16 Songs About Achieving Your Goals

Your dreams come in many forms, often as goals you want to achieve. These goals can turn into life goals, which are ways to reach the success you’ve always dreamed of.

Balancing life goals with other things you want to accomplish may not always be easy, but with effort and focus, you can make it happen.

Your life goals are often meaningful and can have a lasting impact on your life. 

If you find it challenging to reach your goals, music can be a great way to lift your spirits. 

In this playlist, we’ve put together a list of the 16 best songs about achieving goals to get your motivation going.

16 Songs About Achieving Your Goals

1. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor is a famous song that’s all about determination and fighting to achieve your goals. As the lyrics say, “Rising up, back on the street, did my time, took my chances,” it’s about someone who’s faced tough times but isn’t giving up. They’ve got the “eye of the tiger,” which means they’re ready to face challenges head-on and not back down.

The song emphasizes the importance of holding onto your dreams, as it says, “Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past.” It’s about being strong, staying motivated, and never quitting, no matter how hard things get. The “eye of the tiger” represents that intense determination to succeed.

2. “Lose Yourself” By Eminem

“Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” is an iconic song featured in the movie 8 Mile, where Eminem tells his own story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming a famous musician. As the lyrics in the intro ask, ‘If you had one shot, one opportunity,’ they set the stage for the song’s theme of making the most of a single chance.

In the first verse, he describes his nervousness, with lines like ‘His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy,’ conveying the pressure he feels. Despite the challenges and self-doubt, he’s determined not to give up, as he raps, ‘you better never let it go.’

The song emphasizes the importance of seizing the opportunity to achieve one’s goal, with lines like ‘You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime.’ 

3. “I Can” by Nas

“I Can” by Nas is a unique and inspirational song from his 2003 album “God’s Son.” Unlike most of his discography, this song is specifically aimed at children and younger listeners, sending a positive message of motivation and hope.

In the lyrics, Nas encourages young listeners to aspire to be whatever they want to be, emphasizing the importance of hard work in reaching their goals, as expressed in the lines, “I know I can be what I wanna be if I work hard at it.” 

Nas also mentions the positive influence of Oprah Winfrey as an example of someone who overcame challenges to achieve success.

4. “Don’t Stop Believin’” By Journey

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” is a universally recognized and beloved song that’s often heard in karaoke bars and TV shows. The song’s iconic piano introduction makes it instantly recognizable. It tells the story of a small-town girl who leaves her hometown to pursue her life goals and a city boy from South Detroit who also takes a chance on a midnight train to anywhere.

The lyrics describe a singer performing in a smoky room, where people come together to enjoy the night. It highlights the shared experience and the feeling of hope that transcends boundaries.

The chorus, with lines like “Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin’,” emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and optimism in the face of challenges.

5. “Get Out Da Way” by The Supervillains

“Get Out Da Way” by The Supervillains is a departure from their usual beachy reggae, focusing on encouraging listeners to overcome self-doubt and keep moving forward towards their goals.

As the lyrics say, “Step off the train tracks, Get out da way,” it advises stepping away from obstacles and not giving in to the voices in your mind that tell you to quit.

The song suggests taking some time for self-care and reflection, even if it’s not perfect, as it’s better than nothing. The lyrics convey the idea that it’s essential to appreciate being alive and not focus on what we lack, with lines like, “Look at what you got, instead of what you don’t, Look at what’s ahead and not behind.”

6. “Believer” By Imagine Dragons

“Believer” by Imagine Dragons is a song that emphasizes the importance of self-belief and resilience in achieving one’s goals. 

The narrator refuses to let others define his potential and assert that he’s in control of his own destiny with lines like, “Second thing second, Don’t you tell me what you think that I could be, I’m the one at the sail, I’m the master of my sea, oh-ooh.”

He reflects on his past struggles, heartaches, and hardships, but instead of being discouraged, these experiences have made him stronger and more confident in himself.

The chorus repeats the idea that pain has played a significant role in his personal growth, both breaking him down and building them up as a believer, as he proclaims, “Pain! You made me a, you made me a believer, believer.”

7. “We Are the Champions” by Queen

“We Are the Champions” by Queen is a universally recognized anthem that celebrates victory and success. The song acknowledges the challenges and hardships faced along the way but ultimately rejoices in the achievement of goals.

The lyrics express a sense of resilience, with lines like “I’ve paid my dues, time after time” and “I’ve had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I’ve come through.” These lines reflect the idea that despite facing setbacks and making mistakes, the determination to succeed prevails.

The chorus, with the powerful declaration, “We are the champions, my friends, and we’ll keep on fighting till the end,” celebrates the triumph and the unwavering spirit of winners.

8. “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco

“High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco is an upbeat and catchy song that conveys the importance of setting ambitious goals and striving for success. Released in 2018 as part of the band’s sixth album, “Pray for the Wicked,” the song won Top Rock Song at the Billboard Music Awards.

The lyrics express the narrator’s determination and perseverance in pursuing his dreams, with lines like “Had to have high, high hopes for a living” and “Didn’t know how but I always had a feeling.”

The song highlights the influence of the narrator’s mother, who encouraged him to fulfill his potential, create a lasting legacy, and rewrite his own history.

9. “How Far I’ll Go” by Alessia Cara

“How Far I’ll Go” by Alessia Cara is a motivational song from Disney’s “Moana,” and it captures the spirit of the film’s adventurous protagonist as she embarks on a journey to discover her true self and pursue her goals.

The lyrics reflect Moana’s longing to explore and her fascination with the ocean, which she sees as a boundless source of possibilities. She expresses her desire to be the perfect daughter but is drawn back to the water, symbolizing her inner calling and her desire to go beyond the confines of her island life.

The chorus, with lines like “See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me,” underscores Moana’s relentless curiosity and her conviction that there’s more to the world than what she knows.

10. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus

“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus is an inspirational pop song that encourages listeners to persevere in the face of challenges and keep working towards their goals.

The lyrics convey the idea of pursuing a dream or goal, even when faced with self-doubt and obstacles. The singer talks about the voice of doubt inside her head but emphasizes the need to keep trying and maintain a positive attitude.

The chorus, with lines like “There’s always gonna be another mountain, I’m always gonna wanna make it move,” reinforces the message that life is filled with challenges, and one must be prepared to face them. 

11. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra

“My Way” by Frank Sinatra, recorded in 1969, is a timeless classic that conveys a message of pursuing one’s life goals relentlessly. It is often regarded as Sinatra’s signature song.

In the song, the narrator reflects on his life as he faces its final moments, stating, “And now the end is here, And so I face that final curtain.” He expresses his certainty that he has lived a full and meaningful life, having “traveled each and every highway” and followed his own path with lines like, “I’ve lived a life that’s full, I traveled each and every highway, And more, much more, I did it, I did it my way.”

The lyrics acknowledge that there have been some regrets along the way, but they are few and not worth dwelling on. Instead, the narrator focuses on the fact that he faced challenges and made decisions without exemption, asserting, “I did what I had to do, I saw it through without exemption.”

12. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” By Eurythmics

“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics is a 1983 song that reflects on the universal desire for fulfillment and the pursuit of dreams. The song has a catchy new-wave rhythm that can get anyone dancing.

The lyrics express the idea that sweet dreams, or personal goals and aspirations, are something everyone seeks. The narrator asks, “Sweet dreams are made of this, who am I to disagree?” suggesting that the pursuit of dreams is a common and natural human instinct. The dream they speak of is to “travel the world and the seven seas,” a desire that many can relate to.

However, the song also acknowledges the challenges that can come with pursuing one’s dreams. In the chorus, it is lamented that while chasing their dreams, some people will want to “use you,” “get used by you,” “abuse you,” or “be abused.”

13. “Till I Collapse” By Eminem Ft. Nate Dogg

“Till I Collapse” by Eminem featuring Nate Dogg is a motivational and energetic song that emphasizes persevering through challenges to achieve one’s goals. The track was released as part of Eminem’s 2002 album, “The Eminem Show.”

The lyrics start with a motivational message, urging listeners to find their inner strength and not give up, even when feeling tired or weak, as Eminem passionately declares, “Yo, left, yo, left) ’cause sometimes you just feel tired, feel weak.”

Eminem’s verses showcase his lyrical prowess and self-confidence, as he boldly asserts, “Till the day that I drop, you’ll never say that I’m not killin’ ’em.”

He addresses his doubters and critics, expressing his commitment to his craft and determination to continue rapping and making music until his body gives out.

14. “Now Or Never” By Kendrick Lamar

In Kendrick Lamar’s song “Now or Never,” the rapper reflects on his path towards success and the realization that his goals are finally within reach.

The song was released in 2012 and showcases Lamar’s determination and optimism as he declares, “Waking up in a dream, Sleepwalking on another big stage.”

He believes that fate is guiding him and can feel the positive energy in the air, as expressed in the lines, “I can feel the energy in the air, It feel like I’m supposed to be here.”

However, Lamar recognizes the importance of not taking success for granted and staying grounded despite achieving fame, envisioning a future where he’s performing to sold-out shows, winning awards, and being a global icon, as he says, “Came across me, how much it’a cost me, To get you out my business, I said a planet is a short term goal, no sky is the limit.”

15. “The Kids Aren’t Alright” By The Offspring

“The Kids Aren’t Alright” by The Offspring is a song from their 1998 album “Americana.” The song reflects on the dreams and aspirations of the narrator’s neighbors when they were young and the stark reality of what has become of them as adults.

The lyrics start by reminiscing about the bright future that once seemed attainable when they were young, as the song notes, “The old neighborhood was so alive, Woah-oh,” and how every child believed they would achieve their goals when they grew up.

However, as time has passed, the neighborhood has deteriorated, and the lives of the kids who once had high hopes have taken a different turn, as the lyrics lament, “Now the neighborhood’s cracked and torn, Woah-oh.”

16. “All I Wanted Was a Car” by Brad Paisley

“All I Wanted Was a Car” by Brad Paisley is a country song from his 2007 album, “5th Gear.” The title alone captures the narrator’s primary goal, which is to own a car, as the lyrics express, “My buddy Blake, was all state, With dreams of the NFL, Jenny McLain had big brains, She got a scholarship to Yale.”

In the lyrics, the singer mentions the aspirations and dreams of the people around him, such as his friend Blake who dreams of making it to the NFL, Jenny who has earned a scholarship to Yale, and Hershel who aims to become a movie star. However, the singer’s own goal is more modest in comparison; he simply wants to own a car, as he sings, “But all I wanted was a car, All I wanted was a car.”

The song goes on to describe how the narrator worked hard to make his dream come true, taking on various part-time jobs to save up for that coveted car, as he passionately expresses, “Had a part-time job, Makin’ chicken kabobs, At the food court at the mall, I hauled my uncle’s trash, I cut my neighbor’s grass, And I raked the leaves in the fall.”

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