Life can be overwhelming at times. In dark moments, you need courage to drive you forward and help you overcome any challenges you might face. But unfortunately, it’s not always possible to summon that inner resilience, and it might feel like your reserves of much-needed bravery are wearing thin.
To help you persevere when the going gets tough, we've compiled a list of 25 songs about bravery and showing courage.
Best Songs About Bravery
1. Warrior, Demi Lovato
“Now I’m a warrior
Now I’ve got thicker skin.
I’m a warrior
I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.”
Demi Lovato’s powerful single is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Letting go of what no longer serves you can be difficult. It takes courage to venture out on your own. Without it, we retreat into our shells and cower when faced with uncertainties.
The empowering lyrics assert that the difficulties we’ve gone through have shaped us into more resilient people. After each battle, we’ve come out on top, stronger than before. You can handle the blows and emerge victoriously no matter how big the challenge.
2. Unstoppable, Sia
“I’m unstoppable
I’m a Porsche with no brakes
I’m invincible
Yeah, I win every single game
I’m so powerful
I don’t need batteries to play.”
When working under stressful circumstances, it's easy to lose sight of your own capabilities. Facing difficult decisions under pressure is overwhelming and makes you feel small and powerless. However, these gloomy thoughts of self-doubt shouldn't deter you.
Sia's anthemic song is about bravery in the face of adversity. As self-esteem and boldness grow, the song’s protagonist re-discovers her courage. Ultimately, she realizes that she can overcome any hurdle because her potential is limitless. The song encourages others to do the same and muster the courage to continue fighting for their happiness.
3. Roar, Katy Perry
“Now I’m floatin’ like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee
I earned my stripes
I went from zero to my own hero.”
Trying times can make or break us. We can slump our shoulders and resign ourselves to having little control over our lives. Or, we can stand up tall and march forward.
Perry's ‘Roar’ is about having the strength to get through a transitional phase in life. The lyrics encourage us to take control of our destinies and be brave because no one else will save the day for us.
4. I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor
“At first, I was afraid, I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong
And I grew strong and I learned how to get along.”
Leaving behind a failed relationship is tough, and healing from heartbreak is a long and painful process. It takes courage to move on and put yourself first. You might even feel that you've made the wrong decision, but you have to stay strong.
Gaynor’s hit describes how going through a break-up can turn you into a stronger person. No matter how many times you’re knocked down, you can always summon the strength to get back on your feet.
5. Hero, Mariah Carey
“So when you feel like hope is gone
look inside you and be strong
And you’ll finally see the truth that a hero lies in you.”
In this inspirational ballad, Mariah Carey likens life to a long road. The song’s message is inspiring, urging listeners to be brave and not give up.
When you tap into your inner strength, you’ll be able to achieve great things and forge ahead confidently. Rely on yourself to become the hero of your own story.
6. Hall of Fame, The Script ft. Will.i.am
“You can go the distance
You can run the mile
You can walk straight through hell with a smile.
You can be a hero
You can get the gold,
Breakin’ all the records they thought never could be broke.”
When life throws you a curveball, your hopes and dreams start to look impossible to achieve. But if you dare to be brave, no problem will hold you back.
This uplifting tune brings home the message that you’re capable of achieving amazing things even when confronted with difficulties. Getting to your destination will take a lot of effort, but with determination, strength, and courage, you’ll manage to remove any roadblocks and continue your journey to success.
7. Fight Song, Rachel Platten
“My power’s turned on,
starting right now I’ll be strong.
I’ll play my fight song.
And I don’t really care if nobody else believes
’Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me.”
Keeping bravery alive is hard when you don’t believe in yourself. The world can be a cruel and unfair place, so doubting yourself will stop you from growing and making progress.
This soulful track reminds us that true courage comes from self-confidence. Nothing can make you stray from your course when you know who you are and what you stand for.
8. Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
“Rising up straight to the top
Had the guts, got the glory
Went the distance, now I'm not going to stop
Just a man and his will to survive.”
This iconic song evokes scenes from the famous “Rocky” movies, which chronicle the rise to stardom of a boxer who overcomes his humble beginnings.
Rocky succeeds because he never loses sight of his goals and remains strong even when on the brink of defeat. The song touches many people’s hearts as it urges them to face up to any challenges that arise. Use adversity as motivation to keep fighting. Even when it's unclear what the future holds, your bravery will always trump unforeseen circumstances.
9. Not Afraid, Eminem
“I'm breaking out of this cage
I'm standing up
I'mma face my demons
I'm manning up
I'mma hold my ground
I've had enough, now I'm so fed up
Time to put my life back together right now.”
The fan-favorite Eminem track reveals the rapper’s personal struggle to conquer his demons and change his life for the better. It’s also a challenge to his listeners, encouraging them to shrug off their fears and embark on a journey of positive personal change.
Sometimes we feel shackled to our problems and can barely shoulder their weight. But as long as you refuse to waver in the face of hardship, nothing can stop you from living your life to the full.
10. Rise Up, Andra Day
“And I’ll rise up
I’ll rise like the day
I’ll rise up
I’ll rise unafraid
I’ll rise up and I’ll do it a thousand times again for you.”
Pushing forward with strength and courage can be exhausting. At times, we wonder whether it’s worthwhile. However, we don’t shoulder this burden all on our own.
Drawing energy and inspiration from the people around you will enable you to cope with life’s setbacks more effectively. When you feel your power waning, knowing that there are people in your corner rooting for you will motivate you to try even harder.
11. The Greatest, Sia ft. Kendrick Lamar
“I transform with pressure,
I’m hands-on with effort.
I fell twice before,
My bounce back was special.
Letdowns’ll get you, and the critics will test you.
But the strong’ll survive, another scar may bless you.”
Unless you find a way to dismiss your fears, you might not be able to reach your full potential. When tensions rise, the pressure stifles your ability to think clearly. Your foggy mind grapples with fear. However, the important thing is knowing that you can always try again even if you fail.
When stakes are high, it's tempting to give up and stop chasing your goals. But if you persist and keep going strong despite failure, you'll turn mishaps into opportunities for growth. It won't happen overnight, but a strong spirit will never let you down and help you thrive under pressure. To become the best version of yourself, you have to arm yourself with determination.
12. Stronger, Kelly Clarkson
“You didn’t think that I’d come back,
I’d come back swinging.
You try to break me
But you see what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
The song describes the breakdown of a relationship and how the stressful situation enables a woman to see the bigger picture more clearly. While heartbreak and other trying events tempt us to wallow in self-pity, summoning up courage will help you increase your resilience.
When the time has healed some of your wounds, you’ll look back and realize that you’ve become much stronger. With fear reeled in, you’ll move forward knowing that no obstacle can disturb your peace of mind and throw your life out of balance.
13. Firework, Katy Perry
“Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams
But no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you?
’Cause there’s a spark in you.
You just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine.”
This song is about overcoming past regrets. We all feel disappointed with how our life is going from time to time. Thankfully, the sadness usually passes quickly. However, it can stick around for a while unless we fully accept ourselves.
When sorrow and despair fester, they eat away at your self-confidence. Once you start to appreciate all the aspects of yourself that make you unique, you'll light the spark of strength needed to build a life you're proud of. Finding the guts to make crucial decisions is hard. But in the end, you'll see your dreams come true. So be brave and shine bright, and don't let anything dim your vision for the future.
14. Brave, Sarah Bareilles
“But don’t run, stop holding your tongue
Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live.
Maybe one of these days you can let the light in.
Show me how big your brave is.”
When we’re too afraid to stand up for ourselves for fear of being judged or ridiculed, other people walk all over us. Fully accepting yourself means valuing what you stand for and finding the courage to speak up freely. Once others see you behaving confidently, they’ll be compelled to treat you with the respect you deserve.
If you recognize your inner worth and the talents and skills you have to offer to the world, being brave will come naturally. Other peoples’ opinions won’t chip away at your self-perception, and you’ll release your potential from the cage of fears it's been hiding in.
15. Fighter, Christina Aguilera
“Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter.”
This empowering track tells the story of personal betrayal. When someone close to us abuses our trust, it’s devastating and makes us question our judgment. However, betrayal can teach you important lessons. You can either let the pain consume you whole or fight back and come out stronger and wiser.
It takes courage to admit you’ve been wronged, but it’s even more difficult to let the wounds heal and learn to trust again. Pushing through the experience will teach you how to attract good people into your life and give you the strength to confide in them. Overcoming such emotional distress isn’t simple, but it shows us that bravery can withstand even the lowest of blows and make us fearless fighters.
16. Live Like You Were Dying, Tim McGraw
“I went skydivin’
I went Rocky Mountain climbin’
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I’ve been denying
And he said someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dyin’”
This song encourages listeners to reflect on what they would do if they discovered they only had a little time left to live.
Tim McGraw speaks with someone diagnosed with a terminal illness. Instead of wallowing in self-pity or being frozen with fear because of the diagnosis, the person uses the time he has left to accomplish amazing things, crossing off a number of items from his bucket list. His experiences make his life richer. When his time comes, he can leave his loved ones with wonderful memories and a lasting legacy.
Ultimately, this song is a celebration of our ability to turn adversity into opportunities. It allows us to face the possibility of dying with courage and the will to experience life to its fullest.
17. Courage, Celine Dion
“Courage, don’t you dare fail me now
I need you to keep away the doubts
I’m staring in the face of something new
You’re all I got to hold on to
So, courage, don’t you dare fail me now”
Losing a loved one is a very difficult experience, especially if they are the person you turn to for advice and support during difficult moments in your life. This heart-wrenching ballad is about having the courage to move on after losing a loved one. It speaks of finding the courage to try something new and overcome self-doubt and fear when the person you used to rely on is no longer with you.
18. Keep Holding On, Avril Lavigne
“Keep holding on
‘Cause you know we’ll make it through, we’ll make it through
Just stay strong
‘Cause you know I’m here for you, I’m here for you
There’s nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There’s no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
‘Cause you know we’ll make it through, we’ll make it through”
This song tells listeners that they don’t have to be alone when they face their fears. Having a steadfast friend by your side as you face the challenges that lie on your path can give you the courage to move forward.
19. The Diary of Horace Wimp, Electric Light Orchestra
“Don’t be afraid
Just knock on the door
Well, he just stood there
Mumblin’ and fumblin’
Then a voice from above
Said, ‘Horace Wimp, this is your life
Go out and find yourself a wife
(Come on, Horace)
Make a stand and be a man
And you will have a great life planned
(You can do it)
(Come on, Horace)”
True love can be hard to find. And if you do find the one, it can often be difficult to tell that person how you truly feel. This lighthearted song is about being brave enough to fight for love and a future you dream of building with someone.
20. Something Inside So Strong, Labi Siffre
“Something inside so strong
I know that I can make it
Tho’ you’re doing me wrong, so wrong
You thought that my pride was gone
Oh no, something inside so strong
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, something inside so strong”
This empowering song was inspired, in part, by a documentary film that featured apartheid in South Africa during the 1980s. This song is a testament to the inner courage of every person who has to stand up for their rights and fight for their personal freedom.
21. Superheroes, The Script
“’Cause he’s stronger than you know
A heart of steel starts to grow
When you’ve been fighting for it all your life
You’ve been struggling to make things right
That’s how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn that pain into power”
This song acknowledges the determination and personal bravery of those who undergo so much pain and face many challenges just to make it in life. The song focuses on the people who continue to move forward, no matter how difficult it gets—not for their own sake, but for those they love.
22. Phoenix, Olivia Holt
“You got the heart of a phoenix
So let them see you rise, hey-ey-ey, hey-ey-ey
Let them know that you mean it
Let them see you rise, hey-ey-ey, hey-ey-ey”
A phoenix is a mythological creature associated with immortality and regeneration. When its old life is about to end, it creates a nest and bursts into flames. A new phoenix then rises from the ashes.
This empowering song encourages listeners to channel their inner phoenixes—to have the courage to burn away old patterns and habits and to rise above the challenges they encounter in life.
23. The Fire, The Roots ft. John Legend
“There’s something in your heart
And it’s in your eyes
It’s the fire inside you
Let it burn
You don’t say, Good luck’
You say, ‘Don’t give up’
It’s the fire inside you
Let it burn”
This song encourages listeners to not quit just yet. It reminds them to tap into their inner fire and keep going, no matter how difficult the way forward seems to be.
24. Stone Mountain, St. Beauty
“I don’t have the time to be wasting
What lies ahead is worth it, I’m patient
Head up in the clouds while I’m climbing
Eye to eye, my fears I’ve been facing”
To keep going even though the way forward is fraught with obstacles is the message of this song. It assures you that your patience and perseverance will pay off. When you finally achieve your goals, you’ll realize that everything you’ve experienced leading up to this point was worth it.
25. The Next Right Thing (Frozen 2 OST), Kristen Bell
“So I walk through this night
Stumbling blindly toward the light
And do the next right thing
And with dawn, what comes then
When it’s clear that everything will never be the same again?
Then I’ll make the choice
To hear that voice
And do the next right thing”
Listening to this song reminds me of a quote from Winnie the Pooh’s best friend, Christopher Robin: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” This song is about the strength and courage we possess, but don’t realize we have until a terrible tragedy forces us to make the next move—even if we’re still overcome with grief.
Final Thoughts on Songs About Bravery
No one is brave all the time. We all have moments of self-doubt when our anxiety gets the better of us. But true bravery comes from finding the will to keep pushing forward despite all your fears.
For inspiration in your darkest moments, be sure to click on the links and check out these 25 songs about bravery and showing courage.
Looking for more? Here are our other song lists to check out:
Finally, if you want to use these songs to make a lasting change to your life, then check out these 100 LIFE GOALS that can help you wake up each morning with a sense of enthusiasm about making progress toward what's important..
