41 Best Songs About Loving Yourself, Because You Deserve It!

Sometimes we all need a quick pick-me-up, and many songs can provide that. When your self-esteem is dipping down, one of the best fixes is a song that can lift your mood!

If you’re looking for songs that can help you feel empowered, we’re here to help. Read on for the best songs about loving yourself as you are.

1. “No Scrubs” by TLC

Song year: 1999

Just before the end of the 90s, TLC came in to define and subsequently reject all scrubs. If the 90’s lingo is a bit too much, then you can just think of scrubs as someone who thinks they’re a bigger deal than they are.

“No Scrubs” puts the listener above people that are trying to wedge their way into your time. It’s a feel-good track about rejecting people that aren’t healthy for you and focusing on your empowerment.

2. “Thank U, Next” by Ariana Grande

Song year: 2018

Breakup songs usually center around spite and resentment. When they don’t, heartbreak and sorrow tend to fill the track. Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” bucks this trend as a heartwarming song about knowing your worth and growing from your experiences.

Rather than hatred, the song focuses on empowering yourself by reflecting on your experiences and growing from them. Her thankfulness turns to self-love as the song continues, knowing that she’ll find someone worth spending the rest of her life with soon.

3. “You Should See Me in a Crown” by Billie Eilish

Song year: 2019

Billie Eilish has taken the world by storm with music that holds an entrancing vibe and important lyrics. “You Should See Me In A Crown” tells a story of picking your time to shine. Letting insecurities go and small crimes slip, everything becomes trivial when you know you deserve to wear a crown.

Just don’t watch the video if you’re arachnophobic. You might struggle to hear the message in the lyrics when you see a tarantula climb out of Billie’s mouth.

4. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Song year: 1978

It’s hard to think anyone could have lived through the last four decades or so and not have this song memorized word for word. Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” tells the story of a couple splitting and not staying on speaking terms.

The narrator speaks about thinking that she was ruined after losing their significant other’s love. Shortly after, she realizes that she’s going to make it just fine.

5. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift

Song year: 2014

Taylor Swift has made some of the greatest hits in the last decade and a half, and “Shake It off” is easily among the most popular. With views in the billions just on YouTube alone, there’s a high chance you’ve heard it, too.

“Shake It Off” focuses on letting go of the haters and doing things as you want. Rather than give in to the negativity of people’s negging comments, it’s best to shake them off and keep dancing to your beat.

6. “Good as Hell” by Lizzo

Song year: 2016

Lizzo’s songs often feature motivational and uplifting messages, and “Good As Hell” might top the list of her most inspirational tracks. The song looks at seeing yourself in the greatest light possible.

It’s easy to look in the mirror and see flaws, and when others treat us in a way that confirms those insecurities, being down on yourself is nearly unavoidable. Lizzo is here to make sure you know you’re not as bad as your worst days make you think.

7. “Guilt” by Mountain Man

Song year: 2018

While not strictly about self-empowerment, “Guilt” looks into being forgiving with yourself over your mistakes.

The song tells you that you can dwell on your mistakes and fill yourself with cruelty if you’d like. Instead, they say that you can accept that things happened as they did and move on. It’ll hurt, but that’s alright so long as you feel better in the end.

8. “Lose You To Love Me” by Selena Gomez

Song year: 2019 

Some breakup songs are rough, but not all breakups are bad. Gomez brings this message to bear on “Lose You To Love Me.” Rather than be held back by a poor relationship, the narrator decides to ditch a toxic lover so they can focus on bettering themselves.

9. “Not Afraid” by Eminem

Song year: 2010

Eminem’s “Not Afraid” is one of his biggest hits in the last decade, and it’s not hard to see why. With an inspirational message and a catchy chorus, it’s an amazingly motivational track in a discography that has plenty of dark, somber tracks. Here, Eminem encourages fans to take his hand and stand their ground as they see through the dark times together.

10. “I’LL SHOW YOU” by K/DA

Song year: 2020 

What began as a marketing brand for a line of League of Legends skins unironically became a K-pop group with millions of listeners. One of their few releases, “I’LL SHOW YOU” is a boisterous, poppy, bright song focused on being the best you possible.

Through the song, the narrator states that they’re happy to show the world what they’re made of. Inspiring listeners to rise to the occasion of whatever’s challenging them, the song is as heartwarming as it is catchy.

11. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga

Song year: 2011

No matter how you were born, you were born perfect. Lady Gaga’s self-empowering anthem “Born This Way” drives this message home loud and clear. No matter how you’re going, you’re on the right track!

12. “i” by Kendrick Lamar

Song year: 2014

Kendrick Lamar’s album To Pimp A Butterfly focuses on themes of self-acceptance, cultural strife, racial inequality, and dozens more. One of the singles that came out in the lead-up to the album’s drop, “i” has two different forms.

The album version uses a live recording that focuses more on the cultural and racial inequality themes of the album, cutting off much of the song. For the studio release, “i” focuses on all the trials and tribulations the narrator has been through and how religious faith has helped see him through.

The music video is especially inspirational. Kendrick dances through the streets, passing people struggling with their woes. By the end of it, everyone has put their cares aside and joined him in the street to dance.

13. “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor

Song year: 2014

Having a positive body image is tough sometimes in a media-focused world. Meghan Trainor’s smash hit “All About That Bass” gives plus-sized listeners something to flaunt. Here, the narrator insists that a larger body isn’t less attractive. Instead, there’s just more to love.

14. “Feeling Myself” by Nicki Minaj ft. Beyoncé

Song year: 2014

What list of self-loving tracks is complete without “Feeling Myself?” Here, two modern queens come through with a track about knowing your worth.

With a catchy beat and lyrics you can shout along to after a few listens, it’s hard not to love this one. Good luck getting it out of your head, but make sure you hold onto the self-love it gives you!

15. “No More Shame, No More Fear, No More Dread” by Andrew Jackson Jihad

Song year: 2016

Andrew Jackson Jihad – or AJJ – comes through with a gorgeous, somber track about rejecting sorrow. Highlighting violence and the borderline fetishism of strife and unhappiness in popular culture, the song does its best to force that out.

Through the chorus, the band vocals repeat the song’s name like a prayer. As it turns into a mantra, it’s hard not to hum along and feel yourself want to reject the negativity.

16. “It’s All Good” by Superorganism

Song year: 2018 

Superorganism’s music is hard to describe without hearing it. On “It’s All Good,” the song doesn’t exclusively focus on self-love but certainly enforces the concept.

As the bilingual chorus comes in, the song starts the narrator’s day off by repeatedly telling them that everything is good. No matter how poorly your day is going, it’s hard not to catch yourself in the mirror with a smile as this track plays.

17. “I Don’t Like Who I Was Then” by The Wonder Years

Song year: 2015

Everyone is always growing, and The Wonder Years know that as well as any band. On “I Don’t Like Who I Was Then,” the band looks in on how we grow as people and the feeling of rejecting past mistakes.

Not every song about self-love focuses on loving everything about yourself. Instead, this track encourages listeners to abandon the things about themselves that make them unhappy. As the narrator dances on the grave of the person he used to be, listeners think of how far they’ve come.

18. “Television” by IDLES

Song year: 2018

From the start, “Television” brings a threatening level of positivity. The narrator states that he’d knock out the teeth of anyone who spoke to their friend with the same negativity that they already do, demanding that they love themselves.

Encouraging listeners to smash their televisions and mirrors, the song violently embraces demands of self-love and acceptance. The band even rejects religious purism, saying that God’s rubric for getting into Heaven isn’t healthy enough for them.

19. “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars

Song year: 2010

What message could give more love to someone that’s struggling to accept themselves? We all get down on our flaws, but Bruno Mars insists otherwise. You’re amazing as you are without having to buff out the scratches.

20. “Unstoppable” by Foxy Shazam

Song year: 2010

One of two Foxy Shazam songs to make this list, few tracks make you feel so unstoppable. Through crowd chants and a danceable drum beat, the vocals insist that defeating you simply isn’t possible. It’s a great track to blast in traffic when you need a pick-me-up!

21. “Praying” by Ke$ha

Song year: 2017

Knowing Ke$ha’s story, a song about being able to breathe again takes new meaning. “Praying” is an amazing track about looking forward to the good still on the way in your life instead of focusing on the bad.

22. “Firework” by Katy Perry

Song year: 2010

Katy Perry’s “Firework” is almost impossible not to shout along to, especially as the chorus comes. But while you’re screaming about bursting into color, make sure you’re taking the song’s message to heart. Be as beautiful as possible inside and out, and do your best to leave them all in awe.

23. “I Just Want To Sell Out My Funeral” by The Wonder Years

Song year: 2013

The phrase of this song’s title comes from an old statement by the band leader, Dan “Soupy” Campbell, upon seeing his great grandfather’s “sold out” funeral and deciding he must have been a great man.

As the song ties off the story-heavy album of The Greatest Generation, the narrator states that he wants to be enough for the people he loves. Embracing himself as he tries to better himself for the people around him, it’s impossible not to feel the urge to do the same as the song continues.

24. “Still Feel” by Half-Alive

Song year: 2018

Everyone struggles, but letting those struggles defeat you isn’t an option. On “Still Feel,” the band Half-Alive comes through with a track that insists they aren’t yet defeated.

As the narrator ruminates on feeling detached from their identity and trying to recognize themselves, they decide they won’t be defeated so easily. Insisting that they aren’t containable, the narrator states that they still feel alive even in the most hopeless moments.

25. “Danny Don’t You Know” by Ninja Sex Party

Song year: 2018

It might surprise some to see a band like Ninja Sex Party on a list about loving yourself (and the listing not being an innuendo). But no, even a band focused on comedy has a song that can bring a tear to your eye!

Sung from the point of view of frontman Dan Avidan to his younger self, the song encourages younger fans to embrace themselves and get rid of self-consciousness. Insisting that he’s going to rise to greatness, the narrator asks his younger self to look inside and see that, despite it all, he’s still cool.

26. “I’m Scum” by IDLES

Song year: 2018

The second song by IDLES also might not seem too encouraging with a title like “I’m Scum,” but it’s easily one of the most uplifting on the list! IDLES uses the title not as self-loathing but to embrace what others say.

Through the song, the narrator happily accepts the insults of other, more elitist people. Accepting that he’s not as high class as they would want and that his politics annoy them, he encourages others to do the same. IDLES demands that you accept that you’re a snowflake so that you can be an avalanche.

27. “Zero” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Song year: 2009

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs filled the 2000s with some of the best dance and rock tunes of the century so far. “Zero” found itself on nearly every stereo through the years.

“Zero” is as much about persevering as it is about embracing yourself. Telling listeners to don their leather and get ready to do what they have to, it’s hard not to sing along as the chorus climbs higher and higher.

28. “Friend Zone” by Thundercat

Song year: 2017

Breakup songs are rough, but the friend zone is rougher. Thundercat has his way of making sure he doesn’t end up in the friend zone: just put them in the friend zone first!

Through the smooth, groovy bass lines, the narrator lays some ground rules for the person playing with his feelings. Saying that he’ll throw them in the garbage, he states that he’d rather focus on Diablo and Mortal Kombat, as his time and efforts are worth more than being played with.

29. “Killin’ It” by Foxy Shazam

Song year: 2010

The soaring vocals and addictive instrumentation of Foxy Shazam are inspirational no matter what the topic. On “Killin’ It,” it’s hard not to scream along as the band encourages listeners to keep their heads up.

Through the song, the narrator reaches higher and higher, wondering if anyone will catch him if he falls. Eventually, it seems to stop mattering as the vocals and narrator go higher and higher into a roaring chorus.

30. “Body Image” by TWRP

Song year: 2018

TWRP (short for Tupperware Remix Party) has some of the most positive music in the modern scene. With “Body Image,” the band made sure for listeners to have something to keep a positive voice in their heads.

Rejecting negative words said by others on a subject’s physical appearance, the narrator encourages them to look past such venom. Instead, he insists that their body is beautiful. Short, tall, big, small, it doesn’t matter; everyone should have a positive body image.

31. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera

Song year:  2002

Aguilera’s “Fighter” is an amazing anthem for cutting out toxic people and focusing on yourself. With a dark music video and adrenaline-inducing vocals, the narrator thanks those that have spurned her for making her stronger.

32. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin

Song year: 1967

Aretha Franklin taught us how to spell respect in one of her greatest hits. But, more importantly, she helped us see what respect truly means.

“Respect” is about getting the respect you deserve from others and having respect for yourself. It’s a feel-good song about not letting the world stomp all over you and standing up for your worth.

33. “Feelin’ Good” by Nina Simone

Song year: 1965

The legendary Nina Simone’s 1965 hit “Feelin’ Good” looks into nature for self-empowerment. Focusing on black beauty and putting yourself first, the narrator equates themselves to a free river and a tree’s blossom. It’s difficult to hear this classic without dancing along.

34. “Kill Yourself” by Bo Burnham

Song year: 2016

Yes, believe it or not, comedian Bo Burnham’s “Kill Yourself” is inspirational and beautiful. Contrary to much of this list, Burnham states that the world’s problems are too difficult and heavy to soothe with a happy song.

Instead, Burnham encourages listeners to find what’s wrong and truly fix it. Relying on happy music isn’t enough on its own. Take your happiest playlist and work on truly bettering whatever has you down in the first place!

35. “Smile” by Michael Jackson

Song year: 1995

Life gets tough, but it’s still worthwhile if you can smile. In “Smile,” the King of Pop encourages listeners to do just that. Embodying the “fake it until you make it” philosophy, Jackson says to brighten your face and hide your sorrows, embracing the bright side of yourself instead.

36. “Stronger” by Britney Spears

Song year: 2000

Spears’s choreography alone is one of the most empowering things you could experience, but if that isn’t enough, the inspirational self-worth on “Stronger” is just what you need. On this track, Spears insists she can take the pain others inflict, saying that she’s stronger than she’s ever been.

37. “Yellow Flicker Beat” by Lorde

Song year: 2014

Part of the Hunger Games: Mockingjay soundtrack, “Yellow Flicker Beat,” has a powerful message of knowing your value. Here, the narrator knows just what they are: royalty cut from marble covered in scars of silver and gold. Rising above the venom of others, “Yellow Flicker Beat” is a song as precious as the gems Lorde covers herself in.

38. “Life Party” by TWRP

Song year: 2018

The second song by TWRP on our list is just as positive as the first. While not focused on self-love strictly, “Life Party” focuses on the beauty of life.

From the first line, the band questions if listeners understand how amazing it is to be alive. Encouraging fans to embrace life and smile every day, it’s hard not to feel like life is a bit brighter after this track.

39. “‘Till I Collapse” by Eminem

Song year: 2002

Perseverance is key when things get dark, and Eminem’s smash hit “‘Till I Collapse” says that as loudly as possible. Found on a workout playlist in every gym across the world, the track is one of the most motivational in Shady’s catalog.

Throughout the song, the narrator insists on never giving up when things get hard. Keep working until your body gives out and the roof is blown away, and don’t stop there.

40. “Secrets” by Mary Lambert

Song year: 2014

Keeping everything bottled up can hurt you, so Lambert shouts it all out as fast as possible. Instead, the singer embraces their “flaws,” accepting the many things they don’t like about themselves. They refuse to be someone they’re not, spilling these secrets to the world instead.

41. “Be OK” by Ingrid Michaelson

Song year:  2008

When things get rough, not everything has to brighten immediately. Instead, Michaelson focuses on the smaller things. Feeling okay, watching the day pass by, and just being present is all you need to embrace the brighter sides of yourself.

Top Songs About Loving Yourself, Final Thoughts

We all get down, but with a playlist like this, it’s easy to get back up! Did we leave your favorite uplifting track off of our list? Let us know in the comments below what self-embracing tracks we should add to the playlist!