Music is the essence of life and defines our way of living. It can be inspirational regardless of genre, whether rock, pop, soul, metal or alternative. Some songs stand out for their emotive value, touching audiences with lyrics, tone, and performances that become high points of humanity. Several memorable performances are worth noting for their soulful, classy, and impactful touch. Talent shows like Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent are excellent examples of premier platforms that showcase game-changing performances, leaving iconic footprints in history. While Susan Boyle’s audition on Britain’s Got Talent catapulted the hidden talent of housewives to a global audience, Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski’s superlative vocals on the song “It’s OK” elevated her time on America’s Got Talent to a celestial level.
Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski
“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy,” Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski said. Music serves as a conduit for humans to enjoy, celebrate, and express themselves. Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski’s story is a prime example of motivation and inspiration that lights up the hearts of millions who watched her glowing performance. Fighting for survival and battling cancer, Jane captures the positive aspects of our lives. Despite all her hardships, Jane ignites the meaning and philosophy of living. Glowing with earthly beauty and evergreen innocence, Jane’s “It’s OK” will go down as one of the most defining songs—a paean to virtuosity, resilience, true grit, and the ability to uplift humanity. Popularly known as Nightbirde, Jane’s super-melodious ballad of hope captures the pain of life’s vicissitudes yet finds positivity within the gloom and darkness—a guiding beacon of light illuminating the staircase to heaven. It’s a feel-good essence that transcends our lives. Despite being surrounded by cynicism and deceit, these feel-good moments are what make us human. This innate characteristic uplifts us to a superhuman, demi-god status, symbolizing the value of life and togetherness—an act of nature that binds communities and humanity as one. “It’s OK” embodies and nurtures this very trait, deeply ingrained in our consciousness. The song stands out as a bulwark akin to the Gauls’ resistance against Julius Caesar or the Great Wall against the relentless siege of Genghis Khan, articulating the triumph of courage and determination despite the odds of annihilation. Jane’s fight for survival, vividly captured in her words, “2 percent is better than zero percent,” is a testament to the tenacity and adventurous spirit of human nature—an odyssey more captivating than the tale of Helen of Troy. The song is a tribute to Jane, enshrining her as an angel whose talent uplifted people to immeasurable heights. Shows like BGT and AGT stand out for delighting us with hidden precious gems that come out dazzlingly with heart stopping performances.
“It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay If you’re lost, we’re all a little lost and it’s alright It’s okay…” — Jane
The Gambler by Kenny Rogers
One of the best country songs of all time, “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers is a philosophical take on life captured through the interaction of two strangers traveling on a train. The song, written by Don Schlitz, was recorded by various artists before receiving the golden touch from Kenny Rogers. It shares a message about handling life’s highs and lows in your own way. There is no right or wrong, as the song advocates an approach similar to Aristotle’s Golden Mean towards life. A motivational juggernaut sung by the maestro Kenny, it signifies the importance of taking life easy and doing the right thing at the right moment.
Secret Garden by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen remains an iconic rock star whose music has touched audiences for decades, highlighting his versatility as an artist. With songs like “Born in the U.S.A.,” “Born to Run,” “Human Touch,” and “Secret Garden,” Bruce has expressed various sensitive and appreciative traits that complete the human experience. Love and companionship are central themes in this song. “Secret Garden” epitomizes this human bond with utmost grace, similar to blending tea with honey. Soft and subtle in its lyrics, “Secret Garden” elevates the quintessence of womanhood, serving as a tribute to the other half. “Secret Garden” will go down in history as one of Bruce’s finest moments—a masterpiece of artistic flair, vocals, and soft rock that defines the meaning of love and well-being.
Tom Petty’s & Heartbreakers “Free Fallin'”
Widely regarded as one of the most gifted artists globally, Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin'” is a feel-good gem. Alongside “Secret Garden,” it features on the soundtrack of the movie Jerry Maguire. Often considered one of the most inspirational films of all time, Jerry Maguire emphasizes the importance of ethics in business. This world-class movie is accompanied by some of the best songs, enhancing its life-spanning drama. With tracks like “Learning To Fly,” Tom Petty is a veteran of feel-good music. “Free Fallin'” is an upbeat take on life, celebrating the adventure of living, surrendering to the moment, and being carefree. As “Free Fallin'” gathers no moss, let yourself free-fall—in a constructive manner. The song is best enjoyed while driving, as depicted in the movie Jerry Maguire.
Jane’s story is remarkable for its fortitude. Despite the misfortunes that govern her life, including her struggles with health and personal hardships, she channels her pain into creativity and artistic flair. In her darkest moments, Jane emerges with breathtaking lyrics that encapsulate her life’s journey. Her resilience and mental state are best personified through the powerful words of “It’s OK.” Jane’s work is immortalized through her relentless zeal in finding meaning and happiness, channeling positivity through her fantastic inspirational showmanship. “It’s OK” shares a philosophy of appreciating aspects of life despite setbacks.
Runaway Train by Soul Asylum
Although not strictly a feel-good song, “Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum, an American alternative rock band formed in Minneapolis, excels in synthesizing the melancholy associated with hopelessness with excellent vocals and guitar riffs. The song—a pessimistic ode “with a ticket bought for a runaway train like a madman laughing at rain”—stands out for its self-awareness of despair while acknowledging a way out using lyrics – a key that need a little turning.
The Best by Tina Turner
Tina Turner resonates with joyful, upbeat numbers and songs that portray hardships and empowerment. “The Best” by Tina Turner remains an evergreen classic. Tina led her life with aplomb despite adversities, championing feel-good themes through her songs. “The Best” is a celebration of oneself, a self-motivating ballad that stands out among her peers. Known for splendid live performances, Tina Turner took music to new level.
Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd is undoubtedly one of the most transformative progressive rock groups of all time. The band defined sophisticated rock with artful lyrics and iconic guitar riffs, consistently staying ahead of the curve during their era. While “Comfortably Numb” is widely recognized as one of the greatest rock songs ever, “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” stands out as a rebellious, emotive powerhouse. Though not a feel-good song on a superficial level, “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” is a creative outpouring that advocates for an out-of-the-box attitude, symbolizing the maverick spirit within all of us. The song is a metaphor for excelling and leading with a total disdain for conformity and herd behavior. Known for their visually stunning and creatively mind-blowing live shows, Pink Floyd truly set themselves apart through deep, emotive themes that resonated with listeners on a profound level.
Susan Boyle’s performance demonstrated the transformative power of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), cementing it as one of the greatest talent shows of all time. The power of music is exponential, permeating national boundaries and demographics. Music is a fabric that connects people, spectacularly weaving culture through insightful and ingenious means—a rock that stands the test of time. Susan not only became a household name but also catapulted BGT to stratospheric heights, leading to the proliferation of similar shows across various countries. As a leader in its field, BGT stands out for providing a platform where ordinary people can showcase their extraordinary talents to a global audience. BGT achieved what many shows before it could not—creating feel-good stories that cemented talents like Jane and Susan as folk heroes, advancing art and culture to new levels. It not only became a platform for talent within Britain but also attracted the best from around the world, offering a stage for showmanship that encapsulates the feel-good factor inherent in all of us.
To close with the iconic words of Jane, immortalized in her song “It’s OK”: “It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay If you’re lost, we’re all a little lost and it’s alright.”
Note: The interpretation of the songs is subjective and reflects the personal views of the author, Nishant Malhotra. Others may interpret the songs differently.
Reference
- Golden Buzzer: Nightbirde’s Original Song Makes Simon Cowell Emotional – America’s Got Talent 202
Photo by Gabriel Gurrola on Unsplash
The ongoing publication will include artists such as Shania Twain, Sheryl Crow, The Bangles, and others.