December 19 is the birthday of celebrated French singer Edith Piaf, best known in the English-speaking world for her song “La Vie en Rose” — a song that explores the feeling of elation and optimism when one falls in love. Piaf sings, for example, “From the moment I saw him, I felt my heart beating.”

And just as Piaf sings about a life in rose (or pink), there is a well-used idiom in English about “looking at life through rose-colored glasses”; that is, to view the positive things in life, even if slightly unrealistic.

As 2023 draws to a close, there are a lot of reasons we could decide to be less than optimistic. But holding on to some optimism can also be a useful way to face future challenges with hope and motivation. And that got us thinking that are a lot of songs that can convey a sense of optimism. 

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that make you feel optimistic?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Lucy Dacus - La Vie En Rose
Carpenters - Top of the World
Frank Sinatra and Count Basie - Looking At the World Through Rose Colored Glasses
Katrina and the Waves - Walking On Sunshine
John Conlee - Rose Colored Glasses
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Long As I Can See The Light
Monty Python - Look On the Bright Side of Life