Thank you.
Just hope that Warren Zevon’s “Lawyers, Guns, and Money” is never appropriate for one of your adventures. 
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Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush, “Don’t Give Up” - Peter Gabriel - Don't Give Up (ft. Kate Bush) - YouTube
Back in the mid 80’s when I was training for an alpine mountaineering trip I made myself a mix tape (yeah we still used cassette Walkmans back then) to keep myself paced and motivated when I would repeatedly climb the 764 steps from ground floor to top of my alma mater’s Cathedral of Learning or the steep neighborhood streets of Pittsburgh. The cut that boosted me past the worst humps was Joe Jackson’s “You Can’t Get What You Want.” The cadence works for paddling too (though I sing it to myself).
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More driving suggests “The Immigrant Song” By Led Zep might be good:
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Absolutely!
I haven played along on this as I have a lousy aural memory & these days tend to count when I’m pushing a bit & don’t need focused attention. A habit I’ve developed over the last 5 - 6 years due to counting to mark time while stretching as & try to get in 20 -30 minutes a day doing a round of ~30 sec. stretches. That said, the XM Sat. Radio has the Immigrant Song song heavy in the mix and also has Jethro Tull’s “Locomotive Breath” in the rotation as well and that has a beat that will drive you like a nail.
If you need some serious Chicago Blues guitar to drown out the universe I can recommend Joanna Connor.
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YES! to all! Thank you for the suggestions!
I have history with Locomotive Breath associated with another activity adventure and a Pony Express station in the Idaho desert I but can see incorporating it into my mental active paddling playlist.
I’m embarrassed to say that Joanna Connor is new to me but I will be listening to more of her music. Please contact me offline with suggestions.
If interested in the Aqualung / Idaho desert connection you can read it here but be aware that it has nothing to do with paddling.
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Heck of a story. Sometimes I wonder how we have reached our (or at least in my case) somewhat advanced age.
funny how certain songs can flip your mindset in those sketchy moments. I’ve found that upbeat stuff actually distracts me, which mellow, rhytmic music helps me find a better paddle flow
btw, I usually go with something mellow unless the current or weather starts getting sketchy, then I switch to stuff that gets my focus up, like instrumental soundtracks or fast-paced piano.
Got inspired to start taking [personalized piano lessons] myself, and it’s funny how playing certain pieces later on the water brings back exact moments from tough paddles. Music really ties those memories together.
In my head I had two songs going on simultaneously, mannish boy by muddy waters with johnny winter screaming- exploding waves and holes on the river and i’m usually trying to chill out with something calmer in my head, slowing it down by feeling pink floyd or jimi hendrix, get your freak on
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Music ignites memories and moods of times past for me. It extends from the present all the way back to the 50s. Many of the songs my parents loved to dance to still around dance around in my head. They once won a dance contest when they walked in and started dancing not even knowing it was a contest. One of those favorites of my Mom was “In the Mood” by Glen Miller. Speaking of moods don’t forget the Moody Blues.
Loved the videos . “Not a great rapid to swim in. It’s kind of rough.”
In the Mood when conditions are sketchy and at your limits? Can’t see it.
Dancing on the waves? The cadence is quick after all. But How about Riding the Storm Out.
REO Speedwagon - Ridin’ the Storm Out (1981)
When I am at my limit I try to disconnect from dwelling on it and just keep putting one foot in front of the next, one more paddle stroke after the next.
Conversations with yourself are good while paddling. Living in two places at the same time (your head and in your paddling self) can be useful for the homestretch. Embrace the suck.
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Though not particularly intense, “Up Around the Bend” (CCR) is one I tend to hear.
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I have music in my noggin pretty much 24/7, but the last time I got surprised by a tide rip that I didn’t plan on, I remember “Raw Power” by Iggy Pop being the tune. Not sure if it was for me handing it, or the water trying to kick my a$$ 
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