35 Best Songs About Hope That’ll Uplift You

Do you have trouble feeling hopeful? Music can be a great option, so you should listen to a few songs about hope.

Music has an incredible ability to influence our moods, which is why people often listen to energizing music while working out to pump them up or up-tempo music when sad to lift their spirits.

But where should you start? Here are some amazing songs to listen to.

“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

Song Year: 1972

“Lean on Me” is a classic song about hope and how having people around you can make things easier. Everyone has bad days and bad periods in their life.

It's possible to overcome those struggles alone, but it helps to have a friend. If you're ever feeling down or like you could use some extra support, listen to this song.

Then, ask a friend if you can talk to them about what's going on to get whatever motivation or help you need.

“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash

Song Year: 1993

If you're in what feels like a rainy part of life, listen to “I Can See Clearly Now.” This song by Johnny Nash shows that you can get over low periods.

It can be hard to think about those sunny days when you're experiencing a lot of clouds. But the lyrics can motivate you to look forward to the future.

The upbeat rhythm can help you dance your stresses away.

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

Song Year: 1982

“Eye of the Tiger” is another one of the best songs about hope. While it may be more about having to fight for something, the message of hope is there.

This song is a great motivator, and it can help you get in the zone. If you have a tough task ahead, you can listen to the Survivor song to power through.

The song has a strong, steady groove, which can keep you on your toes.

“Don't Stop Believin'” by Journey

Song Year: 1981

Another classic song about hope is “Don't Stop Believin'” by Journey. The song starts off slow, but it quickly gets faster and more upbeat.

It talks about thrills and working hard, and it's a fun song for karaoke. You can also listen to it when you find yourself needing more drive.

“We Are the Champions” by Queen

Song Year: 1977

“We Are the Champions” is another song about fighting for what you deserve. Thinking like a champion can help you approach things in a different way.

It can help to have a song that gets you in a winning mood before a competition or a meeting. You can do a power pose as you listen to help the song uplift you even more.

Soon enough, you will feel like a champion, and you can become a champion. Having a song to listen to is a great place to start that journey.

“Float On” by Modest Mouse

Song Year: 2004

Sometimes, you don't need to hope for something great but simply to keep on going. “Float On” has lyrics that talk about going with the flow.

If you struggle to live your life without stressing a lot, this song may help. You can listen to the lyrics as well as the calm beat and rhythms.

“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson

Song Year: 1988

It can seem impossible to change the entire world, so “Man in the Mirror” starts small. Michael Jackson's lyrics say he's committing to changing himself first.

You have to start somewhere to change the world, even if that's with yourself. The song is a great reminder that big changes take small steps.

If you're feeling down about the state of the world, listen to this song.

“Imagine” by John Lennon

Song Year: 1971

Of course, another one of the best songs about hope is “Imagine” by John Lennon. This song talks about being a dreamer and wanting to see a better world.

Other lyrics talk about peace and getting rid of greed. While we may not achieve a perfect world as the song suggests, it's a good thing to think about.

“Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas

Song Year: 1976

“Carry on Wayward Son” starts with a slow introduction, talking about peace. Soon, the song breaks into a faster rock beat.

The lyrics talk about flying high and how it's important to rest after working hard. It's a great song to listen to if you find it hard to carry on.

Give it a listen whenever you need a bit of a mood boost.

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1969

The lyrics to “Here Comes the Sun” are pretty simple, and they repeat throughout the song. Its mention of the sun is a metaphor for better days.

You can listen to this song when you need to remind yourself that good things are coming. It can be hard to remember that when something stressful happens.

“I Won't Back Down” by Tom Petty

Song Year: 1989

Sometimes, a good song about hope just needs to talk about standing up for what you believe in. “I Won't Back Down” does just that, so it's an excellent inspirational song.

If you ever feel like the world is keeping you down, this song may offer the motivation you need. You can learn to stand up for yourself and do what's right.

It can be hard to do that when everyone else wants to do something else.

“It's My Life” by Bon Jovi

Song Year: 2000

“It's My Life” talks about living in the moment, knowing that you aren't immortal. If you want to be able to do what you want and live how you want, this song is perfect.

You can listen to it whenever you feel like you should do something else. But the title makes it clear: it's your life.

If you can, do what makes you happy, and do it now.

“Ain't No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Song Year: 1967

If you need hope regarding a relationship, listen to “Ain't No Mountain High Enough.” The song talks about mountains and valleys and how they can't keep people apart.

You can listen to this song or send it to someone who may need you. They will know to reach out and that you can connect with each other despite any distance.

The duet perfectly captures how two people can overcome barriers.

“Coming Out of the Dark” by Gloria Estefan

Song Year: 1991

Gloria Estefan sings about seeing the light and how she's starting over. The song is relatable to people who have had to get over old relationships.

If you're struggling after a bad relationship, this song may offer some hope. You can see the light and become your own person.

Give this song a listen whenever you feel you're in a dark place.

“Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood

Song Year: 2005

““Jesus Take the Wheel” is an excellent song to listen to if you've had a bad year. It's also good to listen to if you have a lot of stress.

Whether or not you're religious, you may feel like you need something to take control of your life. That way, you can relax and know that what will happen is meant to happen.

We can't do everything alone, and having someone or something to help is great.

“Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson

Song Year: 2011

If you've gone through a lot, you may like the song “Stronger.” The lyrics talk about how you can overcome a lot, and it will make you stronger.

Kelly Clarkson's voice is very full and can provide motivation when you're feeling down. Combine that with the melody and rhythm, and you can dance your stresses away.

Anyone can enjoy the song to feel a bit of hope.

“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten

Song Year: 2014

“Fight Song” is the perfect song about hope for when you want to take control. It starts off soft and slow, but it has a more rhythmic pulse later on.

The melody and harmonies can help you feel like you're going to be okay. This song talks about proving people wrong, so it's nice if you have people who think you're going to fail.

Give this song a listen whenever others don't seem to believe in you.

“Break Free” by Ariana Grande

Song Year: 2014

Ariana Grande's “Break Free” is yet another song that can provide hope. It talks about wanting to live and die without having a broken heart.

The lyrics mention getting stronger and how it's time to break free of someone's grasp. If you feel like someone is holding you too tight, this song can remind you it's okay to leave them.

There's a fun dance beat, so the song can get you in a better mood.

“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus

Song Year: 2009

In “The Climb,” Miley Cyrus sings about keeping her head high. She's facing a lot of struggles to get where she wants to go.

This is something a lot of people can probably relate to. If you feel like things aren't going the right way, listen to this song.

It may make you feel better.

“Who Says” by Selena Gomez

Song Year: 2011

If you're struggling with loving yourself, “Who Says” may help. The song talks about how you should care about yourself and not worry about what others think.

You can listen to this song in both English and Spanish, which is great if you want to learn a new language. In either case, the song has a good beat.

It can motivate you to feel better.

“Little Me” by Little Mix

Song Year: 2013

Anyone who has struggled with confidence may enjoy “Little Me” by Little Mix. The British girl group sings about growing up and the struggles you face.

If you're an adult, you can listen to the song and look back at your life. As a younger person, you can learn about the importance of believing in yourself now.

The song is a bit slow, but it offers a sense of hope for the future.

“Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys

Song Year: 2012

“Girl on Fire” is another great hopeful song, especially for young women. The song talks about living in a world with lots of problems.

The lyrics then talk about the girl not backing down from her struggles. It features an upbeat rhythm, and it's got a motivational structure overall.

“Firework” by Katy Perry

Song Year: 2010

If you aren't feeling very confident, listen to “Firework” by Katy Perry. The song talks about how you should shine the way you are.

It has a beat you can dance to, which can help boost your mood even more. Then, you can be ready to tackle almost anything.

“Crying in the Club” by Camila Cabello

Song Year: 2017

Another surprisingly danceable hopeful song is “Crying in the Club.” This song talks about getting over some hard times but dancing anyway.

When you're at a club, you should enjoy yourself and not worry about the past. It's a newer song but can be very uplifting for listeners, singers, and dancers.

“I Hope” by Gabby Barrett

Song Year: 2020

A lot of songs about hope refer to hope for yourself. However, “I Hope” talks about hoping that a cheater gets what he deserves.

If you've had relationship problems, you may relate to the lyrics in this tune. The consistent beat is easy to sing along with, so you can get over a cheating partner.

“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Song Year: 1978

Another classic song about hope is “I Will Survive.” It talks about learning to live without a partner and how you can make it on your own.

When you go through a breakup, you can listen to this song to know that things will be okay. It may take time, but you will survive.

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem

Song Year: 2002

If you've wanted something so badly, you may relate to “Lose Yourself.” The song talks about going for what you want and not backing down.

The groove is consistent, so you can dance to it or do whatever as you listen. Then, you can have the motivation you need to succeed.

“Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” by Daft Punk

Song Year: 2001

Daft Punk's “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” is another upbeat tune that offers hope. You can listen to it to help you work on something.

This song talks about going for what you want, and it has a great beat. It's a fantastic choice to uplift you when you feel down.

“Counting Stars” by OneRepublic

Song Year: 2013

If you've wanted to do the “wrong” thing, you may like “Counting Stars.” The song talks about dreaming and praying for what you want.

You should be able to do the things you want, even if they aren't necessarily right. That way, you can be happy and hopeful.

“Just Like Fire” by Pink

Song Year: 2016

Pink's “Just Like Fire” is another hopeful song. It talks about being yourself and doing what you want to do.

The upbeat rhythm makes the song easy to dance to, which can help uplift you. Then, you'll be able to do what you love.

“Today My Life Begins” by Bruno Mars

Song Year: 2010

This song talks about finding happiness, and how you can start your life over at any time. It's nice to listen to after a rough patch.

Leaving the past behind is hard, but this song can help. Give it a listen whenever you need to start your life anew.

“Gold Forever” by The Wanted

Song Year: 2012

Like many hopeful songs, “Gold Forever” starts off slow. But it quickly gets faster and is fun to dance to.

It can remind you that you're meant to fly and do what you want. Even if you have to give up someone or something, you can have a good life.

“Feeling Good” by Michael Buble

Song Year: 2005

If you like jazz music, you may like “Feeling Good.” The song talks about feeling good when you have a new day ahead of you.

It's a hard song to sing, but the jazz harmonies and the rhythm can uplift you. That way, you can take on the world.

“All of You” by Encanto Cast

Song Year: 2021

The newest song on the list, “All of You” is one of the last songs from the hit Disney “Encanto” soundtrack. It shows the family rebuilding after they lose their house.

Everyone in the town plays a role, and certain characters learn to embrace their entire selves. If you feel down, listen to this song.

“The Wizard and I” by Idina Menzel

Song Year: 2003

Another musical song that provides a bit of hope comes from Wicked. Elphaba learns she'll be able to meet the wizard despite her green complexion.

It's one of the more uplifting songs from the musical and a great song by Idina Menzel. Give it a listen when you feel down.

Top Songs About Hope, Final Thoughts

When you're feeling down, you should listen to some songs about hope. Check out all of the songs on this list to uplift yourself.

Then, you can look forward to a new day or your next challenge. You won't feel down about yourself or the world.

Soon enough, you can do what you want without needing music as a motivator.