Sometimes, you have to keep going no matter what. While some of us have more natural resilience than others, sometimes music can help us become that bit more resilient.
Here’s our list containing the best songs about resilience ever.
“Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons
Song Year: 2017
Imagine Dragons “Whatever It Takes” is a song about overcoming challenges at any cost, in order to achieve your greatest dreams. It incorporates a contemporary electronic beat that keeps it sounding fresh every time you listen to it. The narrator declares that he’s willing to accept more pain as long as it motivates him to move forward.
“I’m Still Standing” by Elton John
Song Year: 1983
Elton John has released several iconic hits throughout his music career, but one that stands out to many fans is “I’m Still Standing.” This track incorporates an upbeat piano that enhances its uplifting, positive energy, giving the song a hummable melody. The narrator expresses how he’s become stronger after experiencing heartbreak.
“Float On” by Modest Mouse
Song Year: 2004
Modest Mouse’s Grammy-nominated song “Float On” has a straightforward message about looking at the positive side of life, regardless of what bad things you might experience. The lyrics describe the singer getting into situations that he decides won’t get him down, from crashing his car and getting scammed, to him and his friend losing their jobs.
“Underdog” by Alicia Keys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izyZLKIWGiA
Song Year: 2020
Alicia Keys’ “Underdog” is an R&B anthem dedicated to people who fight to achieve greatness, no matter the impact. The lyrics emphasize people’s strength to keep living despite their hardships from homelessness to struggling to find work.
The narrator expresses that the world expects her to fail, but her resilience helps her move forward to help her achieve her dreams, breaking any naysayer’s expectations.
“Overcomer” by Mandisa
Song Year: 2013
“Overcomer” is one tune you shouldn’t skip listening to after a long, rough day. The narrator reassures the audience that everybody experiences hardships, but can overcome them as long as God is on their side, and they never give up. This Grammy-winning platinum song’s upbeat energy enhances the motivational themes incorporated into its lyrics.
“I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty
Song Year: 1989
Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” featured on the debut multi-platinum album Full Moon Fever, remains one of this rock artist’s most recognizable tracks, from its mid-tempo guitar backing to its motivational lyrics. This song’s about a man overcoming hardships to live the life he wants. Although it feels like the world’s against him, he remains undeterred.
“You Gotta Be” by Des’ree
Song Year: 1994
The top songs about resilience should incorporate messages that encourage listeners to stay true to themselves when life seems challenging. “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree is an R&B and soul song with a simple yet empowering theme that resonates with any music lover.
The narrator motivates the listener by telling them to stay bold and strong, among other things, after falling out of love. Life can be challenging, but you must move forward to keep it from dragging you down.
“Warrior” by Demi Lovato
Song Year: 2013
The lyrics and themes of Demi Lovato’s “Warrior” stem from her life experiences, adding extra layers to the piece. She expresses that she has many regrets and symbolic scars but has overcome them to become stronger. She doesn’t let her past define her, declaring she won’t let anything or anyone hurt her again.
Lovato’s emotional vocals blend well with the song’s piano accompaniment, giving the song a hopeful tone as it concludes.
“If You’re Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)” by Rodney Atkins
Song Year: 2006
If you’ve ever had a track record of running into bad luck, this upbeat chart-topping Rodney Atkins country song should inspire you to help your resilience grow. The narrator tells the listener that he’s had his share of going through hell, but encourages them to move forward and not let their problems slow them down.
“Hard Days” by Brantley Gilbert
Song Year: 2020
Another country song worth listening to if you’re feeling down is Brantley Gilbert’s “Hard Days.” The narrator expresses how people become more resilient after experiencing hardships, from failure to heartbreak. The song’s hopeful tone helps listeners connect to its lyrics. Although everyone’s hardest days differ from each other, they’re worthy of finding good beyond the bad.
“Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer
Song Year: 2011
Andy Grammer’s debut platinum single “Keep Your Head Up” offers music fans a universal lesson about looking toward a new tomorrow when moving on from their troubles. Although the speaker occasionally feels doubt in his life, he doesn’t let it stop him from becoming stronger. This message resonates with anyone experiencing a hard day.
Grammer initially wrote this song to cheer himself up while struggling to sell music before making his big break on the music scene.
“Rise” by Calum Scott
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaCHGqyD45E
Song Year: 2021
Like many of the songs featured on Callum Scott’s album Bridges, “Rise” incorporates a recurring theme of resilience and encourages people to follow their dreams and a spiritual tone. It’s about overcoming your hardships, regardless of how long it takes. The narrator emphasizes how he’ll rise above the odds but if he falls, he’ll try again.
Scott’s vocals and the song’s spiritual tone make this track stand out among other popular songs on this list.
“Stronger” by Sugababes
Song Year: 2002
Sugababes is no stranger to recording empowering songs about overcoming your struggles, and no song captures that essence like “Stronger” from their album Angels with Dirty Faces. The song takes the perspective of a woman who’s faced many hardships, but doesn’t give up trying to grow more resilient.
Although the narrator’s alone, she’s prepared to face any changes life throws her way. This down-tempo song’s pop and R&B-influenced sound give it a soulful, nostalgic vibe, enhanced by the vocalists’ beautiful harmonies.
“Get It Right Next Time” by Gerry Rafferty
Song Year: 1979
Best known as one of the founding members of Stealers Wheel, Gerry Rafferty has released many songs during his solo career following the group’s breakup. “Get It Right Next Time” is another resilience-centered tune about a man reassuring others that learning from your mistakes makes you stronger.
Although things might feel bad occasionally, there are many times you’ll get another chance. The song’s catchy bassline blends well with its guitar and saxophone instrumentation.
“The Only Way Is Up” by Yazz
Song Year: 1988
Yazz’s rendition of Otis Clay’s “The Only Way Is Up” is one of the most energetic songs in this rundown, ideal for any dance party. The lyrics emphasize the narrator’s feelings about staying positive when things look bleak. She tells her lover that things will improve if they stay resilient together.
The song’s synthesized arrangement perfectly reflects the late-1980s music era while retaining its original rendition’s funky vibe.
“I Rise” by Etana
Song Year: 2015
Although resilience is a popular subject in many pop, rock, and country songs, this reggae track by Etana is a nice change of pace if you’re looking for something different. The speaker has experienced several hardships but has learned to rise above them. Her peers wonder how she’s grown stronger after what she’s been through, but she states she has a long way to go.
“Resilience” by Rising Appalachia
Song Year: 2018
Rising Appalachia’s “Resilience” isn’t as bold and bombastic as other songs on this list, but its tranquil tone gives this folk song an identity that stands out. The lyrics depict the narrator as a resilient person who’s ready to face an ever-changing world full of chaos. The narrator knows that banding together with other resilient people will make their voices be heard.
Leah Song and Chloe Smith’s main inspiration for writing and recording this song stem from grassroots movements across several communities.
“Resilient” by Katy Perry
Song Year: 2020
Katy Perry is known for making plenty of inspirational songs, like “Resilient,” featured on her album Smile. It’s a song about remaining strong regardless of how much life puts you down. The lyrics incorporate the imagery of a flower growing in concrete, emphasizing Perry’s resilience when pushing through the hardest days.
“The Journey” by Lea Salonga
Song Year: 1993
One of the most heartfelt ballads performed by Lea Salonga on her self-titled album is “The Journey.” The narrator reflects on her experiences, from sadness to success. She might not always know where she’ll end up, but she stays strong no matter the result. She compares the resilience of following her dreams to the stars, not letting the darkness drive her away.
“Rubberband Girl” by Kate Bush
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85wZw1O83aE
Song Year: 1993
Many songs about resilience incorporate dynamic imagery to emphasize someone’s flexibility during unforeseen circumstances. Kate Bush’s “Rubberband Girl” is a fun pop-rock anthem about a woman’s desire to go with the flow when things get tough.
From its catchy beat and Bush’s vibrant vocals to its poignant message about bouncing back, there’s plenty to enjoy when listening to this song.
“The Resilient” by Betraying the Martyrs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIz1azLIuY4
Song Year: 2017
French metalcore band Betraying the Martyrs’ “The Resilient” is another song worth listening to if you love music with a loud yet dramatic flair. The lyrics emphasize how no matter how life tries to break us down and make us fall, we can bounce back and remain resilient. The song takes a symphonic turn whenever the chorus kicks in, adding extra variety to the vocal performance.
“Never Gonna Break My Faith” by Aretha Franklin
Song Year: 2006
Aretha Franklin’s soulful gospel music single “Never Gonna Break My Faith” is about the resilience of standing up for justice. The song’s narrator proclaims that she won’t let anyone bring her down, no matter how hard life gets. Franklin’s powerful vocals solidify her status as the Queen of Soul for music lovers old and new listening to this track.
This song was featured in the film Bobby, got nominated for a Golden Globe Award, and won a Grammy Award for “Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.”
“Keep On Pushing” by The Impressions
Song Year: 1964
Are you looking for a soulful, vintage track for your resilience playlist? The Impressions’ “Keep On Pushing,” written by Curtis Mayfield, encapsulates the feeling of never giving up through the song’s harmonizing vocals and slow yet swinging tempo.
The speaker states they’re getting stronger as they keep pushing toward their goals during tough times.
“Resilience” by As I Lay Dying
Song Year: 2012
Initially featured on As I Lay Dying’s album Awakened, “Resilience” is about a man admiring someone he cares about because of their resilience. The lyrics describe him learning how there’s strength in people burdened by suffering and sorrow. He hopes to grow his resilience to be there for his loved one.
“Rise” by Gabrielle
Song Year: 2000
Gabrielle’s “Rise” is a slow yet powerful song about a woman growing resilient after a breakup. The lyrics highlight that it’ll take time for her to get over her former love, but she won’t give up following new goals. The slower tempo and Gabrielle’s vocals amplify this R&B song’s hopeful message, solidifying its status as her second chart-topping hit.
“Win” by Brian McKnight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-NuTfzoCUM
Song Year: 2000
If you ever feel like giving up when things go wrong, Brian McKnight’s “Win” is one motivational song you shouldn’t skip if you want to become more resilient. The lyrics embody the narrator’s drive to move forward without quitting. He’s experienced failure before but lives the life he wants without doubting himself. This song was featured on the soundtrack for the film Men of Honor.
“Resilience” by Pierce The Veil
Song Year: 2023
Pierce the Veil’s “Resilience” is a song about moving forward through life while pushing away any obstacles that bring you down. The narrator claims that his former partner is jealous of his resilience, but he focuses on building himself up as life gets more challenging.
“Resilience” by Jenn Grinels
Song Year: 2020
Another one of the top songs about resilience is Jenn Grinels’ underrated track “Resilience.” In this song, the narrator tells the audience that resilience is a beautiful virtue to embrace when life feels dreary. The slow, acoustic guitar accompaniment enhances its intimate and calm vibe.
“Marching On” by Jamie Grace
Song Year: 2020
The main inspiration behind Jamie Grace’s “Marching On” comes from her experiences living with Tourette Syndrome. This song’s about facing adversity and embracing your resilience. Its lyrics are empowering, equating everyone with a resilient heart to a warrior who marches forward, regardless of how much pain they endure.
“Ma Résilience” by Nâdiya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0vCoLd2y3I
Song Year: 2008
Initially featured on French R&B singer Nâdiya’s album Électron Libre, “Ma Résilience” is a song about getting stronger, despite facing years of pain. The lyrics incorporate imagery of wings to symbolize the narrator rising above her difficulties in a world where she’s alone.
The song’s rhythmic beats give it a fresh sound, even over a decade since its release. Consider adding this track to your playlist if you’re interested in international tunes.
“Invincible (The Resilience Anthem)” by Mikey Bustos
Song Year: 2011
If you’re looking for catchy and inspirational music with a contemporary touch, this song by Mikey Bustos is another hidden gem offering something different from the most popular hits. The lyrics personify resilience as something that’s existed since the beginning of time, withstanding any obstacles crossing anyone’s path.
The song has a mid-tempo, electronic sound, emphasizing Bustos’ vocal performance throughout the piece.
Top Songs About Resilience, Final Thoughts
Many of the top songs about resilience evoke emotion by highlighting our struggles while offering hope to those who feel lost. Your experiences build your resilience, but some might struggle harder than others when overcoming internal or external obstacles.