We’re all familiar with the classic underdog story where the odds are against us, but we refuse to give up and strive to come out on top. At some point in our lives, we may find ourselves in the position of the underdog, feeling like the world is working against us and wanting to demonstrate our resilience and perseverance.
If you’re in need of some inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of great songs that truly capture the essence of the underdog spirit. These songs will motivate you to push past your limitations and overcome any obstacle in your way.
Contents
- 1. “Common People” by Pulp
- 2. “The Underdog” by Spoon
- 3. “Started from the Bottom” by Drake
- 4. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister
- 5. “We are the Champions” by Queen
- 6. “Jukebox Hero” by Foreigner
- 7. “Kick in the Teeth” by Papa Roach
- 8. “The Last Great American Dynasty” by Taylor Swift
- 9. “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters
- 10. “Q.U.E.E.N.” by Janelle Monáe featuring Erykah Badu
- 11. “Uprising” by Muse
- 12. “Southpaw” by Kip Moore
- 13. “Today” by Smashing Pumpkins
- 14. “Heroes” by David Bowie
- 15. “Time to Run” by Lord Huron
- 16. “The Outside” by Taylor Swift
- 17. “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” by Pet Shop Boys
- 18. “Back in the High Life Again” by Steve Winwood
- 19. “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus
- 20. “So Am I” by Ava Max
- Summary
1. “Common People” by Pulp
This song was released in 1995 and is still as relevant today as it was then. “Common People” shows the struggles of the working class as underdogs against the rich who want to live ordinary lives and idolize the working-class aesthetic while the common people work and starve and can’t pay rent. This is a great one to remind yourself that you’re not alone in the struggle of the working class against the rich.
2. “The Underdog” by Spoon
This song is and will always be a classic. Through its catchy beat, it does a brilliant job of showcasing why you should never underestimate the underdog. It shows about the times in life wherein it could be messy and it seems impossible to overcome the challenges.
However, it also portrays that you can and will make it through those difficult times. By having this attitude, people will definitely fear you for your determination!
3. “Started from the Bottom” by Drake
A very well-known song by Drake that became an anthem for so many underdogs working hard to make something for themselves, of themselves, especially in the face of adversity. The song was explained so well in its title and the way it ended with the line, “Started from the bottom now we here”.
Starting from nothing, whether it’s in terms of finances, a project, or a career, is such an uphill battle that everyone fights tooth and nail to climb. No matter how long it takes you, these milestones of yours are definitely worth celebrating.
4. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister
A song that is still so fitting after almost 40 years. It’s a rock ballad for the ages to sing and yell along to.
This song embodies someone who is being pushed around for too long. Someone who finally learned how to fight back and came after those who looked down on him/her.
5. “We are the Champions” by Queen
This iconic song by Queen is just what everyone needs to hear after they’ve had their triumph. After overcoming all those trials, this song definitely has your back to help you celebrate your success and make you feel like you are truly on top of the world. The song that will make you feel as though nothing can stop your winning streak.
6. “Jukebox Hero” by Foreigner
This song describes that classic underdog struggle we all relate to. That feeling of knowing you just have to do something, have to start something, and just continue working at something until you’re the best that you can be. It’s about having that inspiration and finally learning how to play the guitar with the hopes of playing it on stage.
A dream that you wouldn’t stop pursuing not until you’ve finally done it. Playing guitar might not be your thing, but this song just simply talks about doing the things that make your heart happy.
7. “Kick in the Teeth” by Papa Roach
One of those songs you just need to scream to at the end of a long day where everything that could have gone wrong really happened. It’s a song where you can just yell about how the world won’t break you.
It lets you remind yourself that no matter how many times you have failed, you will still recognize your progress and use it as an inspiration to go even farther. It’s a song that will remind you that nothing and no one can break this underdog.
8. “The Last Great American Dynasty” by Taylor Swift
Another song for those who are told they live life too much, too wildly, too extravagantly and they don’t deserve the things they have.
Set to a chill melody that will resonate with you, Taylor Swift did an excellent job of conveying a nostalgia for things you no longer have that you enjoyed to the fullest, despite what others said about you. Live wildly and do whatever it is that makes you happy no matter what other people say.
9. “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters
A song for the ages that captures the feeling of an underdog who finally learned how to embrace themselves and be proud of who they really are.
This song talks about those times when you’re sick of trying to fit the mold and be what everyone expects of you. This is the song you need to motivate you to stop pretending to be someone you aren’t just to please others!
10. “Q.U.E.E.N.” by Janelle Monáe featuring Erykah Badu
This is a smooth, jazzy song about breaking all the rules set around you. People are going to place arbitrary rules and social norms around you for you to live by.
Rules that ask you to listen to these people no matter how imperfectly acceptable these norms are. This track will definitely remind you to love yourself and do what makes you happy.
11. “Uprising” by Muse
Another song that you can jam with about breaking free from being just a cog in the machine. A song that will remind you to not allow yourself to be controlled in doing things you don’t like just to fit in. A truly unique song with very powerful lyrics.
12. “Southpaw” by Kip Moore
This is for all the underdogs who are dreamers. Individuals who are not content with their life and acknowledge the fact that they are meant for something different from the life that they have. This is for those who continue to yearn for the kind of life that seems unattainable.
13. “Today” by Smashing Pumpkins
Another song for those who just want to be themselves and savor what they have. It’s a slow, chill song that reminds you to appreciate life while you still have it. Life can be tough, but don’t forget to cherish all those good times before it’s too late.
14. “Heroes” by David Bowie
A song for those who aspire for more even just for a day. Everyone wants to be the hero of their own story and just to be in charge of everything. ‘Heroes’ is a song that brings a message of hope that things will eventually get better.
15. “Time to Run” by Lord Huron
‘Time to Run’ is a song with a nostalgic feel about an underdog doing his best to survive in a chaotic world. It’s a song for those who are trying so hard to live in a tough world that keeps attempting to tear them down.
16. “The Outside” by Taylor Swift
The singer of the song herself, Taylor Swift, was an underdog throughout a large part of her career. This is probably one of the reasons why she has written several songs for the underdogs. This song in particular is for those who are working hard no matter how many opportunities pass them by.
17. “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” by Pet Shop Boys
A song that shows the real opportunities laid out for underdogs. A bop of a song that will surely get stuck in your head and at the same time encourage you to discover your talents and use them to achieve the most out of your life.
18. “Back in the High Life Again” by Steve Winwood
Surely one of the songs that will make you have a positive outlook in the future no matter how many times you have fallen.
It just does not simply talk about having that hope in the future but the song that will make you realize that everything will eventually turn out for the best. A song that will surely give you peace of mind no matter how hard life could be in the present.
19. “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus
An empowering song for the underdogs written by the popular artist Miley Cyrus who experienced how it is to be an underdog because of the hard battles in life that she faced. This song reminds the underdogs to do things that they want without having the fear of repercussions; to continue doing these things without listening to the world that tries to break them.
20. “So Am I” by Ava Max
This song reminds all the underdogs that it’s okay to be different even though they may feel that they do not fit in. It’s important to acknowledge the fact that there are more people struggling with you and you are and will never be alone in this battle.
Summary
Underdogs have gone by so many names but the feelings shared are still the same and have resonated throughout the decades. Even the most famous artists and musicians have also felt how it is to be an underdog.
These songs are reminders that there are people who celebrate life with you no matter how good or bad it is. Always remember that you are not alone in your fights and struggles.
