18 Of The Best Songs About Unity And Coming Together

Written by Dan Farrant
Last updated

In our chaotic, divided, and challenging world, we often feel we are all alone. That leads to feelings of loneliness, neglect, and frustration.

But one of the unique powers of music is to link people together. To quote Madonna from one of her popular songs, “Music makes the people come together.” This reminds us that when we unite, we can be so much greater than any person could be by himself.

In that spirit, we searched far and wide for songs that talk about togetherness. There are so many that we had difficulty refining the choices to a list of 18 of the best songs about unity. But here it is.

1. “Unity” By Alan Walker And The Walkers

Up first is a song with “unity” in the title. DJ Alan Walker and his fans known as The Walkers worked together in bringing the song “Unity” to fruition.

The song provides comforting words for those who are going through a lonely time. The singers assure their listeners that they “are not alone” and that “we are family.”

The song furthers that when together, we can be stronger. We can go through the dark times because “we are brave.” We make each other strong by being each other’s symphony, energy, and guiding light.

2. “Black Or White” By Michael Jackson

One of Michael Jackson’s most popular songs, and which deserves a spot on our list, is “Black or White.” It’s the lead single off his 1991 album, Dangerous.

In the first verse, the singer is questioned if the girl he’s with comes with him. His reply, “Yes we’re one and the same,” is a testament to how far we’ve come when it comes to interracial relationships.

Back in the day, when a man merely suggests that he was with a white woman, he could be lynched. Truly it’s a miracle that now we can be with anyone without fear of being lynched.

At its core, the song frowns upon discrimination and racism. It doesn’t matter what color of skin we have. We are equal and the same.

3. “We Are The World” By USA For Africa

Everybody loves supergroups, from the Jackson 5 to the Olympic Dream Team. The USA for Africa behind the 1985 song “We Are The World” is no exception. But beyond just preaching about unity, the song actually embodied unity.

Perhaps the line that is memorable is, “When the world must come together as one.” Indeed, in the spirit of unity, more than 45 artists came together to do what they do best. This song generated more than $60 million, which was used toward the project.

The group featured conductor/songwriter Quincy Jones, songwriter/singer Michael Jackson, and superstar singers Lionel Richie, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Dan Akyroyd, Kim Carnes, Cyndi Lauper, and many more.

4. “We Shall Overcome” By Lucille Simmons And Pete Seeger

One of the greatest threats to unity is adversity. It makes sense after all. Challenges, threats, and difficulties can make human beings turn inward, away from one another. But “We Shall Overcome” by Lucille Simmons and Pete Seeger reminds us that solidarity can overcome adversity.

“We Shall Overcome” has a complex history. The song originated from “I’ll Overcome Some Day,” a hymn by Charles Albert Tindley. Later, it was disseminated by Lucille Simmons of the Food, Tobacco, Agriculture, and Allied Workers Union. Later, the song was widely popularized by the legendary Pete Seeger.

The song is a simple and moving tribute to the power of solidarity. It teaches us not to be afraid to stand together to fight for something. It’s all worth it when we long to live in peace.

5. “Lean On Me” By Bill Withers

For anyone who has been down, out, and alone, it is a familiar feeling to be friendless. But even if friends aren’t close by, Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” can give a shot to the veins of what it feels like to experience unity and solidarity.

While the piano melody is initially simple, the chorus brings the song to a dramatic climax, painting a picture of the unique love that accompanies true friendship. The lyrics say, “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.” What lyrics scream unity more than that?

If you’ve found a friend like this, you are truly blessed. No one can live on his own for long. We all need friends who will share our joys and be there when we need them to “share your load.”

6. “Do They Know It’s Christmas” By Band Aid

Despite being a bit outdated in its messaging, Band Aid’s 1984 hit “Do They Know It’s Christmas” is a remarkable statement on the power of human unity. The song was written to help raise money for the 1983-1985 Ethiopian famine. Since then, it has received use for philanthropic purposes.

The lyrics talk about the difference between people who have (the listeners) and those who have not (people from Africa). It’s a stark reminder of how lacking the people are in Africa, particularly in food. One line says, “The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life.”

But there’s something that people can do to change it, as proven by the coming together of these musicians. They can call on other people to share their blessings with those who are in need.

7. “U.N.I.T.Y.” By Queen Latifah

In 1993, hip-hop artist Queen Latifah released “U.N.I.T.Y.” from her third album, Black Reign. The song mentions “unity” as a call to address issues involving women.

These issues include disrespect, domestic violence, and street harassment, among others. In the first verse, the singer recalls how she was touched inappropriately by a man one day when she was out walking. To their surprise, she “punched him dead in his eye.”

Throughout the song, the singer calls for action to fight against these issues. She calls for unity, and she has to spell that out to emphasize how crucial it is in our society.

8. “Unity” By TheFatRat

An anthem of unity is what you’ll find in TheFatRat’s 2014 single, “Unity.” This song with “unity” in the lyrics was released in 2014 from the album Unity.

The song finds the singer calling on everyone to unite. When we “stand together” like “rocks in a wall,” we are strong, and we can be stronger as we share our dreams and goals. He also calls on the people to “stand together in the eye of the storm,” to be there for each other when the going gets tough.

We can show the world we are united to inspire others to come together. When we are one, we can achieve beyond what we imagine.

9. “Long Live” By Taylor Swift

Let’s take a break from anthems and protest songs for a while. Our next song on the list is Taylor Swift’s “Long Live.”

Despite seeming pedestrian compared to the previous songs, “Long Live” is an excellent example of a song that captures the spirit of unity. Rather than global philanthropy or workers’ unions, it is about the togetherness between young people in the face of adversity.

The readiest interpretation of “Long Live” is that it evokes the feeling of a collective. On the other hand, it’s also an excellent song that reminds us of the bonds between friends.

10. “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” By Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band

This song by Bruce Springsteen and his band, the E Street Band leans more toward artistic collectivity. But that doesn’t make “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” any less of a unity-based song.

The song details the circumstances by which Springsteen’s band came together. The band’s name came from the street where their keyboardist lived. Note that the “Bad Scooter” mentioned at the start of the song refers to Springsteen. The “Big Man,” on the other hand, is saxophonist Clarence Clemons.

The other songs on this list capture the feeling that comes once a collective is assembled. But this song hits on the vibrant and strange situations by which an actual group comes together.

11. “You Are Not Alone” By Michael Jackson

This list will not be complete without Michael Jackson‘s “You Are Not Alone.” It is a more melancholy and wistful tune than the previous tracks on this list. But the message is one that will tug at heartstrings.

“You are not Alone” traces the experience of a speaker who feels utterly alone in the world. He laments, “Another day has gone/I’m still all alone.” Everyone can pretty much relate to the feeling of loneliness because we’ve been there at one point or another.

What makes “You Are Not Alone” such a stellar song about unity is that it hits on the emotions from which unity springs – namely, loneliness! It’s only logical. After all, we can’t know how vital teamwork is until we recognize that we can’t do it alone.

12. “Love Is The Only River” By Ian Sloane and Trinity Rose

If you’re looking for a song about global unity, then listen to “Love is the Only River.” This song by music educator Ian Sloane and 16-year-old Trinity Rose was released in 2019 from the album of the same name.

Simply, this song is all about unity, love, and positivity. The singer desires to bring a message of hope and positive change to the world. Through this song, she hopes to spread love to all corners of the world and to all people.

In addition, the song hopes for people to come together and be united despite their differences. By doing so, we can break down walls that have kept us apart for many years.

13. “We Are The Champions” By Queen

When the battle is fought, when the war is won, when you and your friends are looking over your spoils… This is the time to listen to Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”

Beyond a doubt, it is one of the most popular songs of all time. On top of that, it has a resoundingly positive message of unification and victory. The lyrics say, “We are the champions, my friends/And we’ll keep on fighting till the end.”

More than that, it is a message of perseverance. People only see the victory. But behind that are the challenges people go through before succeeding. And when victory comes, it makes the victory sweeter.

14. “All You Need Is Love” By The Beatles

Love is everything. Love is powerful. This is the message you can find in the Beatles‘ popular song, “All You Need is Love.”

We know that when love reigns, everything is possible. Peace. Unity. Solidarity. The Beatles sing, “There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done… Nothing you can make that can’t be made.” And throughout the song, the message repeats. “All you need is love.”

While the Fab Four came of age in a world that was beginning to fray at the seams, their ode to unity remains true. At the end of the day, love can help us find the way.

15. “One Love” By Bob Marley And The Wailers

Perhaps, nothing discusses unity more succinctly than “One Love” by Bob Marley and the Wailers. This is a classic song that captures the meaning of connection and community.

The lyrics start with “One love, one heart/Let’s get together and feel all right.” This is like saying that we should not judge other people based on skin color, ethnicity, and race. If we have one love, then it’s not impossible to achieve peace and unity.

“One Love” may be overused in commercials. But the core meaning of unity and mutual humanitarian love still remains powerful.

16. “People Are Crazy” By Billy Currington

Country star Billy Currington’s “People Are Crazy” is a song that mentions the kind of unity that emerges from happenstance.

The upbeat, light-hearted song follows a speaker who meets an older man at a bar and bonds with him on a variety of topics. Although the song implies that the duo chats about a lot of things, they ultimately settle on a mutual agreement. That “God is great, beer is good/And people are crazy.”

Ultimately, while the drunken bond seems to be temporary, the song reverses it. By the end, the speaker has inherited millions of dollars from his friend at the bar. It’s a song that goes to show that simplicity and togetherness go a long way!

17. “The Boys Are Back In Town” By Thin Lizzy

The 1976 track “The Boys Are Back in Town” is the first single from the Irish band Thin Lizzy’s album Jailbreak. Notably, it has entered into the annals of all-time great songs.

The song’s freewheeling lyrics begin with the realization that a group of friends has all returned to town after time away. As the lyrics go, “Guess who just got back today? Them wild-eyed boys that had been away.”

The lyrics may hint at the troubles that these titular boys create. However, they speak perfectly about the kindred union between old friends who come together in their old haunt.

18. “Fight The Power” By Public Enemy

If you thought that unity meant being passive, Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” shows the error in that thought. This song is all about black pride but has deeper meanings that center on togetherness.

“Fight the Power” is one of the legendary rap group’s most powerful songs. It calls on downtrodden people everywhere to join together and stand up to the powers that be.

Of course, this is a feeling that everyone knows. The anger, inspiration, and power that emerge from standing up to bullies. But there’s a special charge in Public Enemy’s racial justice focus. Fight the power, indeed.

Summing Up Our List Of Unity Songs

Unity is one of the most complex human experiences, with each person experiencing it differently. But you have to admit that when people unite, it achieves great things.

We don’t have to cite huge events to see what unity can do. In team buildings at work and in team projects at school, we see firsthand that success is assured when we work together. Even within families, relationships prosper when we are united.

We hope you like the list we prepared for you today. Any of these songs will be a great choice if you’re looking to create a playlist about unity.

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Dan Farrant, the founder of Hello Music Theory, has been teaching music for over 15 years, helping hundreds of thousands of students unlock the joy of music. He graduated from The Royal Academy of Music in 2012 and then launched Hello Music Theory in 2014. He plays the guitar, piano, bass guitar and double bass and loves teaching music theory.