As a fellow 8 a.m. warrior, I know the struggle of getting out of bed and getting to class. There are two things that motivate me to wake up in the morning: a chocolate croissant from the Commons Munchie Mart and “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield. According to some, this song is incredibly annoying and gets stuck in your head all day. Personally, I couldn’t disagree more but to accommodate the wide range of early class-goers and to help us all be 8 a.m. survivors, I asked eight random people at Rand dining hall what songs they prefer listening to when getting ready for an 8 a.m. class.
“The Adults Are Talking” by The Strokes
This song is a vibe! If you’re looking for an aesthetic morning song, then this is the one for you. It might not get you jumping out of bed dancing, but it is a song that you could listen to while brushing your teeth and just feel content with where you are in life. Maybe that’s all we can really ask for in that early hour before class.
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
A classic jump out of bed — or maybe a quick, cautious climb down the ladder if your bed is lofted — type of song. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” reminds you that just because you have an 8 a.m. doesn’t mean life can’t still be fun. So, put this song on and start dancing because life is going to be so much fun (or maybe it will be after you take a nap later).
“Karma” by Jojo Siwa
I could envision this song hyping me up in the morning. Or, maybe it’s one of those songs that you set as your alarm because you find it so annoying that you’ll force yourself to wake up to turn it off. Either way, it does the trick.
“She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones
This song gives “main character energy” and a light, airy feeling to the morning. Listening to this song makes me think of the sun — a nice, positive way to start the morning. Maybe it will even inspire you to dress in fun colors for the day and break free from the 8 a.m. uniform of sweatpants and a hoodie.
“Mass Destruction” by Lotus Juice
When I first heard this suggestion, the title had me doubting its validity as a wake-up song. After listening to it though, I feel like this song could get me feeling alive and awake any morning. So, be an 8 a.m. warrior and forget the “Mass Destruction” of sleeping in, because this song is going to get you up and ready on time!
“Wake Up (It’s 1984)” by Oingo Boingo
What more could you ask for — this song literally tells you to “wake up.” It’s totally ‘80s and totally rad. Like all great ‘80s hits, it has a great dance beat — It’s fast-paced and its intense instrumentation will jolt you awake. So, wake up (it’s 8 a.m.)!
“Witches” by Alice Phoebe Lou
If you’re looking for a magical, ethereal wakeup, listen to “Witches.” The beat slowly picks up throughout the song, giving you an encouraging and uplifting start to the morning. Be like a witch and use this song as you manifest a great early start to the day.
“Africa” by Toto
The lyric, “It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you,” hits hard in the morning when you’re curled up in bed because it sure is going to take a lot to drag me outside. Luckily, if you feel the same, “Africa” and its pulsating rhythm is enough to get you up and ready.
