Being diagnosed with cancer has been, by far one of the hardest experiences of my life. Finding the right words, dealing with all the emotions and trying to make sense of it all is daunting and overwhelming to say the least. Music was one of my go-to places to find strength, inspiration, encouragement and joy when I needed it most!
One of my favorite ways to help reset my mind was blasting music and dancing around the room with my little boy! Maybe that’s where he gets his love of dancing?!
I think music has magical powers that can transform the atmosphere around us in a split second. Transport us to a new place and time. And help us elevate our emotional state even when going through a challenging moment!
It’s possible to be inspired and filled with joy and optimism by listening to music even when feeling down and out. The emotional comfort that music provides to cancer patients during treatment is well documented. As music can heal, encourage and uplift, in addition to just being a great source of enjoyment.
I hope these ten fight songs inspire you during your cancer journey or while caring for someone battling cancer.
While spending endless amounts of time at hospitals, waiting rooms, and going back and forth between doctor appointments, these songs may help you relax or feel energized.
#1. Song: Rise Up
Artist: Andra Day
Album: Cheers to The Fall
Most powerful lyric/s: “And I’ll rise up
High like the waves
I’ll rise up
Despite the ache
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again…”
#2. Song: Girl on Fire
Artist: Alicia Keys
Album: Girl on Fire – Single
Most powerful lyric/s: “Looks like a girl, but she’s a flame
So bright she can burn your eyes
Better look the other way
You can try, but you’ll never forget her name
She’s on top of the world…”
#3. Song: Mission
Artist: Lupe Fiasco
Album: Mission – Single
Most powerful lyric/s: “On remission from the jump
Breast cancer can’t hold me back
That’s the answer when they told me that
It can knock me down, but I’m gonna be back
Strong, down for whatever exceptional, and I don’t know how to quit…”
#4. Song: Survivor
Artist: Destiny’s Child
Album: Survivor
Most powerful lyric/s: “I’m a survivor (what), I’m not gon’ give up (what)
I’m not gon’ stop (what), I’m gon’ work harder (what)
I’m a survivor (what), I’m gonna make it (what)
I will survive (what), keep on survivin’ (what)…”
After a long day of treatment or while recovering from surgery, it’s normal to feel completely exhausted and depleted. This playlist is for those days when all you want to do is lie in bed and listen to music that will lift your spirits up.
#5. Song: Fight Song
Artist: Rachel Platten
Album: Wildfire
Most powerful lyric/s:
“This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I’m alright song
My power’s turned on
Starting right now I’ll be strong
I’ll play my fight song
And I don’t really care if nobody else believes
‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me”
#6. Song: Scars to Your Beautiful
Artist: Alessia Cara
Album: Know-It-All
Most powerful lyric/s: “But there’s a hope that’s waiting for you in the dark
You should know you’re beautiful just the way you are
And you don’t have to change a thing
The world could change its heart
No scars to your beautiful
We’re stars and we’re beautiful…”
#7. Song: OK Not to Be OK
Artist: Marshmello & Demi Lovato
Album: OK Not to Be OK – Single
Most powerful lyric/s: “When you’re high on emotion
And you’re losing your focus
And you feel too exhausted to pray
Don’t get lost in the moment
Or give up when you’re closest…”
Taking pleasure and joy in the small victories in our fight against cancer can help us get from one day to the next. And we are all about celebrating little and big milestones in the cancer journey like – getting through the first chemo session, having the port removed, receiving the much desired NED diagnosis! Throw a party with your friends, crank up the music, and have some fun.
#8. Song: Shake It Off
Artist: Taylor Swift
Album: 1989
Most powerful lyric/s: “But I keep cruising
Can’t stop, won’t stop moving
It’s like I got this music in my mind
Saying it’s gonna be alright…”
#9. Song: Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Artist: Cyndi Lauper
Album: She’s So Unusual
Most powerful lyric/s: “I wanna be the one to walk in the sun
Oh girls, they wanna have fun
Ho hoo girls just wanna have
That’s all they really want
Is some fun…”
#10. Song: Dancing Queen
Artist: ABBA
Album: Abba Gold Anniversary Edition
Most powerful lyric/s: “Night is young and the music’s high
With a bit of rock music
Everything is fine
You’re in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance
You are the dancing queen
Young and sweet…”
What’s your fight song? Let’s build this list together and make the cancer journey a little more bearable!
Also, have you had a chance to check out our free My CareCrew mobile app? It’s designed to connect patients and caregivers with their “carecrew” to streamline day to day challenges experienced in the cancer journey, such as asking for help, managing the inflow of help offers from loved ones, sharing updates, creating wishlists, and more. To read more, please visit https://mycarecrew.co/blog/looking-for-your-fight-song-10-best-cancer-fight-songs/
Now you can download our free mobile app for cancer patients in the Apple and Android stores. It’s free, zero ads!
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Medical advice: My CareCrew is not a licensed medical care provider. Please consult your medical team before following any suggestion mentioned in our blog or using a featured product or service to treat any medical condition.