45 Powerful Songs About Not Giving Up To Give You Some Inspiration

Last Updated on March 24, 2023

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Life can be tough, and there are times when we all feel like giving up. During such moments, we all need a source of inspiration and motivation to keep pushing forward. For many people, music is the answer as it is a simple yet powerful tool for uplifting our spirits.
To help you find the strength to keep going and persevere in difficult times, I’ve put together some of the best songs about not giving up. 

Read ahead, and you’re sure to find a tune to keep you energized and motivated.

1. “I Won’t Back Down” By Tom Petty

Tom petty’s anthem about resilience in the face of adversity is a great song to offer you some encouragement when you feel tired and hopeless.
Expressing his defiance against challenges and obstacles that make his life difficult, the singer insists on not giving up as the lyrics “I won’t back down” echos through the chorus.

2. “Stronger” By Kelly Clarkson

This powerful song became an instant hit upon its release. Once you hear the powerful vocals and loud drums on this track, you’ll see why it has become an anthem about staying strong and not giving up. The song is a breakup song about refusing to be weighed down by someone who has hurt you.
If you’re feeling low after a breakup and need a reminder to not give up on your ability to move on, this is one song you’ll be listening to several times.

3. “Keep Your Head Up” By Andy Grammer

This song is an optimistic tune with an upbeat sound that will make anyone struggling with just about any situation remain resilient and hopeful. Andy Grammer sings about different challenges relating to finances, self-doubt, and career setbacks that come his way.
Still, he resolves to not give up and encourages himself and anyone listening to keep their head up and push on until they make their way out.

4. “The Climb” By Miley Cyrus

have you had a goal or dream you’re working towards that seems hard to achieve? Well, this song will be your reminder to keep pushing and not give up until your dreams become a reality.
Miley Cyrus offers some motivation with this beautiful ballad about persevering while on the climb toward the top. I’ve had this song on repeat more times than I can count in difficult movements when I need a boost of encouragement.

5. “I Will Survive” By Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor’s disco track about moving on after a relationship may seem like a breakup song when you first listen to it, but its powerful message about remaining firm and resilient in times of difficulty and pain has made it a female power anthem about not giving up.
It encourages you to be strong and not give up on yourself, especially in situations when someone tries to treat you less than you deserve.

6. “Roar” By Katy Perry

Katy Perry’s hit pop number is a rallying cry for anyone who has been underestimated and poorly treated by society or the people around them. It urges you to not let yourself be held down or give up on standing up for yourself.
As the singer belts out the chorus of the powerful lyrics, she encourages your to roar as loud as you can and let your voice be heard.

7. “Don’t Stop Believin'” By Journey

If you’re feeling discouraged and hopeless about the state of your life or your dreams, this song is the rock anthem you need to get back on your feet and be filled with hope.
It is an encouraging track about the different phases of life people go pass through while on the road to happiness. It reminds us all to never stop believing or holding on to the feeling that drives us to our passion.

8. “Fight Song” By Rachel Platten

If you’re looking for a song that will make you feel like a strong gladiator while you try to push through a difficult time, this pop hit will is definitely one of the best songs you can choose.
As the name implies, it is a song about fighting against challenges and not giving up no matter the situation. Racheal platen’s passion-filled vocals will give you so much determination and hope you’ll want to let out a few roars of defiance and victory.

9. “Survivor” By Destiny’s Child

This amazing song was released as a reminder to the world that the Destiny’s Child band would survive and remain strong no matter the challenges they go through, but it also serves as a reminder to anyone going through a tough time to never give up.
The passionate and soulful vocals and Beyonce and her bandmates will make you feel resilient and strong with every line as they express a deep desire to work hard and not give up on their dreams after being abandoned and underestimated. 

10. “Don’t Give Up” By Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush

This collaboration between Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush is a moving song about overcoming the challenges of loss. Whether it’s a job, a loved one, a dream, or a world that keeps changing around you, the singer reminds you to keep pushing and not let your pain overwhelm you.

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11. “Never Give Up” By Sia

Ever had those moments where you’re chasing a goal, and it seems nearly impossible to achieve? Well, no matter how hard it may seem, Sia encourages you to keep trying and never give u with this emotional track about a man who fights against all challenges to find his way home. The song is a heartfelt track that is sure to offer you some encouragement.

12. “Unbreakable” By Alicia Keys

If you’re looking for a song that encourages you not to give up on love or a relationship, this catchy Alicia Keys track should definitely be on your playlist.
It is a song about remaining strong and focused on your dream of being with someone, no matter how many challenges come along the way. The singer reminds herself and each of us listening that her love is unbreakable, so she’s willing to keep fighting for it.

13. “Shake It Off” By Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift released this hit song to send a message to all her critics that their hurtful words will never make her give up on her craft. The track’s upbeat tune and empowering lyrics made it an instant hit.
It is a great feel-good song to dance to if you’re ever feeling weighed down by difficult challenges or people around you.

14. “Stand” By Rascal Flatts

Sometimes life throws us curve balls that bring us to our knees and makes us lose all hope, but this song is an important reminder to not give up or let your problems take control of your life. The singer encourages you to stand and rise through the challenges with a firm belief that they will soon pass.

15. “Eye Of The Tiger” By Survivor

No matter what you’re going through, this rock song will give you all the motivation you need to feel like a powerful hunter chasing after your dreams. From the hard-hitting drums and strings to the powerful vocals of the singer, it is simply impossible to listen to his song and feel like getting up to do something while also moving your body to the beat.

16. “Hall Of Fame” By The Script Feat. Will.I.Am

If you’re chasing a dream waiting for success can sometimes feel like a never-ending journey, but you have to remember to hold on and never give up. This incredible song delivers that message of hope and encouragement and insists you never give up on your dream because soon the world will know your name.

17. “Never Surrender” By Corey Hart

This Corey Hart piece about choosing to be steadfast and strong through dark times is the ultimate encouragement you need whenever you’re tempted to give up. The singer’s passionate delivery of the lines “Never surrender” will give you the confidence to take on whatever challenges you’re going through.

18. “Not Afraid” By Eminem

A key part of not giving up is firmly taking a stand for what you believe in. Whether it’s your dreams or a cause worth fighting for, you have to be firm in your conviction to push through no matter how tough things get, and this rap hit song is a bold reminder of that. It will leave you feeling motivated and wishing you could spit rhymes as fast as Eminem does.

19. “Rise Up” By Andra Day

This inspiring song has a powerful message about being strong and not letting the challenges you face bring you down.
The heartfelt delivery of the chorus will move you to rise and keep devoting your time to whatever you were thinking about giving up on. From the vocals to the soulful melody, everything about this song loads you with confidence and belief that you can take on whatever the world throws at you.

20. “Don’t Stop” By Fleetwood Mac

Trying to remain resilient when all you want to do is give up is not an easy thing to do in most scenarios, but with this song, Fleetwood Mac offers you an easy way to hold on by encouraging you to focus your thoughts on the future instead.
The singer reminds you to look forward to the better days that are to come while you pass through challenging times.

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21. “I’m Still Standing” By Elton John

This song has become an iconic anthem of perseverance since its release. When you listen to Elton john’s heartfelt delivery of the song, you’ll see why everyone falls in love with it.
It is an inspirational track about surviving obstacles and choosing to not let them weigh you down. You can jam to it while you dance or contemplate the lyrics as you sit with your thoughts.

22. “Get Back Up” By TobyMac

If you’re in the mood for an upbeat gospel track to give you a boost of encouragement when you feel like giving up, this is a great song to have on repeat.
The singer details the importance of staying strong when life has knocked you down, or you lose your way. It reminds you to find your way back to the right track and never let your challenges keep you from being great.

23. “Champion” By Carrie Underwood Ft Ludacris

Champion is a motivating pop number about pushing yourself beyond the limits of any obstacles you face in order to accomplish your goals. It is a passionate song about the importance of remaining unbreakable while focusing on your ambition.

24. “Invincible” By Kelly Clarkson

Feeling beat down and abused by a loved one can sometimes be enough to make anyone give up on themselves, but this song is an empowering message to let you know how powerful you are. With her powerful vocals, Kelly Clarkson reminds an abusive lover that she is a warrior who is invincible to all the pain and challenges he throws at her.

25. “It’s Not Over” By Daughtry

If you need motivation to not give up on love, this song may just be what you need. The singer talks about his resilient commitment to a loved one even though their relationship seems to be over. He is resolved to not give up on the relationship and insists it is not over.

26. “I Shall Not Be Moved” By Johnny Cash

Whenever you feel like giving up, a great motivator for staying strong and learning to persevere can come from having faith that God will not fail you.
If you’re looking for a song that encapsulates that feeling, this Johnny Cash hymnal is definitely what you need to listen to. It is a moving and inspirational song about refusing to let challenges and dark times derail your faith.

27. “Stand By Me” By Ben E. King

Tough times can no doubt make you lose hope, but having a good support system to encourage and motivate you can sometimes be the foundation that keeps you from giving up.
Whether that support comes from a lover, family, or friend, this song is a plea and a reminder to us that when we have our loved ones by our side, we can get through whatever difficulty lies ahead.

28. “Believer” By Imagine Dragons

The hard-hitting drums of this hit rock song will get you off your feet and fill you with an intense drive to not let your pain weigh your down. It is a song about a man whose life is filled with all kinds of pain, but he refuses to let it bring him down and instead uses it as a motivator for believing he can do anything he sets his mind to.

29. “Hold On” By Wilson Phillips

This is one song I have had on repeat more times than I can count at certain times in my life. It is an emotional song about the power that comes from not letting your pain consume you. The singer reminds us to not give up on happiness and not let challenges hold us down.

30. “Here Comes The Sun” By The Beatles

The Beatles offer anyone finding it hard to push through difficult times a message of hope with this beautiful song about the light that comes after hard times. They remind you that better days lay ahead and encourage you to look forward to those positive moments that will soon come.

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31. “Fighter” By Christina Aguilera

Have you ever had someone put you through so much pain you nearly lose yourself in the middle of it? Well, this angsty song is about reminding yourself that you are strong in spite of what people put you through. The singer addresses an ex who has hurt her and lets him know all the pain he put her through only motivated her to work harder.

32. “Unstoppable” By Sia

If you’re going through a tough time and find that it affects your mental health, this song may be the motivator you never knew you needed. Encouraging you to not give up or let the world see you at your worst, Sia’s powerful voice urges you be get up and show the world how strong you are.

33. “Never Gonna Give You Up” By Rick Astley

If you’re dealing with a relationship that is going through a rough patch, it is always nice to have a reminder of why it is so important not to give up on your love.
This now iconic song has become an anthem of preserving for love. As Rick Astley sings about his dedication to his lover, you’ll find yourself moving your hips to the beat and beaming with renewed hope in love.

34. “Try” By Pink

Pink uses this song to express her willingness to strive to make a relationship work no matter how hard it gets, but the beautiful message can be applied to any aspect of our lives. The lyrics “You’ve gotta get up and try, try, try” Is a loud reminder to never give up just because things seem hard or painful.

35. “Carry On” By Fun

Perhaps one of the biggest times in life when we feel like giving up is when we feel alone and think the whole world is working against us.
However, remembering to persevere through those dark times can be the flame that keeps us going. This song expresses the need to carry on no matter how heavy the storm surrounding you may seem to be.

36. “Dream On” By Aerosmith

If you are working towards a dream, there is no doubt that life can throw many obstacles at you along the way. However, this song offers the encouragement you need to keep working towards your goal by reminding you to dream and push forward until you become the person you have been dreaming about.

37. “Get Up Stand Up” By Bob Marley & The Wailers

This iconic reggae song is a versatile track that can motivate you to fight for what is important to you. The singer encourages you to be strong and not give up no matter how tough the journey seems. Whether it’s social justice issues or in our personal lives, the message of this song is relatable to any situation.

38. “Call On Me” By Starley

Starley wrote this song as a motivator when she was considering giving up on her dreams of being a singer. When you listen to it, you’ll understand why it is a musical message of comfort and encouragement. The singer reminds us that whenever things a rough and we find it hard to keep going, we can always have someone to call on.

39. “The Comeback” By Danny Gokey

There are times in our lives when we are so low it seems almost impossible to get back up and take on the challenges of the world.
However, Danny Gokey delivers a powerful anthem of perseverance with this song about redemption. He reminds you that it doesn’t matter how much pain you are in or what mistakes you’ve made; you must keep going in order to have your big moment of happiness.

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40. “You Gotta Be” By Des’ree

Des’ree encourages us all to be bold and strong in the face of obstacles and challenges with this song about love, life, and all the pain that comes with it. It is a soul song that will have you deeply moved while also filling you with the courage to take on the world.

41. “Underdog” By Alicia Keys

If you are ever in a situation where you feel at a position of disadvantage and fear that will stop you from achieving your goals, think again because the underdog always comes out at the top, and this is what Alicia keys describe in this song.
She reminds all the underdogs of the world to never give up out of fear of failing because someday their hard work will pay off.

42. “This Is Me” By Keala Settle

This powerful soundtrack from The Greatest Showman movie is an empowering song about embracing every part of ourselves and being our most authentic selves no matter what the world says about us. It is a passionate motivation for anyone considering giving up on themselves because of criticisms from society.

43. “We Are The Champions” By Queen

Queen’s legendary rock hit has become an anthem of perseverance, and victory played at everything from sports events to protests.
However, it still remains a deeply motivating song about not giving up. The band reminds us to keep going no matter what mistakes or challenges come along the way because, after all, we are all champions in our own rights.

44. “The Show Must Go On” By Queen

There is nothing that better describes the sentiment of not giving up than an artist willing to push through illness and pain to dedicate his energy towards performing for his fans.
This is exactly what Queen frontman Freddie Mercury did as the band recorded this song while he battled Aids. Its message about carrying on no matter what difficulties come your way is a relatable one we can all learn from when we feel like giving up.

45. “Skyscraper” By Demi Lovato

This song expresses an intense desire by the singer to never give up on herself no matter how much people around her try to hurt her. It is an uplifting track that can offer you the confidence to keep believing in yourself while reminding you of the strength you may have forgotten you had.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An Encouraging Song?

When it comes to music that can offer a boost of encouragement, there are endless songs to choose from. However, some of the best ones include “Stronger” By Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t stop believing “By Journey, “Survivor” By Destiny’s Child, “Fighter” By Christina Aguilera, and “I’m still standing “by Elton John.

What Song Can Get You Through A Tough Time?

If you’re going through a tough time, the best songs to give you some motivation while you get through it include hits like “Lose Yourself” By Enimen, “We are the champions” By Queen, “Fight song” By Racheal Platten, “I will survive” By Gloria Gaynor.

What Is The Best Song About Not Giving Up On Your Dreams?

The best songs about not giving up on your dreams include “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, “Don’t stop believing” By journey, “Call on me” by Starley, and “Dream on” By Aerosmith.

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