We have reached that time of year where words that were once our friends no longer look like words, our general appearance leaves a lot to be desired and we have lost all basic knowledge of communication and have been reduced to a quivering, dribbling shell of a human being. Dissertation deadlines are looming, exams are just around the corner and the result of this terrible state of affairs is that students across the land have fallen into the deepest depths of despair.
Here at The Edge we feel this is unacceptable. Only yesterday I found myself in a state of despair. I was looking at my laptop screen thinking ‘what is the point? I mean seriously, what is the point?’ until I remembered one vital piece of life advice. This advice is so concise, so beautiful and so bloody wise that it has lifted me out of many a dark place. The words ‘life is a roller coaster’ drifted into my mind. At that point I knew everything was going to be okay. I have Ronan Keating to thank for this. So this got me thinking. Surely Ronan is not the only life guru in the world of music. There must be more out there. I have picked ten of the best pieces of life advice around to help all of you who are struggling under the never ending pressure of work. Together, we can get through this.
1) ‘Life is a roller coaster’ -‘Life Is A Roller Coaster’ Ronan Keating
Okay so it was pretty obvious that this was going to be number 1 but quite frankly it would be rude not to include Ronan in the list. This simple phrase explains that yes in life we have ups and we have downs. All we can do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Ronan you are a bloody genius.
2) ‘Don’t hold back’ – ‘Galvanize’ The Chemical Brothers
This song in general is possibly one of the most motivational songs around. If this doesn’t get your blood racing then nothing will. When faced with an impossible task, whack this song on and most importantly ‘don’t hold back’. If you want to make that controversial point in an essay, go for it. What is life without a little risk? (If this gamble doesn’t pay off The Edge is not responsible).
3) ‘I’m a survivor/I’m not gon’ give up/I’m not gon’ stop/I’m gon’ work harder’- ‘Survivor’ Destiny’s Child
Who better to give life advice than Beyonce herself. I for one plan to follow these little pearls of wisdom to the absolute tee because Beyonce’s life is pretty great. When times are tough and you think you can’t go on just think to yourself ‘I’m a survivor. I’m not gon give up’ and you will magically turn into Beyonce. Who wouldn’t want that?
4) ‘Ain’t about how fast I get there/Ain’t about what’s waitin’ on the other side/It’s the climb’-‘The Climb’ Miley Cyrus
Before all her brain cells fell out from spending too much time twerking upside down, Miley Cyrus was pretty wise. Right now it feels like you are at the bottom of Mount Everest with all the work ahead of you. Miley is right, it’s the climb that is important. Apparently there is a world out there that doesn’t consist of deadlines and exams.
5) ‘You only get one shot/do not miss your chance to blow/This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo’ -‘Lose Yourself’ Eminem
Sometimes you just need a good old kick in the backside to get you motivated into tackling work and who better to provide said kick then Eminem himself. He is right, ‘do not miss your chance to blow’. So when the going gets tough, imprint these wise words from renowned life guru Eminem firmly in your mind and you can do anything. Yo.
6) ‘I believe I can fly/I believe I can touch the sky’ – ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ R Kelly
When life gives you lemons, sometimes you’ve just got to make lemonade. If you’re feeling down in the dumps, faced with adversity, taunted by critics far and wide, remember hope is at hand. R Kelly has been where you are and has made it through. He laughs in the face of adversity and with the help of this song, you can too.
7) ‘Forever isn’t for everyone/Is forever for you?’- ‘Snap Out of It’ Arctic Monkeys
The title alone provides valuable life advice. Remember it may seem like you will be buckling under the weight of exams and assignments forever, but as all round life god Alex Turner explains, forever isn’t for everyone. This isn’t forever. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and Alex will be there waiting for you. Good Grief.
8) ‘You can’t always get what you want/But if you try sometimes well you just might find/You get what you need’- ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ The Rolling Stones
Contrary to popular belief exams and assignments are not the be all and end all of your existence. If things don’t go how you hoped this time around then it’s not the end of the world. You still have food, water and your trusty copy of The Edge. What more could you possibly need?
9) ‘We can be heroes, just for one day’- ‘Heroes’ David Bowie
The time will come where you will complete your final assignment and you complete your final exam. When that day comes it is the law that this song is played full blast in the exam hall. You are required to flip your desk over in celebration and strut out of that exam hall to be greeted by rapturous applause and cheering. Anyone who does not comply with this will face certain death. Go on sing it Bowie, on this day we are all heroes.
10) ‘You’re beautiful, it’s true’- ‘You’re Beautiful’ James Blunt
Last but by no means least we reach what is quite possibly the best advice on this entire list. When the going gets tough, when it feels like there is no way out, just remember one thing no matter what. James Blunt thinks you’re beautiful.
