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Looking for motivational songs and inspirational song lyrics? You’re in the right place! Here, you’ll find dozens of inspiring songs that can rev up your engines, uplift your mood, and inspire you to take action.

How do they do it? Music is the language of the soul and listening to the right music at the right time can have a huge effect on your mood and emotions. Some have just the right lyrics; for others, it’s the music that gives you that kick, and for yet others, it’s just about everything that’s right with it.

Read on below for excerpts of lyrics from motivational songs. You can simply click on the related links to listen to the songs you like on YouTube, check out their full lyrics, or get the album!

Best Motivational Songs and Inspiring Songs Lyrics

Affirmation – Savage Garden

Inspiring Song Lyrics: I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned / I believe you can’t appreciate real love until you’ve been burned / I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side /I believe you don’t know what you’ve got until you say goodbye

This 90s pop song from the Aussie group Savage Garden is full of positive affirmations that remind you that life is beautiful and that gratitude for what you have can be a powerful force. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album

Danger Zone  – Kenny Loggins

Inspiring Song Lyrics: Highway to the Danger Zone / Ride into the Danger Zone

If you’ve watched the iconic Top Gun movie, then you’re no stranger to this motivational song! The driving beat of this song will get you revved up and the lyrics will remind you that you should push yourself to the edge to become your best self. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album

Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor

Inspiring Song Lyrics: Rising up straight to the top / Had the guts, got the glory / Went the distance, now I’m not going to stop / Just a man and his will to survive

Here’s another classic song from a movie soundtrack – this time, from Rocky. This hit from 1982 remains well-known today and it’s definitely one of the top motivational songs out there. 

The lyrics are all about overcoming hardships and the song itself has an uptempo beat that will boost your motivation sky high! 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album

The Final Countdown – Europe

Inspiring Song Lyrics: It’s the final countdown / The final countdown / The final countdown 

This 80s rock jam will have you bouncing in your chair! The synth intro is full of energy, making this a great song to improve your mood and motivation. While the lyrics here aren’t anything particularly interesting, it’s the melody of the music that works really well here as a motivational song. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album

I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash

Inspiring Song Lyrics: I think I can make it now the pain is gone / All of the bad feelings have disappeared / Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for / It’s gonna be a bright (bright) / Bright (bright) sunshiny day

There’s always light at the end of the tunnel and this inspiring song by Johnny Nash will remind you of this. Filled with hope and positivity, this motivational song will resonate with anyone who’s going through hard times… tough times don’t last and you’ll make it through! 

Listen to this inspiring song and its lyrics when you need some hope and courage in your life.

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

It’s My Life – Bon Jovi

Inspiring Song Lyrics: It’s my life, it’s now or never / I ain’t gonna live forever / I just want to live while I’m alive

This Bon Jovi hit from the 2000s has a chorus thart is just perfect for singing at the top of your lungs while dancing around in your room (…speaking from experience!). There’s something absolutely cathartic about yelling those motivational lyrics loudly and telling the world that “it’s my life”!!!

This song will definitely inspire you to take action and live your life to the fullest. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

Inspiring Song Lyrics: You think I’d crumble? / You think I’d lay down and die? / Oh no, not I, I will survive / Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive / I’ve got all my life to live

A classic is a classic for a reason, right? This timeless song from Gloria Gaynor is a great big FU to everyone who’s ever doubted you. It’s a song that perfectly encapsulates what it feels like to overcome adversity and come out the other side as a stronger person. 

If you’re having a bad day, remember: you will survive!

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Life Goes On – BTS 

Inspiring Song Lyrics (English Translation): Like an echo in the forest / The day will come back around / As if nothing happened / Yeah, life goes on

If it’s comfort and healing that you’re seeking, this mellow tune from Korean mega-group BTS has that in spades. Released in the middle of the pandemic, this song details the challenges of living in this time while giving us the simple hopeful reminder that life indeed does go on. 

Tinged with nostalgia and good vibes, this is an inspiring song that will give you hope for days ahead.

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi

Inspiring Song Lyrics: Ooh, we’ve got to hold on, ready or not / You live for the fight when it’s all that you’ve got

Here’s another Bon Jovi song that has inspiring lyrics. The song tells the story of a working-class couple, Tommy and Gina, who are going through a difficult time. But despite that, they’re holding on and fighting on… together. 

This inspiring song will resonate with anyone who’s come from a tough background or going through challenges to reach their goals and live a better life. Plus, it’s great to sing along to this!

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Lose Yourself – Eminem

Inspiring Song Lyrics: You better lose yourself in the music / The moment, you own it, you better never let it go (Go!) / You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow / This opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo

Hip-hop and rap more up your alley? Then fire up this track from rap god, Eminem. The theme song from his semi-autobiographical movie, 8 Mile, is a hard-hitting reminder to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. 

Considered to be one of Eminem’s best songs, this motivational song has lyrics that highlight how crucial it is to go for your dreams and shoot your shot when the opportunity presents itself. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Man In The Mirror – Michael Jackson

Inspiring Song Lyrics: I’m gonna make a change / For once in my life / It’s gonna feel real good / Gonna make a difference / Gonna make it right

Change begins from you and this classic song from Michael Jackson will remind you of that! This slow jam is chock-full of inspiring lyrics that will spur you on to change your ways and become your best self. 

And it’s by being the best you that you can then make a real difference with others as well! 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Survivor – Destiny’s Child

Inspiring Song Lyrics: Thought that I would self destruct / But I’m still here / Even in my years to come / I’m still gon’ be here

For a stomp-your-feet track that will rev you up, look no further than this anthem from Destiny’s Child. It’s the perfect song to counter any negative situations or people in your life. 

As the title suggests, this motivational song celebrates the survivor in all of us who’s managed to deal with tough times and come out better on the side. This song should definitely be in your inspiring songs playlist!

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

motivational songs

We Will Rock You – Queen

Inspiring Song Lyrics: We will, we will rock you / We will, we will rock you

You’d have to be living under a rock to not know this rock anthem by Queen. While this motivational song is a bit light on the lyrics, it definitely makes up for it melodically. 

Stomping feet, handclaps, a thumping chorus – this song is full of energy and hype. It’s guaranteed to lift your mood and motivate you to do your best. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

We Are The Champions – Queen

Inspiring Song Lyrics: I’ve had my share of sand / Kicked in my face / But I’ve come through / And we mean to go on and on and on and on

Did you know that Queen released this song together with “We Will Rock You” and that they are companion pieces? So, of course, we have to have them both on this list of motivational songs! 

This power ballad is all about hard-earned victory after going through hardships and it’s often used in sporting events to celebrate a win. But you don’t have to wait for victory to play this song; it also works great as an inspiring song when you’re down in the trenches to remind you that you can do it!

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban

Inspiring Song Lyrics: You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains / You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas / I am strong, when I am on your shoulders / You raise me up to more than I can be

This inspiring song is actually by Secret Garden and Brian Kennedy but this cover version by Josh Groban is what made it blow up all around the world. 

This ballad, together with Groban’s soaring vocals, is a tribute to the people around us who help and support when we need it. Too often, we think that we can survive hard times by ourselves… but really this song is a reminder that it’s not weak to seek help. Instead, getting help can actually lift us up even higher!

Whether it’s emotional support or actual physical assistance or anything else, don’t forget that there are people who care for you and are willing to help you. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Live Like You Were Dying – Tim McGraw

Inspiring Song Lyrics: I went sky divin’ / I went Rocky Mountain climbin’ / I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu / And I loved deeper / And I spoke sweeter / And I gave forgiveness I’ve been denying / And he said someday I hope you get the chance / To live like you were dyin’

Country music centers heavily on storytelling and this popular motivational song by Tim McGraw is a great example of it. 

What if you found out you had a serious illness and had a short time left to leave? The song explores this concept and encourages you to live life to the fullest and be a better person. 

Don’t wait until something tragic happens… this inspiring song lyrics is a reminder that life is short and you should do what you want with your life. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson

Inspiring Song Lyrics: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stronger / Just me, myself and I / What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger / Stand a little taller / Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone

For a dose of empowerment, hit play on one of Kelly Clarkson’s biggest hits. This upbeat pop song is about recovering from heartbreak but the sentiment is equally applicable to recovering from any hard times in life. 

This inspiring song is a reminder that you have survived all the bad days in your life thus far… and as the lyrics goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Skyscraper – Demi Lovato

Inspiring Song Lyrics: Go on and try to tear me down / I will be rising from the ground / Like a skyscraper / Like a skyscraper

Drawing on her own life experience, this motivational song by Demi Lovato is about her experience with self-harm and eating disorders and how she fought the pain and struggles during that time. 

This track has inspired many who are struggling with their issues, reminding that they are strong and not to let others tear them down. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

Inspiring Song Lyrics: Don’t stop believin’ / Hold on to that feelin’ / Streetlight, people / Don’t stop, believin’ / Hold on / Streetlights, people

Here’s another classic song for any playlist of top motivational songs. This rock anthem by Journey will have you bopping in your chair, in the best mood ever. That opening keyboard riff is enough to turn a bad day into a good one!

This song will inspire you to keep reaching for your dreams, that you’ll get there if you stay the course. This upbeat jam is a great song to listen to when you’re feeling low and need an extra dose of motivation. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield 

Inspiring Song Lyrics: Drench yourself in words unspoken / Live your life with arms wide open / Today is where your book begins / The rest is still unwritten

Life is a journey and we’re all a work-in-progress. This mellow pop tune by Natasha Bedingfield features this idea, saying that the rest of our life is still ‘unwritten’. 

Lyrically, this song covers lots of awesome ideas that we should all embrace: that we should all keep dreaming, that it’s never too late to be the person you want to be, that we all have the power inside us to make change and live the life we want. 

Are you ready to write the rest of your life?

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Titanium – David Guetta feat. Sia

Inspiring Song Lyrics: I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose / Fire away, fire away / Ricochet, you take your aim / Fire away, fire away

For something you can both sing and dance to, check out this motivational song by David Guetta and Sia that addresses criticisms and people who put us down. 

The lyrics of this song are a reminder to be strong and bulletproof, like titanium, so that we become immune to what others say or think about us. With soaring vocals from Sia that will lift your spirits, this inspiring song will encourage you to be strong in the face of adversity.

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

It’s a Great Day to Be Alive – Travis Tritt

Inspiring Song Lyrics: And it’s a great day to be alive / I know the sun’s still shining/ When I close my eyes / There’s some hard times in the neighborhood / But why can’t every day be just this good

Need a reminder to appreciate the little things in life? This country tune by Travis Tritt will do the trick. 

Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to do the most that we forget the beauty in the small things. This motivational song is a great reminder to take a moment to breathe, appreciate how far we’ve come, and be grateful for the happiness we can find in small things. 

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

This is Me – The Greatest Showman OST

Inspiring Song Lyrics: When the sharpest words wanna cut me down / I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out / I am brave, I am bruised / I am who I’m meant to be, this is me

This rousing anthem about self-acceptance is a must-have for any playlist of inspiring songs! Taken from the soundtrack of The Greatest Showman, this song is full of awesome lyrics that will move you. 

If you’ve ever felt like an underdog, this track is for you

Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album 

Do Your Thing – *NSYNC

Inspiring Song Lyrics: There ain’t no excuse for losing your feet/ / Drowning in your defeat, on this road of life (Do your thing) / There ain’t no excuse for comin’ up short / The ball is in your court so reach up and touch the sky

Inspiring songs can be found everywhere, even in the music from boybands! This mid-tempo track from *NSYNC may not be as well-known as their other tracks but its lyrics make it worthy for a spot on a playlist of motivational songs. 

This song encourages us to do our thing and not let ourselves or others get in the way of our goals and dreams. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy and this catchy inspiring song reminds us that we have the power to reach our dreams. Just believe in yourself!


Click Here: YouTube | Lyrics | Get the Album

top motivational songs

More Inspiring and Motivational Songs to Lift You Up

(Lyrics NOT included for some of these)

Want more? Check out our list of top motivational songs in Spanish!

Create Your Own Inspirational Posters, Cards, Etc

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Check out these shops on Zazzle that can customize a print, just for you!

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