Do you want to be the best you can be? Well, it begins with being brave. Taking those bold steps and stepping out of your comfort zone is the quickest way to unlock your full potential.
But here’s the catch: lots of us let our fears hold us back. We might not go for a job we want because we doubt ourselves, or we avoid making positive changes because we’re scared of the unknown.
If you need a boost of inspiration to find your inner strength and courage, try listening to some motivational songs. These tunes can lift your spirits and give you the power to overcome challenges.
These songs often tell stories of conquering tough times, fighting our inner doubts, and breaking through what we thought were our limits.
In this playlist, we’ve put together 20 of the best songs that’ll fuel your strength and courage.
Contents
- 20 Songs About Strength And Courage
- 1. “Eye Of The Tiger” By Survivor
- 2. “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly
- 3. “I Will Survive” By Gloria Gaynor
- 4. “Roar” By Katy Perry
- 5. “Not Afraid” By Eminem
- 6. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
- 7. “It’s My Life” By Bon Jovi
- 8. “Brave” by Sara Bareilles
- 9. “Stronger” by Britney Spears
- 10. “Courage” By Pink
- 11. “Courage” by Céline Dion
- 12. “Fight Song” By Rachel Platten
- 13. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
- 14. “Warrior” By Demi Lovato
- 15. “Hero” by Mariah Carey
- 16. “Unstoppable” By Sia
- 17. “Confident” By Demi Lovato
- 18. “Stronger” By The Score
- 19. “Float On” by Modest Mouse
- 20. “Get Up, Stand Up” By Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
- Listen on Other Music Streaming Platforms
20 Songs About Strength And Courage
1. “Eye Of The Tiger” By Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” is a famous rock song released by Survivor in 1982. The song is all about strength and facing challenges head-on, with lyrics like “Rising up, back on the street, Did my time, took my chances.”
The song describes a person who has been through tough times but is now back on his feet, ready to fight for his dreams and survival. It talks about not giving up and keeping the courage alive despite the odds, with lines like “Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past, You must fight just to keep them alive.”
The song became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
2. “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly
“I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly, released as a single in 1996, is a soulful and inspirational song that conveys a message of self-belief and resilience.
The lyrics reflect personal struggle and obstacles along the way, with lines like “I used to think that I could not go on, And life was nothing but an awful song.” However, it contains a powerful affirmation of faith in oneself: “I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky.”
The song became one of R. Kelly’s greatest hits, reaching #2 on the Billboard charts and winning three Grammy Awards, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
It has since become a symbol of strength and courage, motivating people to believe in their abilities and pursue their dreams, with lines like “If I can see it, then I can do it, If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it.”
3. “I Will Survive” By Gloria Gaynor
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor is a classic song from the late 1970s that became an anthem of resilience. The song’s background is set against the backdrop of the diverse music scene of that era, where rock, pop, and disco were dominant.
The lyrics tell the story of someone who initially felt afraid and heartbroken after a breakup but gradually found strength and independence, singing, “But then I grew strong, and I learned how to get along.”
Despite the pain caused by her former partner’s departure, she’s determined not to crumble or give up, declaring “Oh no, not I, I will survive.”
4. “Roar” By Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s “Roar,” released in 2013 as the lead single from her album “Prism.” It was a huge hit, reaching the top of the charts in many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
The song is all about finding your inner strength and being resilient. It talks about speaking up for yourself and being brave, even if it doesn’t use those exact words.
The song tells a story of someone who used to be quiet and agreeable but has now found her confidence and is ready to stand up for herself, with lines like “I let you push me past the breaking point, I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything.”
The chorus, “I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, Dancing through the fire, ‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar,” captures the message of feeling courageous and not giving up.
5. “Not Afraid” By Eminem
Eminem’s “Not Afraid,” released in 2010 from the album “Recovery,” is a powerful song about personal growth.
The lyrics of “Not Afraid” show how he wanted to overcome his personal problems, especially his issues with drugs, and focus on changing for the better.
The song starts with Eminem saying he’s not scared to stand up for himself, and he’s been through tough times to get where he is. This sets the tone for the idea of believing in yourself and being strong, which is a big part of the song.
Lines like “I’m not afraid to take a stand, Everybody come take my hand” show his newfound courage and his determination to face his inner struggles.
6. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, released in 2009 from her album “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” is a powerful anthem filled with lyrics about strength and courage.
The song encourages us to pursue a dream despite self-doubt and obstacles. However, it also describes moments of doubt and struggle, with lines like “Every step I’m taking, Every move I make feels, Lost with no direction, My faith is shaking.”
Despite that, all you need is to keep pushing forward and staying strong, as the lyrics go, “Just gotta keep going, And I, I gotta be strong, Just keep pushing on, ’cause.”
7. “It’s My Life” By Bon Jovi
In the year 2000, Bon Jovi released “It’s My Life” as the main song from their album Crush. This song carries a strong message about celebrating personal freedom and being yourself.
The lyrics talk about living life to the fullest, with lines like “It’s my life, it’s now or never” and “I just want to live while I’m alive,” showing how the singer is determined to make the most of their life and seize the moment.
The song has become a symbol of strength and not giving up, connecting with people around the world since it came out.
8. “Brave” by Sara Bareilles
“Brave” by Sara Bareilles, released in 2013 from her fourth studio album, “The Blessed Unrest,” is a powerful track that encourages us to find the courage to be ourselves.
The lyrics, with lines like “Say what you wanna say and let the words fall out, Honestly I wanna see you be brave,” are written from the perspective of one friend encouraging another to come out and be true to herself.
“Brave” has resonated deeply with audiences since its release and has become an anthem for empowerment and self-expression in popular culture.
9. “Stronger” by Britney Spears
“Stronger” by Britney Spears, released in 2000 as the third single from her album “Oops!… I Did It Again,” is a song that marked a pivotal moment in the pop icon’s career.
In the lyrics, Britney asserts her independence and strength, with compelling lines like “But now I’m stronger than yesterday, Now it’s nothing but my way.” She emphasizes that she’s courageous and is now following her own path, no longer letting loneliness or others hold her back.
In the end, “Stronger” encourages listeners to value their self-worth with lines like “I, I’m stronger, Than yesterday,” and not let anyone hinder their personal growth.
10. “Courage” By Pink
“Pink’s song “Courage,” released in 2019 from her album “Hurts 2B Human,” is a powerful track that showcases her signature blend of pop-rock and emotionally charged lyrics.
The lyrics, with lines like “Have I the courage to change?” and “I’m walking uphill, both ways it hurts,” convey a plea for bravery in the face of adversity, with the song’s title itself serving as a call to action, urging the listeners to summon their inner strength and confront life’s challenges.
The song emphasizes the idea that growth and change can be difficult and painful, but they are necessary for personal transformation. It speaks to the struggle of facing one’s fears and doubts, yet finding the determination to move forward despite them.
11. “Courage” by Céline Dion
“Courage” by Céline Dion, written by Stephan Moccio, is a powerful and poignant song that pays tribute to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Released as a single, the lyrics of “Courage” are a testament to human strength and the unwavering will to keep moving forward even in challenging times. Lines like “Courage, don’t you dare fail me now, I need you to keep away the doubts” convey a heartfelt plea for inner strength and fortitude.
The song reflects on the longing and pain of missing someone dearly and yearning for their presence. Despite the sense of loss, Céline Dion finds the courage to face the future with determination and hope.
12. “Fight Song” By Rachel Platten
“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten, released in 2015, is a song that resonates with those who have faced adversity and found the strength to rise again.
The lyrics and melody, with lines like “This is my fight song, Take back my life song, Prove I’m alright song,” are crafted to inspire courage and resilience in the face of challenges.
The song’s imagery, such as comparing oneself to a small boat on the ocean that can create big waves, speaks directly to the listener’s inner strength.
In the end, “Fight Song” is a rallying cry for anyone who has ever felt defeated or worn down, emphasizing that even with limited resources, like having only “one match,” a person can create an explosion of determination and inner power.
13. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson, released as the title track from her fifth studio album, is a song that celebrates strength and resilience.
The lyrics, with lines like “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller,” encourage listeners to confront their struggles head-on and draw strength from their experiences.
The song quickly resonated with audiences worldwide for its relatable and empowering message, and Kelly Clarkson’s powerful vocals and the upbeat tempo add an intense and motivating quality to it.
14. “Warrior” By Demi Lovato
“Warrior” by Demi Lovato, featured on her fourth studio album “Demi,” is a song that tells a story of overcoming adversity and personal battles.
The song reinforces the message that, no matter how difficult the struggle, one can emerge from it stronger, as Demi Lovato sings: “I’m a warrior, Now I’ve got thicker skin, I’m a warrior, I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.”
The metaphor of being a warrior with thicker skin and impenetrable armor signifies the strength and courage to overcome past hardships, as expressed in the lines, “And my armor, is made of steel, you can’t get in I’m a warrior And you can never hurt me again.”
15. “Hero” by Mariah Carey
“Hero” by Mariah Carey, released in 1993, is an iconic ballad that has touched the hearts of millions with its powerful message of resilience and self-belief.
The lyrics convey a profound message of strength and courage, with lines like “When you feel like hope is gone, Look inside you and be strong… a hero lies in you.”
Since its release, “Hero” has become an anthem for empowerment. It serves as a reminder of the innate strength we all possess and the courage we can summon in challenging times.
16. “Unstoppable” By Sia
“Unstoppable” by Sia is a song from her seventh studio album, “This Is Acting.” The lyrics convey a message of strength and determination, with lines like “I put my armor on, show you how strong I am” and “I’m a Porsche with no brakes, I’m invincible.”
Sia talks about wearing a facade and hiding her true emotions from the world, but underneath it all, she’s unyielding and unbeatable. She compares herself to a Porsche with no brakes, emphasizing her invincibility and confidence.
The song encourages listeners to tap into their courage and face life’s challenges head-on, with lyrics like “I’m so powerful, I don’t need batteries to play.”
17. “Confident” By Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato’s song “Confident,” released in 2015, is a bold anthem that promotes a message of inner strength and courage, inspiring people to be unapologetically themselves. The lyrics reflect Lovato’s personal journey towards self-belief and assertiveness.
Lines like “I used to hold my freak back, now I’m letting go, I make my own choice, yeah, I run this show” convey her determination to take control of her life.
The repeated phrase “What’s wrong with being confident?” serves as a powerful message advocating for self-confidence and self-love.
18. “Stronger” By The Score
The alt-rock duo, The Score, released the song “Stronger” in 2020, delivering an uplifting message through its lyrics, such as “Set me on fire, I’m still alive.” Despite not charting, the song was well-received, with over 80 million views on YouTube for its music video.
In the song, the singer encourages listeners to face their struggles head-on and see them as opportunities for personal growth and strength.
The lyrics emphasize the narrator’s determination to overcome challenges and emerge stronger from any adversity, even if they set him on fire, singing, “Bet you didn’t think that I’d come back to life, Stronger.”
19. “Float On” by Modest Mouse
“Float On” by Modest Mouse, released in 2004 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, “Good News for People Who Love Bad News,” is considered the band’s signature song.
The lyrics of the song narrate a series of unfortunate events, like backing into a cop car and getting fired from a job. Despite these setbacks, the song offers a message of resilience and hope.
The refrain, “And we’ll all float on, okay,” serves as a reassurance that no matter the obstacles and challenges in life, everything will eventually be all right.
It conveys the idea that even when faced with adversity, one can find the strength and courage to keep moving forward.
20. “Get Up, Stand Up” By Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley & The Wailers, released in 1973 as part of their album “Burnin’,” is a powerful call to action. The song’s lyrics, penned by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, deliver a potent critique of passive attitudes towards oppression and injustice. It urges listeners to rise, take a stand, and not be deceived by religious or political illusions.
The song emphasizes the importance of standing up for one’s rights and not giving up the fight for justice. It challenges the idea that heaven or salvation will come from outside forces, instead suggesting that people should seek their rights and dignity here on earth.
The repeated refrain, “Get up, stand up, stand up for your right, don’t give up the fight,” serves as a rallying cry for strength, courage, and the refusal to be silenced.
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.
Listen on Other Music Streaming Platforms
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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.