Hope is like wearing sunglasses to a future so bright, we all remember those motivational posters from school, right? It’s that feeling that says things will be okay, even if they don’t go as we expect. Life’s full of surprises, but hope keeps us holding on for the good stuff.
Music about hope is like a guiding light in life’s rollercoaster. It’s all about bouncing back, staying positive, and believing in change.
In this playlist, we have 20 songs that capture that feeling of hope and keep us going strong!
Contents
- 20 Songs About Hope
- 1. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
- 2. “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
- 3. “Begin Again” by Taylor Swift
- 4. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
- 5. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
- 6. Float On
- 7. “We Are the Champions” by Queen
- 8. “Imagine” by John Lennon
- 9. “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
- 10. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
- 11. “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas
- 12. “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi
- 13. “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty
- 14. “Coming Out of the Dark” by Gloria Estefan
- 15. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- 16. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
- 17. “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood
- 18. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
- 19. “Break My Soul” By Beyonce
- 20. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
- Listen on Other Music Streaming Platforms
20 Songs About Hope
1. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten is a powerful anthem filled with hope and strength, released in 2015. The lyrics tell a story of self-discovery and empowerment, accompanied by Platten’s emotional vocals and a melody that exudes resilience.
In the face of challenges, the song becomes a rallying cry for optimism and perseverance. The lines, “This is my fight song, take back my life song,” express a strong reclaiming of personal narrative. The repetition of “I’ll be strong” reinforces the theme of resilience.
“Fight Song” stands as a beacon of hope, emphasizing that, despite difficulties, one can overcome them with unwavering determination and self-belief.
2. “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash is a classic anthem of hope and resilience. Released in 1972, it embodies the uplifting moment when challenges fade away, and optimism takes over.
The lyrics joyfully proclaim, “I can see clearly now the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way.” Nash’s soulful voice and the uplifting melody convey a feeling of freedom from difficulties, promising a “bright sunshiny day” in the refrain.
The song’s infectious optimism and memorable lyrics make it a symbol of triumph over obstacles and a reminder to look ahead to a future filled with clarity and brightness.
3. “Begin Again” by Taylor Swift
“Begin Again” by Taylor Swift is a heartwarming song about hope and renewal. It’s the second single from her 2012 album “Red,” and it beautifully tells a story of healing after heartbreak.
In the song, Swift skillfully expresses the vulnerability of starting over with lines like “I’ve been spending the last eight months / Thinking all love ever does / Is break and burn, and end.”
Despite the echoes of past pain, there’s a resilient spirit as the protagonist discovers the possibility of a new love. The lyrics vividly portray a fresh beginning, where solace and laughter emerge in unexpected moments.
4. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
“Lean on Me,” a soulful anthem written and recorded by Bill Withers in 1972, is a timeless ode to hope and mutual support. The lyrics, infused with empathy, echo a universal truth about the shared human experience of pain and sorrow.
Withers encourages listeners to lean on one another during challenging times, fostering a sense of solidarity. He croons, “Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow, but if we are wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow,” emphasizing the enduring power of friendship.
5. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor stands as a powerful anthem of hope and resilience. Released in 1982 as the theme song for “Rocky III,” the lyrics vividly depict a narrative of rising from setbacks, facing challenges, and maintaining the will to survive.
With lines like “Rising up, back on the street” and “Just a man and his will to survive,” the song captures the essence of overcoming adversity. Its chorus, declaring “It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight,” symbolizes the determination to confront life’s obstacles.
6. Float On
“Float On” by Modest Mouse is a feel-good anthem from 2004 that captures the spirit of hope amidst life’s ups and downs.
The song’s positive vibes shine through its lyrics and lively melody. It recounts misfortunes like a car crash and falling for a scam, cleverly tackling challenges with resilience.
The chorus, repeating the phrase “And we’ll all float on, okay,” becomes a reassuring mantra, emphasizing persistent optimism in the face of setbacks.
7. “We Are the Champions” by Queen
“We Are the Champions” by Queen is a classic anthem radiating hope and resilience. Written by Freddie Mercury, the lyrics tell a story of overcoming challenges with strong expressions of personal determination.
The opening lines, “I’ve paid my dues, time after time, I’ve done my sentence, but committed no crime,” speak to a journey marked by unwavering perseverance.
The chorus proudly declares, “We are the champions, my friends, and we’ll keep on fighting till the end,” turning the song into a rallying cry for anyone confronting difficulties.
8. “Imagine” by John Lennon
“Imagine,” the timeless song by John Lennon, carries a powerful message of hope and unity.
Its expressive lyrics vividly picture a world without boundaries—no heaven, no hell, just an endless sky above. The song encourages us to imagine a place free from divisions: no countries, no religion, and a life focused on the present.
With passion, Lennon sings, “Imagine all the people living life in peace,” urging us to embrace our shared humanity.
The enduring refrain, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one,” resonates, encouraging collective imagination for a world without possessions, without greed—a global brotherhood.
9. “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
“Man in the Mirror” is an anthem that resonates with hope and personal responsibility, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and societal change.
Michael Jackson’s emotive voice brings life to lyrics that encourage introspection and action, stressing how individual transformation can spark a better world.
Lines like “I’m asking him to change his ways” and “Take a look at yourself and then make a change” echo the song’s central theme of self-examination and taking proactive steps toward a brighter future.
10. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
“Here Comes the Sun” is a cheerful anthem of hope written by George Harrison during a tough time. The lyrics express a desire for positive change in the face of challenges, capturing the spirit of renewal and optimism.
For instance, lines like “Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter” vividly portray a yearning for better days. The repetitive yet joyful chorus, “Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo, here comes the sun,” acts as a hopeful mantra signaling a new beginning.
With its melodic tunes and heartfelt verses, the song stands as a timeless tribute to resilience, marking the arrival of light after darkness. This attests to Harrison’s skill as a songwriter and the enduring impact of the Beatles.
11. “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas
“Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas is a rock classic that speaks to people of all ages with its message of hope and strength. Kerry Livgren, the guitarist, wrote it to reflect on life’s ups and downs, encouraging us to keep going even when things get tough.
The lyrics capture a universal longing for understanding and a chance to make things right. Lines like “There’ll be peace when you are done” and “Carry on, you will always remember” motivate us to keep pushing forward.
The chorus, “Lay your weary head to rest, don’t you cry no more,” echoes the idea of finding comfort and resilience amid life’s challenges.
12. “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi
“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi is a timeless anthem filled with hope and resilience. Released in 2000, this rock ballad is a powerful tribute to facing life’s challenges with unwavering determination.
The lyrics, crafted by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Max Martin, convey a defiant spirit that refuses to accept defeat.
Lines like “This ain’t a song for the broken-hearted” and “It’s my life, it’s now or never, I ain’t gonna live forever” inspire a sense of empowerment, urging listeners to live authentically.
13. “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty
“I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty, released in 1989, is a timeless anthem of hope and resilience. Co-written by Petty and Jeff Lynne, the lyrics convey unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
The repetitive refrain, “Well, I won’t back down,” serves as a powerful declaration of inner strength, embodying a spirit that refuses to yield to life’s challenges.
In a world that may push and pull, the singer pledges to stand their ground, emphasizing the refusal to succumb to despair.
14. “Coming Out of the Dark” by Gloria Estefan
“Coming Out of the Dark” by Gloria Estefan is a powerful anthem of hope that tells the story of the singer’s resilience. Released in 1991, it marks Gloria’s triumphant comeback after a life-threatening bus accident.
The lyrics beautifully convey the journey of overcoming fear and loneliness, finding strength in the transformative power of love. The chorus radiates optimism with the words, “Coming out of the dark, I finally see the light now, and it’s shining on me.”
Co-written with her husband Emilio Estefan, Jr., the song is a touching portrayal of emerging from despair into the light.
15. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is a timeless soul anthem filled with hope and devotion. Written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson in 1966, this masterpiece was first brought to life by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and later by Diana Ross.
The song beautifully expresses the belief that love can conquer any obstacle with its powerful declaration: “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.”
16. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
“Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson, released in 2011, is a powerful anthem of hope and resilience. The song’s message is all about empowerment, triumphing over challenges, and emerging stronger. In the lyrics, Clarkson belts out, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller.”
The song captures the essence of perseverance, urging listeners to draw strength from their struggles. With its lively mix of pop-rock and Clarkson’s dynamic vocals, “Stronger” topped charts and became a source of inspiration for many.
17. “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood
“Jesus, Take the Wheel” is a touching country song by Carrie Underwood, dropped in 2005 as the main track from her first album, “Some Hearts.” The song shares a moving story about a woman’s tough journey on a snowy Christmas Eve, dealing with despair and letting go of control.
Its impactful lyrics, like “Jesus, take the wheel, take it from my hands, ’cause I can’t do this on my own,” turn it into a beacon of hope and faith during tough times.
The story unfolds as the main character faces a life-threatening situation, turning to divine help and experiencing a profound awakening.
18. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey is indeed a classic rock anthem that has stood the test of time. The song tells a narrative of two persons, a small-town girl and a city boy, both on separate journeys but united by their pursuit of dreams and aspirations. The lyrics paint a picture of the challenges and adventures they face, capturing the essence of hope and perseverance.
The chorus, with its iconic line “Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin’,” has become synonymous with the song’s uplifting message. The repetition of “It goes on and on and on and on” reinforces the idea that life’s journey and the pursuit of dreams are ongoing and enduring.
19. “Break My Soul” By Beyonce
“Break My Soul” by Beyoncé, released on June 20, 2022, is the lead single from her seventh studio album, “Renaissance” (2022). The song is described as a dance anthem marking the start of a new era.
The lyrics convey a message of hope, resilience, and self-confidence. Beyoncé expresses determination not to let external factors break her soul. The lyrics touch on themes of self-discovery, motivation, and building a foundation for oneself. The repetition of phrases like “You won’t break my soul” reinforces the theme of inner strength and perseverance.
The song also includes references to personal experiences, such as falling in love, quitting a job, and seeking motivation. There are elements of celebration and a sense of reclaiming control over one’s life.
With energetic beats and affirmations like “Release ya anger, release ya mind,” the song becomes a powerful declaration of empowerment.
20. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus is a hopeful anthem that perfectly captures the essence of life’s journey. It was the lead single for the 2009 film Hannah Montana: The Movie, written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe.
The song’s core message revolves around the idea that facing challenges is a crucial part of life. It emphasizes the importance of persevering with faith and strength.
In this song, the climb serves as a metaphor for life’s journey, suggesting that the lessons learned and personal growth along the way are as significant as reaching the ultimate goal.
Through lyrics like “There’s always gonna be another mountain, I’m always gonna wanna make it move,” Cyrus encourages listeners to embrace challenges as integral to the path leading to success.
Submit Your Song to This Playlist
Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.
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Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.