10 Most Inspirational Songs of All Time
Songs that have given inspiration to millions
As I was listening to music the other day, I was feeling a little down. Things have been tough lately after my Mom passed away a while back I was searching for inspiration to move forward. Music became my passion.
After hearing certain songs that instantly brought back a memory while listening, I decided to come up with my favorite songs that gave me inspiration.
The great thing about music is that it’s an art form that crosses all borders, cultures, and generations.
No matter who you are or where you come from, you’ve likely found an inspirational song to help get you through the hard times in your life.
Everyone needs an inspirational song at some point in their life, whether you’re working towards your dream job or trying to overcome the fear of putting yourself out there.
Music can powerfully influence our mood and emotions, which is why many people enjoy listening to music that matches their feelings at the time.
However, it’s also true that some songs are just downright inspiring. Meaning they make us feel more motivated and ready to achieve success in our lives, whether it’s as simple as getting through an 8-hour workday or running an ultra marathon.
There are so many inspirational songs out there that it can be hard to pick just 10 of them, but here’s my list of the top 10 most inspirational songs of all time.
Poker Face by Lady Gaga
Perhaps Lady Gaga’s most famous hit to date, Poker Face is an inspirational song that invites us to stop hiding our true selves and start living life on our own terms.
As Gaga sings, It’s just a game… we are here to play it/I wanna roll with you/Let me be your gambling girl/C’mon let me split you, baby I’m hot like that. This song is bold, empowering, and above all it’s inspirational.
Hero by Family of the Year
The obvious choice, Hero is a true tale about an AIDS patient and his caregiver. It was also one of John Lennon’s final recordings before he was murdered by a crazed fan.
The uplifting song has been covered by artists like Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, and Pentatonix. It could be argued that Hero is more inspirational than any other song because it inspires people to make music while they’re alive, instead of waiting until they’re gone.
Best Day Of My Life by American Authors
I’ve had a couple of bad days in my life, but on Saturday I had a really good day. Best Day Of My Life by American Authors.
With lyrics like I’m gonna smile like it’s my birthday when it’s really not and Won’t stop ’til we see the sunlight, it’s hard to listen to Best Day Of My Life without feeling great.
This catchy song is about appreciating everything you have and moving forward. You can easily see why many people consider Best Day Of My Life one of their most inspirational songs.
Even if you don’t have a bad day ahead, you’ll feel as though you do after listening to it — in a good way.
Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran is a fabulous song by this English singer-songwriter. Sheeran, along with Amy Wadge wrote this song and was produced by frequent collaborator Jake Gosling.
It was released as a digital download in August 2014, serving as the third single from his second studio album x (2014). Thinking Out Loud peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent three consecutive weeks behind Sheeran’s previous single Sing.
Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
Although released in 1981, Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing is one of those iconic tunes that continue to inspire. Whether you’re pumped up at a high school football game or energized by other athletic performances, Don’t Stop Believing fires up people around you.
The tune has been covered hundreds (maybe thousands) of times, but there’s no topping original songwriter Steve Perry. You’ll want to turn it up every time you hear it!
I’d have to say this is my favorite.
Gives You Hell by The All-American Rejects
This top 10 list wouldn’t be complete without at least one song about breaking up. The fifth track on 2008’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 1, Gives You Hell is not just an empowering break-up tune, it also features a catchy melody that makes you want to run out and buy a pogo stick.
I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s most recent top hit, I Knew You Were Trouble is one of her best inspirational songs. This song is all about losing a man who is bad for you; it gives a realistic perspective on relationships that just aren’t going to work.
The song’s moral and message come off as somewhat sarcastic, but in a good way; she tells women to dump their boyfriends while they still can, while their heart still belongs to them.
She also shows that there are reasons people shouldn’t be together, such as infidelity and fighting constantly (which also applies to her other hit songs).
It was inspired by Swift’s rumored relationship with Joe Jonas: He was cheating on his then girlfriend Taylor Lautner with Vanessa Hudgens. No list would be complete without a Taylor Swift tune.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
If you want to get pumped up and ready to tackle anything, it’s hard to beat Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s hit Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. The classic soul song is about being so in love that nothing can stand in your way.
It gives you a feeling that anything is possible if you’re willing to put everything on the line for someone or something else. This song reminds us that sometimes you just have to believe.
Roar by Katy Perry
This song is perfect for a sing along with friends and will surely lift your spirits. The lyrics are positive and go along with whatever mood you’re in and it’s about having fun and living life to its fullest.
The tune was also featured in several films, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 2014.
Skip Happy by Pharrell Williams if you want a more uplifting experience; it does have an interesting melody, but there isn’t much substance behind it.
Either way, these songs are great for when you just need a little boost to get through that long day.
Because You Loved Me (Theme from Up) Celine Dion
The 1995 hit single Because You Loved Me is from Celine Dion’s album Falling Into You. This song received 3 Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
It was released as an airplay single in June 1996 in select countries and then released as a CD single at later dates. This song was also used to be associated with 9/11 because it became such a hit back then.
It peaked at number one on Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart on September 14, 1996, making it one of only four singles in history to debut at number one on that chart.
Why Music Gives Us Inspiration
Music has been a source of inspiration to mankind since its advent. But why? Is it because songs can be catchy and make us want to get up and dance or is it something more?
For some, music is relaxing. For others, music is inspirational.
The great thing about music is that we have so many choices in our day-to-day lives. There are thousands of inspirational songs out there for all types of people in different situations such as toddlers who need help calming down from a stressful day at school or young adults who are looking for motivation.
Whatever you might be looking for, I hope these 10 songs will surely give you some inspiration throughout your day.
Final Thoughts
The universe would be a boring place if we all liked and listened to the same things. That’s what makes music so great, because it’s individual to you, your preferences, and your experiences.
These songs are inspirational for me because they helped me through difficult times, or struck a chord with my personality.
They might not be right for you and that’s okay! The important thing is to find something that fits you and fuels your passions.
If you have another selection in mind that inspired you, feel free to share it in the comments. I hope you got some enjoyment from this.
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