People say confidence is power, and they’re right. When you’re confident, people trust you and respond to you in positive ways. It gives you the power to influence others to believe what you say or do what you want them to do.
When you have self-confidence, you trust yourself that you can achieve what you put your mind to. And you can succeed because confidence gives you the boost to perform optimally. It powers you so that you can do beyond what is expected.
Few things will put a smile on your face faster than listening to songs about confidence. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of 21 of the best songs about confidence to help you believe in yourself. Read on to find out more.
1. “Confident” By Demi Lovato
We have to agree with Demi Lovato when they sing, “What’s wrong with being confident?” Definitely nothing. “Confident” is off their 2015 album of the same name.
In their powerhouse vocals, Lovato belts out lyrics that confront her doubters. They have accused her of being complicated, out of her mind, and underrated.
But this is her time. They come out on top and won’t allow being in the shadows anymore. In a song with “confidence” in the title, it says that they’re no longer a mere follower but a leader. Take them or leave them, they will “run this show.”
2. “Hold On” By Wilson Phillips
Girl group Wilson Phillips delivered an evergreen female empowerment anthem with their song “Hold On.” This song remains one of the group’s most enduring singles, released on their 1990 album Wilson Phillips.
One of the members, Chynna Phillips, wrote the inspirational lyrics while battling addiction. This song describes the reality of changing your life and healing by taking it one small step at a time.
While some feel the lyrics are cheesy, “Hold On” ranks as a terrific song to help others build confidence. It tells us that we are responsible for what happens to our life. Thus, we have to step up and not allow anyone to hold us down.
3. “Don’t Stop Believin’” By Journey
Confidence requires that you keep believing in yourself and in your dreams. This is what the American rock band Journey tells us in their 1981 single “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
This power ballad tells the story of people taking a shot at their dreams. That, alone, requires confidence, not knowing what’s in store for them.
Even without mentioning “confidence,” the song says that people must find it in themselves to live an authentic life. Lyrics like “Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin’” encourage people to reach for an inspiring and uplifting future.
4. “I Enjoy Being A Girl” By Sutton Foster
Anyone who appreciates the finer points of being feminine will appreciate our next song. “I Enjoy Being a Girl” premiered in the musical Flower Drum Song. It has been performed by many, including American singer Sutton Foster.
The message of the song is about how wonderful it is to be a girl and the confidence derived from it. The singer is proud of everything about her, from her hair to her toes.
She talks about wearing pearls and curling her hair to display confidence, which are common identifiers of the joys of being female. And she enjoys everything that makes a girl, girl. Including being complimented by men for her looks.
5. “Me Too” By Megan Trainor
American singer-songwriter Megan Trainor made a career out of releasing confident and sassy pop hits. “Me Too” continued this trend on Trainor’s 2016 album Thank You.
You might say the song reflects extreme self-confidence, and we can’t help thinking that it does. The singer is saying that “If I was you, I’d wanna be me too.” Only confidence can make her celebrate herself this way. She’s also not afraid to give herself the kind of love that she deserves.
That’s what makes this song so universal for anyone to build confidence. Trainor reinforces an overall belief in loving yourself and who you are instead of specific physical features.
6. “Can’t Hold Us” By Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Goofy rap-pop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis defied classification when they burst onto the scene with “Can’t Hold Us.” This 2011 single came from their debut album, The Heist.
Since its time on the charts, the song has been used for several commercial purposes. Athletic events, from professional wrestling to the NBA, use this song to pump up the confidence of athletes and audience members alike.
No surprise there, as the song offers us words of encouragement. The singer inspires listeners that now is the right time “so we put our hands up like the ceiling can’t hold us.”
7. “Trouble” By Iggy Azalea Ft. Jennifer Hudson
Nothing illustrates confidence more than a deep understanding of one’s self. In “Trouble,” we find Iggy Azalea analyzing a potential romantic partner. She immediately recognizes that he is a problematic bad boy—unfortunately, just her type. “Trouble” appeared on ReClassified and featured vocals by Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson.
Iggy Azalea understands that the guy “looks like trouble.” Still, she entertains the idea, even deducing that a bad boy and a good girl are a good match. She spits out clever and self-aware lyrics, with Hudson providing her signature soulful vocals to the chorus.
If you look at it, the song has one central idea. It doesn’t matter whether your weakness is bad boys. True confidence resides in understanding who you are and your personal boundaries.
8. “Worth It” By Fifth Harmony
Can there be anything sexier than someone who truly knows themselves? Fifth Harmony makes no mistake about their confidence level with “Worth It.”
The group harmonizes over lyrics that declare, “Give it to me, I’m worth it.” Another line declares, “I may talk a lot of stuff, Guaranteed, I can back it up.” Here, the singers describe an aggressive approach to a potential partner and almost dare them to enter into a relationship.
However, these lyrics are universal. They can serve as an effective confidence builder to inspire someone to leave a relationship or even get a new job.
9. “Bulletproof” By La Roux
This catchy Euro-pop song with a relentless beat could inspire anyone to get back up off the floor and try again. British pop-synthesizer duo La Roux released “Bulletproof” in 2009 on their self-titled album.
The song tells us that the singer has “been there, done that.” She has learned her lesson and tells the guy, “I’ll never let you sweep me off my feet.” It doesn’t stop there, though. She’s decided to burn the bridges and not have anything to do with him again.
“This time, I’ll be bulletproof” is a statement of her new-found confidence. These words show us she’s healing to a point where she can establish healthy boundaries with people who hurt her. The person now has enough self-confidence to break toxic patterns.
10. “Shake It Off” By Taylor Swift
Songwriting phenomenon Taylor Swift knows how to pen lyrics that can uplift and inspire. While many of her ballads build gentle confidence, “Shake It Off” acts as our cheerleader. This upbeat pop song debuted in 2014 on her album 1989.
The lyrics describe one’s deep understanding of self and self-love. In the song, we find that the singer experiences being judged by the people around her. But she’s far from being affected. Obviously, she knows herself too well that the negative comments and toxic people don’t matter.
The measure of true confidence is the ability to know your true self. As for the rest? Shake it off!
11. “Run The World” By Beyonce
American singer-songwriter Beyonce dropped the mic on her feminist beliefs with “Run the World.” This confidence-filled song appeared on her 2011 album 4.
“Run the World” is another marching band-inspired song on our list that talks about empowerment. Women will no longer allow disrespect toward them. You will find them making their checks, having fun, and taking care of themselves.
With its repetitive chorus, we are hooked to answer the question, “Who run the world?” Girls, of course. And only someone with high self-confidence can say, “You’ll do anything for me.”
12. “Girl On Fire” By Alicia Keys
Confidence is beautiful. As we’ve said from the beginning, it can make you achieve things that are unthinkable. In Alicia Keys‘ “Girl on Fire,” we come across a girl who is unstoppable.
In the lyrics, this person sounds like she has achieved success despite being young or just a girl. Her feet remain rooted to the ground, but no one is going to stop her streak of success.
Though the song recognizes that it can be lonely at the top, it doesn’t sway her from doing what she does best.
13. “Beautiful” By Christina Aguilera
Even people who have a healthy amount of confidence experience moments of insecurity. Christina Aguilera‘s 2002 single, “Beautiful,” reflects that but is also a reminder of our worth.
The song’s chorus is such a beautiful statement meant to show our beauty inside. The singer tells us to be strong enough that nothing can bring us down. All the negative things people say about us will not matter because we are confident that we know ourselves better.
So don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It only shows that you’re human. The next time you feel down, look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you’re beautiful.
14. “Stronger” By Kanye West
We don’t see “confidence” mentioned anywhere in Kanye West‘s “Stronger.” But the singer talks about what makes him a confident guy.
The first part of the lyrics is a line that’s all too familiar to us. “That don’t kill me can only make me stronger” is a powerful statement coming from a person who knows his place.
He’s confident enough to tell the other person that for every one of him, there’s a thousand of her. He recognizes his worth and hard work as the fruits of his self-confidence.
15. “Born This Way” By Lady Gaga
From Lady Gaga‘s “Born This Way,” confidence is about accepting yourself just as God made you. The song is not just about confidence but self-love as well.
According to Lady Gaga, she wanted this song to endure as an in-your-face ode to who she is. But a lot of people can resonate with words that uplift and empower beyond gender.
This song features relatable lyrics like, “I’m beautiful in my way, ’cause God makes no mistakes… I was born this way.” The last part is a reflection of self-acceptance and self-love. It takes strength, and confidence, to show people you are not afraid to be who you are inside and out.
16. “You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)” By Celine Dion
Sometimes, confidence comes from people who believe in and love us. Celine Dion represents a mellow kind of song about confidence in her version of this soulful piano ballad. “You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)” appeared on her 1996 album Falling into You.
In the song, the singer finds herself uninspired and lost before her lover comes into her life. Just thinking about tomorrow depletes her strength. She says that “life was so unkind” to her. Until him.
The kind of love he offers gives her the confidence she needs. She finds peace of mind, and she feels “so good inside.” This song celebrates everyday love and the blooming femininity and confidence it inspires.
17. “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” By Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, appears on our list with her classic female empowerment anthem, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.” Franklin spelled it out in this song from her 1967 album I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You.
In the song, the singer makes it clear what she is looking for from a partner. Clearly, she is a woman who doesn’t need a man’s money. She has that taken care of.
What she wants and demands is respectful and equal treatment from her romantic partner. And she can do that because she is confident that it is what she deserves. That she’s worthy of respect.
18. “A Little Bit Stronger” By Sara Evans
Country crooner Sara Evans delivers a low-key song about building confidence in “A Little Bit Stronger.” This song goes through a breakup and the gradual process of picking up the pieces as a solo person.
When you’re confident, you know deep inside that you can do what you put your mind to. Even if moving on is difficult and the pain makes itself known every waking moment.
Confidence is what gives her the push to move forward. And even on her “weakest days,” she tells herself that she’ll be fine. Every day, she gets a little bit stronger.
19. “Don’t Stop Me Now” By Queen
What “Don’t Stop Me Now” says is that a confident person is capable of many things. Freddie Mercury rides this exuberant song into outer space with the help of the glam rock band Queen.
The song repeats over and over lyrics about being ready to blast off into a new level of their career and life. He’s like “a shooting star” “burning through the sky” because he’s having a good time.
The singer displays confidence in describing the heights he will reach. He encourages his listeners to enjoy life as well.
20. “I’m Still Standing” By Elton John
In our next song, Elton John proves he is no stranger to writing and performing songs that evoke an emotional response. His “I’m Still Standing” provides a great example of a song about confidence.
“I’m Still Standing,” tells the relatable story of a person moving on after a breakup. The person is defiant and confident in the face of finding themselves alone. He believes he is “picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind.”
The song is a statement that shows what confidence can make you achieve. It’s certainly not an easy task to move on from a relationship. But the singer does so, coming out a survivor and stronger than before.
21. “Raise Your Glass” By Pink
Let’s end the list of songs about confidence with a number from empowerment expert Pink. She lets it loose with “Raise Your Glass” from her 2010 album Greatest Hits… So Far!!!
This song celebrates those who feel “wrong in all the right ways.” The singer encourages people to be who they are and seek originality. They don’t have to be perfect to fit in.
And when you’re confident, you don’t care about fitting into conventions. Being you is beautiful, including all the things that make you imperfect. So “raise your glass” and celebrate yourself.
Summing Up Our List Of Confidence Songs
People fall into three categories. Those with low self-confidence, those with high confidence, and the ones in the middle. Where do you fit?
Thank goodness for these songs. They can be our source of inspiration when insecurity hits us. Sometimes it’s difficult having the needed confidence in yourself. But give yourself the love you deserve, and confidence will follow.
Hopefully, these songs encourage you to have more trust in yourself. It’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how we learn. But never settle for less.
