Songs on Expressing Your Authentic Self
7. Let It Go
Have you watched Disney’s Frozen? If so, you have most definitely heard “Let It Go,” which is played when Queen Elsa retreats to the snowy mountains. The song has achieved huge international recognition and has won both the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2014 and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media in 2015!
“Let it go, let it go. Can’t hold it back anymore…” This song is about not concealing your abilities and your true self, even if others may not understand them. People may react with fear and this is normal, and it is not your job to hide who you are because it will only kill you on the inside. Are you holding back your true self due to fear of others? Don’t. Let it go. It’s time to be who you truly are and see what you can do! :) Read: Finding Your Inner Self
[ by Idina Menzel | Lyrics | Get the album ]
And here’s a cover by Demi Lovato
[ by Demi Lovato | Lyrics | Get the album ]
8. Born This Way
The late 2000s saw Lady Gaga burst into the mainstream music scene as a talented, up-and-coming artist, to now a highly accomplished musician who is one of the best-selling artists of all time. “Born This Way” is Gaga’s song to empower the ethnic minorities and the LGBT community, but the song really applies to every single one of us. It tells us that no matter how people may perceive us or how society tries to beat us into a socially accepted mold, we need to remember that we are perfect as we are.
The intro to the music video is quite strange as it literally (and graphically) shows Gaga giving birth to a new race, which later populates the entire city in the video. If you jump straight to the song, scroll to the 2:30 minute mark.
[ by Lady Gaga | Lyrics | Get the album ]
9. Born Free
Winner of the 1966 Academy Award for Best Original Song, “Born Free” is a gentle song reminding us that we are born free and to stay free. Even though we may be living in a society with many restrictions and expectations, remember that these restrictions are societally imposed, not reflective of our true self. As long as you remember that, you can then live free, first in the mind, then in your physical life. :)
[ by Matt Monro | Lyrics | Get the album ]
10. I Am What I Am
This song was composed in 1983 by Jerry Herman, an openly gay man. Gloria Gaynor later released it that year and it became a club hit in America. “I Am What I Am” is about being true to who you are and to let others know your true self. After all, you have only one life: if you are constantly hiding and trying to please others, wouldn’t that be living a sham?
[ by Gloria Gaynor | Lyrics | Get the album ]
11. It’s My Life
“It’s My Life” was a huge hit when it came out in 2000 and remains a huge hit today. It’s about taking control of your life and being who you are, because you only get to live once. As the lyrics go, “It’s my life… It’s now or never. I ain’t gonna live forever!”
Whose life are you living right now? When are you ready to start living your life? You only have one life — you’re not going to live forever. It’s either you start living it now or never. Stop waiting for a “tomorrow” or “next time.” It all starts today. Read: To Get What You Want, First Admit You Want It
[ by Bon Jovi | Lyrics | Get the album ]
12. Return To Innocence
An extremely powerful song. This song reminds you to return to who you truly are vs. trying to pretend to be someone you are not. Don’t afraid to show your emotions — even if it may be perceived as being weak. Showing your emotions isn’t weak; it’s actually an act of strength. When you deny your emotions, you are just denying who you are. So acknowledge your deepest feelings. Embrace them. And return to innocence. :)
[ by Enigma | Lyrics | Get the album ]
13. You Get What You Give
One of my favorite songs, “You Get What You Give” is the ending theme of Click, which happens to be one of my favorite movies. Since it was released, the song became an international hit and has been played over 1 million times on US radio.
At its core, this song is about being true to yourself in a world where everyone tries to be someone they aren’t. Don’t you ever, ever give up on yourself or your dreams, because you have what it takes to achieve what you want. Read: I’m Depressed About My Lack of Progress in Life. What Should I Do?
[ by New Radicals | Lyrics | Get the album ]
14. Girl on Fire
An extremely powerful song of female empowerment. Honestly, whether you are a girl or not, the message in this song applies to us all. Don’t ever let others dim your light and let yourself be on fire. :)
[ by Alicia Keys | Lyrics | Get the album ]
15. Perfect
Much of our frustration and pain in the modern society comes from trying to be accepted, to be loved, and to be seen as perfect. But you are already perfect. Do you see that? Pink’s song conveys just that. Read: How I Found My Place as a Female in Today’s World (series)
The music video for this song is beautiful and conveys a message against depression, self-harm and suicide.
[ by Pink | Lyrics | Get the song ]
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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.
Wonderful list. I would add Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.”
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:
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. ;)
Thanks SKZY – let us know how you find the other songs after you listen to them :D
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.
Hi shweta, It’s indeed a really beautiful song! Thanks so much for sharing :D I believe that’s a mobile link, so it doesn’t load up like the normal youtube site. Here’s the link for other readers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsNzKZzWhmM
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!
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!
Too many to even think of :)
I agee with glenn, a good new one is Remember the name by Fort Minor. Its amazingly inspriational
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 !
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.
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. :)
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
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.
I remember the EYE of the Tiger during my Elementary days.. During Boxing and it always played on the AM radio..
Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful is real inspiring!
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
A few more which i forgot to mention :)
“Climb” by Milye Cyrus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs
“Bring It All Back” by SClub7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVt0qBnz0LA
Kavin, this is fantastic! Thanks so much for adding more songs to the list. I’m listening to “Say” it now and really loving the melody. :mrgreen:
I just noticed “Say” is one of the OST for The Bucket List, which is one of the movies listed in “13 Inspirational Movies With Important Life Lessons To Learn From” post. Very fitting :D
https://personalexcellence.co/blog/inspirational-movies/
You are welcome :) oh yea i forgot to mention that! Say is from the OST of the bucket list!! Fitting indeed !
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
There’s a channel on YouTube called MotivationalPower, interesting too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da3-kn80iak&NR=1
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. :-)
Another great song is from Rocky 4 called “Hearts on Fire”. Highly inspirational. The Rocky series surely had some inspiring music.
Thanks Gordie :D For the other readers, here’s a link to the Hearts on Fire music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UaLL79KJEc. It’s a clip of the training sequence in Rocky 4 where the song is played.
Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swo51-CG9Ss&feature=related
currently,
Vanessa Amorosi – The Power
why i like this song?
THE POWER TO BE ME !!!! :twisted:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNpyGC3OUZ8
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!
M People, Proud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj62HiLk-Ag
I I know my afternoon is going to be spent on this now!!
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. :)
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
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.
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
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.
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” :)
I hope you dance- Lee Ann Womack
The lyrics says it all!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV-Z1YwaOiw
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.
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. =)
Second that motion! Bedingfield’s song never ceases to remind me to live in the NOW.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtGY4G7II6s&NR=1
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
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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