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!
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- An uplifting song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message that stays with your heart.
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Tear-jerking motivational Western songs (1–10)
True ColorsCyndi Lauper
A universally appealing track released in 1986 by American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper.
It became a hit around the world and was used in commercials such as those for Kodak.
It has been covered by artists including Phil Collins and Anna Kendrick with Justin Timberlake.
Everybody HurtsR.E.M.
“Everyone gets hurt, and at times is tormented by loneliness.” This is a gem of a ballad by the American rock band R.E.M.
that gently stays close to such universal suffering.
Its solemn tone, infused with gospel and soul influences, and the all-embracing vocals softly loosen the knots in the listener’s heart.
When life feels on the brink of despair, its message—that you are not alone—sounds exactly like the words you would offer a friend who’s feeling down, evoking a profound form of friendship.
Featured on the 1992 masterpiece Automatic for the People and released as a single in April 1993, the song’s powerful message even led to its adoption in a campaign by a UK suicide prevention organization.
It’s a track that shares tears with you on nights of unbearable loneliness and gives you the strength to step into tomorrow when a friend is hurting.
Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis
Oasis, the Manchester-born band that made their name resound across the globe as a standard-bearer of Britpop, released a classic song in February 1996 that delivers an uplifting message of hope and resonates deeply with the heart.
This track, the first to feature Noel Gallagher as lead vocalist, sings about letting go of past anger and hate and moving forward toward a brighter future.
Beginning with a beautiful piano intro heavily influenced by the Beatles and building into a majestic chorus, the song’s structure is breathtaking.
It debuted at number one in the UK and later became a symbol of solidarity and hope in the midst of sorrow when it was sung at a memorial gathering after the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.
DemonsImagine Dragons
A track released in 2013 by the American rock band Imagine Dragons.
It sings about one’s darker side and self-doubt.
It reached the Top 10 on charts around the world and was used in works such as the romantic film “The Words.”
Someone Like YouAdele
A track about recovering from the end of a relationship and vowing to meet someone new.
It’s a piano-driven ballad with a beautiful melody, released in 2011 by the British singer Adele.
The black-and-white music video was filmed in Paris.