“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:
- Being Positive (Page 1; this page you are reading)
- Express Your Authentic Self (Page 2)
- Recognizing Your Beauty (Page 3)
- Love and Gratitude for Our Relationships (Page 4)
- Success and Achievement (Page 5)
- Personal Power and Strength (Page 6)
- Recovery and Heartbreak (Page 7)
- The World (Page 8)
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 ]
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I love the song ‘Unwritten’ by Natasha Bedingfield. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7k0a5hYnSI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmWFnX1Iy60
my favourest is the power of the dream by celiendion
i guess evn “never give up on a dream” should be included in dis list.its even better dan eye of the tiger!!!! :wink: n nice list of songs
Um…. How the hell do you forget the most amazing inspiring song of all time – Imagine – John Lennon
An inspiration for a better world and a better life for everyone
Soar by Christina Aguilera
Drive by Incubus
great songs! Here are some of my fav’s that are not in this list
1. The voice within by christina aguilera
2. A change by flipsyde or kat deluna
3. Who you are by jessie j
4. Each tear by mary j blige featuring jay sean.
5. stop crying your heart out by oasis
6. Happy by natasha bedingfield
7. We dance on by ndubz
“I Believe” by Il Divo and Celine Dion
“Power of the Dream” by Celine Dion
“Together We Are One” by Delta Goodrem
Great list, I would consider adding:
Whitney Houston – One Moment In Time
Donny Osmond – This is the Moment
Two words, Top Notch.
I have a new one to add that was just released on iTunes yesterday (12/15/2010)
Here is the link to the iTunes version: http://bit.ly/h37GLH
The song is called Every Step by Kate Pearson
Kate is only 15 but she composed the music and lyrics and then performed the piano and vocals. Kate’s goals in composing, publishing and recording the song were to support a dear friend of hers, both emotionally and (if possible) financially. Kate’s friend Gentrie was 14 when she suddenly started not being able to hold any food down. She was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a rare stomach disorder, and has been on and off of feeding tubes and in and out of expensive surgeries and treatments, for over a year. I know the song has been a big boost to Gentrie emotionally – she’s been at Primary Children’s Hospital constantly for over 6 weeks now, after a year’s worth of struggling before that.
You can see Gentrie tell part of her story by watching the video at the following link, which is an interview Gentrie did earlier this year with Ann Curry on the Today Show: http://bit.ly/hqrzCy
I hope you all find this song as inspiring as I do and download it and suggest it to your friends.
Larry
This is a great list! If you haven’t heard the song “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree, take a listen. The message is extremely powerful and never fails to pull me out of a slump!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db7cc8YRWxU&feature=related
hi…this song also inspire me…hope it will inspire you too. :angel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XHmua3TTRQ
“this warrior is a child” by Gary Valenciano
I haven’t read the comments the whole way through, but heres a good one for the list. this one was sort of an “in-the-moment” classic, but when Susan Boyle did “I Dreamed a Dream” I was blown away. Even today I still watch it, and still love it because it was real “humor of the situation”. These people were laughing at her, but she went on stage, and sung about a song how you dreams are broken by others who put you down, and it was so amazing, and ironic according to the situation, and i loved it.
Oh, John F was right, I don’t know why you didn’t put “Imagine,” or even “We are the Champions,” “We will Rock You,” or really anything by Queen or the Beatles, they were probably the most revelutionary, popular, and inspirational bands of all time, and still are.
or Under Pressure by Queen ft. David Bowie. And Imagine is really one of the most inspiring songs to me…I wondered why The Beatles weren’t here…I mean…
Oh, and also, “Beautiful World (We’re All Here)” is just the kind of song that, everytime i listen to it, I just feel… happy, and joyful.
Mama Cass – Make Your Own Kind of Music
I would add these also:
I Think We’re Gonna Make It – Christopher Cross
Wondering Where The Lions Are – Bruce Cockburn
Finish Line – Steve Parsons
Still The One – Orleans
The Great Divide – Scott Stapp
Good Day Sunshine – Beatles
Shower The People You Love With Love – James Taylor
Walking In Memphis – Marc Cohn
I Knew You Were Waiting – George Michael and Aretha Franklin
Power of Love – Jennifer Rush
Wild World – Cat Stevens
Dreams – Heart
I LOVE this list! I am especially happy that Switchfoot’s ‘Dare You To Move’ is on here. I was recently at one of their concerts and they preformed it amazingly and it sent shivers down my spine. If this list were to be recently updated, I might include Katy Perry’s ‘Fireworks’ song. I don’t particularly love her but her song is so uplifting! Thanks for the post :)
Hi Celes, this is a wonderful list! I have been poring through loads of the songs (and still I have only touched the surface!).
I have 2 observations to make (and one song to add).
Firstly, there is something very special happening here; on this blog. So many people have commented that, “it has got me thinking about all the posiitve songs that I know!”.
Secondly, I am an old man with chronic depression, but these songs have lifted my spirits immensely. I find it wonderful that so many young(er) people have such a positive attitude. There is certainly hope out there. Wonderful.
My song is only quite short, but the lyrics are TO THE POINT! The song is “Nature Boy”. There are several versions ….I like the one by Nat King Cole; It was also used in the movie “Moulin Rouge”. A much longer jazz piece is also available by John Coltraine.
I thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
What about “Wind Beneath My Wings”?
Love this! Great list. Some songs that inspire me are
1. Brave – Josh Groban http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McdMwOV0y6c
2. Shooting Star – Owl City http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq8Dgcy4MDY
3. There’s a Place for Us – Carrie Underwood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_P0gBqN4kY
4. Someday – Chloe Agnew – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qn6sN9Shdk
5. Through Heaven’s Eyes – Brian Stokes Mitchell – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emmjk8Z4ftQ
Those are a few of my favorites, thanks for making this list!
Coldplay – Fix You
!
I call it “the kindest song ever”
True I love that song
i personally love the fact that Eye of the Tiger is number one…i absolutely love the song
i love the eye of the tiger… GO SURVIVOR!
Immigrant song by Led Zeppelin. I’d have to put that in the top ten.
I am Mine from pearl jam ….. “i know i was born and i know that ill die the in between is mine i am mine
Aand..Europe – Superstitious
Survivor – Burning Heart
Michael Jackson – History
“Ugly” by Sugababes
“Dare To Live” by Andrea Boccelli..very powerful and encouraging :)
The top 25 inspirational songs of all time were in the last 30-40 years? I was hoping for songs outside the lifespan of the author…
Feel free to share songs that are outside of the list as the other commenters have done; everyone’s preferences and tastes are always going to be different.
Vivaldi, four seasons summer. Probably one of the most amazing violin pieces of all time.
William Tell Overture. Movies have been based on this song. The most recognizable song in history.
The Ave Maria. When it comes to all time, this is centuries old, and still sung today.
Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. Speaks for itself.
Now I’m not sure if some of these others would be all times choices, but they are certainly amazing pieces of music
Moonlight sonata
Fur Elise
The Kiss (Last of the Mohicans)
Dies Irae (Written by Mozart for his own death)
Requiem for a dream. Personal favorite to play on piano. Full Orchestra is amazing.
Non Nobis Domine – from the movie Henry V. This song Is also very old. I love the Patrick doyle version becasue of the movie.
See when you say “All Time” you lead people to believe that the article was written about music over the centuries.
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