Looking for a pump-up song to prepare you for your next game? Or need a song to motivate you for whatever it is you’re about to do? Good news, there’s plenty of great choices, all of which are clean.
Here are the best clean pump-up songs of all time.
1. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
Song Year: 1982
One of the best clean pump-up songs comes out of the 1980s, and even served as the iconic sound for one of the best workout scenes of all time in Rocky III. The repetitive guitar riff sets the tone and maintains a fast tempo to deliver the upbeat energy you crave.
The instrumentals make it perfect for a walk-up song, especially with the lyrics urging you to survive and push through tough times. It’s so recognizable that any clip of this song is sure to please the audience.
2. “We Are the Champions” by Queen
Song Year: 1977
What better way to pump yourself up than with a Queen song like “We Are the Champions.” Despite a slightly slower pace in some verses, the chorus delivers a perfect walk-up song for nearly any occasion.
The title says it all, but the classic Queen tune is one of those epic songs that covers the pain and exhaustion of leaving it all on the battlefield, whatever your competition looks like.
3. “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran
Song Year: 1982
Another option for a fantastic clean pump-up song comes from Duran Duran. Their hit has a good tempo, perfect for stepping up to any competition.
It’s not too fast or slow, so the player can walk to the beat. Plus, the song is a crowd-pleaser, that can leave some waxing nostalgic while delivering a message about being hungry for a victory..
4. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Song Year: 1981
Journey delivers another classic 80s song that offers a bit of encouragement when you need it most. While the tune starts slowly, the repeating piano chords keep it moving and drive it toward the energetic bits.
The drum hits in the chorus help pump you up for whatever’s ahead. It’s nearly impossible not to sing along to this staple hit, and nearly any snippet is recognizable.
Of course, it’s a good choice because we can always use a reminder to believe in ourselves.
5. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
Song Year: 2001
Another great pump-up song talks about surviving, and this tough-gal jam reminds all the ladies that it’s important not to give up. Destiny’s Child’s vocals sound amazing, adding more energy to the song despite the slow and steady instrumentals.
This tune might be one to slide in when your team is facing a bit of a slump or a walk-up for an underdog player or team. The lyrics talk about working hard and not giving up.
6. “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce
Song Year: 2011
Not many musicians get us pumped like Beyonce, and she took to inspiring and encouraging women after leaving Destiny’s Child. This song marks another excellent option for powerful women who need some motivation or a good walk-up song for their next event.
The instrumentals are rhythmic and help set the tone for the song. Some of the lyrics might be a bit borderline in terms of meaning, but there are no bad words, making it an option to pump up the vibes for any event.
7. “We Can Work It Out” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1965
While it’s not as high-energy as some, this song is great for a pump-up or walk-up. It’s especially suitable in the middle of a game when the team is behind on points. You can work through it and come out on top.
The tempo is sure and steady, making it an excellent speed for walk-ups or transitions in game play. Since it’s The Beatles, this song is perfect for all ages.
8. “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton
Song Year: 2012
A newer clean pump-up song, this tune combines drums with piano to set up a good instrumental that supports the rap vocals. A little low brass drives up the energy toward the middle, making it an excellent clip for walk-ups.
While the main version of the song has a few naughty words, there’s a clean version that doesn’t lose any of the song’s potency. Of course, the main lyrics talk about how nothing can hold you back from what you want.
9. “Power” by Little Mix ft. Stormzy
Song Year: 2017
This song starts with guitar and drums before the vocals come in, giving a slightly different style than some of the others on the list. Little Mix isn’t afraid to belt and use their full vocal ranges in the song, and it’s all about empowerment.
Stormzy’s rap reinforces the song’s overall message, making it a good choice for people who need some more motivation.
The entire track is good for a walk-up or to pump you up, and it’s easy to trim the track down for a shorter clip if necessary.
10. “4 Minutes” by Madonna ft. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland
Song Year: 2008
In this upbeat dance tune, the lyrics talk about how there are only four minutes left to save the world. The whole song lasts about that long, so you can play the entire thing or a portion for a shorter walk-up.
Madonna and Justin Timberlake sing very well together, while Timbaland’s rap at the beginning sets the tone for everything else. The brass section has a nice, repetitive rhythm, making it easy to walk to, and you might see the fans chime in for a sing along.
11. “Focus” by Ariana Grande
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD1SOSNDTNs
Song Year: 2016
The instrumentals are simple and repeat throughout this song, but there’s a nice build-up to the chorus for a shorter walk-up. In it, Grande sings about how she wants all of the attention on her. Whether you need to find your focus or want to draw all eyes on you, this is ideal for any event that needs a little energy and direction.
Make sure you use the clean version of Focus to avoid the naughty words in the original
12. “Nobody” by Chaka Khan and Ariana Grande
Song Year: 2019
This song from the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack has upbeat drum and brass hits amidst the rest of the instrumentals. Grande and Khan’s vocals work well together, and they help bring some of the energy to the track.
It’s a great tune to play when you need to pump yourself up because the lyrics talk about how no one else can love you as the singers will. Even if you ignore the words, the vibes of the song are great for a walk-up.
13. “That’s My Girl” by Fifth Harmony
Song Year: 2016
Fifth Harmony put out a lot of good pump-up songs, but we chose “That’s My Girl” for this list. The original track has a few questionable words, but if you want to avoid those, there’s a super clean version.
In both versions, the lyrics talk about being independent and getting up after you get knocked down. It’s a great song to choose for a walk-up for a game. However, it can also work well as a motivator when you need to pump yourself up outside of sports.
14. “Step Up” by The Cheetah Girls
Song Year: 2006
In the second movie of the franchise, The Cheetah Girls sing this song after getting over a major fight. They’re focused and ready to win the music competition they entered at the beginning of the movie.
All four singers have their parts, and they sound good as a group as well. The lyrics talk about how it’s time to step up and show others what you can do, making it a perfect walk-up song.
15. “I’m the One” by The Cheetah Girls
Song Year: 2008
In the third film, the three remaining members of the group compete for a single spot in a movie. Each singer has a solo where they explain what makes them stand out. While the characters are fighting at the time, they still sound great together.
That makes it a good pump-up song, especially before a big audition, performance, or game. It also has a nice tempo to walk to if you want to use it in a walk-up.
16. “We Own the Night” by The Wanted
Song Year: 2013
A bit slower than some walk-up songs, this is a suitable option to consider. As the title suggests, it talks about owning the night and enjoying your life. The lyrics and instrumentals can help pump you up when you’re feeling bad.
All members of the group sing well together both in their solos and in the chorus. This song is an alternative track if you find other walk-up songs a bit fast, you can focus a bit more on moving with swagger and confidence.
17. “Determinate” by Lemonade Mouth
Song Year: 2011
Don’t let the slow intro fool you; this song picks up the pace real quick. It talks about how you have to stay determined to reach your goals. The slow introduction is a good reminder that you may feel slow at times but that you can get out of a slump.
Under the vocals, the guitar, piano, and drums have a consistent beat to keep the song going. All of the singers also add their particular flair during their solos, including Adam Hicks when he gets to rap near the end.
18. “Confident” by Demi Lovato
Song Year: 2015
Another excellent pump-up or walk-up song starts with the brass section. Demi Lovato sings about how it’s her time to shine and run the show. Like some other songs on this list, there’s a clean version that bleeps out the few naughty words.
In the chorus, the lyrics ask what’s wrong with having confidence, delivering an important reminder to focus on yourself and not what others think. The chorus is also a fantastic snippet to play for a shorter walk-up.
19. “Big Time Rush” by Big Time Rush
Song Year: 2009
This titular song from the boy band and TV show is about hockey players rushing the net. That makes it a particularly good walk-up tune for other sports. The tempo is upbeat but not too fast, and the lyrics talk about how you have to make your luck.
All four members of the band contribute a bit to the song. They each have a solo but come together for the chorus where they sing about reaching their dreams, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
20. “All Star” by Smash Mouth
Song Year: 1999
Smash Mouth wrote this song to help fans who faced bullies realize that they’re all stars. The lyrics talk about getting your game on and how you’re a star. Meanwhile, the instrumentals are upbeat to support that message.
If you want a shorter walk-up song, the chorus is perfect for that. Otherwise, you can play the entire track to pump yourself up.
21. “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy
Song Year: 2014
This is one of those jams with upbeat instrumentals that are sure to motivate you. However, it also has some stellar lyrics that talk about being remembered long after you’re gone. That makes it a fantastic choice for a walk-up song or any other moment you need a pick-me-up.
Because of the lyrics and upbeat instrumentals, it’s not too difficult to find a snippet if the entire song is too long.
22. “High Hopes” by Panic at the Disco
Song Year: 2018
This song starts with repeating notes from the brass section, then, Brendon Urie’s vocals come in and blend nicely with the instrumentals. He sings about having big dreams and working towards them.
The tune is super catchy and will stick in your ear long after you hear the song. It’s also relatively popular, so audiences may recognize it if you play it as a walk-up song.
23. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
Song Year: 2011
In one of her top hits, Kelly Clarkson sings about getting stronger after something knocks you down. The repetitive instrumentals make the song easy to dance to and ideal for motivating anyone.
Meanwhile, the message is essential for every competitor as a reminder that you may face tough times, but they will help you become stronger on the other side.
24. “Raise Your Glass” by P!nk
Song Year: 2010
This song is another excellent choice for underdogs, from a powerful female vocalist. P!nk sings about how you shouldn’t take yourself so seriously. It also has great, upbeat instrumentals which help pump you up after a listen.
Unfortunately, the official version has one bad word in it. Luckily, there’s a clean version you can play so that you don’t offend anyone and so that you can play it in front of kids.
25. “We Don’t Care” by Isabella Pappas and Kayden Muller-Jansen
Song Year: 2022
This duet talks about not letting the haters get you down. Pappas and Muller-Jansen both bring their own to the solo, and they sound amazing when singing together. Meanwhile, the instrumentals are fast and upbeat, so it’s a top-tier pump-up tune.
It’s also a perfect walk-up tune, especially for an underdog or someone who doesn’t care what other people think. The song has its slow moments, but it’s very danceable, and it has a catchy tune.
26. “Gonna Get This” by Hannah Montana ft. Iyaz
Song Year: 2010
Hannah/Miley sings about reaching a goal in this song. In the show, the main character struggles with writing a song. This tune is different from other Hannah Montana songs, but it’s upbeat and fun to dance to.
If you’re struggling to finish a task or reach a goal, this song can help motivate you to get through what you need to. Iyaz is featured on the track, and both performers sound great together.
27. “A Billion Hits” by Ross Lynch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVbbeO1K5zs
Song Year: 2012
Another song from a show about music, this one starts with a fun rock beat. The lyrics cover returning from a break and working hard to get a billion video views. Ross Lynch’s vocals sound great with the instrumentals, making this song fun to dance to.
It’s an excellent walk-up song too. While it’s about video views, the lyrics about getting better apply to almost anything, including sports.
Top Clean Pump-Up Songs, Final Thoughts
These are the best clean pump-up songs for your next big event. From walk-ups to mid-event fillers, these songs are fun for all ages.
Give these tracks a listen to find one that fits you the best. Then you can use it as a walk-up song and for any other time when you need motivation.