Life can be overwhelming sometimes. We feel like we go through more downs than ups. Stress from our jobs, family problems, heartaches, heartbreaks, or depression can make us feel down.
Thankfully, there are some easy and quick ways to get yourself out of a funk. One is listening to songs with positive messages about overcoming obstacles. With these songs, you might find yourself feeling low to feeling motivated.
Here, we have compiled 23 of the best songs about overcoming obstacles to give you a boost. Enjoy reading!
1. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” By Kelly Clarkson
In 2011, Kelly Clarkson released “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” an anthem of resilience and self-belief.
What the song basically says in the chorus is that the challenges we encounter make us, not break us. We learn to embrace hardships and failures and use them as stepping stones to become stronger.
However, the song is not solely about survival. It reminds us to thrive even when faced with obstacles. And it encourages us to believe in ourselves that we can get past anything, even the biggest hurdles. It teaches us to be resilient even when we feel weak.
2. “Rise” By Katy Perry
The empowering anthem “Rise” by Katy Perry shows human’s indomitable spirit in overcoming obstacles. The song highlights the struggles, the fight, and the triumph over adversities.
At its core, “Rise” focuses on embracing change in the process of overcoming challenges. It tells us to “rise up” when facing trials. It’s about looking for the strength within ourselves to go through life’s ups and downs.
In the second verse, the narrator addresses her doubters and asserts her confidence in her determination to face her problems. She challenges us to rise above our fears and doubts.
3. “When You Believe” By Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston
One of the highlights of the 1998 animated musical drama film The Prince of Egypt is one of its soundtracks, “When You Believe.” This was a duet by American singers Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
Thematically, the song talks about overcoming obstacles in the lyrics. The song encourages listeners to remain strong despite the hardship. And when things overwhelm us, we must remain faithful and hopeful.
The song’s central theme is that miracles happen when we believe in ourselves and what we can do. Hope, no matter how fragile it seems sometimes, can withstand even the biggest challenges. Thus, we must keep fighting and keep believing.
4. “Fight Song” By Rachel Platten
The 2015 single “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten definitely needs to be on our list. It peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Australian Singles Chart.
But more than the song’s popularity is its timeless message about not giving up despite the numerous challenges. It’s an inspirational anthem for those who are going through a tough time. While the song does not mention overcoming obstacles, its message is a reminder that we have the strength to come through.
Through the song, Platten shows the power of the human spirit and the ability to triumph over adversity. She emphasizes that even if no one believes in her and she “might only have one match,” she “can make an explosion.”
5. “Titanium” By David Guetta Ft. Sia
Up next is another song that’s about inner strength and resilience. David Guetta and Sia collaborated for the 2011 single “Titanium.”
What you can take away from the song is the message of rising above negativity and criticism. Here, titanium is used as a metaphor to show that the narrator is strong and invincible. Even if her detractors “shoot” her down, she will remain standing because she is titanium.
The song tells us that even if we are knocked down many times, we can rise again. No matter how many obstacles we face along the way, we can remain whole and unfazed. We are like titanium, which possesses high strength and resistance.
6. “Rise Up” By Andra Day
When we go through tough times, it helps to find a beacon of hope. And that’s what you’ll find in Andra Day‘s “Rise Up,” released in 2015.
In the song, Day reminds us to rise up each day to work past the challenges that life brings. No matter how insurmountable the challenges appear, we should keep fighting and believe that we can overcome them.
Here, hope is an important factor. The lyrics say, “All we need is hope, And for that we have each other.” Even if we experience misery and hardships, we must hold on to hope. It will help us rise and overcome adversity.
7. “Eye Of The Tiger” By Survivor
The 1982 classic “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor first gained popularity as the theme song of the film Rocky III. This one bears the message of resilience, determination, and tenacity in the face of adversity.
The song uses the metaphor of the tiger’s eye to symbolize the importance of focusing on your goals even when faced with challenges. The title represents going after your goals without giving up, no matter how tough life becomes.
If you’re going through personal struggles, the song reminds you to look within yourself for that strength to go through anything. It tells you to rise from failures and keep your eye on the prize, just like a tiger stalking its prey.
8. “Defying Gravity” By Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth
Up next, we have “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked. Performed by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the song embodies the spirit of overcoming obstacles.
Wicked is a retelling of The Wizard of Oz and focuses on the story of the witches of Oz. In the musical, it is sung by Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The song is about her refusal to conform to societal expectations.
Elphaba wants to embrace her uniqueness and will “try defying gravity,” even if it means losing love or being misunderstood by others. She is determined that no one can bring her down in her pursuit of her own path.
This is not easy, but it takes one special soul to find the strength within herself to defy the odds and go against the grain in following her dream.
9. “The Comeback” By Danny Gokey
Most times, it takes our resilience and determination to overcome obstacles. This is the same message that Danny Gokey imparts in his 2017 single, “The Comeback.”
In the lyrics, the narrator tells us about the challenges and hardships that life throws our way. He acknowledges how tough and heartbreaking these obstacles can be.
But instead of focusing on the hardship, the song brings the focus on the good things that come out of our struggles. We can experience growth and renewal by never giving up and relying on God. And even if the going gets tough, we can always rely on a comeback.
10. “Keep Holding On” By Avril Lavigne
When we go through difficult times, having a friend who stands by our side and lends a helping hand makes all the difference. That’s what Avril Lavigne tells us through her 2006 single “Keep Holding On.”
As the title suggests, the song reminds us not to give up in the face of adversity. It says that we can overcome obstacles by persevering and with the support of our true friends. It’s tough having to face difficulties alone, so it’s a huge thing to have someone who will encourage us to never give up.
“Keep Holding On” also serves as a beacon of hope for people going through emotional pain or depression. It gives us reassurance that there will always be better days to come. With hope, we can make it through the darkest days.
11. “Not Afraid” By Eminem
Rapper and songwriter Eminem is no stranger to a difficult life. He often talks about his experiences in his songs, such as “Not Afraid” from his album Recovery.
This empowering song finds Eminem declaring that he’s not afraid to face challenges and make life changes. For many of you who don’t know, Eminem co-wrote the song at a time when he was recovering from drug addiction. Thus, he knows what he’s talking about when he says, “I’m not afraid… To take a stand.”
The song is a testament to his resilience and, at the same time, a call to action for people to face their own problems head-on. It may not be easy, but we overcome obstacles by pushing through no matter what.
12. “Stronger” By Sam Feldt
Humans possess an inner strength that they can harness when dealing with difficulties. This is the strength that Dutch DJ Sam Feldt and American singer Kesha refer to in their 2021 collab “Stronger.”
This empowering anthem focuses on how to overcome obstacles and how it can make you more resilient. The song explores themes of self-growth through adversity, reminding us to “take it day by day.”
Just like the narrator’s claim, we need to move forward and push through because this is the only way “if you wanna get stronger.” The song also reminds us that hardships are opportunities to improve ourselves.
13. “Win” By Brian McKnight
If there’s a song that we can make as a personal anthem for overcoming obstacles, Brian McKnight‘s “Win” is a perfect choice. The song speaks of resilience and perseverance to win in life.
The lyrics tell us that an unyielding determination, persistence, and a positive mindset can help us overcome any obstacle. It begins with us believing in what we can do when faced with adversity.
So when hard times come, it becomes easier to face them. We know we “can weather the storm” if we “never quit.” The song also highlights the importance of holding on to hope and faith to win over any hurdle.
14. “A Little Bit Stronger” By Sara Evans
Little by little, that’s how we move on. Sara Evans‘ “A Little Bit Stronger” explores themes of resilience and personal growth following an emotional heartbreak.
We know how painful a breakup can be. Sometimes, it’s so painful that others find themselves in a depressive state. In the same way, the narrator of the song is at a point in her life where almost everything reminds her of her ex-lover.
However, she is determined to move on from the pain. It isn’t easy, but she finds strength in these reminders. Instead of letting them break her further, she uses them as stepping stones to become stronger and more resilient.
15. “Hold On” By Kansas
The progressive rock band Kansas released “Hold On” in 1980. Although the band’s primary songwriter, Kerry Livgren, wrote it to convince his wife to convert to Christianity with him, the message is about our ability to endure and overcome obstacles.
In the lyrics, the narrator urges listeners to keep fighting despite the challenges and embrace change. Like the narrator, we must contemplate the lessons we learn from life to guide us as we face future struggles.
As the narrator repeatedly tells us, “Hold on,” it reminds us to be resilient, strong, and steadfast. Above all, he encourages us to have faith in Him, who provides strength and guidance in times of weakness.
16. “Carry On” By Fun
Another song that explores themes of resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles is “Carry On” by the pop-rock band Fun.
In the lyrics, the narrator encourages us to keep moving forward despite challenges. This suggests the importance of having a positive outlook, which can guide us through difficult times.
The narrator also urges us to carry on when life gets tough. If we’re sinking and “lost and alone,” we must remain steadfast.
Furthermore, the song highlights the importance of hope and how it can help us overcome adversity and come out stronger.
17. “Don’t Lose Sight” By Lawrence
Feeling down? Frustrated? Dismayed? The eight-piece soul-pop band Lawrence has something to lift out spirits in “Don’t Lose Sight.”
At its core, this song is about perseverance and determination. Left and right, we are bombarded by negativity that it’s so easy to fall victim to haters.
The band reminds their listeners to always stay strong and ignore haters. The focus must be on our goals and dreams and achieving them no matter how daunting the obstacles may be. The band furthers that these challenges should fire us to strive and fight harder in order to overcome obstacles along the way.
18. “I Hope You Dance” By Lee Ann Womack & Sons Of The Desert
The inspirational song “I Hope You Dance” carries a beautiful message about overcoming obstacles and living life to the fullest. Performed by Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert, the song explores themes of love, hope, and the will to dance through life’s challenges.
Thematically, the narrator makes a heartfelt wish for a loved one, whether children, family, or friends, as they navigate life and its ups and downs. She urges them to take chances, hold on to faith, and not allow hardship to veer them off their path.
But above all, the narrator wishes for them to always choose to dance. It means embracing life with enthusiasm and having a positive mindset despite the difficulties.
19. “You’re Gonna Be OK” By Brian & Jenn Johnson
We often hear the words “You’re going to be okay” whenever we’re going through difficulties. That’s because it’s true, as Brian & Jenn Johnson attest in their song “You’re Gonna Be OK.”
The song was deeply personal, as Jenn Johnson wrote it at a time of difficulty. With the song, she aims to encourage others to be strong and trust God that the hardship will pass. The title serves as a mantra of reassurance, reflecting her belief that we can rise above difficulties.
In addition, the song focuses on hope and perseverance, as found in the line, “I know it’s all you’ve got to just be strong.” It suggests that we must face trials head-on with courage and determination.
20. “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” By Whitney Houston
We’ve all failed at some point in our lives. We’ve gone through such difficult times that we tumbled and felt like we couldn’t stand back up. We can turn to Whitney Houston‘s “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” an anthem about overcoming adversity.
The lyrics reflect the journey of someone who has faced challenges and come out stronger. She has not crumbled, though, in those times, she lost sight of her goals and thought there was no hope to hang on to.
But she is stronger than she gives herself credit for. It surprises her how she’s able to come through and get past hardship and trials. She finds within herself the strength to rise from failure and succeed once again.
21. “The Climb” By Miley Cyrus
You can get yourself motivated to overcome all obstacles by listening to Miley Cyrus‘ “The Climb.” This anthem teaches us about perseverance, resilience, and our journey to achieve our dreams.
The song highlights the fact that the journey is as important as the destination. By going through challenges and obstacles, we learn to be strong and not give up. Knowing how to harness the strength within us and use trials to push us toward our goals adds value to our lives.
The song is a testament to our will to endure and rise above challenges. No matter how high or how many mountains appear before us, we can climb it and get on the other side because we have faith that we can do it.
22. “Keep Your Head Up” By Andy Grammer
The debut single “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer speaks to everyone who is struggling. But with perseverance, we can get through anything.
Though this is not a song with “overcoming obstacles” in the title, it is synonymous with keeping your head up. In the lyrics, the narrator is going through some really tough times, with bills piling up and making it difficult to live a comfortable life. This is nothing new to us, and we do our best to make ends meet.
But when life gets hard, it’s how we respond to it that truly defines us. When we are faced with obstacles, we need to keep our heads up and remember that we’re going to be all right.
23. “Courage Is” By The Strange Familiar
In “Courage Is…” by The Strange Familiar, courage is defined not as the absence of fear. It is one’s decision to carry on despite the fear.
The lyrics revolve around the theme of overcoming obstacles by being courageous. It’s when you’re afraid and in pain, but you continue and move on. Courage gives you the strength to face your obstacles head-on and push through them.
The song also uses the metaphor of a bird with broken wings for a person going through adversity. It suggests that our worth is determined by our perseverance and holding on to hope when we deal with challenges.
Summing Up Our List Of Overcoming Obstacles Songs
What our list showed you today is our inherent tenacity, strength, and resilience when faced with obstacles. We stumble at times and even feel like giving up from the weight of our problems. But there is that inner strength that we can always count on to push past these challenges.
You, too, have the strength to triumph over struggles. May the songs above remind us to always persevere and keep a positive mindset despite the hardships. That’s how we’re going to succeed and rise above our trials.
