Tear-jerking motivational songs in Western music
We’ve compiled a large collection of songs you’ll want to listen to when you want to cheer someone on—or when you need a boost yourself.
There are plenty of tracks that might just bring you to tears.
We’ve focused on Western music, so be sure to give them a listen!
- [2026] A roundup of Western/foreign-language motivational songs—cheer anthems that support your life
- Sports cheer songs in Western music: Recommended anthems and fight songs
- [Masterpiece] Tear-jerking Western songs. The tears won’t stop… truly sad songs [2026]
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational anthems that resonate with the heart!
- [2026] Good luck! Uplifting Western music. Positive songs
- Tear-jerking Western songs: The world's recommended weep-inducing tracks
- Cheer up! Uplifting Western songs: tracks that make you feel motivated just by listening
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- An uplifting song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message that stays with your heart.
- Tear-jerking Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- Tear-jerking, moving songs in Western music
- Popular Western Music Cheer Songs [Western Music Ranking]
Tear-jerking motivational songs in Western music (41–50)
Fight SongRachel Platten
Just as Japan has classic cheer songs, the United States also has staple tracks of that kind.
Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” is known as a classic motivational anthem in America and became a massive hit when it was released in 2014.
The song’s biggest appeal lies in its lyrics: even if no one else in the world believes in you, you keep believing in yourself and move forward.
Tearjerking Motivational Songs in Western Music (51–60)
TearRed Hot Chili Peppers
This 1990s California band, also known by the nickname “Red Hot Chili Peppers,” performs this song titled with the meaning of “tears” on their smash-hit album By the Way.
It’s a ballad that offers hope and courage amid sadness.
I Will Not BowBreaking Benjamin
A song by Breaking Benjamin, a hugely popular alternative rock band in the United States.
It’s also well known for being used as the ending theme of the Bruce Willis–starring film Surrogates.
The intense vocals—like raw emotion put directly into voice—and the somewhat melancholic melody evoke the “negative” side that everyone experiences in sports.
As a sports anthem, it’s a track you’d want to send to someone when you want them to keep fighting without giving up.
TubthumpingChumbawamba
In Japan, this song was used on a soccer TV program, so some people may associate it with soccer.
This is Chumbawamba’s signature track “Tubthumping,” a band that works across various genres like punk rock, folk, and pop.
Its bright, poppy melody makes it fun to listen to—it’s a straightforward cheer song from them! The lyrics express the punks’ indomitable spirit of “I get knocked down, but I get up again.”
Lose YourselfEminem
Eminem’s well-known classic Lose Yourself needs no introduction.
The song, created from his own experiences, served as the theme for his semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, in which he starred.
At the time, hip-hop was considered a predominantly Black genre, yet Eminem, as a white artist, kept believing in himself and pushing forward.
His lyrics—carrying the message “You only get one shot at life; don’t miss your chance”—resonate with anyone striving for glory through adversity.
I Stand AloneGodsmack
If you want to cheer on sports with hard rock, we recommend “I Stand Alone.” This track is by Godsmack, a rock band from Boston.
Known for intense genres like alternative metal and heavy metal, they’ve enjoyed massive support in the heavy metal scene since their debut in the 1990s.
This song is packed with the band’s hard-hitting energy.
If you want an anthem that instantly changes the atmosphere, be sure to check it out.
High HopesKodaline
Kodaline is a band from Ireland.
They’re known for a sweet, Sam Smith–like voice and emotional performances.
Their song High Hopes is one of their hits.
Its lyrics gently encourage you when you’re feeling stuck.
The melody matches that lyrical image with an emotional atmosphere.
While it’s a song of encouragement, it can also be interpreted as reflecting the feelings of people who long for peace.
It’s a track that can lift your spirits when times are tough.