Whether it’s pride in another or yourself, being proud of someone is an important emotion that lets you know the person is doing something right.
While it can be hard to express this pride in words, many artists have done so in the form of music. In this article, we’d like to share some of the best songs about being proud of someone.
“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
Song year: 2003
Often, when you’re proud of someone, it’s because they’ve changed your life for the better and have made you a more remarkable person overall.
“You Raise Me Up” encapsulates this feeling as Josh Groban sings about how he is much stronger when he has that special someone by his side. With his robust yet angelic voice, Groban captures our minds and hearts with a symphony of incredible singing and emotionally moving lyrics.
“Proud” Marshmallow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ot6NLsbxjg
Song year: 2019
As always, Marshmallow’s music is poppy, energetic, and full of vibrant beats. If you’re looking for a song about being proud of someone with a modern twist, look no further than the eccentric DJ’s hit, “Pride.”
What we love about this one is that it has a straightforward message you can take in several ways. It’s up to the listener to determine to whom this pride is addressed and thus applies to various situations.
“Hall of Fame” by The Script
Song year: 2012
Pride in potential. The measure of a person isn’t defined by who they are in the beginning but by who they become in the end.
“Hall of Fame” is an anthem tailored towards those who have yet to meet their full potential yet takes pride in everyone with aspirations. Its lyrics don’t get addressed to one person in particular but to all of civilization, and that’s beautiful.
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
Song year: 2017
Being proud of your lover is one of the purest, most abundant forms of pride and has outlasted many passing centuries.
With that, we’ve got musicians that capture our prideful love in the form of songs from several different genres. A prime example is Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect,” a heartwarming symphony full of pleasant quips and calming instrumentals.
It’s the perfect comfort song to listen to when you want to show that special someone how proud you are of them.
“I’m So Proud of You” by Shane Ward
Song year: 2015
Shane Ward’s “I’m So Proud of You” is a bit underrated but a hidden gem nonetheless. Like the previous entry, it’s about being proud of a lover but has a much more energetic pace and a funky vibe to go along with it.
While it sounds like a song that predates 2010, you’ll be surprised to know it came out in 2015 (which isn’t a bad thing!)
“Nada Es Como Tu” by Ricardo Arjona
Song year: 2016
“Nada Es Como Tu,” which translates to “Nothing is Like You,” is a beautifully arranged acoustic song by Guatemalan singer Ricardo Arjona.
Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you can still enjoy the soothing voice of Arjona as he sings about his child, to which he believes nothing compares and also to which he has overwhelming pride.
“Something To Be Proud Of” by Montgomery Gentry
Song year: 2004
The country has somewhat of a niche following but one that is highly dedicated. And we can confidently say they’re dedicated for many good reasons.
See, many country songs tell a story. In this instance, it’s a story of learning to be proud, as taught by the singer’s father. Lyrically, it’s well put together, and the country style is always a treat to hear.
Even if you’re not a fan of country music, we still recommend giving this one a try!
“Somebody I’m Proud Of” by Sarah Barrios
Song year: 2021
Unlike many of the entries on this list, Sarah Barrios’ “Somebody I’m Proud Of” is about wanting to be proud of someone in the future, specifically the singer’s self.
The message may seem self-deprecating at first, but once you listen to the lyrics closely, you’ll quickly realize that the song is inspiring and all about personal growth. Rather than describing someone they’re already proud of, they’re singing about becoming a person they CAN be proud of.
“Forever Now” by Michael Buble
Song year: 2018
For those of you who weren’t satisfied with “Nada Es Como Tu,” then we’ve got a song that’s just as moving in “Forever Now” by Michael Buble.
It’s a piano-accompanied melody dedicated to a parent’s eternal pride in their son/daughter and shows how love is unconditional and undefined by any trivial boundaries.
“Superman” by Rachel Platten
Song year: 2016
When you’re proud of someone, it’s often because they’ve earned your respect. As Platten sings about in her pop ballet, this pride you feel in a person comes specifically from a burden they’ve undertaken and ultimately overcome.
In this case, the singer wishes to take the pain of the recipient of the song as they have already proven they can be “Superman” to them.
It’s one of Platten’s lesser-known songs, but a pleasant listen for when you just want to get into the “feels.”
“Proud” by Heather Small
Song year: 2001
In this soul-filled, chorus-chanting track of inspiring messages and cheery tones, Heather Small sings about making you and those around you proud. It’s an uplifting song that’ll assuredly pick you up when you’re in the dumps and motivate you to keep moving forward.
She says that there’s always a chance to succeed and that it’s never too late to give things a shot. Worst case scenario, you’ll wake up the next day and have to try again.
“What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E
Song year: 2011
If you remember this decade-old boy band hit, you’re probably confused why it’s on our list, but just hear us out!
When you listen to the lyrics of the song closely, you’ll quickly realize that the singers’ infatuation with the girl in question goes beyond simple attraction and extends to the point where they take great pride in her beauty. While straightforward reasoning, it should be said that sometimes it’s pride like this that goes a long way.
Plus, this song has always just been fun to listen to.
“Your Song” by Elton John
Song year: 1970
The singer in Elton John’s “Your Song” is grateful to another unnamed individual and proud enough to write a song dedicated to them.
While they don’t think a heartfelt melody written, composed, and sung is enough to express their appreciation, we, as the audience, know it’s more than enough.
“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
Song year: 2011
Another 2011 viral sensation, “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, was one of those “be proud of yourself” songs and distinguished itself by being an anthem for the misfits and deviants of the world.
As Gaga implies, being proud of yourself and who you are takes priority over the pride of others, and you shouldn’t give in to any negative opinions that might come your way.
Even today, this song still holds up and will never fail to perk up a weary soul.
“Make Me Proud” by Drake ft. Nicki Minaj
Song year: 2011
The lyrics of Drake’s “Make Me Proud” aren’t the most sappy, but they portray a complex subject. It’s a song about trying one’s best in various endeavors, such as getting an education, and even if you fail, your efforts are worth pride.
Drake revealed in an interview with MTV that this song was explicitly addressed to various struggling women and was inspired by a conversation he had with an unnamed female.
“Brave” by Sara Bareilles
Song year: 2013
How does one become worthy of another’s pride? By showing them, of course!
In a world where strength equals courage, bravery is the number one route to respect, and that’s earned by expressing yourself and being someone considered “strong.” Sara Bareilles’s empowering song “Brave” inspires us to never be afraid of letting others know who we are and reminds us that there will always be someone to be proud of us as long as we’re brave.
“Proud of You” by Five Times August
Song year: 2019
Here’s another lesser-known but incredible song: “Proud of You” by Five Times August. It’s a simple yet heartwarming speech from a father to their child as they watch them grow up and flourish.
The song’s composition only consists of an acoustic guitar and the singer’s voice, but that doesn’t make it any less impactful and touching. If you’re a parent, then this song will hit you hard.
“You’re The Best” by Joe Esposito
Song year: 1984
Notice how the song is called “You’re The Best” and not “I’m The Best”? Unlike many of the self-oriented songs of today (not that there’s a problem with them), this one focuses on someone else, chatting about how they’re number one and can’t get kept down by anything.
It’s a motivational song Mr. Miyagi would be proud of.
“Dear Daughter” by Halestorm
Song year: 2015
Here’s one for the mothers and daughters of the world.
If you know Halestorm, you probably know them for their rough rock style. Well, every once in a while, they’ll put out a softer track with a touching message.
Not only does “Dear Daughter” show pride in one’s daughter, but it also relays some crucial life lessons every girl should learn.
“Dear Theodosia” by Leslie Odom Jr. and Lin-Manuel Miranda
Song year: 2015
Hailing from the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, “Dear Theodosia” was a melodic feature that contrasted the rest of the play’s predominantly hip-hop style.
It’s a dual performance of two fathers singing about their newly born sons, of which they’re incredibly proud and would do anything for. It’s somewhat bittersweet in the context of the play but makes for an emotional standalone song nonetheless.
“Flashlight” by Jessie J
Song year: 2015
When you can rely on someone, you’re probably proud of them and grateful that they’re by your side.
Jessie J’s “Flashlight” exemplifies this by using the metaphor of a flashlight to represent your trust in another which serves as a bright light that can get you through even the darkest of nights.
Whether it’s a friend, sibling, parent, or mentor, as long as you have your allegorical light with you, there’s always a way to get through the darkness.
“The Wonder of You” by Elvis Presley
Song year: 1970
As you may expect from an Elvis song, “The Wonder of You” is a classic love ballet with pure sentiments and an iconic view of romance.
Seeing your lover as a “wonder” and taking pride in them is crucial in any relationship and is essential for keeping the magic going throughout the years.
“Choosey Lover” by The Isley Brothers
Song year: 1983
Getting chosen by a “Choosey Lover” is worth being proud of, and even more so, they’re likely someone you can be proud to have around.
A prolific soul and funk group of the ‘80s, The Isley Brothers had quite a few of those slow-moving, lovingly crafted tunes which weren’t as “on the nose” as Marvin Gaye but set the move equally as well.
“You Are The Reason” by Callum Scott
Song year: 2018
There’s nothing worse than losing something you’re proud of.
In Scott’s beautifully sung symphony, a touching string of lyrics tells the story of regret and how he wishes to return to a time before things went downhill. He would face any adversity if he could return to what he was once so proud of.
“Beneath Your Beautiful” by Labrinth
Song year: 2012
There’s not much we can say about this song other than it’s a masterpiece.
Labrinth delivers his lines well in this one with some top-tier, unique vocals. Lyrically, it’s about stripping away the outward beauty of someone superficial and taking pride in the imperfections underneath.
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars
Song year: 2010
Have you ever been so proud of someone, specifically a lover, that you just wanted to marry them? Well, this feeling is expressed best in Bruno Mar’s “Marry You,” an uplifting pop track that took the world by storm in 2010 and has become a staple wedding song since then.
“Proud of Me” by Mahalia
Song year: 2018
We think the best way to end our list is with a bit of unrequited love.
As Mahalia‘s “Proud of Me” describes, wanting to make those around you proud is a crucial step into making your dreams come true, as often your friends and family are there to support you whenever you need it.
Top Songs About Being Proud Of Someone, Final Thoughts
And thus concludes our list of songs about being proud of someone!
As many of these artists convey, pride comes in many different forms. You can be proud of your child, a friend, a lover, or even yourself! There are many instances of pride, and you should embrace each with open arms and heartfelt sentiments.