Surviving and overcoming life’s toughest moments has been a common theme for many songwriters. These songs about surviving show that there are ways to keep on going and make it through hardships.
Whether you’re dealing with heartache, financial struggles, or difficult relationships, there are plenty of songs about survival to inspire you. Here are twenty examples of songs that capture the strength and resilience needed to make it through any obstacle.
Contents
- 1. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
- 2. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
- 3. “Warrior” by Demi Lavato
- 4. “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi
- 5. “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood
- 6. “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia
- 7. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine
- 8. “Heroes” by David Bowie
- 9. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
- 10. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
- 11. “Break My Stride” by Mathew Wilder
- 12. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
- 13. “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti
- 14. “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot
- 15. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
- 16. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
- 17. “Win” by Brian McKnight
- 18. “Confident” by Demi Lovato
- 19. “If You’re Going Through Hell” by Rodney Atkins
- 20. “Numb” by Linkin Park
- Final Thoughts
1. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
This song is about moving on from a past relationship and realizing that you don’t need that person in your life. It’s about being strong enough to stand on your own. It will make a great addition to any playlist for overcoming tough times.
2. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
A popular sport anthem, this song is about never giving up and pushing through any obstacle. It’s powerful lyrics provide the motivation to keep going even when things seem impossible. It’s still a classic after all these years.
3. “Warrior” by Demi Lavato
Demi Lovato is open about her own struggles with addiction and this song is about her journey to overcome them. It’s a powerful message of resilience, self-love, and acceptance — all essential for getting through tough times.
4. “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi
This next track is a classic rock anthem about taking control of your life and owning it. It’s about being confident enough to take risks and make your own decisions, no matter what other people may say. This track is one of their biggest hits and will surely be uplifting in times of need.
5. “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood
Surrendering to faith and asking God for help is sometimes all that one needs to push through tough times. In this song, Carrie Underwood expresses her trust in a higher power and asks Him to take the wheel of her life. It’s an inspiring message of hope for anyone in need of it.
6. “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia
This EDM classic is about feeling like you can’t be hurt or broken by anyone else. It has been featured in many films, including Pitch Perfect. It’s a powerful reminder that we are all strong enough to make it through our struggles.
Sia’s soaring vocals give the track an unbeatable power that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on whatever comes your way.
7. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine
‘Dog Days Are Over’ is an uplifting anthem about coming out of a dark period and feeling the joy of life. The music video for this track is quite unique and the combination of the upbeat music and visuals make this song perfect for celebrating your hard-fought battle against life’s obstacles.
8. “Heroes” by David Bowie
David Bowie is an iconic artist whose career spanned decades, and yet “Heroes” is still one of his most popular and enduring hits.
The song speaks to the power of survival in the face of hardship, with Bowie declaring that anyone can be a hero if they just keep fighting. It’s a powerful reminder that we all have the strength to overcome adversity and rise to the challenge.
9. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera’s “Fighter” is an anthem of resilience and determination. Released in 2003, the song talks about the power of perseverance in the face of hardship and difficulty.
Aguilera’s strong vocal delivery gives her empowering lyrics even more gravitas, making it an incredibly uplifting song to listen to when you need a pick-me-up.
10. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
Next on the list is Bruce Springsteen’s classic “Born to Run.” This song speaks of the need for freedom and escape from a world of troubles and worries.
Springsteen urges his listeners to break out of their cages and embrace life, no matter what hardships they may face along the way.
11. “Break My Stride” by Mathew Wilder
“Break My Stride” by Mathew Wilder is an upbeat tune that celebrates the power of resilience and bouncing back. It’s a feel-good track that encourages listeners to pick themselves up after a fall and keep going.
The message is clear – don’t let the struggles of life weigh you down, but instead use them as an opportunity to become stronger.
12. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
One of their most iconic tracks, Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” is an anthem for anyone on the brink of giving up.
It encourages us to keep striving no matter how hard life gets and to never lose faith in ourselves and our goals. The timeless power ballad speaks to a universal truth that hope is always within reach, if we just hold on to it.
13. “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti
“Gonna Fly Now” is the theme song for the classic film Rocky, and it’s become a go-to motivational track for those overcoming obstacles.
Its triumphant instrumental section sets an uplifting tone and its empowering lyrics give us courage to keep pushing through any challenge that comes our way.
14. “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot
From their Learning to Breathe album, this inspirational rock song calls for us to take a risk and break away from our comfort zones. It encourages us to keep believing that the future can be better than the present, no matter what difficulties we may have faced in the past.
15. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
“Stronger” is a heartening pop anthem that celebrates resilience and strength. It speaks to the idea that even in our darkest moments, we can find the courage to stand tall and make it through.
With its thunderous chorus, this song will remind you that you have the power to overcome anything life throws at you.
16. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
This next track is a powerful country-pop ballad about overcoming the odds and pushing through life’s challenges. It speaks to the idea that, no matter how tough it gets, our journey will have been worth it in the end.
17. “Win” by Brian McKnight
Next, we have R&B singer Brian McKnight’s “Win.” This song is all about empowering the listener to keep going, no matter what they face in life. The lyrics tell a story of perseverance and strength, and one that will inspire anyone who’s struggling to keep going.
18. “Confident” by Demi Lovato
Another track about overcoming hardships is “Confident” by Demi Lovato. Singing about embracing life’s challenges and learning to be “confident,” Lovato encourages listeners that despite the odds stacked against them, she reassures her audience that anything is possible if they believe in themselves.
19. “If You’re Going Through Hell” by Rodney Atkins
Country singer Rodney Atkins’s “If You’re Going Through Hell” is a classic anthem of survival. The song, released in 2006, speaks to anyone who is struggling and provides encouragement that they can make it through whatever challenges they are facing.
20. “Numb” by Linkin Park
Wrapping up our list is Linkin Park’s “Numb.” This hit from 2003 addresses the feeling of becoming overwhelm with one’s emotions, and the need to remain strong in order to keep going. The track encourages listeners to keep moving forward no matter how hard life can be.
Final Thoughts
No matter what life throws at you, there’s a song that can speak to your experience. These 20 tracks about surviving are sure to provide the inspiration and motivation you need to keep going. So turn up the volume, feel empowered, and never give up!
