Top 10 Playlist: Songs for Entrepreneurs
November 12, 2012
When I’m working or walking around the city, I’m usually listening to some tunes with my earbuds in (people have been known to throw things to get my attention). I love music’s ability to motivate us and make us feel understood, and it’s in this spirit that I created an entrepreneurial playlist. Lovingly cultivated with the many different facets of entrepreneurship in mind, I hope that the joys (and the headaches) are captured here.
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TOP 10 Songs for Entrepreneurs
1. Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band – “Express Yourself”
Why? This song has a lot of soul, just like you, intrepid entrepreneur. There’s no better spirit to infuse into your endeavor – express yourself!
Best Lyric “Whatever you do, do it good”
2. M83 – “Steve McQueen”
Why? Never has a song about a famous dead actor sounded more epic and inspiring. “Steve McQueen” is about triumph in the face of everything that knocks you down in life, a sentiment that most entrepreneurs can relate to.
Best Lyric “I woke up stronger than ever!”
3. The Temper Trap – “Sweet Disposition”
Why? “Sweet Disposition” is a song about love, but it’s also a song about new ideas, new beginnings, and what inspires us.
Best Lyric “We won’t stop ’til it’s over, we won’t stop to surrender”
4. The Rolling Stones – “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
Why? Hey, a lot of the best ideas are borne out of frustration – businesses start because someone wants to change something. Channel your dissatisfaction into good! It worked for Mick Jagger.
Best Lyric “I can’t get no satisfaction”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyM-j_49nk0
5. Kanye West – “POWER”
Why? Just like most things that come from Kanye, “POWER” is all about Kanye. Regardless, if this song doesn’t make you want to go out and conquer the world then we need to check your pulse. Thanks to Martin Lieberman for this suggestion!
Best Lyric “I’m livin’ in the 21st century, doin’ something mean to it”
6. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – “I Won’t Back Down”
Why? There are a few Tom Petty songs that could have taken this spot, but this one really captures the attitude it takes to succeed.
Best Lyric “Gonna stand my ground and I won’t back down”
7. Spoon – “The Underdog”
Why? “The Underdog” is about sticking it to the man, man. This song talks about the arrogance of the establishment and why the little man can win.
Best Lyric “You got no fear of the underdog, That’s why you will not survive”
8. Aloe Blacc – “I Need A Dollar”
Why? Preach, Aloe. I think a lot of entrepreneurs can relate – just don’t start singing it at your next VC investment meeting.
Best Lyric “And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me?”
9. Jill Scott – “Golden”
Why? “Golden” celebrates freedom, and Jill Scott uses her powerful voice to get that message across – put it all on the line and take chances.
Best Lyric “I’m living my life like it’s golden”
10. Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Three Little Birds”
Why? With all the stress that can come with entrepreneurship, it’s good to remember every now and then that things usually have a way of working out.
Best Lyric “Don’t worry ’bout a thing, ‘Cause every little thing is gonna be all right.”
BONUS
11. R.Kelly – “I Believe I Can Fly”
Why? I’m a 90’s kid and it makes me laugh to include this. Also, don’t pretend you haven’t sung this song aloud and really felt the lyrics.
Best Lyric … “I believe I can fly”