All Toronto Maple Leafs’ fans know too well that it took their team 19 seasons to beat away the demons and win a first-round series. During that time, one gets a bit down – depressed even.
It’s been tough being a Maple Leafs’ fan for so many seasons. The team has had a history of playoff failures and disappointments. It hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967, the longest championship drought in the NHL.
That history of playoff failure history not only affects the team but affects the fans, as well. Many have been watching their televisions nervously after the team failed to close out their round-one series against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5.
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When You’ve Waited So Long for Something Good to Happen, Now What?
When you’ve waited so long for something good to happen and it finally, what now? Being a researcher in my former academic job, I know that many research studies are showing that music can have a calming effect on people with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and dementia.
Music can also have an uplifting effect on people. It can help them engage in joy and happiness. In short, music is therapeutic.
Given the impact of music on humans, I came to wonder what songs Maple Leafs’ fans should have on their playlists this week after the rousing victory over the Lightning in Round 1. Here’s my choice of the Top 4 Songs.
Playlist Song #1: “Here Comes the Sun” (The Beatles)
This song is perfect for Maple Leafs’ fans. It’s about the anticipation of a better future and the joy of finally experiencing it. The lyrics fit the Maple Leafs’ experience so well. “It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter” capture the feeling of waiting for something good to happen.
This song was written by George Harrison and released in 1969 on the album Abbey Road. Metaphorically, the beautiful song shares how the arrival of spring comes at the end of a long, cold winter. The lyrics speak to the joy of finally experiencing something good after a tough time. Musically, the song’s upbeat melody and optimistic lyrics make it a popular choice for weddings, graduations, and other happy occasions.
Dedicated to Morgan Rielly for his long tenure on the team.
Playlist Song #2: “Eye of the Tiger” (Survivor)
This song is associated with overcoming obstacles and achieving success after a long period of hard work and determination. It’s an anthem for anyone who has been waiting for something good to happen and finally reaches their goal.
This song was written for the movie Rocky III and released in 1982. It’s a motivational invitation to celebrate overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Musically, the song has a driving beat and powerful lyrics that make it a popular choice for athletes or anyone else (fans, for example) who needs a little motivation to reach their goals.
Dedicated to Ilya Samsonov for his great goalie play after having a horrid Game 1.
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Playlist Song #3: “Don’t Stop Believin'” (Journey)
This song shares the goal of never giving up on one’s dreams and continuing to believe in yourself, even when it seems like things will never work out. The lyrics “Just a small town girl (general manager?), living in a lonely world” speak to the experience of waiting for something good to happen and finally achieving it.
This song was released in 1981 and is one of the most popular and enduring songs in rock history. The lyrics focus on never giving up on your dreams and continuing to believe in yourself. Things can and do work out. Musically, the song has a catchy melody and a sing-along chorus. It’s a favourite for parties, sporting events, or just belting out in your car when you think no one is watching.
Dedicated to general manager Kyle Dubas for sticking with his belief in the team’s Core Four.
Playlist Song #4: “Walking on Sunshine” (Katrina and the Waves)
This upbeat song is all about feeling happy after a long period of waiting for something good to happen. The lyrics “I’m walking on sunshine, whoa-oh” capture the feeling of pure happiness and excitement.
This song was released in 1985 and is a feel-good anthem about happiness and joy. The lyrics are about feeling like you’re walking on sunshine in a world that (suddenly) has become a more joyous place. Musically, the song carries an upbeat melody and infectious chorus that have made it popular for weddings, commercials, and other happy occasions.
Dedicated to Matthew Knies for suddenly finding his way on the roster and looking good doing it.
What Other Songs Might Maple Leafs’ Nation Add to Their Playlist?
These are just a few examples of popular songs that relate to the experience of waiting for something good to happen and finally achieving it. Many other songs out there that capture this feeling in different ways.
The focus of these songs is that they share a common theme of waiting for something good to happen and finally achieving it. They’re all about the joy and happiness that come with reaching your goals and experiencing success.
Perfect for Maple Leafs’ Nation after Saturday’s win, don’t you think? Before this postseason run is over, I wonder what other songs might make the list.
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