20 Songs About Progress

Songs about progress are an important part of the music landscape, as they often speak to the changes and challenges we face in our lives. Whether it’s personal growth, societal evolution, or the simple passage of time, these songs capture the sense of movement and evolution that is a fundamental part of being human. 

From upbeat anthems of self-improvement to more introspective ballads about the changing world around us, the following songs all explore the theme of progress in their own unique ways.

1. “Everybody’s Changing” by Keane

Keane – Everybody’s Changing (Alternate Version)

This hit song from British band Keane speaks to the sense of constant change that many of us experience as we grow and evolve.

Whether it’s personal growth or social change, “Everybody’s Changing” speaks to the universal human desire for transformation.

2. “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On

Released in 1971, this classic soul ballad by Marvin Gaye explores the theme of progress and change through the lens of social and political upheaval.

Gaye sings about the need for change and progress in the face of injustice and inequality. In a time of great unrest, “What’s Going On?” stands as a poignant call for progress and a better world.

3. “A Change Would Do You Good” by Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow – A Change Would Do You Good (Official Music Video)

This upbeat rock song from Sheryl Crow speaks to the idea of personal growth and self-improvement.

Whether it’s a change of attitude or a change in circumstance, “A Change Would Do You Good” encourages listeners to embrace progress and growth.

4. “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Man In The Mirror (Official Video)

This iconic ballad from Michael Jackson speaks to the theme of personal growth and self-improvement.

Jackson encourages listeners to take a look at themselves and make the changes necessary to be the best version of themselves.

5. “I Can” by Nas

Nas – I Can (Official HD Video)

This upbeat rap track from Nas speaks to the idea of personal progress and the power of self-belief. Whether it’s personal growth or the desire to make a difference in the world, “I Can” is a powerful anthem of progress.

6. “11:59” by Michael Franti & Spearhead ft. Sonna Rele

Michael Franti & Spearhead – 11:59 ft. Sonna Rele

This upbeat reggae-infused song from Michael Franti & Spearhead speaks to the idea of making the most of the present moment. “11:59” is a powerful call to action.

7. “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley

Bob Marley – redemption song

This classic reggae ballad from Bob Marley speaks to the idea of progress and change through the lens of historyand the struggle for justice.

Marley encourages listeners to take control of their own lives and work towards progress and change.

8. “Everything Has Changed” by Taylor Swift ft. Ed Sheeran

Taylor Swift – Everything Has Changed ft. Ed Sheeran

This upbeat pop song from Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran speaks to the idea of change and the passage of time when you’re in love. The song captures the sense of movement and evolution that is a fundamental part of life..

9. “Change” by Blind Melon

Blind Melon – Change

This upbeat rock song from Blind Melon speaks to the idea of progress and the desire for change. With lyrics like “I want to see the change, I want to be the change,” the song encourages listeners to take action and work towards a better future.

Whether it’s personal growth or a desire for social change, “Change” is a powerful anthem for progress.

10. “Tonight, Tonight” by Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins – Tonight, Tonight (Official Music Video)

This upbeat rock song from Smashing Pumpkins speaks to the idea of making the most of the present moment and embracing change.

The song captures the sense of excitement and possibility that comes with progress and change. You can stream this track on all music platforms.

11. “Changes” by 2Pac

2Pac – Changes ft. Talent

This iconic rap track from 2Pac speaks to the theme of progress and change through the lens of social and political unrest.

2Pac sings about the need for progress and change in the face of injustice and inequality. In a time of great unrest, “Changes” stands as a poignant call for progress and a better world.

12. “100 Years” by Five for Fighting

Five for Fighting – 100 Years: Music Video

This introspective ballad from Five for Fighting speaks to the idea of the passage of time and the importance of making the most of every moment. It captures the sense of movement and evolution that is a fundamental part of life. 

13. “Grow as We Go” by Ben Platt

Ben Platt – Grow As We Go [Official Video]

This upbeat pop song from Ben Platt speaks to the idea of personal growth and the importance of self-improvement. Platt encourages listeners to embrace the journey of progress and self-discovery.

Whether it’s personal growth or the desire to make a difference in the world, “Grow as We Go” is a powerful anthem for progress and self-empowerment.

14. “The Times They Are-a-Changin'” by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’ (Official Audio)

Bob Dylan speaks to the theme of progress and change through the lens of social and political upheaval.

He sings about the need for progress and change in the face of injustice and inequality. This can be streamed on all music platforms.

15. “One Man Can Change the World” by Big Sean

Big Sean – One Man Can Change The World ft. Kanye West, John Legend (Official Music Video)

This rap track from Big Sean speaks to the idea of personal progress and the power of individual action.

Big Sean encourages listeners to take control of their own lives and work towards their goals. It was released in 2015 and can be streamed on all music platforms.

16. “The Scientist” by Coldplay

Coldplay – The Scientist (Official 4K Video)

“The Scientist” is a song by British rock band Coldplay, from their 2002 album A Rush of Blood to the Head. It was written by all four members of the band and was released as the second single from the album.

The song is a piano-driven ballad with lyrics telling the story of a man’s desire to love and trying to understand himself and the world around him.

17. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day

Green Day – Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) [Official Music Video]

“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” is a song by the American punk rock band Green Day. It was released as the second single from their fifth studio album Nimrod in 1997.

The song is a sentimental acoustic ballad with a melancholic tone, and is one of the group’s most popular and beloved songs. The song is about saying goodbye to the past and embracing a bright future. 

18. “Better Days” by Goo Goo Dolls

Goo Goo Dolls – Better Days [Official Music Video]

Better Days by Goo Goo Dolls is a powerful and inspirational song that offers hope and encouragement in the face of adversity. It is a reminder to stay focused and never give up, no matter how difficult life can get.

It’s an encouraging reminder that no matter how tough life can get, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

19. “Imagine” by John Lennon

John Lennon – Imagine (Lyrics)🎶

This iconic ballad from John Lennon speaks to the theme of progress and change through the lens of world peace and unity. Lennon encourages listeners to envision a better world and work towards progress and change.

Whether it’s personal growth or a desire for global unity, “Imagine” is a powerful anthem for progress and a better future.

20. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac – Landslide (Official Music Video) [HD]

This introspective ballad from Fleetwood Mac speaks to the theme of progress and change through the lens of love and relationships. The song captures the sense of movement and evolution that is a fundamental part of relationships.

Whether it’s personal growth or the changing nature of love, “Landslide” speaks to the universal human experience of progress.

Conclusion

Songs about progress are an important part of the music landscape, as they speak to the changes and challenges we face in our lives. From upbeat anthems of self-improvement to more introspective ballads about the changing world around us, these songs capture the sense of movement and evolution that is a fundamental part of being human.

Whether it’s personal growth, societal evolution, or the simple passage of time, these songs all explore the theme of progress in their own unique ways.