drMusic That Takes You Places: How Inspiring Artists Keep Me Dreaming
Music has a truly magical way of transporting you to new worlds. A perfect melody, an insightful lyric, a soulful chorus — these elements come together to create portals in our mind. Stepping through these portals allows us to envision new possibilities, gain fresh perspective, and expand our consciousness.
Throughout my life, music has been a guiding light that keeps me dreaming big. Certain artists possess the incredible gift of inspiration, whether it be through their words, sounds, or sheer artistry. They urge us to reach higher and believe deeper in ourselves and humanity. I’d like to share some of my most inspirational musical muses and the ways they spur me on.
Jay-Z once rhymed, “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man.” To me, this lyric embodies the determination to achieve your boldest goals. It inspires me to push past self-limiting beliefs and turn my creativity into reality. Music reminds us that we can reinvent ourselves if we’re willing to put in the work.
Common’s words on “The Light” illuminate paths forward: “Thinkin’ about what’s been lost and what’s been gained…Let’s start over again.” His lyrics prompt reflection while also driving momentum to keep striving. Music encourages us to learn from the past as we create our future.
J. Cole asks, “What’s my purpose?” on “Middle Child,” echoing humanity’s eternal quest for meaning. His songs inspire self-discovery and purposeful living. Music reminds us to stay grounded through life’s triumphs and trials.
In “STARTED FROM,” Drake spits, “This for y’all that think that I won’t make it.” Artists like him inspire perseverance in the face of doubters. Music gives us strength to keep climbing when the world wants to see us fall.
Nas proclaimed, “I Can,” and made me believe nothing was impossible if you tapped into your talents. His gritty East Coast bars taught me focus and discipline breed success. Music urges us to put our minds to the test and see how far skills can take us.
Lil Wayne once reminded us, “Real G’s move in silence like lasagna.” His sharp lyrics inspire putting your head down and letting the work speak for itself. Music tells us not every milestone needs a caption.
Kanye brought us stadium-status productions with “POWER,” an anthem to self-confidence. His grand visions inspire me to ignore the impossible. Music expands our perceptions of what can be achieved.
Mac Miller reflected, “Keep your eyes to the sky, never glued to your shoes.” His introspective bars encourage living in the moment. Music brings us into the here and now.
Kendrick Lamar spits, “If I told your secrets, the world’ll know money can’t stop a suicidal weakness.” His pulsing beats and conscious rhymes inspire growth and vulnerability. Music opens us to share our authentic selves.
Beyond hip hop, the soaring vocals of Sade on “Cherish the Day” inspire me to live passionately without reservations. Her lyrics say, “You’re ruling the way that I move.” Music becomes our life’s soundtrack.
Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” provokes self-reflection with the line, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror.” The King of Pop’s silky voice inspires bettering ourselves before changing the world. Music turns our eyes inward.
Kate Bush’s otherworldly delivery on “Running Up That Hill” pushes us to see through another’s eyes: “Let me be the one who wears your souls.” Her poetic lyrics inspire radical empathy. Music lets us trade perspectives, if just for a song.
This small sampling shows how artists across genres speak to our deepest desires through their craft. Music grants us admission to sacred spaces within ourselves. It transcends our realities and limitations, letting us catch glimpses of our highest potential. Music forever inspires me to reach for my North Star, even when it feels lightyears away.
