31 Best Songs About Resilience

Sometimes, you have to keep going no matter what. While some of us have more natural resilience than others, sometimes music can help us become that bit more resilient.

Here’s our list containing the best songs about resilience ever.

“Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons

Song Year: 2017

Imagine Dragons “Whatever It Takes” is a song about overcoming challenges at any cost, in order to achieve your greatest dreams. It incorporates a contemporary electronic beat that keeps it sounding fresh every time you listen to it. The narrator declares that he’s willing to accept more pain as long as it motivates him to move forward.

“I’m Still Standing” by Elton John

Song Year: 1983

Elton John has released several iconic hits throughout his music career, but one that stands out to many fans is “I’m Still Standing.” This track incorporates an upbeat piano that enhances its uplifting, positive energy, giving the song a hummable melody. The narrator expresses how he’s become stronger after experiencing heartbreak.

“Float On” by Modest Mouse

Song Year: 2004

Modest Mouse’s Grammy-nominated song “Float On” has a straightforward message about looking at the positive side of life, regardless of what bad things you might experience. The lyrics describe the singer getting into situations that he decides won’t get him down, from crashing his car and getting scammed, to him and his friend losing their jobs.

“Underdog” by Alicia Keys

Song Year: 2020

Alicia Keys’ “Underdog” is an R&B anthem dedicated to people who fight to achieve greatness, no matter the impact. The lyrics emphasize people's strength to keep living despite their hardships from homelessness to struggling to find work.

The narrator expresses that the world expects her to fail, but her resilience helps her move forward to help her achieve her dreams, breaking any naysayer’s expectations.

“Overcomer” by Mandisa

Song Year: 2013

“Overcomer” is one tune you shouldn't skip listening to after a long, rough day. The narrator reassures the audience that everybody experiences hardships, but can overcome them as long as God is on their side, and they never give up. This Grammy-winning platinum song’s upbeat energy enhances the motivational themes incorporated into its lyrics.

“I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty

Song Year: 1989

Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” featured on the debut multi-platinum album Full Moon Fever, remains one of this rock artist’s most recognizable tracks, from its mid-tempo guitar backing to its motivational lyrics. This song’s about a man overcoming hardships to live the life he wants. Although it feels like the world’s against him, he remains undeterred.

“You Gotta Be” by Des’ree

Song Year: 1994

The top songs about resilience should incorporate messages that encourage listeners to stay true to themselves when life seems challenging. “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree is an R&B and soul song with a simple yet empowering theme that resonates with any music lover.

The narrator motivates the listener by telling them to stay bold and strong, among other things, after falling out of love. Life can be challenging, but you must move forward to keep it from dragging you down.

“Warrior” by Demi Lovato

Song Year: 2013

The lyrics and themes of Demi Lovato’s “Warrior” stem from her life experiences, adding extra layers to the piece. She expresses that she has many regrets and symbolic scars but has overcome them to become stronger. She doesn’t let her past define her, declaring she won’t let anything or anyone hurt her again.

Lovato’s emotional vocals blend well with the song’s piano accompaniment, giving the song a hopeful tone as it concludes.

“If You’re Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)” by Rodney Atkins

Song Year: 2006

If you’ve ever had a track record of running into bad luck, this upbeat chart-topping Rodney Atkins country song should inspire you to help your resilience grow. The narrator tells the listener that he’s had his share of going through hell, but encourages them to move forward and not let their problems slow them down.

“Hard Days” by Brantley Gilbert

Song Year: 2020

Another country song worth listening to if you’re feeling down is Brantley Gilbert’s “Hard Days.” The narrator expresses how people become more resilient after experiencing hardships, from failure to heartbreak. The song’s hopeful tone helps listeners connect to its lyrics. Although everyone’s hardest days differ from each other, they’re worthy of finding good beyond the bad.

“Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer

Song Year: 2011

Andy Grammer’s debut platinum single “Keep Your Head Up” offers music fans a universal lesson about looking toward a new tomorrow when moving on from their troubles. Although the speaker occasionally feels doubt in his life, he doesn’t let it stop him from becoming stronger. This message resonates with anyone experiencing a hard day.

Grammer initially wrote this song to cheer himself up while struggling to sell music before making his big break on the music scene.