Whether you’re looking to honor the life of a deceased loved one, lift your spirits after a tough battle, celebrate after a huge success in your life, or just party the night away, at least one of these songs about celebrating life will fit the bill!
1. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
Song Year: 2004
If you ever desire a quick pick me up to remember how good life is, “Unwritten” is a sure winner.
With its lovely melodies, inspirational build-up, and insanely catchy chorus, it’s hard not to forget all your worries and feel excited about the journey ahead in your life.
2. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Song Year: 1981
“Don’t Stop Believin’” is one of the most popular choices for karaoke night and one of the best songs about celebrating life.
Singing (or screaming) the chorus is a guaranteed way of feeling uplifted. Even in the hard times, you don’t have to stop believing in love, hope, and the beauty of life.
3. “Let It Be” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1970
“Let It Be” is a soft yet powerful song by The Beatles. It’s a great song to put on when you’re feeling sad but looking to let something off your chest to feel lighter.
This song is also a popular option for a Celebration of Life event after someone has passed. It’s emotional and touching, yet light enough to soothe the soul.
4. “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons
Song Year: 2012
Imagine Dragons’ “On Top of the World” has one of those jovial instrumentals that’s difficult not to smile when listening to.
The lyrics are about reflecting on your past challenges and successes. It’s also about celebrating the times you’ve succeeded but, perhaps more importantly, the times you didn’t give up.
5. “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida
Song Year: 2011
Flo Rida is known for his catchy party tunes. It’s hard to resist getting up and dancing when one of them comes on, and “Good Feeling” is a great example of that.
It’s about feeling good and restoring your spirit with music, dancing, and anything else that’ll make you feel good in life.
6. “Sunday Best” by Surfaces
Song Year: 2019
Some people get the “Sunday Scaries” by thinking about going to work the next day, but Surfaces highlights the purpose of Sundays – to relax, feel good, and feel grateful for the lovely aspects of life.
This song is a reminder that everything will be okay.
7. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Song Year: 1967
Louis Armstrong’s raspy yet soothing voice singing about enjoying green trees, blue skies, and white clouds is all you need to feel grounded in the present moment and grateful for the little things.
It’s a beautiful song that can put anyone in high spirits. It’s hard not to close your eyes and sway back and forth to this timeless hit.
8. “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
Song Year: 2009
If energetic party hits are more your vibe when it comes to lifting your spirits, then turn on “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas.
This song is all about anticipating a good night, living life to the fullest, and going a little crazy regardless of what anyone else thinks. It’s a great way to celebrate any success or milestone in your life or just let loose for the sake of it.
9. “Perfect Day” by Hoku
Song Year: 2001
“Perfect Day” is well-known for its role in introducing the character of Elle Woods in the movie Legally Blonde.
Listening to the song can make you feel a little bit like Elle Woods – exhilarated by life, bubbly, and never too discouraged to pursue even the biggest dreams.
10. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Song Year: 1987
Another song that reminds people of a movie is “Time of My Life,” as it’s in the most iconic scene in Dirty Dancing.
Thousands of couples have used it as their first dance song for their wedding because it perfectly represents those giddy feelings of true love and helps you celebrate having that special person in your life.
11. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
Song Year: 1983
“Time After Time” is an excellent song choice for celebrating the life of a loved one who has passed.
The lyrics inspire you to reflect on all the good memories you had with this person, as well as feel hopeful that you will see them again in another lifetime.
12. “Halo” by Beyoncé
Song Year: 2008
“Halo” is another popular song for funerals or Celebration of Life events because it’s emotional, spirited, loving, and uplifting all at once.
Imagining your loved one with a halo around their head is beautiful imagery at a time of grief. It helps people think of their loved ones as still being in their lives, but in the form of an angel.
13. “Good Life” by OneRepublic
Song Year: 2009
OneRepublic’s “Good Life” is a great song to listen to when you’re feeling down but don’t want anything too heavy or sentimental.
It’s an upbeat song that talks about how life is too short to be negative and that we should enjoy the moment because it might not last.
14. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by Rolling Stones
Song Year: 1969
Another song about turning the negative into positive is “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
This classic song helps remind listeners to take care of what they can control in their life and let go of what they can’t control. That way, you’ll focus on your needs and still feel grateful for life.
15. “I Feel Good” by James Brown
Song Year: 1964
“I Feel Good” is undoubtedly one of the best songs to play to celebrate exciting moments in your life, both big and small.
It’s also an excellent jam to play in the mornings as you’re getting ready to increase the likelihood of having a great day.
16. “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey
Song Year: 1998
“When You Believe” is about trusting that miracles can occur in your life, especially when you put faith in yourself and the world around you.
It’s a beautiful, passionate ballad by two of the greatest singers of all time. If you need hope in life or help celebrating your life, this is the perfect tune to turn on.
17. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1969
The song “Here Comes The Sun” is about letting go of past negative moments and looking forward to a better, brighter future.
People like to play this song at various moments in their life, especially when they need a quick pick me up. It’s also a popular song to help celebrate the life of a lost loved one and get through the grieving process.
18. “Time Of Our Lives” by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo
Song Year: 2014
Pitbull and Ne-Yo collaborate on this hit that’s all about having a good time because life is short. Pitbull emphasizes that if you’re still above ground, then you should take advantage of the life you’ve been given.
This fun party song is also a fantastic reminder that even if you’re in hard times – financially, emotionally, socially, or else – it’s crucial to make space and time to celebrate life and have a joyful time!
19. “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-vZlrBYLSU
Song Year: 2004
The song “Bless the Broken Road” is an emotional one, but it’s the perfect song to play to reflect on someone you love or even someone you’ve lost.
It’s hard not to tear up if you’re listening to this song and thinking about someone you truly love.
20. “We Are Young” by FUN, Featuring Janelle Monáe
Song Year: 2012
“We Are Young” is a vibe-setting hit that helps listeners shift their perspective. If you’re feeling stressed, upset, annoyed, or otherwise subpar, it reminds you that you can choose to have the mentality of a child and not take life so seriously.
It’s a song about having the courage to be joyous, even if it doesn’t seem possible.
21. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Song Year: 2013
No song makes you feel more alive than Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.” This popular song from the movie Despicable Me 2 is all about feeling the joy of life and being content with what you have.
It’s an upbeat, carefree tune that typically puts a smile on people’s faces.
22. “It’s a Great Day To Be Alive” by Travis Tritt
Song Year: 2000
Country music is all about storytelling, and Travis Tritt kicks off this simple, feel-good song by telling a story of what seems like a basic daily routine.
The point is that every day, even the most mundane ones, is a great day because you’re alive and able to experience life. It’s a simple reminder to take time and celebrate life, even if it isn’t flashy or full of adventure.
23. “Moment 4 Life” by Nicki Minaj, Featuring Drake
Song Year: 2010
Nicki Minaj’s “Moment 4 Life” is a lively, energetic song that helps listeners celebrate and soak in a particularly special moment. It’s also about feeling grateful for everything you’ve been through.
This song would be a fantastic choice for birthdays, award ceremonies, or other special events.
24. “The Greatest” by Sia, Featuring Kendrick Lamar
Song Year: 2016
This powerful anthem is all about doing what you can to make a difference in your own life and those around you by giving life your all and not giving up.
It’s an uplifting reminder that each person has something to contribute and that you should be proud of who you are and what you can do. It also helps pump you up when it seems like you have no energy.
25. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
Song Year: 1973
The chorus of “Dream On” is an emphatic testament to the power of honoring your life’s dreams.
The fact that the song starts slow and dreamy, then gradually fires up into a passionate, spirited ballad – especially the final high notes toward the end – is part of what makes it such a fantastic choice for lifting your spirits.
26. “Die Young” by Kesha
Song Year: 2012
“Die Young” might sound like the worst song to play to celebrate life if you’ve never heard it before and are going just off of the title.
But Kesha sings about living life to the fullest and partying the night away as if you are going to die young. In other words, it’s a reminder that life is short, so you have to make the most of it.
27. “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M
Song Year: 1980
“Celebration” is one of the best songs about celebrating life, which is why people play it at all sorts of celebratory events such as weddings, birthday parties, sporting events, anniversaries, and more.
It’s hard not to get up and dance around while this song is on!
28. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
Song Year: 2014
“Best Day of My Life” is a song that helps you anticipate that a good day is on the horizon.
It’s the perfect song to play in the mornings when you want to feel good and put your best foot forward.
29. “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay
Song Year: 2015
This Coldplay song has a jovial instrumental background and highly positive lyrics.
It’s a fun song to dance and sing to when you want to appreciate not only your own life but the people you care about.
30. “Trophies” by Drake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkSFh6HMUtQ
Song Year: 2014
“Trophies” is a song that reminds us to appreciate all of the big and small wins and celebrate success.
The trumpet-based instrumental is enough to make you feel like a true winner, making it the perfect song for popping champagne!
31. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python
Song Year: 1979
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” is the perfect reminder to take the time to be happy and celebrate life, no matter the circumstances.
It has a cheery daytime tune that’s hard to resist.
32. “Good To Be Alive” by Meghan Trainor
Song Year: 2015
Meghan Trainor made this song for The Peanuts Movie, but it’s become popular to listen to on its own for celebrating life.
It’s hard not to feel good while listening to the gleeful chorus, even if you’re going through a few struggles.
33. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
Song Year: 2016
Another soundtrack-based hit is “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” which Justin Timberlake recorded for Dreamworks animation movie Trolls.
With 1.6 billion YourTube views and counting, it’s clearly made many people feel carefree and overjoyed about life!
34. “Sky Walker” by Miguel
Song Year: 2017
“Sky Walker” is not your typical song about celebrating life, as it doesn’t have the most energetic beat.
But if you listen to the lyrics, Miguel sings about celebrating each day, not waiting to have fun, and enjoying the moments that life brings you.
35. “Living in the Moment” by Jason Mraz
Song Year: 2012
Jason Mraz has an extensive list of feel-good songs, and “Living in the Moment” is one of the best.
This song encourages listeners to be in the present moment and not wasting life away worrying.
36. “Firework” by Katy Perry
Song Year: 2010
“Firework” is one of Katy Perry’s most popular hits, and for a good reason.
It’s uplifting, reflective, and passionate. Plus, it helps you celebrate yourself and all the people you love. That’s why it’s a popular song for both weddings and funerals, which is rare.
37. “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin
Song Year: 1988
This song is so recognizable and catchy that you don’t even have to put it on to feel immediately more lighthearted.
Just thinking about it can put a smile on your face and make you appreciate all that life offers.
38. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Song Year: 1972
Stevie Wonder paints a picture of undying love in “You Are the Sunshine of my Life.”
The feeling of never truly losing someone because the love remains is inspiring, which makes this a popular choice for memorials.
39. “Good Life” by Kanye West featuring T-Pain
Song Year: 2007
The song title says it all. “Good Life” is about recognizing how far you’ve come in life and what you had to accomplish to make it feel as good as it does.
40. “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves
Song Year: 1983
“Walking on Sunshine” is one of the most happy-go-lucky songs of all time.
It’s impossible not to get giddy and bounce around when this tune comes on. Plus, it’s a fantastic song to sing along to.
41. “Beautiful Day” by U2
Song Year: 2000
Last but not least is “Beautiful Day” by U2, an instant mood-changing song that’s beyond inspiring musically and lyrically.
People tend to feel exhilarated and highly appreciative of life after listening to this song.
Best Songs About Celebrating Life, Final Thoughts
Life is all about going through ups and downs, but it’s important to always celebrate life.
Some of these songs might make you reflect on your past; others might help you honor someone you’ve lost, while others still will make you get up and dance.
But at the end of the day, life is meaningful, and there are many songs about celebrating life for that reason.