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Feeling overwhelmed?
The past year has been a difficult one, and we are still not through the global COVID-19 catastrophe. Many people’s patience, compassion, and will power are nearing a breaking point.
Let’s hang in there a little bit longer. Humanity has endured so much throughout the course of history. Now it’s our turn this time, and we will get through this.
Generations before us have turned to music to reclaim their power during moments of hardship, and we can do the same. Today, we’re sharing a list of songs about hope that will restore your power and help you rise above the struggles you may be facing.
As you listen to these songs, visualize those obstacles crumbling. Envision yourself renewed and strengthened. Believe in hope, and in your own unbreakable spirit.
1. Wavin' Flag (Coca-Cola Celebration Mix), K'naan
“When I get older, I will be stronger. They'll call me ‘Freedom’, just like a wavin' flag.”
This song became popular when it was chosen as the anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa.
Originally a song about the aspirations of a nation for emancipation, Wavin’ Flag has become an anthem for those who dream of a better life.
The song celebrates freedom, hope, ambition, and pride in our accomplishments.
2. Every Day, Rascal Flatts
“That I'm hangin' on to your words with all my might and it's alright. Yeah, I'm alright for one more night — every day.”
Sometimes we don’t realize how much difference we make in other people’s lives. Our actions towards a stranger could be the lifeline that they badly need at that moment.
This song is a tribute to those whose selfless, compassionate acts have given others hope that there is still goodness in this world.
3. Coming Out of the Dark, Gloria Estefan
“Coming out of the dark, I finally see the light now and it's shining on me. Coming out of the dark, I know the love that saved me, you're sharing with me.”
In 1990, Gloria Estefan’s career almost ended after a near-fatal vehicular accident. Her husband and son were also with her at the time.
They survived the accident, but Gloria Estefan was left paralyzed. When she finally recovered, it was a miracle.
Her first public performance after the accident was at the 1991 American Music Awards, where she sang Coming Out of the Dark. It is a strong message of hope and determination.
4. Hope, Natasha Bedingfield
“Remember morning always comes, as night surrenders to the sun. No matter how dark it may become, don't stop your light from shining on.”
Natasha Bedingfield and beauty brand Philosophy worked together to help spotlight women’s mental health, and this inspiring song is the result of their collaboration. (Check out this post for self-care ideas for women to avoid burnout.)
The song reminds listeners that no matter how bleak things are, that should not be a reason for quitting. Bedingfield assures us that things will become better. We just need to hold on to hope.
5. Lean on Me, Bill Withers
“Lean on me when you're not strong. And I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on. For it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on.”
When we’re starting to get overwhelmed, it’s nice to know that someone is looking out for us. This classic song from Bill Withers is a comforting reminder that if we have that one friend we can lean on, everything will be okay.
6. Hey, Hey, Hey, Michael Franti & Spearhead
“Until the morning comes, I will remain with you my friend. And we will ride until the sun goes to the place where it began. And we will live to laugh and cry another day.”
This song reminds listeners that obstacles can be overcome. When you’re going through a difficult time, having a friend helps make your burden lighter.
7. Never Give Up, Whitney Houston
“Never, never give up… No matter how many times somebody tells you it ain't working. Never, never give up… Hold your head to the sky, look them right in the eye, tell 'em you will never quit until the day you get it right.”
In this unreleased song by Whitney Houston, she tells listeners to never quit, even when they’re considering throwing in the towel. She encourages them to keep going—to do better and reach higher.
For more encouragement, you can check out this post with over 100 never give up quotes for when life gets hard.
8. You Are Loved (Don't Give Up), Josh Groban
“Don't give up because you want to burn bright. If darkness blinds you I, I will shine to guide you.”
Listening to this song lifts the spirit, regardless of your religious or spiritual leanings.
The song offers reassurance that, no matter how lost or hopeless you’re feeling, if there is someone who loves you, then it’s worth every effort to overcome those obstacles in life.
9. When We Stand Together, Nickelback
“Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah, hey, yeah. We must stand together… There's no giving in. Hey, yeah, yeah, hey, yeah. A hand in hand forever… That's when we all win.”
Sometimes difficulties in our lives are caused by rifts in our relationships with others. If we let things fester, the quality of our lives is affected. However, there is always hope for reconciliation.
This song offers a way to undo the damages caused by conflict: We must all work together to achieve peace. This peace can bring the hope that the world sorely needs.
10. Heal the World, Michael Jackson
“Heal the world. Make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race.”
Many places around the world are devastated by disasters, both natural and man-made.
It can be very difficult for hope to thrive in these places.
This song is a reminder that human beings are accountable for the state of our planet.
In order to foster hope for others, we need to embrace practices that nurture rather than destroy. We need to start seeing others not as separate entities, but as part of our global family.
11. A Million Dreams, P!nk with Ndlovu Youth Choir
“‘Cause every night I lie in bed, the brightest colors fill my head. A million dreams are keeping me awake. I think of what the world could be, a vision of the one I see. A million dreams is all it's gonna take. Oh, a million dreams for the world we're gonna make.”
Listen to Pink’s stirring rendition of this song from the movie The Greatest Showman. The song’s lyrics tell us to never give up hope that our dreams will come true. It also tells us that there is a better tomorrow for all of creation.
12. After the Rain, Nelson
“Whoa, after the rain washes away the tears and all the pain, only after the rain can you live again.”
While in the midst of a major setback, many people find it hard to imagine that life can ever be good again.
This song from the early 1990s tells us that it is time to live again. Think of this as the start of a brand new chapter in your life story.
13. Can't Back Down, Demi Lovato and Camp Rock 2 Cast
“We can't back down, there's too much at stake. This is serious, don't walk away.”
This song is an official soundtrack for Disney Channel’s Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. In the film, Demi Lovato (playing Mitchie Torres) tries to raise her friends’ morale by telling them that they should not give up, even if the situation is bleak at Camp Rock.
Real life is much the same. We can’t give up when presented with challenges. Take that obstacle and turn it into a learning experience that catapults you to success.
14. Hang in Long Enough, Phil Collins
“You never thought you'd ever get the chance. You never thought your break would come along. If you tell me what you want, I'll find the key. Just reach out and touch it's all yours if you hang in.”
When we’re working hard to achieve our dreams, obstacles inevitably come along to test our determination.
Sometimes, these challenges seem to go on and on. We begin to think that there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
It is in this moment that we need to increase our resolve to keep trying. Hang in there, because things will eventually get better.
15. That's the Way It Is, Celine Dion
“Don't surrender 'cause you can win in this thing called love. When you want it the most there's no easy way out… Don't give up on your faith. Love comes to those who believe it. And that's the way it is.”
Do your dreams seem so far out of reach that you’re beginning to get discouraged?
This song reminds us that our dreams can come true as long as we have faith and don’t give up.
Final Thoughts Songs About Hope
We hope you enjoyed this collection of songs about hope, and that they will give you the courage to keep moving forward, even in the darkest of days.
Hope is what gets us through our darkest moments. It empowers us to improve our circumstances. Keep hope alive and you will achieve great things.
If you are looking for other song suggestions, check out the following articles for more lists of songs about specific topics:
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..
