45 Best Motivational Songs To Keep You Inspired All Day Long
The best songs for making you feel better.
getty The power of the human spirit is as strong as we allow it to be.
Finding hope when you're going through difficult times is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, and we all have different ways of seeking encouragement. For some, music has always been a reliable source of motivation.
Music can help in practically every type of scenario. Whether you're going through a breakup, the death of a loved, loneliness, financial hardship, or need confidence boost, you name it and there's a song about it.
This list features a wide range of motivational songs for all types of life struggles that you may be going through. Listen to ones that speak to your heart and remind you that you can get through anything, no matter how hard it may seem.
Here are 45 motivational songs to listen to whenever you're struggling in life.
1. Destiny's Child, "Survivor"
If you've ever doubted yourself, thinking you could never move past a toxic relationship and breakup, this song proves you can — and will! Because even though you've been through pain, you've come out stronger.
"I'm a survivor (what)
I'm not gon' give up (what)
I'm not gon' stop (what)
I'm gon' work harder (what)
I'm a survivor (what)
I'm gonna make it (what)
I will survive (what)
Keep on survivin' (what)"
2. Journey, "Don't Stop Believin'"
When you feel like escaping turmoil, hold on to "that feeling" deep inside, and never let go. You alone have the power to move forward.
"Strangers waitin'
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searchin' in the night
Streetlight people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin' somewhere in the night
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'"
3. Kelly Clarkson, "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
The end of a relationship can leave you feeling distraught and unable to pull yourself out of bed. But once you realize that you're stronger for what you've gone through, you'll learn that there's no limit to your resilience.
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over 'cause you're gone"
4. India.Arie, "Video"
With media trying to make us believe we are only as good as the models in magazines and online, there's only one you. Embrace it, love yourself for your flaws, and understand that you are strong enough to rule the world.
"I'm not the average girl from your video
And I ain't built like a supermodel
But I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen"
5. Britney Spears, "Womanizer"
For the ladies, especially meeting men through online dating apps, can be a slap in the face when you realize what he's really after. Luckily, there are a few ways to distinguish a womanizer and actually find a man who deserves you.
"Look at you
Gettin' more than just a re-up
Baby you
Got all the puppets with their strings up
Fakin' like a good one
But I call 'em like I see 'em
I know what you are
What you are, baby"
6. Stevie Wonder, "Upright (Everything's Alright)"
Even when it seems like things are going wrong or you aren't finding the success you'd hoped for, in the end, everything will be alright. Especially when you have someone to support you.
"My money's low and my suit's out of style
But it's all right if my clothes aren't new
Out of sight because my heart is true
She says, baby everything is alright, uptight, out of sight
Baby, everything is alright, uptight, clean out of sight"
7. Janet Jackson, "Together Again"
When we lose the ones we love, we have to remember that they are always with us. And through life's ups and downs, there's no doubt they are there, smiling down on us.
"Everywhere I go
Every smile I see
I know you are there
Smilin' back at me
Dancin' in moonlight
I know you are free
'Cause I can see your star
Shinin' down on me"
8. Celine Dion, "That's The Way It Is"
The message of this song is simple: don't give up on love. Even if you haven't had luck in love, as Celine sings, "Love comes to those who believe it." And, yes, that's the way it is.
"When you want it the most
There's no easy way out
When you're ready to go
And your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is"
9. The Bee Gees, "Stayin' Alive"
Not only is this song amazing to dance to, but it has a great message. It's a reminder that no matter what kind of person you are, we're all just trying to get through this thing called life.
"Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother
You're stayin' alive, stayin' alive
Feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin'
And we're stayin' alive, stayin' alive"
10. Bobby Brown, "My Prerogative"
When it seems like your friends and family are trying to make choices for you, or even offering unsolicited advice, it's good to remind yourself that it's your life. You're in control of your path, not anybody else.
"Everybody's talkin' all this stuff about me
Why don't they just let me live (Tell me why)
I don't need permission
Make my own decisions (Oh)
That's my prerogative"
11. Roy Orbison, "Oh, Pretty Woman"
Ever see a woman so beautiful that you're at a loss for words? Even with a passing glance, you may wonder if she's just as lonely as you. Sometimes, pulling ourselves up means daydreaming about a potential future for ourselves.
"Pretty woman, walkin' down the street
Pretty woman the kind I like to meet
Pretty woman I don't believe you, you're not the truth
No one could look as good as you, mercy"
12. Michael Sembello, "Maniac"
Another great dance song, there's no feeling in the world like busting a move. And even if you think you know someone, just wait until you get her on the dance floor, groovin' to the beat.
"Locking rhythm to the beat of her heart
Changing movement into light
She has danced into the danger zone
When the dancer becomes the dance
It can cut you like a knife if the fight becomes the fire
On the wire between will and what will be
She's a maniac, maniac on the floor (I sure know)
And she's dancing like she's never danced before"
13. Destiny's Child, "Independent Women, Part I"
There's nothing more empowering than supporting yourself! You don't need a man, and you don't need to base your value on relationships. Because you depend on yourself.
"Question, tell me how you feel about this
Try to control me, boy, you get dismissed
Pay my own fun, oh, and I pay my own bills
Always 50/50 in relationships
The shoes on my feet, I've bought it
The clothes I'm wearing, I've bought it
The rock I'm rockin', I've bought it
'Cause I depend on me"
14. Eminem, "Lose Yourself"
There's an important message in this song: seize this opportunity, because once it passes you by, you may never get another chance. You never know how your future will unfold once you do.
"You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime"
15. Whitney Houston, "It's Not Right but It's Okay"
If you've caught your partner cheating, there's no need to cry over spilt milk. Instead, kick him to the curb, pull yourself up, and move on from that heartbreak.
"It's not right but it's okay
I'm gonna make it anyway
Pack your bags up and leave
And don't you dare come running back to me
It's not right but it's okay
I'm gonna make it anyway
Close the door behind you leave your key
I'd rather be alone than unhappy"
16. Destiny's Child, "Bootylicious"
Can he handle you in all your sexiness? Sometimes, men may get ahead of themselves thinking they can. But it's up to you to decide if he's really ready.
"You gotta do much better
If you gon' dance with me tonight
You gotta work yo jelly
If you gon' dance with me tonight
Read my lips carefully if you like what you see
Move girl, prove you can hang with me
By the looks I got ya shook up and scared of me
Buckle your seat belt, it's time for takeoff"
17. John Lennon, "Imagine"
A true peace anthem from John Lennon, this song makes us think about a perfect world, where we live in harmony with one another and don't have to deal with the harsh parts of life. And listening to this will help you "imagine" that, too.
"Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world, you
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one"
18. Blaque, "I'm Good"
Whether or not someone is interested in you, doesn't matter! Because when you're really "good," playing games and giving mixed signals means nothing.
"'Cause even if I leave alone, I'm good
And even if you come along, I'm good
Don't mean a thing to me cause, I'm good
With or without you
If you want to play games with me then, I'm good
Say what you do for me than, I'm good
You don't really mean a thing cause, I'm good
With or without you"
19. *NSYNC, "Bye Bye Bye"
When you have an unsupportive partner, being without them is sometimes the best choice for moving forward with your life. So, when they don't stack up, just send them out the door and say, "Bye bye bye."
"I loved you endlessly
When you weren't there for me
So now it's time to leave and make it alone
I know that I can't take no more
It ain't no lie
I want to see you out that door
Baby, bye bye bye"
20. Lara Fabian, "I Will Love Again"
Losing the one you love may make loving again seem impossible. But you owe it to yourself to be happy and move forward. You will find love again.
"I will love again
Though my heart is breaking, I will
Love again
Stronger than before
I will love again
Even if it takes a lifetime to get over you
Heaven only knows, I will love again"
21. Whitney Houston, "I'm Every Woman"
Though there are those who will try to tear you down, remember that women are a force to be reckoned with. And though men may have physical superiority, there's no doubt that women have a way of getting their way... naturally.
"I can cast a spell, see, but you can't tell
Mix a special brew, put fire inside of you
Anytime you feel danger or fear
Then instantly I will appear 'cause
I'm every woman, it's all in me
Anything you want done, baby, I'll do it naturally"
22. The Beach Boys, "Don't Worry Baby"
It's normal to worry, but when you have one amazing woman at your side, you find a strength inside of you that you didn't know was there. When she says to not worry, it quells your fears.
"She makes me come alive
And makes me wanna drive
When she says, 'don't worry, baby'
Don't worry, baby
Don't worry, baby
Everything will turn out alright"
23. Yolanda Adams, "I Believe"
Achieving goals and finding success can seem impossible sometimes. But the message here is clear: if you believe you can, you will.
"You worked real hard
And you know exactly what you want and need
So believe and you can never give up
You can reach your goals
Just talk to your soul and say
I believe I can (I can)
I believe I will (I will)
I believe I know my dreams are real (know my dreams are real)"
24. Pharrell, "Happy"
You're feeling on top of the world, and nothing anybody says can bring you down! So, ignore the negativity from others and live your truth.
"Bring me down, can't nothin'
Bring me down
My level's too high to bring me down
Can't nothin' bring me down
I said
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth"
25. Lauryn Hill, "Everything Is Everything"
After being put through the ringer and surviving the pain, you can have that happiness again. Because you can't change the reality of a situation, but you can accept it and move forward.
"It seems we lose the game
Before we even start to play
Who made these rules? (Who made these rules?)
We're so confused (We're so confused)
Easily led astray
Let me tell ya that
Everything is everything"
26. Beyoncé, "Grown Woman"
Yes! This song is all about knowing your strength and power, and doing whatever you please. Forget the consequences! Because when you're a grown woman, you're in control of where life takes you.
"They love the way I walk
'Cause I walk with a vengeance
And they listen to me when I talk 'cause I ain't pretending
It took a while, now I understand just where I'm goin'
I know the world and I know who I am, it's 'bout time I show it
I'm a grown woman (I'm a grown woman)
I can do whatever I want (I can do whatever I want)"
27. Toni Braxton, "He Wasn't Man Enough"
There's no better revenge than being happy. If a man has caused you heartbreak and moved on to another woman, you can rest easy knowing that you deserved better than him anyway.
"What are you thinking?
Did you know about us back then?
Do you know I dumped your husband, girlfriend?
I'm not thinking 'bout him
But you married him
Do you know I made him leave?
Do you know he begged to stay with me?
He wasn't man enough for me"
28. Mary J. Blige, "Family Affair"
When you're feeling down or are surrounded by drama, there's nothing better than dancing it all out and having fun. Because when you're doing that with friends, everything else drifts away.
"Come on baby just party with me
Let loose and set your body free
Leave your situations at the door
So when you step inside jump on the floor
Let's get it crunk, we gon' have fun
Up on up in this dancerie"
29. Youngbloodz, "Imma Shine"
Feeling like your life is in shambles can be a huge distraction from your true potential. Instead of getting down on yourself, realize that you will shine.
"If ya don't believe you don't succeed
And if ya don't apply you won't achieve
Keep ya head up high
Feet down low and follow your heart
To get to the door"
30. Beyoncé, "Flawless"
This is the song to blast when you're really feeling yourself. When you're feeling like queen of the world, nothing can hold you down because you're flawless.
"Mama taught me good home training
My Daddy taught me how to love my haters
My sister told me I should speak my mind
My man made me feel so God damn fine
You wake up, flawless
Post up, flawless
Ridin' round in it, flawless
Flossin on that, flawless"
31. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
When you're separated from your partner or are in a long-distance relationship, this song reminds us that true love stands the test of distance. Because no matter what, your partner will be there for you, even when you're miles apart.
"Remember the day I set you free
I told you you could always count on me darling
From that day on, I made a vow
I'll be there when you want me
Some way, some how
'Cause baby there ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you babe"
32. Bob Marley, "Get Up Stand Up"
A great anthem to motivate you to stand up for your rights. With the state of the world right now, there's no better time than the present to get involved and protect the rights of people in your community.
"You see, most people think, great God will come from the skies
Take away everything and make everybody feel high
But if you know what life is worth, you will look for yours on earth
And now you see the light, you stand up for your rights
Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights"
33. Bon Jovi, "It's My Life"
Life is all about taking chances. You can't just let opportunities slip away because you didn't want to take a risk! Dive in head-first, and truly feel alive.
"Tomorrow's getting harder, make no mistake
Luck ain't enough
You've got to make your own breaks
It's my life
And it's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive"
34. Christina Aguilera, "Beautiful"
Don't let the opinions of others bring you down. Ever. Inside and out, you have beauty. So own it, express it, and forget what the haters say.
"I am beautiful
No matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful
In every single way
Yes words can't bring me down
Oh no
So don't you bring me down today"
35. Chumbawumba, "Tubthumping"
The repeating line throughout this song is evident: no matter what people say or do to you, you'll always get back up. Fall down seven times, stand up eight.
"I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down"
36. Queen, "We Are the Champions"
Though this song relates to football and sports, it's also relevant to your life. All that hard work you've put into your craft is coming to a head, and you will be victorious.
"But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race
And I ain't gonna lose
We are the champions, my friends
And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end"
37. Irene Cara, "Flashdance (What A Feeling)"
When you dream big, people will try to tell you that you won't be successful. But use that passion you have and turn it into success.
"Take your passion
And make it happen
Pictures come alive
You can dance right through your life
Now I hear the music
Close my eyes, I am rhythm
In a flash
It takes hold of my heart"
38. The Beatles, "Here Comes the Sun"
Remember that tomorrow is a new day. So, when you feel withdrawn into yourself, you can wake up the next morning, look outside, and the sun will still be there. Just like you will be.
"Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right"
39. Louis Armstrong, "What a Wonderful World"
The world is an ugly place, but it's important to remember that there's beauty all around us. Why not get out into nature today?
"I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world"
40. Elton John, "I'm Still Standing"
So your partner left you. Big deal. Even after the heartbreak, you're still standing, stronger than ever. Play this song anytime you feel less than as a reminder that you don't need anyone to be happy.
"And did you think this fool could never win
Well look at me, I'm coming back again
I got a taste of love in a simple way
And if you need to know while I'm still standing you just fade away
Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I'm still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind"
41. Frank Sinatra, "New York, New York"
New Yorkers know the pride and elegance of living in a city like this. There's no other place on earth like it, and when you're here, the success you find tastes so sweet.
"I wanna to wake up, in a city that doesn't sleep
And find I'm king of the hill
Top of the heap
These little town blues
Are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it
In old New York
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere"
42. Christina Aguilera ft. Lil' Kim, "Can't Hold Us Down"
When men try to tell you that you can't do something, you shout right back at them and show that you know your worth. Because when you stand your ground, you prove your strength.
"This is for my girls all around the world
Who've come across a man who don't respect your worth
Thinking all women should be seen, not heard
So what do we do girls?
Shout louder!"
43. Katy Perry, "Firework"
If you're in a bad place, this song is a reminder to pick yourself up. You may feel insignificant and plain, but inside, you have the power to ignite that passion and show how amazing you are.
"You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe a reason why all the doors are closed
So you can open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it's time, you'll know"
44. Natasha Bedingfield, "Unwritten"
You never know what can happen in life, but you'll never know unless you put yourself out there. This song is all about living life to the fullest, and not having a specific plan.
"Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten"
45. Kanye West, "Stronger"
When you're faced with a problem, you have two choices: you can lose yourself in the mistakes and negativity, or you can rise above and learn from the past. The right choice is the latter.
"N-now th-that that don't kill me
Can only make me stronger
I need you to hurry up now
‘Cause I can't wait much longer
I know I got to be right now
‘Cause I can't get much wronger
Man, I've been waiting all night now
That's how long I been on ya"
Jill Zwarensteyn is a writer and Michigan native who covers trending topics, pop culture and astrology.