Tear-jerking motivational songs in Western music

Let It All GoBirdy & Rhodes

Birdy and Rhodes – Let It All Go (Official Music Video)

A collaboration between British singer-songwriter Rhodes and musician Birdy.

A sad and beautiful break-up track characterized by piano, violin, and tambourine sounds.

Released in 2015, it reached No.

3 on the Belgian charts.

Dance With My FatherLuther Vandross

Luther Vandross – Dance With My Father (Official Video)

A track released in 2003 by American singer-songwriter Luther Vandross that went on to win a Grammy Award.

Written shortly after he suffered a stroke, it is a song paying tribute to his father.

It has been covered by artists such as Celine Dion and Anthony Callea.

Into My ArmsNick Cave

Nick Cave-Into my Arms

A track released in 1997 by Australian singer-songwriter Nick Cave.

It is a love ballad characterized by piano and acoustic bass sounds and melancholic lyrics.

Nick performed it at the funeral of INXS singer Michael Hutchence.

StayRihanna ft. Mikky Ekko

Rihanna – Stay ft. Mikky Ekko

An emotional ballad featuring a simple piano melody and falsetto vocals.

It’s a collaboration between singer Rihanna and Nashville singer-songwriter Mikky Ekko.

Released in 2013, it won an iHeartRadio Music Award.

With or Without YouU2

U2 – With Or Without You (U2 At The BBC)

A track released in 1987 by the Irish rock band U2.

Frontman Bono has described it as “a track about pure pain.” It was selected by Rolling Stone for “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and has been used in TV shows such as Friends.

RoarKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Roar

Katy Perry brings us a song packed with a powerful message about rediscovering our inner strength.

Featured on her album Prism, this track from the American singer is a rousing anthem that traces the emotional journey of overcoming hardship and reclaiming one’s true self.

Set to a buoyant sound, the lyrics awaken inner courage and underscore the importance of speaking your mind with confidence.

Released in August 2013, it topped the charts in both the U.S.

and the U.K.

Beloved in the sports world as well, it was performed at the Super Bowl and used as Serena Williams’s theme song at the 2014 US Open.

It’s the perfect track when you want to move forward with confidence or boost your spirits.

Still I FlySpencer Lee

Spencer Lee – Still I Fly (from “Planes: Fire & Rescue”) (Audio)

The mellow anthem that was also used in the Disney movie Planes is a song you’ll want to listen to alone and really take in the lyrics.

Unlike clumsy words of encouragement like “You might not realize it, but the whole world is on your side right now” or “Give it your all this time,” it has many gentle lines that resonate when your motivation is low and you feel like you can’t quite give it your best.