5 Songs That Will Make You Reflect on Life (And Why You Should Keep Going)

Welcome to my Monday Motivation! Let’s be real—Mondays can feel like climbing a mountain. Most of us dread that return to work, but we all know it’s gotta be done. So, here’s a little something that always works for me: music.

Music has always been my lifeline—a source of inspiration when life feels too heavy or too uncertain. These five songs aren't just background noise; they’re life philosophies wrapped in melodies, reminding me what it means to live fully, face reality, and push through every challenge.

Let these tunes fuel your Monday motivation and maybe even change the way you look at life.

1. I Lived – One Republic

The purpose of life is simply living. But how often do we forget that? We get caught up in the noise, the distractions, the petty dramas of the world, and we forget to simply be. .

This lyric takes me back to Brendon Burchard’s philosophy: Live, Love, Matter. If you’re feeling lost, ask yourself these three questions: Did I live today? Did I make a difference? Did I love fully?

For years, I was afraid of truly living—fear manipulated me, shaped by a strict religious upbringing. But living is about embracing the highs and lows, pushing through fear, and creating memories that matter.

But living is about more than just existing—it’s about experiencing everything, the highs and the lows.

Create your bucket list, step out of your comfort zone, and live without regrets. Don’t die with "what ifs" haunting you.

[Listen to "I Lived" by OneRepublic]

2. Ain’t It Fun – Paramore

This track is like a slap in the face—in the best way. It makes you realize how self-centered we can be. We all think we’re the center of the universe until life reminds us otherwise.

It’s a lesson that every kid should learn: the world owes you nothing. Most people don’t know true pain or hardship until it hits them, and when it does, it’s brutal. But that’s the moment you grow.

Like Buddha, stepping out of his sheltered palace, you learn that life is messy, unfair, and doesn’t care about your plans. So, get out there and find your place, because no one’s going to hand it to you.

[Listen to "Ain’t It Fun" by Paramore]

3. Là-Bas – Jean-Jacques Goldman & Sirima

The main lesson in this song is about rejection. Rejection is one of most feared negative emotions. You can hear it in the girl's voice bagging her boyfriend not to leave. Unfortunately, it's inevitable. He has to leave everything behind to build his life.

Most of us are afraid to leave our friends, distractions, and comfort zones, even though they may be the very things holding us back from pursuing our dreams because we are afraid of hurting them and paying high price.

You have to let go of everything that doesn’t support your growth or bring you closer to the life you’re meant to live.

For entrepreneurs, one of the toughest mental struggles is missing out on Friday night hangouts with friends. Many won’t understand why you’re always working, but remember where you’re heading and what you’re fighting for.

When you were not born into wealth or big families, all you've got is work hard. This hearts worse when you have to leave the people you love.

Migration is sometimes the only way forward. Life doesn’t negotiate, and it doesn’t offer special treatment. But it does give you the chance to change your fate, if you’re willing to go after it.

Sometimes, leaving people behind is the ultimate sacrifice we pay to achieve our life's dreams.

[Listen to "Là-Bas" by Jean-Jacques Goldman & Sirima]

4. Intwari Zarananiwe, Ubu Ni Ahintwarane (Heroes Have Failed, It's Up to the New Hero) – Tumani Byinshi

This one hits like a punch to the gut. It talks about the evil in the world and the struggles of those who strive to live by good morals. Doing the right thing doesn’t always feel good, and that’s the hard truth.

The singer references Matthew 11:12—"The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." It’s a reminder that life isn’t easy.

It’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s for the fighters, the new heroes, the anti-heroes who rise after everyone else has failed.

This song reminds me of Elon Musk’s famous words: "Starting a business is like eating glass and staring into the abyss." Life will test you, and heroes will fall.

Tumani reminds us that succeeding in a world full of deceit and wrongdoing requires sacrifice and perseverance, especially in the midst of storms and pain.

When you feel like giving up, always remember the promise you made to yourself—that you’ll never quit.

[Listen to "Intwari Zarananiwe" by Tumani Byinshi]

5. Firework – Katy Perry

This song has been my go-to morning anthem for years. It’s the ultimate reminder that, even when everything feels like it’s falling apart, you’re still capable of greatness.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced closed doors, rejection, and disappointment countless times. But this song reminds me that every ‘no’ just leads me closer to the right ‘yes.’ You are a firework, with untapped potential that’s waiting to explode.

Don’t let the closed doors stop you; they’re just guiding you toward the right path.

[Listen to "Firework" by Katy Perry]

Monday Motivation in a Playlist

These songs push me to live boldly, face the hard truths, and keep going no matter what life throws my way.

What about you? What’s that one song that changed your perspective or gave you the strength to keep pushing forward?

Share yours in the comment section below.