37 Best Songs About Being Different

Embracing being different takes plenty of courage in a world that pressures people to fit in. Although some struggle with being different, being different is a part of life. Check out these top songs about being different and let’s stand out.

Firework by Katy Perry

Song Year: 2010

One song that’s relatable to anyone feeling alone or different is Katy Perry’s “Firework,” a multi-platinum hit featured on her album Teenage Dream. In this song, Perry tells the listener that their uniqueness is irreplaceable and they can stand out from others following the status quo, no matter how small and powerless they might feel.

This song topped several music charts in the United States and ranked within the top ten of several international music charts.

Born This Way by Lady Gaga

Song Year: 2011

Lady Gaga's chart-topping hit “Born This Way” has become a modern classic for anyone looking for an empowering piece encouraging them to be different. The narrator reinforces the idea that society won’t make her change who she is.

The lyrics incorporate a universal lesson to the listener about how everyone is equal, regardless of physical appearance or sexuality, making it an excellent song that appeals to people of any age.

So Am I by Ava Max

Song Year: 2019

“So Am I” is an uplifting electro-pop song about accepting how it’s okay to be different. It was featured on Ava Max’s debut album Heaven & Hell. The lyrics embody the narrator’s feelings about not fitting into what society expects from you, especially for those feeling like misfits in high school. The narrator expresses how being different gives us extra layers to who we are.

Be Yourself by Audioslave

Song Year: 2005

“Be Yourself” is one of Audioslave's chart-topping hits with a message that resonates with anyone who feels different. The lyrics describe that some people experience specific feelings or events, like pain and love, differently, showcasing how it’s okay to be different and that being yourself is the best thing to do whenever you encounter success or failure.

The song incorporates an uptempo, rough alternative rock sound that perfectly captures the edgy music of the mid-2000s. The next time you feel ostracized by others, consider listening to this when relaxing at home.

Fat Lip by Sum 41

Song Year: 2001

“Fat Lip” is a song featured on Sum 41’s debut album, All Killer, No Filler. In this song, the speaker reflects upon his teenage years, when he rejected ideas of conformity from his parents and society. He acknowledges ignoring what others tried to tell him, embracing his rebellious side, and encourages teenagers to find their place in the world to follow the path they want.

It’s an excellent song that resonates with teenagers decades after its release. Its punk-inspired guitar riffs give the song more attitude.

Rock N Roll by Avril Lavigne

Song Year: 2013

Music with a rebellious tone emphasizes how people who love being different can strike a chord with young people of any generation. Avril Lavingne's “Rock N Roll” encapsulates this feeling perfectly through an upbeat pop-punk presentation. The vocalist expresses that she doesn’t care what others think about her rough, rebellious, rock-loving side.

I’m Different by 2 Chainz

Song Year: 2012

Rap is one genre of music that embraces being different from the rest. 2 Chainz’s “I’m Different,” featured on his debut album Based on a T.R.U. Story, is a straightforward triple-platinum song about how he stands out from other popular rap artists.

The lyrics reference the artist’s wealth and the attention he gets from girls. The song's rhythmic hip-hop beats and piano instrumentation give it an addictive tune that won't leave your head.

The Way I Am by Charlie Puth

Song Year: 2018

One of Charlie Puth’s most moving songs is “The Way I Am,” a pop track featured on the album Voicenotes. Puth initially wrote this song while figuring out his identity on the music scene. The narrator says he doesn’t care about liking or hating him since he knows his true self. The song’s modern, upbeat energy doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Grace Kelly by MIKA

Song Year: 2007

The main inspiration behind MIKA's “Grace Kelly” stems from the artist's experience of record labels wanting him to sound like other artists instead of himself. The song’s upbeat melody and vocals helped it top several international music charts. The lyrics critique how people want others to act to suit their needs while promoting the concept of individuality.

Stand Out Fit In by ONE OK ROCK

Song Year: 2018

Another one of the best songs about being different is Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK’s “Stand Out Fit In.” It centers around a person struggling to fit in with society. Although the lyrics incorporate societal norms that others try to enforce on the narrator, he later implores the audience to reject changing themselves just to fit in despite their hardships.

The song’s use of English and Japanese lyrics gives it a dynamic identity that people can relate to, no matter where they’re from.

I Don’t Want To Be by Gavin DeGraw

Song Year: 2003

Initially featured on Gavin DeGraw’s debut album Chariot and used as the opening theme to One Tree Hill, “I Don’t Want To Be” is a song about a man who wants to be himself. He expresses how he won’t feel the shameful pressure from people urging him to change. DeGraw wrote this song as an inspirational piece for teens experiencing identity crises.

Different by Micah Tyler

Song Year: 2017

Unlike many songs in this lineup, Micah Tyler’s “Different” is about a person trying to accept being different because that’s how God created him. The narrator expresses how he wants others to notice how much he’s changed, comparing himself to a flame that’s hard to ignore.

Featured on Tyler’s album of the same name, its slower tempo and guitar and drum accompaniment resonate with anyone looking for inspirational Christian pop music to listen to when they’re feeling down.

Secrets by Mary Lambert

Song Year: 2014

“Secrets” is a song about overcoming the pressures of hiding your insecurities to fit in. Mary Lambert struggled to be someone she was not, but she overcame these internal obstacles and embraced her true self. She expresses how she doesn’t care what people think of her and if they know her secrets. The song’s inclusion of strings and trumpets enhances its mid-tempo energy.