“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 ]
![Lost in Life? [Infographic]](https://personalexcellence.co/files/infographic-lost-in-life-400x402.jpg)
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Highway to the Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins has gotta be up there! :)
So my ultimate frisbee team just lost the semi finals that could have taken us all the way to the state championships of 2013. We were so close, losing by 2 points. That was one of the first times I have cried in relation to sports. That was the hardest I have cried for a long time. I made a playlist awhile back that included songs that were uplifting and have come to need that playlist again. This selection of songs is really helping me cope with the grief I just endured. Thank you.
You are such a douche
I love making music and expressing
myself. Thank you for sharing this with us! This is my favorite quote that has
really served me, “There is nothing more important than you feel good.”-
Abraham Hicks. I also created a whole video dedicated to motivation and feeling
good. I titled it, “Inspirational Love Quotes”. If you want to check
it out, Click Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBcEGRH4ARk
If you like it, Share it! Put a smile on someone else’s face too. :)
The Rose, Wind Beneath My Wings, Through the Years, The Power Of The Dream, The Prayer, Bridge Over Troubled Water. Lace Covered Window, One Moment In Time, There Can Be Miracles, The Impossible Dream, The Living Years, You Needed Me, Man In The Mirror, Your Love has Lifted Me Higher, You Light Up My Life are songs which would make my list. Beautiful, not superficial words and music.
Mackelmore-can’t hold us
I would add Man in The Mirror, Defying Gravity and Blackbird. These are my go to inspiring songs
k,lk,
Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
http://www.enlightenmentgateway.com/motivation/
ok on the dare you to move song i think its about moving past your past through jesus christ
Just One Victory by Todd Rundgren from the album A Wizard, A True Star.
ANYTHING ONE DIRECTION
David Bowie:
– Heroes
– Rebel Rebel
– The Man Who Sold the World
– Five Years
– Because You’re Young
– After All
– Life on Mars
– Under Pressure (ft. Queen)
(actually all Bowie songs inspire me so)
The Beatles:
– Here Comes The Sun
– Let It Be
– All You Need Is Love
– Yesterday
John Lennon – Imagine
Simon & Garfunkel:
– Bridge over Troubled Water
– The Sound of Silence
Iggy Pop – The Passenger
Roxy Music – A Song for Europe
hall of fame should make the list
I would say One Day by Matisyahu
Duran Duran – What Happens Tomorrow
what a bag of wetness
Bon Jovi – It’s my life…. Aand many other songs from his large catalogue of work
Here’s some more:
Queen – we will rock you
Europe – Final Countdown
Christina Aguilera – Beautiful
Oasis – Stop crying your heart out
Oasis – the shock of the lightning
MJ – Man in the mirror.
And these onese that I bet no one;s heard off (if your not an aussie dat is), but geez they’re awesome awesome songs:
Shanon Noll – Shine (and his many other upliftingsongs)
Natalie Bassingthwaighte (not sure the spelling) & Shannon Noll – Don’t give up
Vanessa Amorossi – Shine (different song to the above)
Nas- I can
great list but, the song “true colors” is about what you said, but its not refering to the colors of a rainbow, i think its referring to flying a flag, and the colors of that flag show where you come from (or in this song, who you truly are). it just says “like a rainbow” at the end, not meaning that that was the analogy the whole way through. just an opinion, cool list though.
Nice list! (Personally, I am not a fan of “The Eye of the Tiger,” but I understand why you chose it.) You’ve introduced me to some new music, which I love. Thanks.
I feel like Man in the Mirror should be on here.. definitely one of the most incredible inspiring songs of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vICbqSjy5lc – Love this Mixx
hello! You have a nice collection already, but I’m really missing some well known songs that should be in them.
1. Eddie Vedder – Society (just to pick one) (not originally his song by the way)
2. John Lennon – Imagine (really surprised this one wasn’t in. Scrolling down I thought he would be number one..)
3. The Scorpions – Wind Of Change
4. Metallica – Nothing Else Matters
5. Oasis – Wonderwall (maybe this is the odd one out in my small list)
6. If you added Chariots of Fire from Vangelis, ‘Conquest Of Paradise’ has surely his place as well.
But anyway, a big thumps up for this list already! (y)
Gorillaz – Clint Eastwood
R. kelly I believe I can fly is probably my fav on this list, and a timeless classic. Also Survivor- Eye Of The Tiger is always good for some instant inspiration.
Other songs not on this list:
Pharrell Williams – Happy
Avicii – Hey Brother
1. Win In The End (Mark Safan) From The 80’s Michael J.Fox Film Teen Wolf
2. Hold On To Your Vision (Kevin Chalfant) From The 80’s Film With Jean Claude Van Damme No Retreat No Surrender
3.I’ll Keep Holding On (Jim Capaldi) One Man Mission Album
4. Stand On Your Own (Joe Torono) From The 80’s Film With Jean Claude Van Damme No Retreat No Surrender
5. Training Montage (Vince DiCola) Movie Version From Intrada
6. I am Unicron (Vince DiCola) Transformers The Movie 80s Cartoon
7.Thunder In Your Heart (John Farnham) From The 80s Film R.A.D.
8. The Last Dragon (Dwight David) From The 80s Film The Last Dragon
9.Listen To Your Heart (Little River Band) From The 80s Film Karate Kid Part III
10. Staring Down The Demons (Animotion) From The 80’s Film Thrashin
11.Shredder’s Suite (John Du Prez) (From The Film Of The 90’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
12. Original Score Medley (Paul Gilman) From The 80’s Film Best Of The Best
13.Control (Juno Reactor feat Traci Lords) From The 90’S Film Mortal Kombat
14.Melt (Leftfield) Leftism Album
15.Glow (Willie Hutch) From The 80s Film The Last Dragon
16. Inside You (Willie Hutch Feat The Temptations) From The 80s Film The Last Dragon
17. Somewhere I Belong (Teddy Pendergrass) From The 80’s Film D.A.R.Y.L.
18. Wonder Wheel Theme/ Main Title (Barry DeVorzon) From The 70s Film The Warriors
19.Baseball Furies The Fight/ Chase (Barry DeVorzon) From The 70s Film The Warriors
20. Night Run (Barry DeVorzon) From The 70s Film The Warriors
21. Buddha Eagle (Paul Hertzog) Music From The Films Of Van Damme (Kickboxer)
22. The Eagle Lands (Paul Hertzog) Kickboxer Film With Van Damme
23. Fight To Survive (Stan Bush) Bloodsport Film With Van Damme
24. Fight For Love (Stan Bush) Film With Van Damme
25.Final Fight (Bill Conti) It Is Only On Youtube But It’s From Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky V *
* Only On Youtube Has (Rocky V Bill Conti Rare*)
I agree with MK and another Christina Aguilera song Fighter. Fall out Boys my song knows what you did in the dark. Pocketful of Sunshine, Mosh, Man in the Mirror, Earth song MJ, Moment in time Whitney Houston, Jesus take the wheel Carrie Underwood, foot prints in the sand Leona Lewis, I hope you Dance Leanne Womack, I got you Leona Lewis. My hubby and my Anthem is Love me when I’m gone; 3 Doors Down because we’re both military. I have so many.
What’s the song in the movie Pearl Harbor when the Americans are bombing all the Japanese factories and islands?
Do you mean the Faith Hill song ‘There you’ll be’??
I just want to add Breakaway- Kelly Clarkson
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