56 Most Inspirational Songs Of All Time

  •  Updated:
  • May 3, 2023

Most Inspirational Songs of All Time

“Hi Celes, thank you for this post on movies. A great way to discover great inspirational movies. If I may request, can we have a post for list of most inspiring songs?” — Rajesh G

You may have experienced this before: you feel down or frustrated about something. You catch a tune from the radio and you start to sing along. Somehow, after listening and singing, you feel energized and perked up, ready to go again.

Music is the language of the soul. No matter what culture you are from or the language that you speak, music is something that can be understood and enjoyed by all of us.

Today’s post is on inspirational songs: songs that motivate us into action, that remind us about the beauty of life, that remind us of our true worth and potential, and that lift us up when we’re down.

In writing this post, I listened to over hundreds of songs and handpicked 56 songs. Because there are so many great songs out there, it’s impossible for me to include every single one. Instead, I picked each song based on these criteria: (1) it has had some level of mainstream success, (2) it speaks of a theme that most of us can relate to, and (3) it conveys a positive message. I have deliberately avoided songs that sound catchy but don’t actually convey anything meaningful (like telling you to hate on an ex or putting down other people). I’ve also limited the number of songs per artist to a maximum of 1-2 (with the exception of Christina Aguilera who has 3) to have a wider representation of artists.

The 56 inspirational songs have been grouped into the following categories:

Are you ready? :) Increase your volume and put on your headphones before you continue on! :D Bookmark this page so that you can return to play these songs whenever you like, be it as background music or as a pick-me-up. This post has embedded videos which are not viewable via email. If you’re reading this via your email client, read the full blog post here.

Here are 56 of the most inspirational songs of all time:

Songs on Being Positive

1. Somewhere Over The Rainbow

An all-time classic, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” speaks of this magical place over the rainbow where things will be better. It refers to this other place that is better compared to where we are now. If you are feeling down and out, and when things seem tough, this song will lift you up. Just remember that the better place isn’t “somewhere out there,” but here where we are. It’s up to us to make the best out of what we have, now. :)

The song was originally sung by Judy Garland in 1939 (Wizard of Oz) and has since been covered by many people. The version below is by Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole. His soothing vocals makes listening to this song a very peaceful and calming experience.

[ by Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole | Lyrics | Get the album ]

Here’s a cover by the amazing Celine Dion:

[ by Celine Dion | Lyrics ]

2. Walking On Sunshine

If you’re looking for a very happy song, look no further. :) “Walking On Sunshine” is a very upbeat song that will instantly bring a smile to anyone listening! :) It was Katrina and the Waves’ first U.S. top 40 hit, and their biggest success in the United Kingdom until “Love Shine a Light” (1997). Believe it or not, the song was initially conceived of as a ballad, though Katrina decided to belt it out.[1] Given the success, I say it was a fantastic decision! :)

[ by Katrina & The Waves | Lyrics | Get the album ]

3. It’s a Beautiful Day

No matter how bad your day may be, there is always something beautiful happening. This song reminds us that every day is a beautiful day in itself. :)

[ by U2 | Lyrics | Get the album ]

4. What a Wonderful World

First recorded by Louis Armstrong and released in 1967 as a single, “What a Wonderful World” reminds us to appreciate the beauty of everyday life. According to its Wikipedia page, the song was “intended as an antidote for the increasingly racially and politically charged climate of everyday life in the United States.”[2]

Do you tend to complain about things or show gratitude for what you have? Let’s appreciate and give gratitude to all that we have with us today. :) Check out: 14-Day Gratitude Challenge

[ by Louis Armstrong | Lyrics | Get the album ]

5. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head

I first heard this song when watching Spiderman 2 (the old one with Tobey Maguire), which is my favorite spiderman movie of all time. This is a very sweet, positive song about staying positive even when “raindrops keep fallin’ on [your] head.” Because, as the song goes, “I’m never gonna stop the rain by complaining.” When you’re free in your mind, nothing will worry you.

[ by B.J. Thomas | Lyrics | Get the album ]

6. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

This is a comedy song written for Monty Python’s Life of Brian, a religious satire comedy, and it has since become a common singalong at public events, including even funerals! The song tells us to look on the bright side of life, because no matter what happens, there is one certain thing that’ll happen to us all, which is death. So why not look on the bright side and make the best out of our time here?

[ by Monty Python | Lyrics | Get the album ]

Proceed to Page 2 for inspirational songs on being true to yourself…

Menu of Songs: Being Positive | Express Your Authentic Self | Recognizing Your Beauty | Love and Gratitude for Our Relationships | Success and Achievement | Personal Power and Strength | Recovery and Heartbreak | The World

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8
144 comments
  1. Mitch 15 years ago

    That’s a pretty nice list, and I have to admit that I don’t know half of these songs. And I like how you mixed fast with slow; I probably wouldn’t have thought about that off the top of my mind. Great stuff; thanks for sharing.

    • Hutura 12 years ago

      Wonderful list. I would add Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.”

  2. Dena 15 years ago

    Hi Celeste!

    You always think of such fascinating list posts to share — very original ideas. This is truly an INSPIRATIONAL collection of songs. Anyone having a bad day could tune into this & be smiling in no time!

    Thank you for taking the time to put this together & for sharing it with the world. Brilliant.

    Have a beautiful day.

    Cheers,
    Dena :wink:

  3. SKZY 15 years ago

    Almost half on the list were my favorites. And Walking in Sunshine is the most played song on my iTunes. :) It’s like an energy drink for me. Haha.

    Thanks for sharing. Will go check the other songs that’s not on my playlist. ;)

    • Celes
      CelesAuthor 15 years ago

      Thanks SKZY – let us know how you find the other songs after you listen to them :D

  4. shweta jani 15 years ago

    Loved Your post. I am going to download all the songs & listen to them.
    One of my fav.inspirational song is ‘I made it through the rain’ by John Barrowman (it always encourages me & uplifts my mood) you tube link : http://m.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&client=mv-google&xl=xl_blazer&hl=en-GB&xl=xl_blazer&v=LsNzKZzWhmM

    Thank You for such a beautiful post.

  5. Glenn 15 years ago

    Hi Celes, an interesting selection of songs you’ve compiled here! Although I really don’t want say this, but most would easily make it onto my least inspiring list :-) Not because they’re bad songs or anything like that, but because they’re popular songs everyone knows that have been around for a long time. As a result when I hear them my mind will automatically associate them with all the commercial radio stations I know of who have been playing them for years alongside non stop commercials, news and traffic reports. Or worse still, weddings and other events I have been to in the past where you will find a number of drunk people singing along to the songs! I hope this makes sen

    With so many genres of music out there now, I think the kind of songs or music that inspire people will vary dramatically. For me it’s the music that matters the most, not the lyrics. The kind of music that will make me forget about all the negativity in my life and clear my mind so I can focus on what’s most important. This is so difficult to describe!

    • Celes
      CelesAuthor 15 years ago

      Hey Glenn! :D You’re right – the kind of songs that inspire people will vary on each’s tastes and perferences. The key of this list isn’t to assign them as THE top 25 inspirational songs but to provide a starting place for others to find songs that resonate with them. Feel free to share your personal favorite inspirational songs!

      • Glenn 15 years ago

        Too many to even think of :)

        • Billy 14 years ago

          I agee with glenn, a good new one is Remember the name by Fort Minor. Its amazingly inspriational

  6. Mars Dorian 15 years ago

    That’s a kick-ass list,

    Return of innocence and It’s a beautiful day by U2 are my favorites…by far !

    Although some of them are pretty cheesy (does that come with the territory ?), a lot of them are quite enjoyable and really bring some good vibes into your life.

    Whenever I work, I listen to inspirational music to keep the juices of creativity going and flowing.

    It’s also a grrreat kick-ass start into the day – you just feel this vibe and want to burn the world with your endless fire inside ;)

    Celes, have you ever heard of Angels and Airwaves ? They are my favorite band by far, and listen to them on a daily (hourly?) basis. Their music is pure magic, and I create the most awesome stuff when I listen to them.

    Check out their latest album “LOVE”. it’s free for download. Type in LOVE and Angels and Airwaves in Google and you’ll find my favorite magic. Seriously, their music is space-ish, inspirational and…intensely captivating. You have never heard something like this before.
    If you really listen to them, come back to me and tell me what you think !

    Have an eventful day with endless fire inside, Celes !

  7. Eric | Eden Journal 15 years ago

    Your number 25, Over the Rainbow, is my all time favorite “happy” song. I love to just sit still and close my eyes while listening to it. This is really a super list, many many of my favorites are on here.

  8. Clearly Composed 15 years ago

    Eye Of The Tiger can always make me do more sit-ups! I remember it from being a kid and it still just revs me up and gets me going. Excellent choices all around. :)

  9. AronSora 15 years ago

    When I’m Up by Great Big Sea

    This song kept me going in high school and keeps my momemtem up.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnsXi0zBzoc

    Great Big Sea – Ordinary Day

    It is the best thing in the world to listen to if you are down, it reminds you of what you have and to keep moving

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AvkyHCU7XU&feature=related

    The All-American Rejects – Move Along

    This song shouts “Never Give Up, Never Surrender” at the top of its lungs

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XleOkGsYgO8

    • Celes
      CelesAuthor 15 years ago

      That’s fantastic – Thanks so much for sharing AronSora! These are incredible songs. I’m just listened to Move Along now and I love the groove of the song :mrgreen: The 2 songs by Great Big Sea are very uplifting too – listening to When I’m Up now.

  10. Cris 15 years ago

    I remember the EYE of the Tiger during my Elementary days.. During Boxing and it always played on the AM radio..

  11. holly 15 years ago

    Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful is real inspiring!

  12. Kavin 15 years ago

    That’s wonderful list you have compile there. I really love the way in which you have written about each and every song. Love most of the songs in the list. Thanks. Here are a few :

    “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfUYuIVbFg0

    “Say” by John Mayer

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt58Z_XuGe4

    “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” by Baz Luhrmann

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

    “Bad Day ” by Daniel Powter

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijQUkkFq-Hc

  13. Dipal 15 years ago

    Hey Celes, you’re such a star!

    Thank you so much for mentioning my name! You are a true champion! I’m totally inspired and excited!

    In Randy Pausch’s last lecture, he so brilliantly explains that everything is does not have to be about him and how he focuses on things outside of him. He then goes on to celebrate his wife’s birthday! it is the most touching moment for his family and especially his wife. I got that same feeling when I saw my name mentioned! :-D

    I hope and pray that you continue to be as great as you are and reach the pinnacles of excellence!

    Thank you again! :-D
    Best regards,
    Dipal

  14. Aguu 15 years ago

    There’s a channel on YouTube called MotivationalPower, interesting too:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da3-kn80iak&NR=1

  15. Melinda 15 years ago

    One of my favourites: I love the single version of Defying Gravity by Idina Menzel.

    It’s from a musical, Wicked, where the original (duet) version is about a turning point in the main characters life, a very, very emotional scene. In the single version, the song is a less dramatic, more harmonious version of the same decision.

    I’ve tried to find it on YouTube to link it here, but that version is not up right now (it was, but…); here’s the lyrics instead.

    http://www.idinamenzel.com/discography/album/defying-gravity-single/defying-gravity-single

    Melinda

    PS: Eye of the Tiger is GREAT!!! One of my Come-on-let’s-do-it-NOW! songs. :-)

  16. Gordie 15 years ago

    Another great song is from Rocky 4 called “Hearts on Fire”. Highly inspirational. The Rocky series surely had some inspiring music.

  17. santo 15 years ago

    currently,
    Vanessa Amorosi – The Power

    why i like this song?
    THE POWER TO BE ME !!!! :twisted:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNpyGC3OUZ8

  18. Kate 15 years ago

    This is fabulous!
    When I saw the title, the two which sprang to mind were somewhere over the rainbow (I adore wizard of oz) and Whitneys greatest love all all.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbp6W4N1N9s

    Oooohh I know I am going to be thinking of loads more now!

  19. Kate 15 years ago

    M People, Proud.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj62HiLk-Ag

    I I know my afternoon is going to be spent on this now!!

  20. Min Xian 15 years ago

    Hurray! Many of my personal favorites have been listed :)

    2 of my all-time favorites that were not included are Go The Distance from Hercules and If We Hold On Together from the Land before Time. Never fails to give me the extra strength, faith and courage to persist :)

    One of my recent favourites is “I Believe” by Katherine Jenkins and Andrea Bocelli. It speaks of standing up, showing up and making the world a better place for all. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXzpSe-YEJg&feature=related

    Another song with a strong, beautiful and inspiring message is Michael Jackson’s Heal The World. :)

  21. Naveen 15 years ago

    Greate collection. Definately keeps you pumped up when you are down.

    One more to add to the list
    You Gotta Be – Des’ree :-P

    Here is the link
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKW3zREFA00

  22. Katie Brandt 15 years ago

    Awesome post again Celes! I like the more upbeat songs to get me inspired so Rocky and I will Survive were the top of my list. I also am a HUGE Dave Matthews Band fan and all of his songs make me think. The lyrics can mean many different things and depending what is going on in my life I can relate to what he sings about.

  23. jm 15 years ago

    Thank you so much for this post, some of them are my long favourites. I’d like to share these songs mainly for their lyrics, including some in Mandarin:

    Stay The Same (Joey McIntyre)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-221CykxBXg

    Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwkM_BBUtk8&feature=related

    Everything in its Time (Corrinne May)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtOh-8zEUqA

    My Way (Frank Sinatra)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L1sg7RImyM

    Some Say Love/ The Rose (Olivia Ong, original Bette Midler)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWBR5FWiwhQ&feature=related

    黄金路 (迷路兵)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu2vfSECk68

    稻香 (周杰伦)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QuZIbKDTeQ

    我要的幸福 (孫燕姿)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3gNXUC4cX0

    年輕無極限 (孫燕姿)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndKIfx9rYQ4

    第一天 (孫燕姿/五月天 )
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EvxpdA8WKE

    笑忘歌 (五月天)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9cNXZ-o4yo&feature=related

    如煙 (五月天)
    http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=150495299493

  24. Gary Proctor 15 years ago

    Great choice of songs and music to inspire and lift up. I wonder, though, how you could list twenty songs and not include “I Have A Dream” by ABBA. (I believe in magic, Something good in everything I see. and, If you know the magic of a fairy tale, You can face the future, even if you fail)

    I also love LOve loVE “Life’s Been Good to Me” by the Eagles. It’s a spoof of rock star life but the message coming through to this septuagenarian is that for all its ups and downs, there have been more ups than downs.

  25. Jan Kadlec 15 years ago

    Hi Celes,

    I have really enjoyed this article. The reason why so, is becuase I am just a little a DJ and music is my passion, so this topic made me feel more satisfied :)

    About what is my favorite inspirational music, I believe DJ should know lot of music genres, such as I do. So I do not have any special inspirational song, but I love to listen to the music mixes, such as I am producing them.

    I have yesterday finished one blog post, that shows my passion to music megamixes, if you want to listen please visit my blog:

    “20 Artist Megamixes You Should Listen To”
    http://www.djtukancheez.com/top-20-artist-megamixes-you-should-listen-to/

    Thank you and I hope it shows a different view on music. =)

    — Jan aka “DJ Tukancheez” :)

  26. Arvind 15 years ago

    I hope you dance- Lee Ann Womack

    The lyrics says it all!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV-Z1YwaOiw

  27. Kirstine Vergara 15 years ago

    It’s amazing how songs can move a person. I especially like “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi, so 90’s and yet can make you want to sing your heart out. :) This song was once used in a juice commercial and when I was a kid, my snack will never be complete without it. So whenever I hear that song, I’m reminded of my childhood – sweet, simple, and no worries and I’m motivated to try and make things as simple as when I was still a kid.

  28. Ayah 15 years ago

    This is such a great list! I found myself smiling and getting energized just reading through the list. I’m pretty sure you covered the majority of my favorites…”Eye of the Tiger” has always been my “pump up song.”

    I would have to second Arvind for LeAnn Womack’s “I Hope You Dance,” and would also have to add Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten.” That song has helped to pick me up on some lousy days…I would just put in on the iPod and run…always felt better after. =)

  29. J.D. Meier 15 years ago

    I’m glad Beautiful Day made the list … I was wondering if I was the only one inspired by it. It’s one of my cruising in the Jeep songs.

    Every time I see Enigma I have to do a double-take to see if it was enema.

    A few of my favorites are:
    1. Ozzy’s Crazy Train
    2. Lincoln Park’s Faint
    3. Steppen Wolf’s, Born to Be Wild
    4. Willy DeVille’s, Storybook Love
    5. Queen’s, We are the Champions
    6. Cumba Wumba’s, tub Thumping
    7. Bachman Turner Overdrive, You Aint Seen Nothing yet
    8. Charlie Daniels, The Devil Went Down to Georgia
    9. Glen Campbell’s, Like a Rhinestone Cowboy
    10.INXS, The Devil Inside
    11. Van Halen’s, Jump
    12. Van Halen’s, Why Can’t This Be Love
    13. Metallica’s, Nothing Else Matters
    14. Metallica’s, The Unforgiven
    15. T-Pain’s, Apple Bottom Jeans
    16. U2’s, Where the Streets Have No Name
    17. The Monkee’s, theme song
    18. The Monkee’s, Daydream Believer
    19. Kenny Loggins, Footloose
    20. Derek & the Domino’s, Layla
    21. Eagles, Life in the Fast Lane

  30. sudan gautam 15 years ago

    Few of them were good but i think you all missed
    1. If today was your last day- Nickelback
    2.Gotta be somebody- Nickelback
    3.Higher- Creed
    4.The song you sing-Creed
    5.I am alive- celion dion

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Hi! I’m Celes. Thanks for reading. Personal Excellence is where I write about how to live our best life as we tackle life’s challenges. About Me »

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