Fister- Assignment 23

Major bombshell: I am a person that listens to and enjoys music. This truly shocking revelation about the inner workings of my very being may be incomprehensible, but it is a part of me. Musical artists have a tendency to express the way we feel without us realizing we even felt that way. My playlist is for feeling dissatisfied with your current life, and hoping for/seeking improvement in the future. Apologies beforehand for the unexpected amount of muppets content included, this was not my intent it just happened naturally.

1. At Least it Was Here by The 88

Widely recognized as the theme song from "Community" it is also a great song in its own right. Lines like "give me the hope to run out of steam" deal with themes of feeling stuck in life, and not being able to move forward, while still getting value from where you are. This is at the start as it deals with coming to the realization you are unhappy.

2. I Hope That Something Better Comes Along (From the "The Muppet Movie"/Soundtrack Version) by Kermit

While being credited solely to Kermit the Frog, this song is primarily performed by Rowlf the dog. While the very premise of talking puppet animals is other-worldy, the themes expressed can be applied to real life. Rowlf has faced hardships in his life as a puppet, expressing these with clever rhymes and dog puns. This song shows the importance of keeping humor despite adversity, and the importance of keeping hope that something better will come along.

3. More Than This by Roxy Music

I discovered this song through the movie Lost in Translation, in which Bill Murray portrays a faded movie star and performs the song karaoke style. It is written from the point of view of someone who feels the best time of their life is behind them, and the future seems bleak, questioning if there is "nothing more than this?" Almost without hope, this song acts as the "belly of the whale" of the list.

4. I'm Going to Go Back There Some Day (From the "The Muppet Movie"/Soundtrack Version) by Gonzo

Also feeling right at home on a "top muppets songs to cry to" playlist, this is easily one of the more emotional and personal pieces of the muppets' discography. The slower tempo and Gonzo's shaky voice expresses the raw emotion he is feeling, especially compared to the more upbeat tone of other muppets songs. While Gonzo may be feeling down, he remains hopeful that he will return to a happier place.

5. Dreams by Van Halen

This song continues the emotional aspect of the previous song, but transitions to being determined to improve your position in life. The singer is determined and confident he will go "higher and higher," while acknowledging the struggles of the past.

6. Jacob's Ladder by Huey Lewis and the News

This song has a single focus: Progress. As long as you go "step by step" you are making progress and doing fine. Putting one foot in front of the other is the key to keep moving forward.

7. Goodbye Stranger by Supertramp

This song deals with parting ways with something or someone that you enjoyed your time with, but you ultimately must move on from. Falling into self-indulgent tendencies can overall be detrimental to your well-being and you must strike a balance to be successful. 

8. Movin' Right Along (From the "The Muppet Movie"/Soundtrack Version) by Fozzie

Again falsely credited to a single muppet, this song receives additional vocals from Kermit. Kermit and Fozzie are full of hope, with their sights set on "good times and good news." They feel invincible and are excited for the future, with the peppy beat ending the list on a joyful note.