Music is such a powerful artform. One of the powers music holds is its ability to provide such a diversity of perspective. When the lyrics hit you in a unique type of way – you know there’s something special about a song.

Gaining perspective in life can be such a unique experience. We never quite know when a moment will hit us. A heartfelt chat with a friend, walk on a beautiful day, or a song that stops you in your tracks – all opportunities for a little more perspective to make its way into the way we see and feel the world.

Music is one of many ways to create opportunities to gain different perspectives. Below I wanted to share some of my favorite lyrics that, in some cases even decades later, remain a welcomed viewpoint.

“It’s something unpredictable but in the end it’s right. I hope you have the time of your life.” (Green Day – “Good Riddance”)

“Then one day you find, ten years have got behind you. No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.” (Pink Floyd – “Time”)

“Bitterness keeps you from flyin’, always stay humble and kind.” (Tim McGraw – “Humble and Kind”)

“What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing, but under my feet, baby, grass is growing. It’s time to move on, it’s time to get going.” (Tom Petty – “Time to Move On”)

“You better start swimming or sink like a stone, cause the times they are a-changing.” (Bob Dylan – “Times They are a Changing”)

“The storms are raging on the rolling sea and on the highway of regret. The winds of change are blowing wild and free. You ain’t seen nothing like me yet.” (Bob Dylan, “To Make You Feel My Love”)

“There are places I’ll remember all my life, though some have changed. Some forever, not for better. Some have gone, and some remain. All these places had their moments with lovers and friends, I still can recall. Some are dead, and some are living. In my life, I’ve loved them all.” (The Beatles, “In My Life”)

“Life’s a journey, not a destination, and I just can’t tell what tomorrow brings.” (Aerosmith – “Amazing”)

“You think the only people who are people are the people who look and think like you. But, if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew.” (“Colors of the Wind”)

“You know a dream is like a river, ever changin’ as it flows. And a dreamer’s just a vessel that must follow where it goes.” (Garth Brooks – “The River”)

“May you grow up to be righteous. May you grow up to be true. May you always know the truth and see the light surrounding you. May you always be courageous, stand upright and be strong. May you stay forever young.” (Bob Dylan – “Forever Young”)

“If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change.” (Michael Jackson – “Man in the Mirror”)

“Most days in life don’t stand out, but life’s about the days that will.” (Eric Chruch – “Talladega”)

“Live a life so when I die, there’s standing room only.” (Tim McGraw – “Standing Room Only”)

“I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down. Gonna stand my ground.” (Tom Petty “Stand my Ground”)

What are song lyrics that help you gain perspective? Comment below and share how music helps shine a light on perspective we can benefit from.