As the Memorial Day holiday (and, as tradition holds, summer vacation, generally) approaches, we’ve asked readers to weigh in on the best song(s) for—or about retirement. So, let’s crank it up!
As a start—and while there’s (likely) some overlap with the retirement anthems, we asked readers to pick “a song that gets you going” on a Monday morning (or would, if you played it)?
As you might expect, there was a wide variety of songs suggested—though the top choice was “Beautiful Day” by U2.
Other selections: Walk – Foo Fighters, Break on Through (to the other side) – The Doors, Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen, Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves, Don’t Worry be Happy – Bobby McFerrin, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python, Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond, In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins, I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor, Firework – Katy Perry, I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty, I’m Still Standing – Elton John, Touch the Sky – Kanye West, With a Little Help from My Friends – the Beatles, Start Me Up – Rolling Stones, Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow – Fleetwood Mac, Rise Up – Andra Day, I Want to Break Free – Queen, and Freedom ‘90 – George Michael.
Asked to choose a song for the “Great Resignation,” the top choice was… “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” by The Clash, followed by “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac, Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life,” Boston’s “Don’t Look Back,” “Free Ride” by Foghat, and “Get up Stand up” by Bob Marley.
Anthem for a Resilient Future
As for that “anthem” for a resilient future/retirement:
Mentioned were:
Don’t Worry be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
Hold On – Alabama Shakes
Let’s Get it Started – Black Eyed Peas
Roll With the Changes – REO Speedwagon
Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
Walk – Foo Fighters
Don’t Give Up – Peter Gabriel
Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow -- Fleetwood Mac
Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
Mentioned more than once:
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
I’m Still Standing – Elton John
Rockin’ in the Free World – Neil Young
Coming in in a tie for second/third were:
Imagine – John Lennon
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
But—once again—our anthem for that resilient retirement/future was…
Some will win, some will lose, some are born to sing the blues…
Thanks to everyone who participated in this week’s NAPA-Net Reader Radar poll!
Wishing you all a safe and happy Memorial Day holiday… Let’s remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice that we commemorate this weekend. And this weekend, of course, let’s also keep in mind and our prayers the families in Uvalde, TX.
