10 Upbeat Songs to Keep You Happy

When life has got you down, you can turn these upbeat songs for an instant pick-me-up. These songs are perfect for hose days when you just want to sing into your hair brush and boogie around the house. Studies show that listening to happy music can actually change someone’s mood, so if you want to be a happier person, you need to tune into upbeat music. If we missed any upbeat songs to keep you happy, make sure to leave a comment with your favorite song at the bottom of the list.

1. Bubbly Toes by Jack Johnson

The first song on this list has a relaxed, happy beat to it. Jack Johnson is my favorite musician to fall asleep to because of his soft voice and happy rhythms. None of the music is jarring, and it makes you feel like you are relaxed on a beach somewhere, drinking a margarita. While Bubbly Toes has a nice sound to it, there are plenty of other songs by Jack Johnson that you can use as a rainy day pick-me-up.

2. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!

If you have never heard of this song, then you are in for a surprise. This song is jam packed with energy that gets you moving from the moment the beat hits the air waves. For an energizing, happy song, Wham!’s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go is the one to choose.

3. Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin

Don’t Worry, Be Happy has been played in many movies, commercials and soundtracks. It remains a classic because of its soothing tones and happy-go-lucky rhythm. While you let your worries drift away, the dulcet tones of Bobby McFerrin can cascade over you. If your happy songs play list does not have this number on it, stop reading this and add it immediately!

4. Walking On Sunshine by Katrina & the Waves

Produced in the 1980s, this song has also made it into a number of movies. Even better, it has the lyrics to match the upbeat rhythm. Walking on Sunshine is about a girl who just wants to see her boyfriend or write him a letter. She feels like she is walking on sunshine just by the thought of him, and everything feels good to her. The chorus repeats numerous times, so it is an easy song to learn and sing along.

5. Happy by Pharrell

Released on January 1, 2014, Pharrell’s Happy has remained a favorite of clubs and every type of happy person. It reached the number one position on the Billboard charts because of its straightforward message. Interestingly, Pharrell seems to match up to his music. Whenever you see him in interviews or on television, he is always smiling and having a good time.

6. Starships by Nicki Minaj

A number of the upbeat songs that were included on this list are from the 1990s and 1980s. Pharell’s song and Nicki Minaj’s Starships are two of the exceptions. Depending on your take, this song could have a straightforward meaning or an R-rated connotation. Either way, it is the perfect song to bring along for a night out on the town or an evening dance party. The song gets you into the rhythm from the first moment and keeps you dancing.

7. Alive by Empire of the Sun

For upbeat songs to keep you happy, Alive is one of the best. When you listen to this song, you just want to start jumping up and down. The beginning of the song has the singer asking for a release from the boredom of his normal life. Due to one person, he suddenly starts to feel alive again and enjoy life. The lyrics have a great underlying meaning—it only takes one person to make the world a better place for someone else.

8. I Wanna Be Like You by Louis Prima

I Wanna Be Like You was one of the songs in the Jungle Book—you may remember the ape singing it in the movie. It may be a Disney song, but I Wanna Be Like You just has a happy-go-lucky vibe to it that is perfect for days when you feel under the weather.

9. Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root

You probably do not recognize the name of the song, but you will know it when you hear it. Rusted Root mumbles the words together, so the lyrics are almost impossible to distinguish. Fortunately, the lyrics do not matter so much because the tune is a great one.

10. Little Bitty Pretty One by Thurston Harris

This song is wonderful to hum along to, and it really puts a spring into your step. If you like films from the 1990s, you may also recognize this upbeat tune from the film, Corrina, Corrina or Matilda.