. Hope you find some that do.
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Might I suggest “I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons?
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Frank Turner has some great music to make you happy as well. 🙂
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Thank you!
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First I want to say thank you for a little insight into your life and the songs that make you happy. I suffer from depression and I am always on the internet looking for something to make the anxiety and depression; just take a break for a while. I really appreciate the music that you have posted. I really like that they all speak of matters of the heart. Love can be so strong….. Even if it doesn’t stick around. The thought of love just like that the thought of winning the lottery can change your state of mind to something more joyful and lifeful. Thank you for the break =)
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family time by ziggy marley always cheers me up
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I have loads on my iPod that make me happy.
Here’s a few of them;
1. Be My Yoko Ono – Barenaked Ladies
2. One Week – Barenaked Ladies
3. All I Want Is You – Barry Louis Polisar
4. You And Me – Lifehouse
5. You’re Gorgeous – Baby Bird
6. Better Together – Jack Johnson
7. Don’t Stop – Fleetwood Mac
8. That Don’t Impress Me Much – Shania Twain
9. Don’t Know Much – Aaron Neville
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Hello, I just wanted to add one song that makes me smile every single time I hear it. It’s not realy the lyrics but just the music. It’s called ”Send me on my way” from Rusted Rood.
Hope you enjoy!
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They’re nice songs but im still not happy 😦
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I agree with CAKE. ahahha… these are really nice songs. Thank you very much for posting them. I’m only 16 and it seems I haven’t heard of the singers of the songs but I really do like them. 🙂
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Good list…one of my favorites is called level by Avicii….really great.
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Here’s a few of my favourite happy songs:
Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
Space Truckin’ – Deep Purple
Escape – Journey
Sweet Lorraine – Uriah Heep
Here Comes the Sun – the Beatles
Driving in My Car – Madness
Do I Do – Madness
Lay Your Love on Me – Racey
Down on the Corner – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Rock ‘n’ Roll Band – Boston
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🙂 My favourite happy song is ¨Je veux¨ by Zaz
the subtitles are not perfect but you´ll get the idea…
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I love this song http://youtu.be/C9b3_1CcXtY … always brings warmth and happiness when I listen to it. My children love it at as well. 🙂
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‘Come On Eileen’ by Dexys Midnight Runners always makes me happy ^.^
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No one mentioned Bobby Mcferrin? Don’t Worry, Be happy? o.o Also the Beatles…sigh
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Hey your writting style so much unique to other and fun loving and feel happy songs provided by you…..
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I screamed a little when I saw Cake on your list. AWESOME CHOICE. Cake has the power to make ANYONE feel happy and maybe a little bit silly. Overall a nice list.
Just thought I’d suggest some of my own:
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head — B.J. Thomas
Don’t Worry Be Happy — Bobby McFerrin (and the music video, omg)
Here Comes The Sun — The Beatles
Turn! Turn! Turn! — The Byrds
Friday I’m In Love — The Cure
Time To Pretend — MGMT
Gold Canary — Cloud Control
Dreams — The Cranberries
Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Sweet Disposition — The Temper Trap
Strawberry Swing — Coldplay (this song makes me happy in like… a thoughtful way)
There’s actually so many songs that make me happy, but I thought I’d stop here lol.
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I working on listening to all the songs & you now have more than 10 it’s above 50, Thanks to everyone & keep finding the smile in your day.
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Woodland-The Paper Kites ❤
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Reblogged this on The Beautiful Mind and commented:
really needed this today
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this is amazing! 🙂 really beautiful! though quite sad that the 2nd last song didn’t work! 😦 Gene Kelly has the most beautiful soul and amazing tap moves 🙂 thanks ever so much for this
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Just wanted to say thanks!. .. your blog list has helped bring another smile! 🙂
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I love the song “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
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HAPPY, Natasha Bedingfield!!!!!!
It’s interesting to me the songs that people find make them happy, many are very nostalgic which actually makes me sad to listen to. Songs that are slow in rythm with lyrics about lost love… that makes someone happy?? Lol… not judging, just think it’s intersting the various ways in which people rasie their vibration with music.
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Although all the songs you posted are lovely, I can’t help but notice you neglected to add Living In The Sunlight by Tiny Tim!
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What about ‘New shoes’ – Paolo Nutini 🙂
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Hi, this list is great. Actually I’m very picky about the songs I put into my playlist but when I went through this list and all of the comments, I found 7 new happy songs to add, which is awesome! 😀
I’d like to add another bunch of songs that make me happy 🙂 (I’m sorry it’s a bit long, but believe me, I sieved the songs I listen to. and these are the best ones that I know).
Don’t Stop – Sarah Bettens
Beautiful Day – U2
Green – Sister Hazel
Live Like We’re Dying – Kris Allen
Come Live The Life – K’s Choice
Change Your Mind – Sister Hazel
Life’s a Happy Song – The Muppets
Smiling Is Free – Parry Gripp (look it up on Youtube ^^)
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A great list! Hardly knew any of the songs, but I love that – now I have lots of new songs to listen to :))
My favourite feel good song (and my ringtone) is Superheavy – Miracle Worker. Everyone’s always humming it after my phone has rung, even if they have never heard the song before.
Other additions would be
Reamonn – Sunshine Baby
Katrina & The Waves – Walking On Sunshine (how was this not mentioned in any of the comments before? or was it…?)
Joss Stone – Karma (but that’s just because I love a kick-ass after-breakup song, I don’t guarantee it would work for everyone 😀 )
OneRepublic – Good Life
More Than A Feeling (I like the punk version by Hit The Lights)
… and many more.. especially the songs who’s titles have “sun”, “sunshine” and “summer” in them 😀 Like, Summer Sunshine by The Corrs, Summertime by Bachelor Number One and yeah, many more…
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“Good Morning Starshine” by Oliver is the ultimate happy song!
If you like a female voice try the cover by Serena Ryder.
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this is simply fabulous! thank you so much!!! 🙂
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From an older person:
Walkin’ on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
Its a Beautiful Morning – The Rascals
Life is Beautiful – Keb Mo
What a Piece of Work is Man – Hair Original Soundtrack
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Pharrell Williams – Happy
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You made my day so bright, thank you. God bless ❤
Lorna
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Are you kidding me? This is the funniest song ever made! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg
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I know a song; Viva la vida – Coldplay, it’s a good song you people should listen to it. -COLDPLAY IS GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL-
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Great list, thanks for sharing! I actually just created a REALLY SIMILAR blog post with my favorite list of 10 happy songs. I only had 1 of the same songs as you (Michael Franti & Spearhead). Here’s the link if you want to check out the rest of the songs I picked :). http://www.colbyandawu.com/happy-playlist-10-songs-that-will-brighten-your-day/
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I had such a bad day, but while going through this list of happy songs my mood just kept getting better and better 🙂 Thank you so much for that, really. Now I can go through the rest of the day with a smile on my face
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Frank Ocean ~ Lost
Song always makes me happy
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Ok, I know…shameless self-promo, but…I just released my first video, and would love a little “like”-ing and help getting it out there! Also, it just happens to be a very happy song… 🙂
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Let me add one song! It’s 1234 I Love You by Plain White. It may have cheesy lyrics, but the music is really cheerfull!
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Awesome choice. Thanks for stopping by!
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