Some songs have the power to motivate. The lyrics can be as powerful as any motivational speech. The music can get our hearts pumping. The words and tune can play in our heads all day long.
Below is a list of some of the best motivational songs (mostly English, some French and Spanish). It is far, far from being a complete list, so feel free to add your favorites to the list using the comments form at the bottom.
Man in Motion (from St. Elmo’s Fire)
Makin’ It (from the short-lived TV show of the same name)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
The Greatest Love of All (the ultimate self-esteem song of all time)
Have a Happy (yes, Elvis)
Change of Habit (yes, also Elvis)
I Have Been Blessed (by Martina McBride)
Point of Light (the Randy Travers classic)
My Way (the ultimate classic motivational song by Paul Anka)
Et C’est Pas Fini (the theme song from Star Académie, 1996)
Peace of Mind (by Boston)
Standing Outside the Fire (by Garth Brooks)
Closer to the Heart (Canadian motivation )
Do You Know Where You’re Going to? (from the Mahogany)
There You Are (by Clink Black)
Une Promesse (by Cindy Daniel)
Lean on Me
Dream Never Dies (more Canadian Motivation)
Hold On (by Triumph…the song that helped me in my teen years)
Believe it or Not (from the Greatest American Hero TV show)
Una Cancion (RBD)
Living Out Loud (by Aaron Lines)
The Eye of the Tiger (from Rocky III, I believe)
All Fired Up (Pat Benetar)
Don’t Stop (another one that helped me during those roller coaster teenage years)
The Kid is Hot Tonight (by Loverboy)
If I rummaged through my MP3s, my CDs and my old record collection, I am sure I could find dozens of other motivational songs and possibly even some music that motivates without lyrics. The one listed here are the ones that come to mind first for me. But now, over to you. What songs do you find most motivational?
…added January 20, 2009:
What a Feeling (from the movie Flashdance)
I’m Alive (by ELO)
Hold on Tight (also by ELO)
Walk On (by Rea)
Swing on a Star (was that Bing Crosby)
On Top of the World (by the Carpenters)
I Will Survive (Gloria Gayner’s anthem)
Light in Your Eyes (by Leann Rimes)
We Are the Champions (by Queen)
Winning (by Santana)
Don’t Forget to Dance (by the Kinks)
We Shall Be Free (by Garth Brooks)
Free Will (by Rush)
The Rose (by Bette Midler)
Grab The Bookmarketer For Your Site
January 7th, 2009 at 10:22 am
HOLD ON LOOSELY BY 38 SPECIAL
January 7th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Ooh, I love all the songs you listed! Music is right up there with meditation.
January 7th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Mushy songs alert!
“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
“Hold On” by Wilson Phillips
“One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston
“Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie
January 9th, 2009 at 9:55 am
I Hope You Dance by Martina McBride
January 12th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Lose Yourself -Eminem
Remember the Name -Fort Minor
January 24th, 2009 at 11:53 am
The Future Will Blow Your Mind – Fans of Jimmy Century
Shining Star – Earth, Wind, & Fire
Kiss From a Rose – Seal
Presence of Love – Simon Stinger
January 24th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Beautiful Day – U2
January 24th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
The Theme from The Monkees.. You know.. Hey hey we’re the monkees… it is my happy song.. no matter how bad my mood I sing a verse or two and I feel better.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I actually have made a playlist on my Media Player called “cheer” which includes this kind of songs. I’ve included some titles on my list by better-known artists below. There are also musicians who specialize in this kind of songs. A few who jump to mind are Melissa Phillippe, Daniel Nahmod and Karen Drucker.
All Star Smashmouth
Be Free Loggins & Messina
Don’t Worry, Be Happy Bobby McFerrin
How Can I Keep From Singing Enya
I’ve Got the Music In Me Kiki Dee Band
You Can Call Me Al Paul Simon
Shower the People James Taylor
My Music Loggins & Messina
Our House CSN
Peace of Mind Loggins & Messina
Angelsea Cat Stevens
The World We Love Raffi
Tea for the Tillerman Cat Stevens
February 10th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I am alive – Celine Dion
The song is simply terrific.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:14 am
Yes of course the music that we listen on the start of the day near about play in our heads all day long.But music really a source of motivation and in use for this purpose. But how much it depends upon the lyrics that you use for the song. If they are powerful then they must get their purpose.
August 6th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
When I saw the topic of this article, the first song that came to mind was “We are the Champions”, but I see you already included that in your list . O.K… I just thought of one that I didn’t see on the list: How about “I won’t back down” by Tom Petty!! That gets me motivated. I also like “This Little Heart of Mine” and “You Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newmam (from Toy Story).
January 17th, 2010 at 8:06 am
Nice list there. I’d say my favourite on there is Lean on Me, which I find really uplifting. Another fav of mine would have to be My Friends by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
April 13th, 2010 at 9:14 am
I really liked all the songs which are listed here. I think music can be very effective in producing a very deep and healing state of relaxation and in the process, reduce stress and even promote sleep. Music can also be used to assist one in improving his or her self-esteem and furthering an individual’s personal growth and development, transformation and these songs really help to relax me.
May 4th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Simply the Best, Tina Turner
May 4th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Oh What a Wonderful World……..Louie Armstrong
That is the ultimate feel good song.
May 5th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
All Paramores songs motivate my to play better. It makes that kind of feeling, like I’m a professional and that’s not bad
May 8th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Drive – by Incubus
May 14th, 2010 at 6:08 am
Its very true that motivational music motivates a lot.
Lyricist have power in their word.
I think its better to listen those music by which we can gain something.
Music listed here it seems to be very nice.
Thanks for giving us an informative stuff.
October 4th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
It’s amazing that Lean On Me still holds up today. Bill Withers was an amazing song writer – it’s hard for a song to send a message that’s both profound and simple at the same time.
August 2nd, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Hey Hey Hey by Michael Franti is one of the most empowering songs I’ve ever heard.
‘no matter how life is today, I’ll never let another moment slip away’.
His story is also a good one as he was adopted.
August 25th, 2011 at 4:49 am
Great list – I am not a fan of Trance music, but it is great to work to. If I have a report to write, I will put some on and before I know it the work is done.