Spring Cleaning (Part 2)

Don’t look under your couch for inspiration to clean. Check out this list of tunes that will definitely get you swiffing and sweeping.

In my last post, I stated that developing a positive attitude is the best way to get yourself motivated to dive into the now necessary task of Spring cleaning:

“A positive approach to life’s dirty and potentially depressing tasks rarely happens by accident. In order to have a positive and productive attitude, you must choose to do so. A handful of simple steps can ensure that you begin your cleaning activities in the proper mental state.” 

One extremely important ally in your battle to maintain a positive mindset while undertaking unpleasant tasks is music. The right music can provide hours of inspiration by altering your mental approach while revving up your heartbeat to accomplish the job at hand. Below are ten songs I highly recommend you listen to before and during your next attempt at Spring cleaning. Enjoy!

1. “Come On, Eileen” – Dexys Midnight Runners

Of course I need to place this song at the top of my list. The band is literally begging me, by name, to get moving! Luckily for me and my house, they always succeed.

2. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Queen

What else could get us sweepin’ and swishin’ like Freddie Mercury pretending to be Elvis? That is exactly what this song sounds like, and is a must for anyone needing inspiration to start cleaning.

3. “Listen to the Music” – The Doobie Brothers

This ’70s classic by The Doobie Brothers is the ultimate feel-good, sing-along tune. And when it’s time to clean, feeling good and singing along is a must!

4. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson

The King of Pop gave us the perfect cleaning inspiration when he wrote “Billie Jean.” The opening drum beat is infectious, and is the perfect way to get yourself moving. Thank you, Michael.

5. “Twist and Shout” – The Beatles

The unrestrained energy of this Beatles classic is pretty much the perfect motivator for spring cleaning. Plus, if John Lennon could sing until his voice gave out (it took him dozens of takes to nail the vocal on “Twist and Shout”), we can clean until we drop.

6. “Devil Went Down to Georgia” – Charlie Daniels Band

Few things can get you moving like an uptempo bluegrass tune that features a fiddle contest. This song was a 1979 hit for Charlie Daniels, and is guaranteed to be a hit for you as you shake off the winter blues.

7. “Jump” – Van Halen

This song contains perhaps the most recognizable lick on this list. The opening synth notes instantly add a pep to anyone’s step. Definitely blast “Jump” if you are dragging. It is guaranteed to get you in the proper cleaning gear.

8. “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina & The Waves

This 1983 hit is another feel-good classic that can be counted on to improve your attitude and add a much-needed bounce to your step as you are getting ready to clean.

9. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses

This is easily the most “rock” tune on my list. From Slash’s legendary guitar intro to Axl Rose’s screeching “Where do we go now?,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine” not only works well in karaoke bars and super-sized stadiums – it also gets the job done in more intimate settings such as your living room, while you are preparing to vacuum.

10. “Start Me Up” – The Rolling Stones

I’m not sure what Mick and the boys had in mind when they wrote “Start Me Up,” but it might as well have been the need to get motivated for an early morning cleaning session. This iconic classic is perfect to sing along to during the very beginning stages of your Spring cleaning.

So there you have them. These are some of my favorite songs to blast when I need a boost of energy. What tunes do you recommend for getting mentally and physically prepared to take on Spring cleaning?