Life has its way of challenging us. Sometimes all we need is a little inspiration and that’s what music is all about. We have compiled a list of songs that will help you get through those blue moments, here are 20 songs about standing up for yourself!
So, whether you need a quick pick-me-up, a strong cup of musical motivation, or you’re just in the mood to belt out some empowering lyrics, we’ve got you covered. Let these anthems become your soundtrack for resilience, inspiring you to face life’s challenges head-on, one beat at a time.
Contents
- 1. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
- 2. “Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley and The Wailers
- 3. “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty
- 4. “Liquid Fire” by Gojira
- 5. “Never Again” by Kelly Clarkson
- 6. “Rise” by Selena Gomez
- 7. “Brave” by Sara Bareilles
- 8. “Last One Standing” by Cheryl
- 9. “Stand!” by Sly & The Family Stone
- 10. “Stronger Than You” by Steven Universe ft. Estelle
- 11. “Scream” by Michael Jackson feat. Janet Jackson
- 12. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
- 13. “Quasimodo” by Lifehouse
- 14. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
- 15. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
- 16. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
- 17. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar
- 18. “Your Game” by Will Young
- 19. “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw
- 20. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
- Final Thoughts
1. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
If we’re talking about anthems of audacity, this song is the top contender. Specially brewed for The Karate Kid, it found its true home as the musical mascot for Rocky III. With its punchy rhythm and determined lyrics, this song is all about keeping your eye on the prize, much like the tenacious tiger.
2. “Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley and The Wailers
The casual coolness of this tune belies its powerful message about standing tall and resilient in life. Crafted by the iconic Bob Marley and The Wailers, this jam not only encourages doing good but also advocates standing your ground and asserting your rights.
3. “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty
This is one of the simplest songs about standing up for yourself. The casual coolness of this tune belies its powerful message about standing tall and resilient in life. Crafted by the iconic Bob Marley and The Wailers, this jam not only encourages doing good but also advocates standing your ground and asserting your rights.
4. “Liquid Fire” by Gojira
Gojira is famed for weaving environmental themes into their high-octane rock-metal tracks. “Liquid Fire” stands out as a fiery anthem of individuality. It speaks to those who find themselves standing alone, encouraging them to follow their hearts and embrace their true selves.
5. “Never Again” by Kelly Clarkson
Just got out of a rough relationship? Kelly Clarkson’s got your back! “Never Again” is a hit post-breakup song that radiates a sense of bitterness, yet it’s a tune of triumph. Its message revolves around standing up for yourself, embracing independence, and guarding your heart wisely.
6. “Rise” by Selena Gomez
This song by Selena speaks about motivation on starting something even when you know that there will be people who will judge you or bring you down. It compares everyone to the air that can always rise no matter what and it’s the only thing that gravity could not pull.
7. “Brave” by Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles isn’t shy about creating anthems that get your heart racing and your spirits soaring, and “Brave” is a testament to that. Released in April 2013, the song quickly climbed the charts and continues to resonate with listeners. The message is simple yet profound: be brave enough to speak your truth and live authentically.
8. “Last One Standing” by Cheryl
This power-packed tune is all about empowering women to keep standing strong, no matter what the world throws at them. It’s a heartfelt call to be who you want to be and hold your ground, even when the going gets tough. Because as the song says, the last one standing is the one who never gives up.
9. “Stand!” by Sly & The Family Stone
This track is an ode to unity and partnership, reminding us that we’re stronger together. In relationships, it urges us to stand together against adversity, because “all we need is each other”.
10. “Stronger Than You” by Steven Universe ft. Estelle
This song speaks about people in a relationship and working together as partners to strengthen the bond. It tells you to face the world together against all adversaries because all we need is each other. Everything becomes better and “Stronger Than You”.
11. “Scream” by Michael Jackson feat. Janet Jackson
The legendary Jackson siblings take a stand with “Scream”, a track that lays bare the pressures of life and how they can make us want to let out a primal scream. With iconic vocals and legendary dance moves, this track doesn’t just speak about resilience, it screams it.
12. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera’s album is chock-full of empowering anthems, but “Fighter” really takes the cake. The track dives deep into the journey of healing from a toxic relationship, transforming pain and disappointment into the fuel to become a fighter. It’s a power-packed anthem for anyone who’s ever had to pick themselves up and fight back.
13. “Quasimodo” by Lifehouse
This tune draws inspiration from the character Quasimodo, a figure known for his strength and kindness despite a life marked by loneliness and rejection. The song is a beautiful reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we have the capacity to remain kind-hearted.
14. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” is all about redemption and resilience. It’s an anthem for anyone who has faced adversity and refuses to back down. The track reminds us that it’s possible to rise from the ashes and fight back, no matter the odds.
15. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
Gloria Gaynor’s iconic anthem needs no introduction. It’s a testament to the power of survival, resilience, and independence. The song sends a powerful message: we are stronger than our setbacks, and we will rise above. It’s time to get back up, dust yourself off, and survive with Gloria Gaynor
16. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child is a powerhouse of empowerment. It’s a statement of survival, of determination, and of staying focused on the end game. With their signature harmonies and fierce lyrics, Destiny’s Child reminds us that we’re capable of conquering any challenge life throws our way.
17. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar’s kick-ass anthem is all about rolling with life’s punches and developing resilience. This 80s classic serves as a reminder that we need to embrace life’s ups and downs to build inner strength and determination.
18. “Your Game” by Will Young
Ever felt played or taken for a ride? Will Young’s “Your Game” is an anthem for anyone who’s ready to see through the games and stand up for themselves. It’s a cool, soulful nudge to say, “Enough is enough. It’s time to reclaim my power”.
19. “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw
Gavin DeGraw’s soulful rock song, “I Don’t Wanna Be”, is a pledge of individuality and self-acceptance. It’s an anthem to anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to conform or live up to other’s expectations. DeGraw reminds us to stand up, be true to ourselves, and celebrate our uniqueness.
20. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
And who better to wrap up our empowering playlist than Kelly Clarkson with her hit, “Stronger”? This pop power anthem is a potent reminder that whatever doesn’t break us only makes us stronger. It’s a perfect sequel to her song “Never Again”, further affirming her stance as the queen of uplifting, empowering anthems.
Final Thoughts
Life will never be too easy but as long as we have the will to stand up, pull ourselves together and fight back, nothing will be impossible. These 20 songs about standing up for yourself have different genres but have the same motivational thought for people who have been through tough times in their lives.
