Being a minimalist can be very challenging. We live in a world where mainstream success is measured by how much money we make and how nice of a house we own. The media is constantly marketing products to us and claiming that they will ‘fix’ all of our problems. To balance out all of this negativity, it is important to consume positive and inspiring media. Below is a list of the 9 best songs about minimalism to inspire your minimalist journey.
1. Society – Eddie Vedder
“Society” by Eddie Vedder is at the top of the list for a reason. It is hands down one of the most inspiring songs about minimalism I have found. It was featured on the playlist for the film Into The Wild, a movie about a young man who burns all of his money and escapes to the Alaskan wilderness in an effort to be truly free. The song personifies the concept of ‘society’ and its grasp on us all. It’ll definitely make you reconsider what life is truly about and how you choose to spend your days.
2. Day To Day (For 6 Days a Week) – L.A. Salami
“Day To Day (For 6 Days a Week)” is a slightly angsty and silly love song with an underlying minimalist message. L.A. Salami writes about the rat race a lot of us find ourselves in where we are living to work and not working to live. This song will inspire you to spend less so that you can work less and live more.
3. Everything is Free – Gillian Welch
“Everything is Free” is a beautiful song about embracing a simple life. Gillian Welch writes about the importance of having a job that is ethical and evokes passion regardless of how much it pays. It will definitely inspire you to reconsider how you choose to spend your 40 hours a week.
4. Strange Days – Mat McHugh
“Strange Days” is a song about a man’s dream where he was free from the questionable ethics of society. He writes about business men making money off of a war and politicians taking money from the poor. This song will make you reconsider the importance of having a lot of money and whether you are willing to sacrifice your ethics or your time in order to make more.
5. What I Got- Sublime
“What I Got” is a song that celebrates life. It is about cherishing the time and people we have in our short lives. The purpose of the minimalist lifestyle is to shift from receiving value from material things to finding value from life itself. This lighthearted song is upbeat and inspiring for aspiring minimalists and minimalists alike.
6. Ain’t No Reason – Mt. Joy
If you’re a fan of indie folk and haven’t heard of Mt. Joy yet, you’re in for a treat! All of their music has a very comforting sound, but this song’s lyrics make it extra special. “Ain’t No Reason” questions mainstream society’s values and encourages its listener to find their own path. It is a song about finding freedom, which is the goal of the minimalist lifestyle.
7. Swing Life Away – Rise Against
If you’re a fan of early 2000’s music, you’ve probably heard of the band Rise Against. In their song, “Swing Life Away”, they sing about how being in love makes you feel like you can live off of minimum wage and be fully content. The minimalist lifestyle is about finding value in things that money can’t buy, like love. This song is about just that!
8. Sitting on the Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding
“Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” is a classic. The song’s laid back tempo creates a sense of calm and peacefulness that is reminiscent of the minimalist lifestyle. The lyrics also embody principles of minimalism and simple living.
The song is about a man, sitting on a dock, watching the boats and ships go by. He is contemplating the simplicity and beauty of life.
Listening to this song is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.
9. The Bare Necessities – Bruce Reitherman and Phil Harris
This one’s a bit silly, but I couldn’t leave it off the list. If you watched The Jungle Book as a kid (or an adult, I’m not judging), you might remember the song, “The Bare Necessities”. It’s a sweet little song that Baloo and Mowgli sing to Tarzan.
The song’s upbeat and catchy tempo, combined with Phil Harris’ playful vocals, creates a sense of joy and contentment that is evocative of the minimalist lifestyle. The song’s focus on the present, and the reminder that true happiness is found in the simple things, further reinforces the idea of simple living.
In Conclusion
Being a minimalist is a choice to reject the consumerist ideals of our society every single day. Listening to songs about minimalism will help inspire you to maintain this sometimes challenging lifestyle. Read more about embracing a minimalist mindset here.
Nicki says
My favorite minimalist inspiring song;
“What I need” by Desiree Dawson
barefootminimalists says
What a beautiful song!
Megan Whitaker says
Another great one is Untitled 4 by The Avett Brothers