47 Songs about Overcoming Obstacles, Adversity, Hard Times, Challenges and Not Giving Up
Who needs music and what kind of music do you need?
It does not matter who you are or where you come from, we have all experienced hard times in our lives. Because music is one tool people use to reflect on the past and process emotion, I've compiled this list of 47 songs to help. So when you're experiencing hard times or if you just need a little pick-me-up, listen here.
These songs are feel-better, keep-going, it-gets-better songs about getting through hard times and overcoming adversity, challenges, and obstacles. I've ranked them according to the strength of their message and the universal applicability/relatability of the music and message. There are a wide range of genres represented here so whether you like pop or country or opera, you'll find something that resonates for you.
I realize that many of these songs could be interpreted as female singers singing about men and relationships (or an implied significant other) which, while empowering, may not necessarily be equally relatable to both men and women or to people whose tough times are not related to relational hardship. But the "you" they sing to could be anything or anyone. Remember, it's the thought that counts with respect to the message! Listen with an open mind and you might realize the words also apply to you.
Dedicate these songs to your hardship, adversity, burden, mountain, or challenge. Sing them to the pains of your soul. Sing to God, the universe, and/or whatever you believe in. Sing to your cat. Sing to whatever you need to, overcome those challenges, and go forward.
Music that makes you feel powerful and strong!

#1. "It's Not Over Yet"--For King and Country
A good song that everyone can relate to at different points in their lives and it has an encouraging message.
Keep on fighting, out of the dark into the light! Hope is rising. Never give in, never give up! It's not over yet!
This song is about:
* The reality of life struggles
* Overcoming obstacles
* Not giving up
#2. "Fight Song"--Rachel Platten
This anthem rocks and is empowering. Could this be your "Fight Song?"
Send big waves into motion!
This song is about:
* Fighting for and taking ownership of your life
* Overcoming obstacles
* Believing in yourself even when no one else does
Video: "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten
#3. "Rise"--Katy Perry
Don't just survive; thrive!
This song is about:
*The strength inside that allows us to rise and overcome obstacles
*Rising up and not giving up
#4. "Hero"--Mariah Carey
A hero lies in you!
This song is about:
* The answer and strength inside us
* The people who can help us along our way
#5. "Rise Up"--Andra Day
Just heard this song recently and I was hooked. Such an amazing and beautiful song about the power and capacity of the human spirit.
Move mountains. Find the fighter. Rise up!
This song is about:
* Rising up
*Not giving up
*Staying strong and going on even when you're tired
#6. "When You Believe"--Whitney Houston duet with Mariah Carey
This reader-suggested song was initially ranked as #9 but over time I felt that this beautiful, inspiring, motivational, miracle-encouraging song should rank as #3.
You can achieve when you believe!
This song is about:
* Believing in what can be
* Having faith and not giving up
* Achieving things and overcoming adversity
Video: "When You Believe" Whitney Houston duet with Mariah Carey
#7. "Hall of Fame"--The Script
Before "Fight Song" made it to number one on this list, reader-suggested "Hall of Fame" held the #1 spot for a long time. It's a great song.
Be a champion!
This song is about:
* Not giving up on one's goals or dreams
* Working hard, against odds in order to get where one wants to go
* Achieving and finding greatness in oneself
* Eventually reaching the goal
* Being great in whatever you decide to do
Video--The Script's "Hall of Fame"
#8. "Titanium"--David Guetta
You are titanium!
This song is about:
* Being strong against obstacles and opposition
* Rising up again after falling
* Continuing on
Listen: Titanium
#9. "Win"--Brian McKnight
Get up and try again!
This song is about:
* The importance of not giving up and rising again even if you fall
* Self-dependence and self-reliance
Listen: Win
#10. "Survivor"--Destiny's Child
Beyoncé is quoted with having written "Survivor" in order to write Destiny's Child "out of all [the] negativity" that was surrounding the group at one point in time (). Could it be used to get you out a negative space?
You're a survivor!
This song is about:
* Being a survivor
* Not giving up
* Not stopping
* Working harder
* Making it
* Doing the positive opposite of the negative people expect
* Gaining happiness outside of darkness and sadness
* Being positive and earning respect
Video: "Survivor" by Destiny's Child (Featuring Da Brat)
#11. "The Climb"--Miley Cyrus
Keep on climbing!
This song is about:
* Focusing on the journey and not the destination
* Overcoming struggles and adversity
* Recognizing the merit in the struggle
* The importance of continuing to try
Video: Miley Cyrus' "The Climb"
#12. "Skyscraper"--Demi Lovato
Rise from the ground!
This song is about:
* Having/finding strength
* Fighting against negativity
* Rising and getting up against odds, resistance, personal struggles, etc.
Video: "Skyscraper" by Demi Lovato
#13. "Let it Be"--The Beatles
Sometimes the hardest part about our challenges is the fact that we do not have an answer to them or a way out of them. In those times, sometimes we just have to wait to see our troubles through.
This song is about:
* Finding oneself in times of trouble and darkness
* Spirituality
* Words of wisdom
* Finding answers
* Having light and shining even in darkness
* Sometimes you can't change the world, you can only change your reaction to it
Listen: Let it Be
#14. "Long Promised Road"--The Beach Boys
Hit hard at the battle that's confronting you!
This song is about:
* Recognizing life's challenges
* Working through the difficult experiences in life
* Facing and overcoming one's challenges and obstacles
Listen: Long Promised Road
#15. "Don't Stop Believing"--Journey
Keep on believin'!
This song is about:
* The universal experiences in life
* Some win; some lose: we're in it together
* Keep believing
Listen To "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey
#16. "Move Along"--All American Rejects
Move along to make it through!
This song is about:
* Keeping strong
* Making it through
* Moving along
Video: "Move Along" by the All American Rejects
#17. "The Show Must Go On"--Queen
I was exposed to this song through the movie Moulin Rouge and really liked that version. It is so powerful, especially in the context of the story and with the different voices. I looked up the original by Queen and found it to be good too. It just depends on your preference. Check them both out below.
The show must go on.
This song is about:
* Fundamental questions: What are we living for? Why bother?
* The masks people wear to protect themselves and others
* Feeling trapped
* Finding the will to carry on
Video: "The Show Must Go on" by Queen
#18. "You Are Loved [Don't Give Up]"--Josh Groban
You are loved!
This song is about:
* Knowing that you are loved
* Recognizing the challenges in life and the weight of the world
* Encouragement and motivation
Video: "You Are Loved [Don't Give Up]" by Josh Groban
#19. "Stronger"--Kelly Clarkson
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
This song is about:
* Gaining strength through experience
* Standing taller instead of falling down
* The power in just me, myself, and I
Video: "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson
#20. "Pocketful of Sunshine"--Natasha Bedingfield
Know that you'll be alright.
This song is about:
* Possessing inner strength
* Knowing your power
* Having an inner escape from external problems
* Sticks and stones won't break me
Listen: Pocketful of Sunshine
#21. "Firework"--Katy Perry
Ignite your light!
This song is about:
* Being what you can be despite the challenges
* Letting your power shine
* Knowing that low times will end
Video: Katy Perry's "Firework"
#22. "You Gotta Be"--Des'ree
Challenge what the future holds!
This song is about:
* Being bad, bold, wiser, hard, tough, stronger, cool, calm, and staying together
* Releasing fear and finding your inner strength
* Love will save the day
Listen to: "You Gotta Be" by Des'ree
#23. "Lost in the Echo"--Linkin Park
You can't be stopped!
This song is about:
*Being strong
*Keeping on and fighting for yourself
*Making it through, not holding back, holding yourself up
Listen: Lost in the Echo
#24. "Shake it Out"--Florence + The Machine
This song can have a couple of interpretations. One of them is symbolic and inspiring, and fits with the message of this hub. The other, based on the lyrics and music video, is darker and occult in meaning. I include this song in this hub for the former interpretation.
Shake it out!
What to take from this song:
* Overcoming regrets and going forward
* Leaving the past behind
* Overcoming darkness and having hope
* Letting go of one's demons
Listen to "Shake it Out" from Florence + The Machine
#25. "Keep Your Head Up"--Andy Grammer
Keep your head up!
This song is about:
* Keeping your head up
* Keeping on when things get difficult and complicated
* Remembering that you'll turn out fine
Listen: Keep Your Head Up
#26."It's My Life"--Bon Jovi
Live while you’re alive!
This song is about:
* Living life while you can
* Making the most of life
* Fighting for what is important in your life and in life
Listen: It's My Life
#27. "Fighter"--Christina Aguilera
It makes you that much stronger.
This song is about:
* The experiences that make us stronger, wiser, faster, smarter
* Being a fighter
* Having a more resilient response to people who have influences in our lives
Video: Christina Aguilera's "Fighter"
#28. "Roar"--Katy Perry
Go from zero to your own hero!
This song is about:
* Getting up off the ground and rising
* Overcoming adversity
* Being your own hero
#29."Shake it Off"--Taylor Swift
Shake it off!
This song is about:
* Shaking/brushing things off
* Not letting things and other people get to you
* Continuing to move on and go forward when there is resistance
Listen: Shake it Off
#30. "Brave"--Sara Bareilles
Show me how big your brave is!
This song is about:
* Choosing between being small or being powerful
* The process and importance of being brave
* Getting enough bravery to say what you need/want to say
* Learning to take care of yourself
Video: Sara Bareilles' "Brave"
#31. "Keep Holding On"--Avril Lavigne
Just stay strong.
This song is about:
* Continuing to persevere through difficult times
* Being strong for others through hardship
* Knowing that you will come through it
Video: Avril Lavigne's "Keep Holding On"
#32. "Defying Gravity"--Wicked Musical
Try defying gravity!
This song is about:
* Believing in oneself
* Being brave enough to make the best choices in life
* Risking big changes
* Inspiring others to do the same
* Leaving behind the old/past for the new/present and future
Listen to "Defying Gravity" from Wicked
#33. "Up"--Shania Twain
Go up from here!
This song is about:
* Understanding of those frustrating times
* Knowing bad as things are, things get better
* It can only go up from here
Listen: Up
#34. "Hey Hey Hey"--Michael Franti and Spearhead
Don't let another moment slip away!
This song is about:
* Holding on in hard times
* Keeping things in perspective
* Remembering that things are possible
Listen to "Hey, Hey, Hey" by Michael Franti
#35. "I Hope You Dance"--Lee Ann Womack
Give faith a fighting chance!
This song is about:
* Holding on in hard times
* Giving yourself a chance
* Choosing hope
* Choosing to continue on and holding on to what's important
Listen: I Hope You Dance
#36. "I Can See Clearly Now"--Johnny Nash
You can make it now.
This song is about:
* Overcoming obstacles
* Having clarity after a difficult situation and going forward
* Having a fresh start in a new day
Listen: I Can See Clearly Now
#37. "Brave"--Idina Menzel
It's your turn to be brave.
This song is about:
* Finding strength, courage, and motivation within oneself
* Doing things on one's own
Listen: Brave
#38. "Hey World (Don't Give Up)"--Michael Franti
Hey world, don't give up!
This song is about:
* Not giving up on oneself
* Not giving up on the world
* Some of the struggles and injustices of the world
Video: Michael Franti's "Hey World (Don't Give Up)"
#39. "Hands on the Wheel"--Beth Sass
You've got the wheel and have nothing to fear but fear itself!
This song is about:
* Finding strength within yourself
* Managing through hard parts
Video: "Hands on the Wheel" by Beth Sass
#40. "Life Uncommon"--Jewel
Live a life uncommon!
This song is about:
* Living with love and bravery
* Letting go of one's chains
* Having strength and resilience in hard times
Listen: Life Uncommon
#41. "Go the Distance"--Michael Bolton, from Disney's Hercules
You can go the distance!
This song is about:
* Going the distance
* Reaching a goal against obstacles
* Persistence
Video: "Go the Distance" in Disney's Hercules
#42. "I'll Make a Man Out of You"--Roger Bart, from Disney's Mulan
With all the strength of a raging fire!
This song is about:
* Challenging yourself
* Rising to the occasion
* Finding your center and best self
Listen: I'll Make a Man Out of You
#43. "Let it Go" from Disney's Frozen
Let it go!
This song is about:
* Letting go of the things that hold us back
* Overcoming obstacles
* Self-acceptance
Video: "Let it Go" from Disney's Frozen
#44. "Remember the Name"--Fort Minor
100% reason to remember the name!
This song is about:
* What it takes to succeed
* Overcoming obstacles in order to reach one's goals
* Believing in oneself
* Not giving up
Listen: Remember the Name
#45. "Carry On"--Fun
Carry on!
This song is about:
* The importance of carrying on and continuing even in difficult times
* Being able to find one's way and find strength even when lost and alone
Video: "Carry On" by Fun
#46. "Do Better"--Say Anything
#47. "Eye of the Tiger"--Survivor
Get back on your feet!
This song is about:
* Rising to the challenge
* Surviving
* Overcoming obstacles
Video: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
Do you feel better yet?
I hope you found some songs that can be of use to you in one form or another.
Keep on goin', believin', fightin', survivin', and thrivin'!
And if you're ever in the mood for sadness, I've compiled a list of 33 Beautiful Emotional Songs and a list of 26 Beautiful and Moving Movie Tracks for your listening pleasure.
When life hands you lemons, will you be listening to some of these songs while you make lemonade?
Questions & Answers
© 2012 Nalini Marquez
Comments
There are 3 good songs the journey , survivor and the script. The rest are not good like Demi lovato seriously? Lol. When I need trouble you need something that help you change state not to go in it and the more you overthink you get more depressed. Those 3 gives motive to attack first obstacle.
when i was a teen my "fight song" was "We're Not Gonna Take it" by twisted sister
Rachel Platten "Fight Song" #1? This is the most uninspired song about being inspired I've ever heard. It shouldn't even be on the list but article was probably done by someone 18 years old.
I love these songs! There are many inspiring tracks on here Super hub! Voted up, Great Job!
This list just keeps on getting bigger! I love it!
hai
I Can See video so nice
Mariah Carey's "Hero." Listening to that songs makes me feel that things are not bad as them seem.
Hi,
You have a great list..i love most of the songs you lasted in this blog. Especially "I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Cash" and the video of "Carry On" by Fun is really joyful...Some of these songs are already on my iPod.
Thank you for the list Nalini, you have inspired me to create a playlist for those days that just need a little more motivation :)
Although music changes your mood and makes you feel stronger, I don't know any of the songs mentioned above. I shall listen them sometime. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! Your list is amazing. Thanks for sharing us your Hub. I actually like all the songs in your list. Cheers!
Thank you nailini for give us nice songs list ......when i work , i like to listen this type songs :) :) thanks again
This list is going to help me with a music video project for a Video Production class I am in. I have to make a music video. The one that stands out right now is Linkin Park, Lost in the Echo. So thanks for the list. Going to help me the the project. Now I just have to film and edit the video by Monday.
Songs I think could be added is:
"Rise Today" by Alter Bridge.
"The End is Where We Begin" by Thousand Foot Krutch
"Rise" by Skillet
"Sick of it" by Skillet
Again, thanks for the list!
Ethan Nelsen
1, 21 guns, put down your arms. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER TWENTY ONE GUNS, ANYONE.
Hi Nalini, you have a great list of inspirational songs here which carry some really important messages. I think lots of modern pop music has simply lost or denied its true ability to convey powerful messages as a form of art. With this list of songs you remind us of how influential music can be. Great job! :)
Music is so powerful, it goes directly to both your heart and brain.
interesting
Very interesting article. I can definitely say that when I am feeling down or that my confidence has taken a toll I tend to look for songs which are going to bring good vibes and lift up my spirits. Music has a very powerful effect on how people think and feel; therefore, songs like this can be extremely helpful. Even for those who suffer from mental illness use music as a type of therapy to cope with their feelings. Thanks for the song ideas!
IDK who checks these messages or who adds songs to the list, but I would like for that person (people) to listen to Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthew's "I'm Alive." It is a terrific encouraging song that may help many. Thank you.
Splendid job. Try also, "Richest Man on Earth" by Paul Overstreet
Thanks for this list - lot of newer artists that I'll have to check out. From my Baby Boom generation, I would recommend "Long Promised Road" by the Beach Boys.
Thank you for this post
You're welcome!
My pleasure Nalini. You too
Great list, Nalini. It's so empowering and uplifting to hear a song from your song selection.
I agree with Christina Aguilera on 'Fighter'. You must fight adversity with all you got. Thumbs up.
Andy Grammer -Keep Your Head Up. Can one really keep his head up, that way always?
"Move Along" by the All American Rejects is quite creative: good stuff guys.
Demi Lovato" Skyscraper is interesting. I like it. Thumbs up.
The Script's "Hall of Fame". I like the black guy with young Mandela kind of hair style: nice one and nice story.
Michael Franti's "Hey World (Don't Give Up)" is really encouraging. I like it.
I like this movie title: Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. it is nice and interesting.
I love this collection of inspirational songs. Thanks Nalini
Hi Nalini, it is a sad movie, taking place as it does during WWII, but it has a happy ending.
Lots of good songs here! I have found from experience it's better to to stay away from the downer songs when you're down, that only makes it worse, better to listen to uplifting songs in times like that. I like this hub and the way you've put it together, great job!
Many of these are songs that I have listened to many times as I find music soothes the raw edges and calms the angst..
Great collection
Angels are on the way to you this afternoon ps
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I haven't heard most of the songs on the list, and haven't heard of many of the artists.
Some other songs I would recommend are "My Morning Song" by the Black Crowes," "Stuck in a Moment" by U2," "Thunder Road" by Bruce Springsteen, "Series of Dreams" by Bob Dylan.
In the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Penelope Cruz's character says to Captain Corelli, "What is there to sing about, anyway?" Corelli replies, "People sing when a marriage is celebrated, when a baby is baptized; men sing as they work, soliders sing as they march--and yes, there is singing when people die. I have always found something to sing about, and for that I cannot apologize."
Great list. Everybody Hurts by REM and Animal by Kesha are two other great inspirational songs.
Hi, thanks for these songs, you have good taste! It's hard to battle with challenges, so it is great to get all the help that we can get. Nice post, keep up the useful posting!
I like your list. It seems we have kind of similar taste when it comes to music choice. I need songs like this to inspire me every day. Thanks.
A fabulous music list, uplifted my spirits just reading through the list and recognizing old time favorites that still make me happy. Music is a breath of life as far as I am concerned. Some interesting videos too, as I just have to go back and click another one or two....
The Beatles Let it be is probably one of my favorite songs of all time. That and When you believe by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston (RIP). Keep updating this amazing hub!
Hi Nalini what a fun and very interesting hub to read. Nice meeting you. I really enjoyed the hub and I look forward to reading your others as well. Music can always move you and make you feel something wonderful or something sad. Linda
Well detailed I can see why it's hard to maintain this post. Thanks!
Thank you so much for this list. I am going through a very bad bout of depression and I'm constantly looking for something to uplift me. Even though I cried my eyes at on most of the songs, they still gave me inspiration to keep fighting through this. I think I'm going to download them onto a c.d. to listen to all the time.
Thanks again. You're wonderful for making this :-)
Great article I like the list of songs that you put some are my favorite and they do really inspire me to become a better person and to reach my goals without never giving up. Voted up☺
Great list - some I've never heard of but definitely will check them out.
I love "survivor" by Destinys child, as it is sentimental to me. I played this song to my mum when she was battling cancer and although it beat her in the end, she fought a great 7 year battle. This song depicts that struggle.
If you're still building this list, may I suggest Lean On Me by Terry Callier? I admire its message of undying concern.
AWESOME hub! I'm bookmarking it! YEAH!
Nice list, there are no doubt many songs like these around. The problem is, most people don't take note of the lyrics.
I think that Linkin Park's song Lost in the Echo, from their album Living Things, should be on this list. It's helped me a lot recently, especially the lyrics 'you can tell 'em all now, I don't back up, I don't back down, I don't fold up, and I don't bow, I don't roll over, don't know how, I don't care where the enemies are, Can't be stopped, all I know; go hard, Won't forget how I got this far' and 'So you can let it be known, I don't hold back, I hold my own, I can't be mapped, I can't be cloned, I can't C-flat, it ain't my tone, I can't fall back, I came too far, Hold myself up and love my scars'.
As i said, it's got me through a lot, maybe it could help someone else :)
Thanks for reading.
This is a great list so I hate to break it to you but Dog Days by Florence and the Machine is actually about domestic abuse. It's a very commonly missunderstood song. I didn't really get it until I picked apart the lyrics but a lot of Florence Welsh's songs are about abuse. The 'dog days' are the happy early days of the relationship (dog days literally transaltes to the hottest days of summer). The part when she says 'and I never wanted anything from you, except all you had and what was left after that too' is spoken from the man's perspective and it's what he's saying to his lover. She has to get rid of her love for him and run and hide in order to survive.
Sorry to change this song for you, it's just a bit warped hearing it like it's a happy empowering song.
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