21 Best Fighting Songs to Get You Pumped Up Before a Fight

Are you looking for a fight? Or at least to pretend you’re about to go into one (for whatever reason, lol). Sometimes the only path forward is to confront your opponent directly, in that spirit, here are 21 of the best fighting songs to listen to so you'll get pumped up before throwing down.

“(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)” by The Beastie Boys

Song year: 1986

“Fight for Your Right” was the first single from the Beatles' debut album – and it was an instant smash, becoming the first rap album ever to reach the number one spot on the Billboard album chart.

The song features the Boys rapping over a rocking guitar riff and drum beat, with lyrics urging the listener to just say yes to drinking, smoking, and partying. Although it's definitely hilarious, it's also sure to get you pumped up and ready to fight.

“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten

Song year: 2015

A song that pumps you up before a fight doesn't necessarily need to be fast and angry. Rachel Platten's 2015 hit “Fight Song” is a slower, piano-heavy song that's perfect for pumping you up and making you feel determined to win.

The lyrics are an empowering anthem about overcoming adversity and never giving up. While it's maybe not the best choice to blast through a stadium as you enter a boxing match, it's great for listening to through headphones before you have to face a challenge, whether a literal fight or simply a situation where you need to stand up for yourself.

This song also made the list of the best songs about strength and bravery.

“Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit

Song year: 2009

Whenever you're having one of those days where nothing goes right, and you're finally fed up enough to fight, this song will provide the fuel you need. It's a thrashing, rocking rap-rock hybrid with lyrics about, well, breaking stuff.

The song does hit a bit of a sour note in one way. It's fairly famous as the song Limp Bizkit played during the mayhem and destruction of Woodstock '99.

“All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled

Song year: 2010

DJ Khaled is practically the personification of music that'll pump you up. His 2010 smash “All I Do Is Win” is a rousing anthem about success featuring appearances from Ludacris, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, and T-Pain.

“All I Do Is Win” has made a huge impact across pop culture. It's the anthem for many sports teams, including the Miami Hurricanes and the New York Knicks. Even Barack Obama used it as an entrance song during the 2013 White House Correspondents Dinner.

“Say What You Say” by Eminem

Song year: 2009

Eminem released this song on his fourth studio album, The Eminem Show. That's significant because his previous album, The Marshall Mathers LP, had generated a lot of controversies. “Say What You Say” is his direct response to a variety of critics.

It's a fast, aggressive, and spooky song with impressive feats of lyrical dexterity. Eminem and Dre fire shots at Jermaine Dupris and other enemies both in and out of the rap world. It will inspire you to take down your rivals, too.

“Fighter” by Christina Aguilera

Song year: 2009

While Christina might not be the first artist you think of when looking for a fight song, trust me when I say “Fighter” will get you pumped up. It's a fast-moving, energetic tune that has the singer belting out powerful lyrics about overcoming adversity.

On first listen, the lyrics might seem as if they're about a romantic relationship, but they're actually about Christina's abusive childhood and how it helped forge her into the strong person she is today.

“TNT” by AC/DC

Song year: 1997

Let's be honest: Every AC/DC song fits on this list. But of all the great options, I'm sticking with “TNT” as the song that's best for pumping you up before a fight. It's pure hard rock with simple, repetitive lyrics about dynamite and explosions.

“TNT” is from High Voltage, the band's second album, which was first released only in Australia. But a song like this proved too big for one continent, as the rest of the world discovered with the album's international release.   (Note there are two versions: one with original singer Bon Scott and a live version with Brian Johnson.)

“Let's Get It Started” by Black Eyed Peas

Song year: 2004

Another favorite frequently heard in stadiums and arenas worldwide, “Let's Get It Started” will get you revved up and raring to fight. It's a pulse-pounding hit by the Black Eyed Peas that also features legendary lyrics from LL Cool J, who knows a thing or two about songs for fighting.

Originally, the song lyrics and title were “Let's Get Retarded,” but after a (justified) public backlash, they changed the title and reworked the words, releasing it as their fourth single from their third album, Elephunk.

“Good as Hell” by Lizzo

Song year: 2016

The second Lizzo track to reach number one on the Hot 100 chart in 2017, “Good as Hell” will encourage you to get out there and move mountains to reach your goals. While certainly not the most aggressive song about fighting on this list, it's easily one of the most inspiring.

“Good as Hell” has legs. It was originally released in 2016 as the first single for Lizzo's second album, where it was a modest hit. However, she then went on the Good as Hell Tour in 2017 and re-released the single in 2019, where it found a massive audience on the radio.

“Kung Fu Fighting” by CeeLo Green

Song year: 2008

The original version of the song, performed by Card Douglas and released in 1974, was a huge hit at the height of the disco craze. It sold over 11 million records, making it one of the most successful singles in music history.

Unfortunately, the original lyrics, about “funky China men from funky Chinatown,” have aged pretty poorly, which is why I recommend the 2008 version from the movie Kung Fu Panda. Performed by CeeLo and Jack Black, this version features new, inspirational lyrics about using your mind and body as one.

“Kiss With a Fist” by Florence + The Machine

Song year: 2009

Hailing from England, Florence + The Machine found fame worldwide thanks to their unique rock-soul hybrid sound and charismatic lead singer. The song is the first single from their 2009 debut, Lungs.

It's a rocking song about two people hitting, kicking, and attacking each other. While some have said the song glamorizes domestic violence, Florence clarified that the lyrics are meant as metaphors for harsh words.