8 Motivational Musical Songs to Push Through Deadlines

With midsemester coursework deadlines looming, here are some showtune recommendations to get you though that last minute panic…

1) My Shot – Hamilton

‘And I’m not throwing away my shot. I’m a get a scholarship to King’s College. I prob’ly shouldn’t brag, but dang I amaze and astonish.’

Okay so let’s ignore that you’re already at King’s… and that Hamilton isn’t actually talking about King’s College London but the message is still the same! Own your achievements, don’t throw away your shot.

2) Don’t Rain On My Parade – Funny Girl

‘Don’t bring around a cloud to rain on my parade.’

Barbara Streisand in an iconic role in a truly empowering tune, embody the queen and don’t let the negativity and deadlines get you down. You got this. It might be slow going right now but the end is nigh my friend.

3) Stick It To The Man – The School of Rock

‘There’s been one solution since the world began. Don’t just sit and take it, stick it to the man.’

What it says on the tin. Go prove them wrong.

4) Chip On My Shoulder – Legally Blonde: The Musical

‘There’s a chip on my shoulder and it’s big as a boulder. With the chance I’ve been given I’m gonna be driven as hell.’

So maybe we’re not all studying at Harvard Law to win back a guy who doesn’t deserve a second glance but we can all be encouraged by Emmett’s advice to make the most of our time at King’s and push through these deadlines and beyond.

5) One Day More – Les Misérables

‘One more dawn, one more day, one day more.’

That night before the deadline when you’re cramped over a desk on your third Red Bull and mid-way through your fifth breakdown. Yeah, we’ve all been there. Let Les Amis de l’ABC and pal push you through the last 24 hours.

6) Bet On It – High School Musical 2

‘I’m not gonna stop. Not gonna stop till I get my shot.’

Zac Efron. Aggressive head banging and frantic arm movements. I mean, if this doesn’t motivate you I don’t know what will. See also: any angst ridden Troy Bolton songs across the franchise.

7) Non-Stop – Hamilton

‘Why do you write like you’re running out of time? Write day and night like you’re running out of time?’

See also: all-nighter anthem. Remember, Hamilton wrote 51 out of 85 essays.

8) Seize The Day – Newsies

‘Stare down the odds and seize the day. Minute by minute that’s how you win in. We will find a way.’

While it’s a stressful period as deadlines loom, make sure you take a step at a time and wholly embrace the beautiful voices of Jeremey Jordan, Ben Fankhauser and the Newsies as they spur you to seize the day.

I hope that these musical numbers will be able to help spur on the motivation needed to finish and/or start your essays and revision. Best of luck to you all and see you on the other side!

• coursework
• Deadlines
• essays
• motivation
• musical theatre
• showtunes