I love music. It is the one thing in life that can uplift my spirits, calm me, and remind me to take life a little less seriously. There are many recording artists out there who have given me great advice through song when I needed it most. However, there are many songs that have taken on new meaning for me now that I am a mom. Here is a compilation of those tunes that I find have been reinvented for me as a parent:

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, Rolling Stones. I can totally relate to Mick Jagger’s angst in trying to get some of whatever it is that will keep him satisfied. For the mom version, I like to sing these variations in the lyrics:

When I’m trying to clean my house, and I just can’t keep it clean…or When I’m trying to get some sleep, and the baby starts to scream…or…Every time I make some food, and my baby won’t eat…I can’t get no satisfaction!

Somebody’s Watching Me, Rockwell. This totally ’80s song, with it’s haunting lyrics and melody, reminds my of my life. Because I always have a little person watching me. When I go to the bathroom, when I am trying to sleep, when I am cooking dinner, everywhere I turn…there she is.

She Works Hard for the Money, Donna Summer. I think this could be my theme song (even though my line of work is not the kind Ms. Summer was referring to in this song). It is a tribute to working moms the world over who bust their bums everyday to help provide for their family.

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, Daft Punk. As soon as I became a mom, I felt like I had to be on top of my game at.all.times. If I am to keep my head above water there is no room for slip-ups. That little robot in the song seems to be pushing me to try harder, do things better and faster. But, hey, it makes me stronger.

A Horse with No Name, America. Parenting always gives me the feeling like I am wandering the desert alone, except I’m the horse with no name. I especially feel this way during those times I am playing “horsey” with my daughter. Of course, it’s her favorite game ever and we play it over and over again some nights. Lucky me.

Poker Face, Lady Gaga. For times when I have to keep a straight face or bite my tongue when my daughter does or says something naughty, but is totally hilarious at the same time.

I Wanna Be Sedated, The Ramones. With Daft Punk raging through my head making me want to do everything better, faster and stronger, at the end of the day after my daughter falls fast asleep, I just want to relax. Wine helps with this.

Whataya Want from Me? Adam Lambert. This song came out when my daughter was born. This was what I would sing to her all those times she would cry for no reason. So I was pretty much singing it all day long. In fact, I am still singing the same tune. And I still don’t get an answer.

What I Got, Sublime. Love’s what I got. In my heart everyday. Very grateful for my little family ♥

Beautiful Day, U2. When I wake and hear “mommy” and see that sweet, little rosy face, it helps prepare me to face the day and do my best to make it a beautiful one.

What would you add to this playlist?