Top 10 motivational songs — volume 1

Sometimes what we choose to listen to depends on the very thing we need to get motivated for; certain lyrics can get us in the right frame of mind or get us going again — whether it is just the task of getting up for work or for achieving a particular exercise goal that day.

We've picked 10 of the best tracks that we feel are almost guaranteed to get you motivated, feeling uplifted, and ready to tackle whatever you set out to do. 

I Will Survive — Gloria Gaynor

The well-known disco classic destroyed by many a drunken singer on karaoke. Yet despite it association with that, the song acts as inspiration for many a person going through the difficulties of a break-up. ‘I've got all my life to live, I've got all my love to give and I'll survive, I will survive’ is a constant reminder that you will come out the other end.

Don’t Stop — Fleetwood Mac

Perhaps the ultimate in songs with a positive motivational message, suggesting not to look back, but to focus on the future. The chorus ‘Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow; Don't stop, it’ll soon be here; It’ll be, better than before; yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone’ sums it all up. It’s a message that even prompted it to be hijacked by Bill Clinton.  

I Won't Back Down — Tom Petty

When you need the determination to get on with something and are wavering in your conviction about it, then this song will help reaffirm that conviction. Petty’s lyrics ‘gonna stand my ground’ and also ‘I’ll keep this world from dragging me down’ suggest a positivity that should have you have you firmly believing in yourself. 

We Are The Champions — Queen

 A rousing fight-back-against-all-odds song that has inspired all manner of people and sports teams in particular. The song suggests having made mistakes and taking your fair share of knocks in the past, but having bounced back, ultimately suggesting ‘we’ll keep on fighting to the end.’  What more motivation do you need than that?  

Jump — Van Halen

The perfect song to wake to, even starting with the line ‘I get up, and nothin' gets me down’ which you should try to apply to your own day. Aside from being a rock classic, complete with inspiring guitar solo, the up tempo track with its catchy keyboard riff will not fail to get you moving. Go on, go ahead and jump! 

If you’ve got any self doubt or are lacking any confidence then this should inspire you. Another rocker, far from being a call to anarchy, suggests that you should ignore all those people that put obstacles in your way. ‘You can do anything you want to do, it’s not wrong what I say, it’s true, you can do anything you want to do,’ sings Phil Lynott — too right Phil!  

Good Vibrations — The Beach Boys

No great lyrical message here, just an all out superb pocket symphony and pure pop perfection. The title of the song suggests positivity, while the music itself is Brian Wilson at his genius best. Just keep listening and see if you can pick up those good vibrations yourself. You really need a boost if you fail to be picked up by this one. 

Aint No Stopping Us Now — McFadden and Whitehead

A funky disco classic suggesting ‘Don't you let nothing, nothing stand in your way.’ Even if you don’t pick up on the positive lyrical content — ‘there have been so many things that have held us down, but now it looks like things are finally coming around’ — the disco beat will have you grooving. Listen to this and there won’t be any stopping you either!

I Got You (I Feel Good) — James Brown

‘I feel nice like, like sugar and spice’ yells Brown, and just listening to this legendary song should have you feeling the same way. The combination of funk guitar and brass instruments all backed by superb musicianship (whom Brown used to fine if they made a mistake playing live) makes the song irresistible. If the Godfather of Soul can’t inspire you then probably nothing will.

Eye of the Tiger — Survivor

Okay, it may seem a little obvious, but no list of motivational songs can be complete without this theme from Rocky III. Derided by some (possibly because of the image of the band back in the mid-80s) but this track has an appeal that can’t fail to get the blood pumping. The lyric ‘Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past, you must fight just to keep them alive’ provides the motivation you need.

Obviously music isn't going to be the sole answer to any problems with motivation, but it can get you in a more positive frame of mind. Everyone struggles from time to time, and when you do, you should reach for some motivational music to see if it does the trick.

Why not consider putting together a CD or collection of tracks on your iPod, including some of the songs above or others of your choice and we guarantee you will feel better. Once you’ve got through this lot, why not take a look at Volume 2 of our motivational songs list?