A Theatrical Playlist To Get You Through Finals

It’s finals season. Notably one of the worst times of the year. But just as with everything else you’ve experienced, you’re going to get through it. For those of you who need a boost, I’ve compiled a few songs to carry you through the range of emotions that come with the end of a semester. Musical theatre runs the gambit from ridiculous to life-changing, just like finals, but with better costuming.

Pray I Make P.A. / Hard Work from Fame

A song literally from students going through many of the emotions related to school. Whether you’re a freshman or a grad student, the struggle of hard work without a guaranteed pay off will always be there. At a certain point, you just have to hope that all of your efforts will be appreciated. Despite having survived the semester, you’ve still got more work to do. If it’s something you can find passion in, you can find worth in it.

Watch What Happens from Newsies

This one is particularly relevant for those of you with term papers due this week. You just have to sit down and get to it, as awful as it sounds. The essay in question may not change the world, but the desire to create something worth reading is still relatable.

Chip On My Shoulder from Legally Blonde

This one is another obvious one. While you may not be lucky enough to have a study buddy as wonderful as Emmett, this song will encourage you to get through the end of the term. No matter how much stress you are under or what less-than-encouraging professors you may have, you’ve gotten this far. You can do it. No matter what you need to use as motivation, be it spite or passion, you are going to succeed.

Breathe from In The Heights

It feels like the world is crumbling around you. Due dates are coming at you at full speed, and break seems like a million miles away. When it feels like you don’t have a second to spare, you need to take a breath. No matter how much you’ve struggled this semester, even if it’s your last, you still went. And that’s an incredible accomplishment.

You And Me (But Mostly Me) from The Book of Mormon

Anybody else feel the urge to sing this when presenting the group project that was really just a you project? The humor of this song has gotten me through many of those situations. But seriously, even if you have no group projects this semester (or have been blessed with a great group), the stamina and motivation of this song can remind you of the hope you had at the beginning of the semester (hopefully).

How To from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

I’m not saying don’t put in less than your 100%. This is not technically an endorsement for Sparknotes if you haven’t read the actual book. But the motivation to succeed is hard to ignore in this song. And if you have found something that makes life easier, then swear by it. Keep your study guide with you and hopefully, you’ll shoot to the top quickly!

Everything Else from Next to Normal

Whether you’re applying to school or already in the highest levels of education, the pressure of both academics and personal life can get to you. Be sure to take a break when you can. If you’re going through something as serious as Natalie, or even if life feels like it should be in tip-top shape, reach out if things get tough. Talk to your teachers or look for resources at school. If none are available, there is help easily found online.

God, I Hate Shakespeare from Something Rotten!

No matter if you’re studying something you’re passionate about or a subject you hate, at this point in the semester, it is easy to get sick of anything. Let those emotions out by living vicariously through Nick Bottom’s lively rant about the bard.

What Do You Do with a B.A. in English / It Sucks to Be Me from Avenue Q

You can admit it. No matter what you’re studying, this is the point in the year where you’re probably questioning the purpose of getting your degree. This song deals with those concerns, but at least it will remind you that school won’t last forever.

ABC Café / Red & Black from Les Misérables

A song from students who want to change the world. Hopefully, your final exams won’t lead you to the same fate as what befell this group of friends. So many important things happen in your life at this point in time, even if you aren’t partaking in a revolution. As foolish as it sounds, this is a chance to learn about who you are. Including how you deal with stress.

The Book Report from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Schoolwork can be a struggle, especially when they pile up. Take a moment to enjoy the fun take on struggling to reach the word count on that one last assignment. Be sure to get some rest, but try not to procrastinate too much.

Picture from pexels.