Motivation Lyrics: The Best Songs To Stay Inspired And Get Motivated

Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis, LCMHC
Updated October 21, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Music can play an important role in boosting motivation when you need an extra boost during the day. Whether it's a beat that pushes you forward or the words themselves that speak to you, research shows that.

If you’re finding it challenging to find motivation in your daily life, song lyrics may help you keep moving. However, experiencing a lack of motivation on a regular basis could indicate a more serious concern, such as depression. 

Below, we’ll look at the lyrics from some of the most motivational songs as well as discuss what steps you can take when motivation feels out of reach.

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Are you struggling to make it through the day?

There are plenty of motivational songs out there to get you going no matter your taste in music. Consider some of the following lyrics from various genres.

Motivational lyrics in hip-hop, R&B, soul, and fight songs

Hip-hop can be highly motivating. It tends to have catchy hooks and quick beats that may boost your motivation. Below are some hip-hop lyrics that might give you the push you need to get going:

Setting goals using motivation lyrics

"Make a business for yourself, boy, set some goals. Make a fat diamond out of dusty coals." - Outkast: "B.O.B"

“You gotta get your mind right. 'Cause when you get your mind right, they say the body will follow. See, my mind is clear, it's a whole new year!” – Snoop Dogg: “Motivation.”

“If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else.” – Marvin Gaye: “Heard It Through The Grapevine.”

Encouragement to get motivated and persevere

"If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off, and try again." - Aaliyah: "Try Again"

"Every day women and men become legends." - Common: "Glory"

“Regardless of how it goes down… life goes on.” – Rick Ross: “Amazing Grace.”

"So here I go, it's my shot. Feet fail me not. This may be the only opportunity that I got." - Eminem: "Lose Yourself"

"No matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up, and handle it." - Tupac: "Me Against the World"

“Ain’t no mountain high enough. Ain’t no valley low, ain’t no river wide enough.” – Marvin Gaye: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” 

Motivation lyrics in classic rock

If hip-hop isn’t your favorite genre, you might find motivation in some classic rock songs. Here are some motivational rock lyrics to help you get going.

Motivate yourself with songs about rising above

"One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing, you're gonna spread your wings, child, and take to the sky" - Janis Joplin: "Summertime."

"You can't always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes, well, you just might find you get what you need" - The Rolling Stones: "You Can't Always Get What You Want."

"Rising up, back on the street. Did my time, took my chances. Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet. Just a man and his will to survive." - Survivor: "Eye of the Tiger."

Songs of determination

"Ya gotta keep pushin' for the fortune and fame." - Guns 'n Roses: "Welcome to the Jungle."

"We are the champions, my friends, and we'll keep on fighting 'til the end. We are the champions; we are the champions! No time for losers 'cause we are the champions of the world." - Queen: "We Are the Champions."

"Workin' hard to get my fill. Everybody wants a thrill. Paying anything to roll the dice just one more time." Journey: "Don't Stop Believin.’"

“I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down. Gonna stand my ground. And I won’t back down.” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: “I Won’t Back Down.”

Get motivated with pop songs

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A good pop song can be as stimulating as a classic rock or hip-hop song. Below is a little music that may help increase your motivation.

Messages of resilience

"I'm a survivor. I'm not gon' give up. I'm not gon' stop. I'm gonna work harder." - Destiny's Child: "Survivor"

“I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar.” – Katy Perry: “Roar.”

"I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down." - Chumbawumba: “Tubthumping.”

"I dare you to move like today never happened; today never happened before." - Switchfoot: “Dare You to Move.”

Inspirational lyrics

“I hope you don’t mind that I put down in the words how wonderful life is while you’re in the world.” – Elton John: “Your Song.”

"Staring at the blank page before you, open up the dirty window. Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find." - Natasha Bedingfield: “Unwritten.”

"I could lift you up. I could show you what you wanna see and take you where you wanna be. You could be my luck. Even if the sky is falling down, I know that we'll be safe and sound." - Capital Cities: “Safe and Sound.”

"I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose. Fire away, fire away. Ricochet, you take your aim. Fire away, fire away. You shoot me down, but I won't fall. I am titanium." - David Guetta feat. Sia: “Titanium.”

Motivational country lyrics

If you prefer country to rock, pop, or hip-hop, then this next set of motivational lyrics may be for you.

Celebrating life's moments

"And it's a great day to be alive. I know the sun's still shining when I close my eyes. There are some hard times in the neighborhood, but why can't every day be just this good?" - Travis Tritt: "It's a Great Day to Be Alive."

"We all got a little superman, ready to take a flight, and save a life, oh save a life. Take a look around and you'll see. Ordinary angels." - Craig Morgan: “Ordinary Angels”

"I cashed my check, cleaned my truck. Put on my hat, and forgot about work. Sun goin' down, head across town. Pick up my baby, and turn it around. Good time." - Alan Jackson: “Good Time.”

Overcoming challenges

"If you're going through hell, keep on going, don't slow down. If you're scared, don't show it. You might get out before the devil even knows you're there." - Rodney Atkins: "If You're Going Through Hell."

"Someday, I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying." - Tim McGraw: "Live Like You Were Dying."

"Shine on me, sunshine, walk with me, world. It's a skippidy-doo-da day. I'm the happiest girl in the whole USA." - Donna Fargo: "Happiest Girl in the Whole USA."

When you’re struggling to find motivation

Sometimes, it can be challenging to find motivation to start and finish tasks, even if you put on the most motivational tunes you have on your playlist. Sometimes, this can be a temporary case of the blues, but other times, it can be the result of a mental health condition, such as depression.

In the case of the latter, it can be important to seek help before the condition gets any worse. If you don’t feel well enough to visit a therapist’s office, you might benefit from online therapy, which you can engage in from home or anywhere you have an internet connection. With an online therapy service, you can typically participate in therapy via phone, live chat, or videoconferencing. 

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The efficacy of online counseling

Researchers have conducted numerous studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of online therapy, including for depression. One study published in JMIR Mental Health examined the effects of online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers found that online therapy had significant and sustained positive results for participants. 

Counselor reviews

“Jamie has been a great resource and influence in my confidence building. She always keeps it real and helps me to really identify my strengths and weaknesses. I appreciate her always holding me accountable and giving me motivation throughout the week. Well worth any money! Thank you Jamie for always being there when I need somebody to tell me I can do it.”

“Erin is very understanding and straightforward in her counseling. I appreciated her not only being there to listen and offer guidance but also for providing the tools and motivation to help me understand how to manage my emotions and anxiety. I can feel myself becoming more self-sufficient and turning into more of who I want to be!”

Takeaway

Motivation can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Many people find strength, self-acceptance, and encouragement through the music they listen to, and this can be just one source of motivation that you turn to when you’re having difficulty getting through the day. However, if you find that you’re feeling a lack of motivation for extended periods, it could be something more serious, such as depression. 

If you think you may be experiencing depression, you don’t have to face it alone. An online therapist may be able to help you identify what’s affecting your motivation and help you come up with an individualized treatment plan to find motivation again. Take the first step toward increasing your motivation and reach out to BetterHelp today.

Struggling to find motivation in your life?
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