Each track of this playlist encourages personal growth, resilience and supportive relationships. Let these melodies motivate you to embrace goodness and make a positive impact in the world.
‘Unwritten’
by Natasha Bedingfield
The lyrics of ‘Unwritten’ encourage personal growth and self-expression, aligning with the theme of ‘Do good, be good, spread the Good News’ by emphasising the importance of living authentically and embracing new opportunities. By urging listeners to ‘live your life with arms wide open’ and ‘release your inhibitions’, the song inspires individuals to positively impact the world through their unique contributions and good deeds.
‘Count on Me’
by Bruno Mars
‘Count on Me’ highlights the importance of being reliable and supportive to friends in need. The song promotes kindness and solidarity through lines like ‘I’ll be the light to guide you’ and ‘You’ll always have my shoulder when you cry’, emphasising the positive impact of being there for one another.
‘Fight Song’
by Rachel Platten
‘Fight Song’ showcases personal empowerment and resilience, inspiring others to find their strength and make a positive impact despite challenges. Lines like ‘I might only have one match, but I can make an explosion’ highlight how individual actions and persistence can create significant change, encouraging others to believe in their potential and spread positivity.
‘Try Everything’
by Shakira
‘Try Everything’ encourages perseverance, self-compassion and continuous effort despite failures. By promoting the idea of trying everything and learning from mistakes (‘Birds don’t just fly, they fall down and get up’), the song inspires individuals to embrace challenges, do their best, and positively impact the world with their resilience and optimism.
‘The Climb’
by Miley Cyrus
‘The Climb’ emphasises perseverance, resilience, and maintaining a positive attitude through life’s challenges. The song encourages listeners to focus on the journey and personal growth (‘It’s all about the climb’) rather than just the end goal, inspiring them to keep striving, stay strong and spread positivity through their actions and experiences.
‘Whatever it Takes’
by Imagine Dragons
‘Whatever it Takes’ emphasises determination, resilience and striving to overcome obstacles for a greater purpose. The song’s message of pushing through adversity and doing whatever it takes to achieve goals (‘Break me down and build me up’, ‘I do whatever it takes’) inspires listeners to pursue their ambitions and contribute positively to the world.
Each of these songs contributes to a playlist that inspires and motivates listeners to embrace goodness, resilience and the power of positive action. Through their powerful messages and uplifting melodies, they collectively encourage us to do good, be good and spread the Good News.
Laura Kings is Australian Catholics assistant editor – youth and education.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Why is it Good News? — questions and activities
These activities encourage, understanding, personal reflection and real-world application, helping students to deepen their understanding of the Good News and how they can live it out in meaningful ways.