Songs with inspirational lyrics should be your immediate go to when you are looking for an emotional boost. In the words of Plato, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
Play a good tune and you will find your body moving even if you do not want to. Likewise play a sad tune and you will find yourself welling up with tears. Such is the power of music, it has the ability to immediately shift our emotional states from one spectrum to another.
It therefore makes sense that if we are looking to feel good we find songs with inspirational lyrics to keep us upbeat. The good thing is that music works so fast, within a few seconds of listening to an upbeat song, your focus begins to shift.
Here is a great selection of songs with inspirational lyrics so you can begin to shift your focus right away. I have embedded some Youtube videos so you do not even have to go anywhere to begin reaching for those good vibes!
Ellie Goulding- Burn
Released in 2013 this song by British singer/song writer Ellie Goulding is sure to lift your spirits up. They lyrics begin with,
“We, we don’t have to worry ’bout nothin’
‘Cause we got the fire, and we’re burning one hell of a something
They, they gonna see us from outer space
Light it up, like we’re the stars of the human race”
Seriously, we have nothing to worry about, we are the stars of the human race!
Hero Mariah Carey
Whatever our circumstances, the gorgeous Mariah is telling us that we have the power within. Reach deep within and you will find the strength to carry on.
“And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you”
Destiny’s Child Survivor
It sounds like this is a song written following a break up and this girl is determined to march on! Regardless of the circumstance, this is one heck of a tune that surely deserves its place on this list of songs with inspirational lyrics for sure. Here is some lyrics to get you thumping!
“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)”
Pharell Williams- Happy
I am sure this one will be on many people’s list of songs with inspirational lyrics. This song has got happy written all over it! There is no second guessing what the singer wanted us to feel. Pharrell Williams clearly wanted us to throw away our worries and just be happy and dance.
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
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
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you, eh eh eh
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do”
Bobby McFerrin– Don’t Worry Be Happy
Another number of this list of songs with inspirational lyrics is this tune from 1988. With his deep voice McFerrin’s lyrics will permeate right through into your bones and shake off any negativity. There are no benefits to worry so why not be happy.
“Don’t worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy
Don’t worry, be happy now”
“
Let It Be- The Beatles
The Beatles nailed it in these lyrics. Sometimes letting things be is the best thing we can do. When we worry we only make ourselves feel depressed and anxious. Let these inspirational lyrics make you surrender to a Higher Power.
“When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be”
Labrinth & Tiny Temper- Earthquake
This song is super upbeat. When you are feeling low, just lose yourself in the lyrics of this song. Get up, throw bombs at your sadness and let your dance moves cause an earthquake! Just smash something, say yeah!
The lyrics are
“I predict an earthquake up in here
Say, “Yeah!”
I predict an earthquake up in here
‘Cause we throw bombs on it, throw bombs on it
Just smash something, yeah mosh for me
Hey, yeah!
We can make an earthquake up in here”
The Script- Hall Of Fame
I will be honest and say this is my favorite of all the songs with inspirational lyrics. At least for today, it is getting top spot. This is a song of determination, of not giving up and of holding onto that inner power and knowing that we can breakthrough? Regardless of what life throws us, this song’s inspirational lyrics instill us with that fighting spirit.
You can break rocks
You can be a master
Don’t wait for luck
Dedicate yourself and you can find yourself
And the world’s gonna know your name
‘Cause you burn with the brightest flame
And the world’s gonna know your name
And you’ll be on the walls of the hall of fame
You could run the mile
You could walk straight through hell with a smile”
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Justin Timberlake– Cant stop the feeling
We all know that Justin Timberlake is a mover on the dance floor and he clearly wanted to get us onto that dance floor! Even if you do not feel like getting out of bed, this song has a beat that will drag you out!
“I got that sunshine in my pocket
Got that good soul in my feet
I feel that hot blood in my body when it drops (ooh)
I can’t take my eyes up off it, movin’ so phenomenally
Room on lock, the way we rock it, so don’t stop”
Alicia Keys-Superwoman
Calling out all the ladies out there! Alicia Keys is talking to all women here, that we have within us the strength regardless of what life may throw at us. Again, this is about finding inner strength and holding on to the faith that we can pull through whatever storms we may be facing.
For better days to come
And all my women, all my women sitting here trying
To come home before the sun
And all my sisters
Coming together
Say yes I will
Yes I can
Yes I am
Yes she is
Even when I’m a mess
I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes
I’m a Superwoman”
When you believe- Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
This tune has amazing vocals to blow your heart away. But is here not because of just the vocals but because it is one of the best songs with inspirational lyrics. What more inspiration than remembering that miracles are possible. If you are wavering in your faith, if you are looking to find courage, then let Mariah and Whitney take you to higher vibrations with this tune.
“There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
Its hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe somehow you will
You will when you believe”
Coldplay: Rule The World
I find this song an inspiration. Even if your world crumbles, you can rise up again and rule the world.
U2- It’s A Beautiful Day
It is a gift that you are here today. Appreciate the little things, see the glass as half full and not half empty. May your eyes see the beauty in this day. Just hit play on the video below!
“It’s a beautiful day
Don’t let it get away
It’s a beautiful day”
Otis Clay- The Only Way is Up
The only way is up with this song. Say goodbye to your low mood, the only way is up with this thumping song. Even the beat alone will just lift you up.
Huh, from our homes
We’ll just move somewhere else
And still carry on
(Hold on) hold on
(Hold on) hold on
Ooh, aah, baby
(Hold on) ooh ooh aah
For you and me now
The only way is up, baby
For you and me now”
Andra Day- Rise Up
The song name, Rise Up makes no secret that this is a song intended to lift your spirits up. She sings “I will rise unafraid”. Add this to your list of songs with inspirational lyrics, it so deserves to be there.
“And I’ll rise up
I’ll rise like the day
I’ll rise up
I’ll rise unafraid
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again
And I’ll rise up
High like the waves
I’ll rise up
In spite of the ache
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousands times again
For you”
Tinie Tempah- Written in The Stars
May your faith and hope be strengthened by this song. May you believe that an exciting future is written in the stars for you!
“Oh written in the stars
A million miles away
A message to the mane
Oh
Seasons come and go
But I will never change
And I’m on my way”
Justin Bieber- I Dont Care
Sometimes we just have to drop caring so much about what others think of us and live our life how we want to. Lose yourself and experience freedom with Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran.
“Cause I don’t care when I’m with my baby, yeah
All the bad things disappear
And you’re making me feel like maybe I am somebody
I can deal with the bad nights
When I’m with my baby, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
‘Cause I don’t care, as long as you just hold me near
You can take me anywhere
And you’re making me feel like I’m loved by somebody
I can deal with the bad nights
When I’m with my baby, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh”
Bob Marley– Three Little Birds
We are constantly plagued by worry and anxiety about this and that. Most of the things we worry about never happen so worrying really is wasted energy. Just listen to what Three Little Things and let your worries melt away. Here is the lyrics:
“Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Singing’ don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright”
Kelly Clarkson- Stronger
This is a great song with inspirational lyrics to get us out of any depressing situation. It could be a job loss,a break up or perhpas loss of a loved one. Whilst these are truly challenging times with determination we can come through on the other side.
“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”
Leona Lewis- Moment like this
Leona belted this tune back in 2006, after winning the UK X-Factor. It is a song of victory to remind us that we may be where we are but our moment of glory can come. Play this tune and remind yourself that you too can have your winning moment.
“A moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this
Some people search forever
For that one special kiss
I can’t believe it’s happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime
For a moment like this”
Desree- Life
Released in 1998, this is such an easy going, care free tune by Desree.
“I’ll take you up on a dare,
Anytime, anywhere
Name the place, I’ll be there,
Bungee jumping, I don’t care!
Doo, doot doot dooo.
Life, oh life, oh life, oh life,
Doo, doot dooo”
The Beatles- Here comes the sun
They say 1969 was a good year for a reason. It is the year that the Beatles released this cheerful song, ‘Here comes the sun’. Brighten your dark days with this very sunny song. If you let it, this song will take your imagination to sunny places.
“Here comes the sun, doo da doo doo
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right”
Work Hard, Play Hard- Wiz Khalifa
This song has inspirational lyrics ideal for hitting the gym or going for a run. You just cannot stop when you have that voice telling you to work hard! Get your trainers on and get working!
“Work hard, play hard, work hard, play hard
Work hard, play hard, work hard, play hard
Work, work, work, work, work, work, work, work”
K.o.o.l Celebration
This song is an all time favorite especially around Christmas time and for a good reason. However, we do not need to wait for Christmas to play this song, we can bring the cheer on any day.
Celebrate good times, come on (Let’s celebrate)
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you
Come on now
Let’s all celebrate and have a good time
Celebration
We gonna celebrate and have a good time”
New Radicals- You Get What You Give
The New Radicals released this tune in 1998 and it was a hit across the globe. It is an energetic song that will shake off that lethargic feeling in no time. Here is the lyrics:
“You’ve got the music in you
Don’t let go
You’ve got the music in you
One dance left
This world is gonna pull through
Don’t give up
You’ve got a reason to live
Can’t forget
We only get what we give”
We Are The Champions-News of The World
Whenever you feel like giving up, play this tune by Queen. Whether your challenge is hitting the gym, or facing your day at work, this song can help you pull through. Be inspired and keep fighting!
“We are the champions, my friends
And we’ll keep on fighting ’til the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
‘Cause we are the champions of the world”
Taylor Swift- Shake it off
Another song with inspirational lyrics to shake off any negativity lurking within you. Haters gonna hate and players gonna play, but you keep cruising. Shake off the pain of it all and face your day with optimism and energy.
It’s like I got this music in my mind saying it’s gonna be alright
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake
Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off”
Emeli Sande- Shine
Released just in 2019, this is a new song that we have been blessed with by the gorgeous Emeli Sande. If you get time, watch the video, it will sure lift your spirits up.
Oh nothing to fear when truth walks beside ya
Oh sing you a song
Mmh, sing it all day long
Let your heart lift you higher
And you gotta let love shine through
Oh, shine, oh, shine”
Madonna- Holiday
We would all love to be on holiday every day and of course it is not always possible. Not a big deal because with this tune from the one and only Madonna we can just escape into that holiday mindset. Your only problem is choosing what your destination will be!
“You can turn this world around
And bring back all of those happy days
Put your troubles down
It’s time to celebrate
Let love shine
And we will find
A way to come together
And make things better
We need a holiday”
Aretha Franklin- Respect
You can’t help but just treat yourself to a good sing-a-long with Aretha Franklin’s Respect. It was released in 1967 and I now know why mom raves about the good old 60s!
“What you want
Baby, I got it
What you need
Do you know I got it?
All I’m askin’
Is for a little respect when you get home (just a little bit)
Hey baby (just a little bit) when you get home
(Just a little bit) mister (just a little bit)”
Pump Up The Jam
No lounging on the sofa or covering yourself with a duvet, this song is sure to get you hitting that dance floor! Pump yourself up and feel great with this rocking tune.
“Pump it up a little more
Get the party goin’ on the dance floor
See, ’cause that’s where the party’s at
And you’d find out if you do that”
Ride On Time- Black Box
What’s more to say. Are you feeling a little uninspired? Well you gonna, get up, gonna get up! Quickly ramp up your mood with this energetic song which will take you back to the early ninenties.
“Gonna get up, gonna get up
Gonna get up, whoa
Gonna get up, gonna get up
Gonna get up, ooho”
Jekalyn Carr- I am A Winner
Now let’s go to church with ‘I am A Winner’ by Jekalyn Carr. Such an inspirational song to really empower you to get over anythign that may be holding you down. With this song’s lyrics you really feel God’s power within you. It gives that feeling of courage and invincibility. A much needed antidote to any negative feelings. Take a look at the lyrics, even just reading them feels me with so deep faith. What a blessing!
My past defeated
With You, I can’t lose
I’m forever number one
(I am a winner)
I am a winner
(I am a winner) Hell yeah
Nothing can stop me
‘Cause I’m stronger than before
(I am a winner)
I am a winner”
Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
If you need a reminder to keep your vision alive, then this song has just the perfect inspirational lyrics.
“Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to the feelin’
Streetlights, people
Hold on
Streetlights, people“
Its my life -Bon Jovi
A reminder that this is your life, take ownership of it and do what you want to do. Do not hold back and set yourself free! Here is the lyrics:
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
(It’s my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just want to live while I’m alive
It’s my life”
You can do it ICE CUBE
If you are dithering about hitting the gym this song will surely get you putting on your trainers in no time.
Come on! ”
You can do it put your back into it
I can do it put your ass into it
You can do it put your back into it
I can do it put your ass into it
Put your back into it
Put your ass into it”
Better When I’m Dancing-Meghan Trainer
This song is a favorite in my household as it gets everyone moving. No time to think about the long to do lists, or how to fix this problem, just get up and dance. This is a banging tune on this list of songs with inspirational lyrics.
Just move your body
Listen to the music
Sing, oh, ey, oh
Just move those left feet
Go ahead, get crazy
Anyone can do it
Sing, oh, ey, oh
Feel the rhythm getting louder”
Which one of those songs with inspirational lyrics was your favorite? Obviously everyone is different and we all have different tastes. I hope however there is a good selection of inspirational songs to lift you out of any low mood. Feeling good is the goal here and whatever you can do to get out of the doldrums by all means do it because negative thoughts are weakening.
Feeling good is a habit that we need to nurture and music can help us reach better emotional states quickly. Things like affirmations are also a great aid in rewiring our thinking patterns. A lot of motivational authors base most of their teachings on the power of our thoughts to shape our lives. Just check out James Allen or Christian D Larson’s, or for someone more current, Dr Joe Dispenza‘s works and you will realise that it is worth while to be deliberate about what we feed our minds. Choosing songs with inspirational lyrics is much more than just hitting the dance floor but a deliberate effort to become optimists and live life to the full.
