Perspectives: Cancer in Singapore – Songs of Hope for Patients

One observation strikes me as I surf through music videos on YouTube. Very often, there are comments that talk about how a particular song was “the song” between the commenter and a loved one who was suffering from cancer (or some other serious illness). For cancer patients, while “medicine” heals the body, music can be balm for the soul. This is important for the patient’s quality of life as cancer patients will often face stress, anxiety and distress. There have been studies to show that music can have a positive impact on patients. Indeed, some Singapore hospitals offer music therapy for patients.

Songs of Hope for Cancer Patients

While preference in music is deeply personal, here are some examples I’ve found that can be songs of hope for patients and their loved ones.

Lean on Me – Bill Withers

A perfect song to tell your loved one that he / she does not have to face the disease alone. You’ll be there to help him / her carry on. Listen to a rendition of the song on YouTube here.

“Lean on me, when you’re not strong

And I’ll be your friend

I’ll help you carry on

For it won’t be long

‘Til I’m gonna need

Somebody to lean on”

Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

No one is strong all the time. When the patient is falling, you will be there to pick him / her up. The pop icon’s rendition of the song on YouTube is here.

“If you’re lost you can look and you will find me

Time after time

If you fall, I will catch you, I’ll be waiting

Time after time

If you’re lost, you can look and you will find me

Time after time

If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting

Time after time”

You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman

A song used in Pixar’s movie Toy Story, and a good one especially if the patient is a young one. I found a touching father/daughter rendition here on YouTube.

“You’ve got a friend in me

When the road looks rough ahead

And you’re miles and miles from your nice warm bed

You just remember what your old pal said

Boy, you’ve got a friend in me”

Songs of Hope or Strength for Caregivers

Care-giving to a cancer patient is stressful for the caregiver also. As a caregiver, you can similarly benefit from songs of hope or strength to pick yourself up. Does this one speak to you?

Superman (It’s Not Easy) – Five for Fighting

You don’t have to be a superman all the time – no need to feel guilty if you are get tired or distressed at times. If you are not familiar with the song – here is the official version.

“I wish that I could cry

Fall upon my knees

Find a way to lie

‘Bout a home I’ll never see

It may sound absurd, but don’t be naive

Even heroes have the right to bleed “