Posted on Mar 4, 2022

20 Songs That Will Make You Happy Again

These tunes will help you beat the blues.

by Anthony Orlando

BuzzFeed Contributor

The Beatles pose for a group picture. Left to right: John Lennon, George Harrison, drummer Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney/Queen, photo session for 'Music Life' magazine.

You might remember this song playing in Spider-Man 2. Initially made for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, B.J. Thomas's uplifting song will never fail to put a smile on your face. So if you're having a bad day, and things are looking gray, just listen to this song and remember that there's always light waiting for you, and that complaining won't stop the rain. — Sony / Via youtube.com

You might remember this song playing in Spider-Man 2. Initially made for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, B.J. Thomas's uplifting song will never fail to put a smile on your face. So if you're having a bad day, and things are looking gray, just listen to this song and remember that there's always light waiting for you, and that complaining won't stop the rain.

Sony / Via youtube.com

You might remember this song playing in Spider-Man 2. Initially made for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, B.J. Thomas's uplifting song will never fail to put a smile on your face. So if you're having a bad day, and things are looking gray, just listen to this song and remember that there's always light waiting for you, and that complaining won't stop the rain.

This Elton John classic tells the story of a boy who's fed up with his oppressive life and is trying to return to his country home. Despite the subject matter, this ballad expresses a desire to escape a hard-knock life and go back home, something we all experience at least once in our lives. — MCA/DJM / Via youtube.com

This Elton John classic tells the story of a boy who's fed up with his oppressive life and is trying to return to his country home. Despite the subject matter, this ballad expresses a desire to escape a hard-knock life and go back home, something we all experience at least once in our lives.

MCA/DJM / Via youtube.com

This Elton John classic tells the story of a boy who's fed up with his oppressive life and is trying to return to his country home. Despite the subject matter, this ballad expresses a desire to escape a hard-knock life and go back home, something we all experience at least once in our lives.

This ballad might only be known by you old-school fans out there, but if you're fans of That '70s Show, you'll know it when you hear it. It's a simple song about a man going through a breakup, but it will always succeed in touching your heart. This song is especially effective if you're having a difficult time after breaking up with someone and you're trying to figure things out. — SGC / Via youtube.com

This ballad might only be known by you old-school fans out there, but if you're fans of That '70s Show, you'll know it when you hear it. It's a simple song about a man going through a breakup, but it will always succeed in touching your heart. This song is especially effective if you're having a difficult time after breaking up with someone and you're trying to figure things out.

SGC / Via youtube.com

This ballad might only be known by you old-school fans out there, but if you're fans of That '70s Show, you'll know it when you hear it. It's a simple song about a man going through a breakup, but it will always succeed in touching your heart. This song is especially effective if you're having a difficult time after breaking up with someone and you're trying to figure things out.

Another Beatles classic, "Let It Be" came from a dream that Paul had about his dead mother while he was struggling to make The White Album. Many people have had Biblical interpretations about the song, but no matter what religion you are, the lesson of this song is universal. It teaches us that when you're having troubles, you should not focus on them and just "let it be." — Apple Records / Via youtube.com

Another Beatles classic, "Let It Be" came from a dream that Paul had about his dead mother while he was struggling to make The White Album. Many people have had Biblical interpretations about the song, but no matter what religion you are, the lesson of this song is universal. It teaches us that when you're having troubles, you should not focus on them and just "let it be."

Apple Records / Via youtube.com

Another Beatles classic, "Let It Be" came from a dream that Paul had about his dead mother while he was struggling to make The White Album. Many people have had Biblical interpretations about the song, but no matter what religion you are, the lesson of this song is universal. It teaches us that when you're having troubles, you should not focus on them and just "let it be."

Now considered one of the greatest rock songs in history, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a tragic, almost Shakespearean tune that takes you on an emotional roller-coaster. Though it initially starts off pretty sad, about halfway through, the song transforms into an operatic thrill ride that'll have you banging your head with a smile like Wayne and Garth. — Paramount / Via youtube.com

Now considered one of the greatest rock songs in history, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a tragic, almost Shakespearean tune that takes you on an emotional roller-coaster. Though it initially starts off pretty sad, about halfway through, the song transforms into an operatic thrill ride that'll have you banging your head with a smile like Wayne and Garth.

Paramount / Via youtube.com

Now considered one of the greatest rock songs in history, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a tragic, almost Shakespearean tune that takes you on an emotional roller-coaster. Though it initially starts off pretty sad, about halfway through, the song transforms into an operatic thrill ride that'll have you banging your head with a smile like Wayne and Garth.

This song has a special place in my heart. If you're having a hard day, and don't have the strength to push through it, Bill Withers is here to remind you that you might still have someone waiting for you who will brighten your day. — Columbia Records / Via youtube.com

This song has a special place in my heart. If you're having a hard day, and don't have the strength to push through it, Bill Withers is here to remind you that you might still have someone waiting for you who will brighten your day.

Columbia Records / Via youtube.com

This song has a special place in my heart. If you're having a hard day, and don't have the strength to push through it, Bill Withers is here to remind you that you might still have someone waiting for you who will brighten your day.

Whenever you think of Billy Joel, chances are that this song will come to mind. Singing about people struggling with their daily lives, "Piano Man" is pretty much about anyone needing to take a break from it. If you need to unwind from a tough day at the office, this song is the one for you. — Columbia Records / Via youtube.com

Whenever you think of Billy Joel, chances are that this song will come to mind. Singing about people struggling with their daily lives, "Piano Man" is pretty much about anyone needing to take a break from it. If you need to unwind from a tough day at the office, this song is the one for you.

Columbia Records / Via youtube.com

Whenever you think of Billy Joel, chances are that this song will come to mind. Singing about people struggling with their daily lives, "Piano Man" is pretty much about anyone needing to take a break from it. If you need to unwind from a tough day at the office, this song is the one for you.

First written by Paul McCartney as a song to comfort John Lennon's son, Julian, during his parents' divorce, "Hey Jude" is hands-down one of the best songs The Beatles ever created. And when you hear the orchestra join the band in saying, "Hey Jude," you'll be filled with so much joy, you'll feel like this song was made just for you. — Apple Records / Via youtube.com

First written by Paul McCartney as a song to comfort John Lennon's son, Julian, during his parents' divorce, "Hey Jude" is hands-down one of the best songs The Beatles ever created. And when you hear the orchestra join the band in saying, "Hey Jude," you'll be filled with so much joy, you'll feel like this song was made just for you.

Apple Records / Via youtube.com

First written by Paul McCartney as a song to comfort John Lennon's son, Julian, during his parents' divorce, "Hey Jude" is hands-down one of the best songs The Beatles ever created. And when you hear the orchestra join the band in saying, "Hey Jude," you'll be filled with so much joy, you'll feel like this song was made just for you.

This song was originally written by Trent Reznor for Nine Inch Nails, but Johnny Cash proved that it was destined for him when he covered it shortly before his death. You might share the pain and regret that Cash conveys in this song, but listening to it could help you find the strength to move forward and endure it all. — American/Lost Highway / Via youtube.com

This song was originally written by Trent Reznor for Nine Inch Nails, but Johnny Cash proved that it was destined for him when he covered it shortly before his death. You might share the pain and regret that Cash conveys in this song, but listening to it could help you find the strength to move forward and endure it all.

American/Lost Highway / Via youtube.com

This song was originally written by Trent Reznor for Nine Inch Nails, but Johnny Cash proved that it was destined for him when he covered it shortly before his death. You might share the pain and regret that Cash conveys in this song, but listening to it could help you find the strength to move forward and endure it all.

This song deals with the tragedy of death and the pain that comes with growing up. Green Day singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, wrote this piece about his father's death when he was 10 years old. However, many people have since associated it with tragedies, like Hurricane Katrina and 9/11, and with its music video invoking the war with Iraq, the song has become a legendary lament about loss. — Reprise/Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

This song deals with the tragedy of death and the pain that comes with growing up. Green Day singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, wrote this piece about his father's death when he was 10 years old. However, many people have since associated it with tragedies, like Hurricane Katrina and 9/11, and with its music video invoking the war with Iraq, the song has become a legendary lament about loss.

Reprise/Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

This song deals with the tragedy of death and the pain that comes with growing up. Green Day singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, wrote this piece about his father's death when he was 10 years old. However, many people have since associated it with tragedies, like Hurricane Katrina and 9/11, and with its music video invoking the war with Iraq, the song has become a legendary lament about loss.

Even when you're not having a perfect day, listening to this song will help make it feel a lot better. If you're having trouble with mental health, or just having a bad day, this song will feel all the more relatable. You may not always feel good about yourself, but this song teaches us that you just need to find the right person to keep you hanging on. — Trident / Via youtube.com

Even when you're not having a perfect day, listening to this song will help make it feel a lot better. If you're having trouble with mental health, or just having a bad day, this song will feel all the more relatable. You may not always feel good about yourself, but this song teaches us that you just need to find the right person to keep you hanging on.

Trident / Via youtube.com

Even when you're not having a perfect day, listening to this song will help make it feel a lot better. If you're having trouble with mental health, or just having a bad day, this song will feel all the more relatable. You may not always feel good about yourself, but this song teaches us that you just need to find the right person to keep you hanging on.

This classic love song was famously used in a scene in Pulp Fiction, and Obama also sang it one time at the Apollo Theater. Even if you aren't dating someone, this tune may still remind you of the ones you love, and Al Green's silky voice will take you on a trip deep into your soul. — Hi Records / Via youtube.com

This classic love song was famously used in a scene in Pulp Fiction, and Obama also sang it one time at the Apollo Theater. Even if you aren't dating someone, this tune may still remind you of the ones you love, and Al Green's silky voice will take you on a trip deep into your soul.

Hi Records / Via youtube.com

This classic love song was famously used in a scene in Pulp Fiction, and Obama also sang it one time at the Apollo Theater. Even if you aren't dating someone, this tune may still remind you of the ones you love, and Al Green's silky voice will take you on a trip deep into your soul.

"Stand By Me" is quite possibly one of the greatest songs of all time, with over 400 versions recorded since its inception. Personally, I prefer the John Lennon cover. But whatever version you're listening to, you'll never feel alone in this cruel world since you'll feel like the singer is standing with you. — Atco / Via youtube.com

"Stand By Me" is quite possibly one of the greatest songs of all time, with over 400 versions recorded since its inception. Personally, I prefer the John Lennon cover. But whatever version you're listening to, you'll never feel alone in this cruel world since you'll feel like the singer is standing with you.

Atco / Via youtube.com

"Stand By Me" is quite possibly one of the greatest songs of all time, with over 400 versions recorded since its inception. Personally, I prefer the John Lennon cover. But whatever version you're listening to, you'll never feel alone in this cruel world since you'll feel like the singer is standing with you.

Next to Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville," this piece by The Beach Boys is the quintessential beach song. If you're looking to get away from it all, but can't leave home, just listen to this song and imagine yourself on the shores of Kokomo. — Netflix / Via youtube.com

Next to Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville," this piece by The Beach Boys is the quintessential beach song. If you're looking to get away from it all, but can't leave home, just listen to this song and imagine yourself on the shores of Kokomo.

Netflix / Via youtube.com

Next to Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville," this piece by The Beach Boys is the quintessential beach song. If you're looking to get away from it all, but can't leave home, just listen to this song and imagine yourself on the shores of Kokomo.

Many people believe this was about the Vietnam War, but this Creedence song is actually about the depression the band faced while they were at their peak, just before their separation. Many great bands have experienced this feeling, and it isn't rare for everyday people to experience it, either. You may have felt sad when things seemed bright, but this song will remind you that you aren't the only one. — Fantasy Records / Via youtube.com

Many people believe this was about the Vietnam War, but this Creedence song is actually about the depression the band faced while they were at their peak, just before their separation. Many great bands have experienced this feeling, and it isn't rare for everyday people to experience it, either. You may have felt sad when things seemed bright, but this song will remind you that you aren't the only one.

Fantasy Records / Via youtube.com

Many people believe this was about the Vietnam War, but this Creedence song is actually about the depression the band faced while they were at their peak, just before their separation. Many great bands have experienced this feeling, and it isn't rare for everyday people to experience it, either. You may have felt sad when things seemed bright, but this song will remind you that you aren't the only one.

You've all heard this song at least once in your life. Louis Armstrong's magnum opus paints a lovely picture of the world that we should all aspire to create. We should all try to see the beauty in the world, especially the one we live in now, and listening to this song can help you do that. — ABC Records / Via youtube.com

You've all heard this song at least once in your life. Louis Armstrong's magnum opus paints a lovely picture of the world that we should all aspire to create. We should all try to see the beauty in the world, especially the one we live in now, and listening to this song can help you do that.

ABC Records / Via youtube.com

You've all heard this song at least once in your life. Louis Armstrong's magnum opus paints a lovely picture of the world that we should all aspire to create. We should all try to see the beauty in the world, especially the one we live in now, and listening to this song can help you do that.

Though it was originally recorded by Hoagy Carmichael, Ray Charles's cover is arguably the most famous. Though people have theorized that it was initially about the songwriter's sister, Charles's definitive version is associated with the state he hails from. We all have a place that we consider paradise, but with this song, Ray takes us all to his slice of heaven that he calls Georgia. — ABC-Paramount/Stateside / Via youtube.com

Though it was originally recorded by Hoagy Carmichael, Ray Charles's cover is arguably the most famous. Though people have theorized that it was initially about the songwriter's sister, Charles's definitive version is associated with the state he hails from. We all have a place that we consider paradise, but with this song, Ray takes us all to his slice of heaven that he calls Georgia.

ABC-Paramount/Stateside / Via youtube.com

Though it was originally recorded by Hoagy Carmichael, Ray Charles's cover is arguably the most famous. Though people have theorized that it was initially about the songwriter's sister, Charles's definitive version is associated with the state he hails from. We all have a place that we consider paradise, but with this song, Ray takes us all to his slice of heaven that he calls Georgia.

The saxophone in this song alone will melt your heart, but combined with George Michael's soothing voice, "Careless Whisper" will effectively capture your soul as you become lost in the music. — Epic/Columbia/Sony / Via youtube.com

The saxophone in this song alone will melt your heart, but combined with George Michael's soothing voice, "Careless Whisper" will effectively capture your soul as you become lost in the music.

Epic/Columbia/Sony / Via youtube.com

The saxophone in this song alone will melt your heart, but combined with George Michael's soothing voice, "Careless Whisper" will effectively capture your soul as you become lost in the music.

When life gets rough, Bill Withers will be there to carry you through the pain with this song. — Sussex / Via youtube.com

When life gets rough, Bill Withers will be there to carry you through the pain with this song.

Sussex / Via youtube.com

When life gets rough, Bill Withers will be there to carry you through the pain with this song.

You probably didn't expect a song from Monty Python to make this list, but it would be a crime not to include it. At the end of Life of Brian, we see Eric Idle sing to poor Brian as he is condemned to death, telling him to look on the bright side in a song that is now treasured to many a fan. As Idle says, "Life's a piece of shit when you look at it," but it's still only as bad as you make it, so you should still try to smile and enjoy it while you can. What have you got to lose? — Python (Monty) Pictures / Via youtube.com

You probably didn't expect a song from Monty Python to make this list, but it would be a crime not to include it. At the end of Life of Brian, we see Eric Idle sing to poor Brian as he is condemned to death, telling him to look on the bright side in a song that is now treasured to many a fan. As Idle says, "Life's a piece of shit when you look at it," but it's still only as bad as you make it, so you should still try to smile and enjoy it while you can. What have you got to lose?

Python (Monty) Pictures / Via youtube.com

You probably didn't expect a song from Monty Python to make this list, but it would be a crime not to include it. At the end of Life of Brian, we see Eric Idle sing to poor Brian as he is condemned to death, telling him to look on the bright side in a song that is now treasured to many a fan. As Idle says, "Life's a piece of shit when you look at it," but it's still only as bad as you make it, so you should still try to smile and enjoy it while you can. What have you got to lose?

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org. The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ youth, is 1-866-488-7386.

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