50 Empowering Songs About Strong Women

For years, artists have been creating songs about strong women that capture the resilience of simply being a woman in a predominantly male-dominated world.

Some songs empower the tales of self-love, while other songs call out the ugly truth of the patriarchy and all of it’s double standards.

But, the one thing these songs have in common is the mission of female empowerment to bring together all of the strong women around the world with the universal language of music.

Here’s a collection of the most empowering songs about strong women that promote the importance of girl power.

Country Songs About Strong Women

1. “Just Because I’m A Woman,” by Dolly Parton (1968)

This song is a reflection of the year in which it was made. Women weren’t regarded as being equal to their male counterparts, as the song lyrics emphasize the reality of double standards. Our mistakes aren’t any worse than anyone else’s just because we are women.

"Yes, I've made my mistakes / But listen and understand / My mistakes are no worse than yours / Just because I'm a woman."

2. “Wild One,” by Faith Hill (1993)

Faith Hill sings about the fact that girls can be exactly who they want to be. It shouldn’t matter what society thinks of them, as long as they are happy and doing what they love, no one should get in their way.

"When she was three years old on her daddy's knee / He said you can be anything you want to be / She's a wild one runnin' free.”

3. “Follow Your Arrow,” by Kacey Musgraves (2013)

The message Kacey Musgraves spreads in her song is to be exactly who you want to be, no matter where you’ve come from or who you are. It’s okay to be the truest version of yourself, and continue to live your life in the way that you want to live it.

"Say what you think (Say what you think) / Love who you love (Love who you love) / 'Cause you just get so many trips 'round the sun / Yeah, you only, only live once."

4. “Mean,” by Taylor Swift (2010)

Taylor Swift is spreading the message that if someone is bullying you, it’s okay to call them out for it. Especially young girls, don’t hold your tongue if someone is making you feel less than you are.

"Someday, I'll be big enough so you can't hit me /And all you're ever gonna be is mean."

5. “Fancy,” by Reba McEntire (2008)

This classic song is a reminder to women who are struggling that they should never give up, even when all of the odds are stacked against them.

"Here's your one chance, Fancy, don't let me down."

6. “Girl,” by Maren Morris (2019)

Girls are amazing. They are strong, resilient, and deserve to feel empowered. Maren Morris captures that in her song, and that girls everywhere should always remember that.

"Girl, don't hang your head low / Don't lose your halo, don't lose your halo."

7. “All-American Girl,” by Carrie Underwood (2007)

This sweet song is about the love between a father and daughter and the importance of forming that special relationship and bond. The song also chronicles a young girl's life from birth all the way to adulthood. It’s also a song that is partly based on Carrie Underwood’s own life.

"And now he's wrapped around her finger / She's the center of his whole world / And his heart belongs to that sweet little beautiful, wonderful, perfect all-American girl."

8. “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” by Shania Twain (1997)

Shania Twain embraces her inner femininity in this hit song. She reminds women what the best parts of themselves are, and that they don’t need anyone else to highlight those amazing qualities.

“The best thing about bein' a woman / Is the prerogative to have a little fun.”

9. “The Pill,” by Loretta Lynn (1975)

A pretty controversial song for it’s time, Loretta Lynn sings about the benefits of birth control. The song was actually banned from several radio stations, but was also a huge reminder for women to go out and get birth control as it was widely available and important, despite how taboo the topic was back in that time.

“You've set this chicken your last time/ 'Cause now I've got the pill.”

10. “Guys Do It All The Time,” by Mindy McCready (1996)

This song is all about the gender differences between men and women, and the hypocrisy behind how differently men are treated than women. It’s all about calling out the patriarchy and the double standards between sexes.

“Guys do it all the time / And you expect us to understand / When the shoe's on the other foot.”

R&B Songs About Strong Women

11. “Independent Women Pt. 1,” by Destiny’s Child (2001)

It’s all in the title. This song screams women empowerment and the importance of a strong and independent woman. This song gained popularity from being included in the film. “Charlie’s Angels.” The lyrics are a clear testament to remind women to keep on hustling everyday.

"The watch I'm wearing I bought it / The house I live in / I've bought it / The car I'm driving / I've bought it I depend on me.”

12. “No Scrubs,” by TLC (1992)

TLC's 1999 song, "No Scrubs," fully tackled the concept that women should not settle for less when it comes down to dealing with a partner. If they aren’t showing up in the ways that we need them to be, kick them to the curb.

“And no, I don't want no scrub / A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me / Hanging out the passenger side of his best friend's ride / Trying to holler at me.”

13. “Survivor,” by Destiny’s Child (2001)

An inspirational song that became one of the most well-known tracks in the world. Destiny’s Child sings about the power of moving on and becoming stronger from any situation that wasn’t treating you right. It’s about coming out of the ashes stronger than you were before.

“I'm a survivor (what) / I'm not gon' give up (what) / I'm not gon' stop (what) / I'm gon' work harder (what).”

14. “Respect,” by Aretha Franklin (1967)

It’s all about respect! Even though this song is dated back to the late 60s, it still resonates today. As a woman, it’s okay to demand respect, especially from the men in this world. Don’t let anyone step all over you and diminish your light.

“I got to have (just a little bit) / A little respect (just a little bit).”

15. “Pretty Girl Rock,” by Keri Hilson (2010)

Keri Hilson advocates for confidence in all women. She is asking women to feel confident in their own skin and to uplift other women instead of tearing them down.

“Don’t hate me cause I’m beautiful.”

16. “Run The World (Girls),” Beyoncé (2011)

A classic girl-power anthem from the queen herself. Beyoncé sings about how women continue to run the world, holding vast power and influence. She lets it be known that women are the real leaders.

“Make your check, come at they neck / Disrespect us, no they won't.”

17. “Doo Wop (That Thing),” by Lauryn Hill (1998)

Although this song gives advice to both sexes, Lauryn Hill seems to still have some amazing advice for women. She tells women not to change themselves for a man, reassuring them that they are fine just the way they are. Women are treasures and should be treated as such.

“Girlfriend, let me break it down for you again / You know I only say it 'cause I'm truly genuine / Don't be a hard rock when you really are a gem.”

18. “Girl on Fire,” by Alicia Keys (2012)

The title says it all. Alicia Keys sings about the passionate and untamed energy in women, and how no matter what happens, women can fly away from any catastrophe. The song itself was inspired by Alicia Keys’ giving birth to her son, Egypt, and also her marriage to producer Swizz Beatz.

“Looks like a girl but she's a flame / So bright she can burn your eyes / Better look the other way.”

19. “Just Fine,” by Mary J. Blige (2007)

R&B queen, Mary J. Blige created the perfect anthem for self-love. It’s about walking past that mirror and liking what you see. For women to not let anyone kill your vibe and bring you down.

“So I like what I see when I'm looking at me / When I'm walking past the mirror.”

20. “Girls Need Love,” by Summer Walker (2018)

Summer Walker outright calls out the double standards when it comes to sex between men and women. Walker sings about the honest truth of what it means to be a sexual woman in a world that often demonizes those types of women.

“Girls can't never say they want it / Girls can't never say how.”

Hip-Hop Songs About Strong Women

21. “Feeling Myself,” by Beyoncé & Nicki Minaj (2014)

This song is all about feeling confident in your own skin. It’s an empowering anthem that dominated the charts following its release. Women all across the world were belting the lyrics to this song, and very clearly, feeling themselves.

“I'm feelin' myself / I'm feelin' myself.”

22. “Bodak Yellow,” by Cardi B (2018)

Cardi B subconsciously created a women empowerment song with her rap about her climb to fame. Even though the lyrics are catered to Cardi, the message is still the same about being at the top and working your way through obstacles.

“Look, I don't dance now / I make money moves.”

23. “Q.U.E.E.N,” by Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu (2013)

Though the song reads as the word, Queen, it’s actually an acronym for Queer, Untouchables, Emigrants, Excommunicate and Negroid. An afro-pop collaboration that inspires all the marginalized and ostracized, it’s definitely a song to uplift and empower women who are usually neglected in society.

“I wonder if this will be my final act tonight / And tell me what's the price of fame?”

24. “Nina,” by Rapsody (2019)

A song about the celebration of Black women, Rapsody’s anthem talks about the marginalization that Black women everywhere face. It’s an interpolation of Nina Simone’s version of Billie Holiday’s song “Strange Fruit,” the lyrics in “Nina” are just empowering in itself.

“'I’m fine like Anna Mae, black don't crack like Angela / Black and brave like in the A, it don't come with apologies.”

25. “Get Ur Freak On,” by Missy Elliott (2001)

Missy Elliott’s song, “Get Ur Freak On” has been featured in countless movies and is probably on everyone’s playlist. This song is also a big middle finger to all the haters, and people who want to bring you down.

“Missy be puttin' it down / I'm the hottest 'round.”

26. “Tomboy,” by Princess Nokia (2017)

Feminist and activist Princess Nokia’s song is all about feeling secure in your own body. She challenges female stereotypes and societal norms and calls out the male gaze.

“With my little titties and my phat belly / I could take your man if you finna let me.”

27. “Juice,” by Lizzo (2019)

A song all about self-love and body positivity, Lizzo raps about the joys of not only being a woman but a Black woman at that. It’s a fun-loving tune that will definitely have you dancing and singing the lyrics at the top of your lungs.

“No, I'm not a snack at all / Look, baby, I'm the whole damn meal.”

28. “U.N.I.T.Y,” by Queen Latifah (1993)

This song is all about the mistreatment of women. Queen Latifah raps about the disrespect that women face in the hip-hop industry, as well as the abuse that also happens. It’s a huge callout to an industry that has turned its back on women for years and is a classic song that still holds up today.

“But don't you be calling me out my name / I bring wrath to those who disrespect me like a dame.”

29. “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” by Beyoncé (2008)

An anthem for all the single ladies out there. This song blew up immediately and is still a popular choice when needing to feel just a little bit of that girl power.

“If you like it then you should’ve put a ring on it.”

30. “Diva,” Beyoncé (2008)

Of course, another Beyoncé song because she is quite literally the queen of women empowerment jams. “Diva” is a song for all those hustlers out there, who won’t be shamed from climbing all the way to the top.

“Diva is a female version of a hustla.”

31. "CRZY," by Kehlani (2017)

Kehlani is known for creating songs that are meant to uplift women all across the world, her song "CRZY" isn't any different. It's a perfect reminder that women everywhere are incredible and should push past anyone who is trying to get in their way.

"Everything I do, I do it with a passion / If I gotta be a b*tch, I'ma be a bad one"

Rock Songs About Strong Women

32. “Just A Girl,” by No Doubt (1995)

The queen Gwen Stefani and this iconic song are probably quite familiar to basically everyone. Gwen Stefani wrote this song after driving home late one night and realizing how vulnerable she was as a woman. "You start to think, 'Wow, maybe people look at me differently because I'm a woman," Stefani told People Magazine.

“Cause they won't let me drive late at night / Oh, I'm just a girl, guess I'm some kind of freak / 'Cause they all sit and stare with their eyes.”

33. "Violet," by Hole (1995)

This song by popular band Hole with lead singer Courtney Love, tells the story of a bad relationship while also giving out lyrical advice on holding back pieces of yourself. It's another feminine song of anger, which of course, we can never have too much of that.

"Well, I told you from the start / Just how this would end / When I get what I want / And I never want it again."

34. "Cherry Bomb," by The Runaways (1976)

A classic song that was way ahead of its time as it relates to sex positivity. Lead singer Cherie Curie sings all about hand jobs, blue balls, and virginity, in a time when singing about sex was an incredibly taboo subject. In the music video, Curie also wears a pink bustier, adding to the juxtaposition of her lyrics and the beat of the song.

"Hello, daddy, hello, mom / I'm your ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb / Hello world I'm your wild girl / I'm your ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb."

35. "Bad Reputation," by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1980)

The icon of rock 'n' roll, Joan Jett sings about not caring what other people think of you. To live your life to the absolute fullest and doing whatever makes you happy, even if other people don't understand it.

"An' I don't give a damn 'bout my reputation / Never said I wanted to improve my station."

36. “Nameless, Faceless," by Courtney Barnett (2018)

A response to all of the misogynistic ideologies in this grungy track by Barnett, it calls out the repercussions of toxic masculinity and the suffocating reality of male privilege in this world. The lyrics are true to women and are hauntingly accurate to what it means to walk around in a male-dominated world where women sometimes aren't allowed to take up too much space.

"I wanna walk through the park in the dark / Men are scared that women will laugh at them / I wanna walk through the park in the dark / Women are scared that men will kill them / I hold my keys / Between my fingers."

37. “Hot Topic," by Le Tigre (1999)

This track loudly acknowledges the issues with being a woman in power. Le Tigre sing about the harrowing misconception of aging, while also urging women to keep moving forward and pursuing their dreams, despite society's opinion on being a woman and growing old.

"Stop (Hot topic is the way that we rhyme) / Don't you stop (Hot topic is the way that we rhyme) / Please don't stop (One step behind the drum style)"

38. "Celebrity Skin," by Hole (1998)

Hole found a lot of success in their time as a band, but their most popular song was "Celebrity Skin." An anthem catered towards the idea of feminity, and what it means to be a woman in the spotlight.

"When I wake up in my makeup / It's too early for that dress / Wilted and faded somewhere in Hollywood."

Pop Songs About Strong Women

39. "Who Says," by Selena Gomez & The Scene (2011)

It doesn't matter what anyone else says about you, you should know that you are perfect and worthy. Gomez sings about the power of being comfortable in your own skin, and not letting anyone else's opinions change how you view yourself.

"But who are you to judge / When you're a diamond in the rough / I'm sure you got some things / You'd like to change about yourself / But when it comes to me / I wouldn't want to be anybody else."

40. "Roar," by Katy Perry (2013)

Katy Perry's hit song "Roar" is all about letting your voice be heard. To be the strongest version of yourself and finding your inner-hero, it's a power anthem that should definitely be added to everyone's playlist.

"Now I'm floating like a butterfly / Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes / I went from zero, to my own hero"

41. "BO$$," by Fifth Harmony (2015)

Because all women deserve to feel like a boss. This song is all about chasing your dreams and not letting anyone stop or hinder the goals that you have created for yourself. Confidence is key to being a boss, and Fifth Harmony portrays that beautifully in their song.

"You say that you a baller and I see you tryna holla / But that ain't how I was brought up, next / Working for the money 'cause that's what my mama taught me."

42. "Invincible," by Kelly Clarkson (2015)

It's okay to be stuck and down in the dumps, but Clarkson reminds us that through those dark times there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger in the end.

"Now I am invincible / No, I ain't a scared little girl no more / Yeah, I am invincible."

43. "Fight Song," by Rachel Platten (2014)

Of course, you can never go strong with a strong female ballad, and Rachel Platten definitely delivers. Platten sings about the power of fighting and getting back up when someone knocks you down. It's a girl anthem for sure, made by a strong woman who keeps on fighting no matter what.

"And I don't really care if nobody else believes / 'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me"

44. "Beautiful," by Christina Aguilera (2002)

By the queen herself, Aguilera sings about the power of finding your inner beauty even when you feel those seeds of self-doubt start to creep in. As she famously sings, "words can't bring me down."

"I am beautiful / No matter what they say."

45. "Confident," by Demi Lovato (2015)

Don't let anyone diminish your confidence. There's absolutely nothing wrong with being a confident woman, as Demi Lovato sings proudly in her song. It's about walking with your head high and ultimately ignoring all of the haters that are trying to tell you otherwise.

"What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being, what's wrong with being confident?"

46. "God Is A Woman," by Ariana Grande (2018)

The title of the song pretty much speaks for itself. Ariana Grande proves that women are godly and of a higher power, proving that God can only truly be a woman. A powerful song, and an even better music video with Grande making clear references of different biblical and historical moments in time, just all with women.

"When all is said and done / You'll believe God is a woman."

47. "Scars To Your Beautiful," by Alessia Cara (2015)

Everyone is beautiful, no matter what they look like, or what kinds of scars they have inside and out. Alessia Cara sings of finding that light inside and cherishing your beauty because it's there, and no one should ever tell you that it's not.

"You should know you're beautiful just the way you are / And you don't have to change a thing, the world could change its heart."

48. "Me Too," by Meghan Trainor (2016)

Meghan Trainor sings all about self-love in her song "Me Too." The lyrics are a testament to being happy with your own accomplishments and success, no matter how big or how small. It's about walking past that mirror and being proud of the person staring back at you.

"I thank God every day (uh, ha) / That I woke up feelin' this way (uh, ha) / And I can't help loving myself/ And I don't need nobody else."

49. "Born This Way," by Lady Gaga (2011)

The lyrics in this song discuss the importance of being happy in your own skin because baby you were born this way! You can't change the things about yourself that you were born with, and you shouldn't want to. You're perfect the way you are, and Lady Gaga showcases that perfectly in her song.

"I'm beautiful in my way/ 'Cause God makes no mistakes / I'm on the right track, baby / I was born this way."

50. "Don't Touch My Hair," by Solange ft. Sampha (2016)

A beautifully arranged song about the importance of appreciating Black women's hair (while also not touching it). Solange voices her frustration with the lack of respect when it comes to Black women's hair, and why everyone should respect the space that Black women take in this world.

"They don't understand / What it means to me / Where we chose to go."

Nia Tipton is a writer living in Brooklyn. She covers pop culture, social justice issues, and trending topics. Follow her on Instagram .