Top 95 Songs to Describe Your Life

Songs are something that feels entwined with our lives. They can be so important that songs to describe your life can even become an integral part of it. Most of us have songs that stick in our minds and reflect our journeys. 

For this reason, songs can be very personal, and therefore, no two people have the same list of important songs that describe life. 

With all of these things in mind, I’ve selected the few songs that mean the most to me. I hope there are one or two of your favorites among them, and I hope you enjoy my selection. Let’s get straight to it and take a look at the first song that can describe your life.

Top 95 Songs to Describe Your Life

1

Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

If you’re not going to believe in yourself, you can’t expect other people to either. It’s a simple concept based on the idea of positive thinking. 

However, we all have times in our lives when things get tough, and we need a bit of a boost to get our mojo back. When those times come around, this is the perfect song to get you back on track.

“Don’t Stop Believing” was released in 1981 from the incredible album, Escape. The song sold four million copies, and the album over ten million copies. In my opinion, the album was one the best albums of the 80s and showcased the very best of American Rock.

For the younger readers amongst you…

It’s possible that you’re not familiar with Journey’s original song. If this is the case, I bet you know the “Don’t Stop Believing (Glee Cast Version).” 

This was first released almost two decades later, in 2009, from the album Glee: The Music, Volume 1. It was also included on the album Glee: The Music Journey to Regionals, which was released in 2010.

The cover is a wonderful interpretation of the original… 

I like them both, but for very different reasons. The Glee Cast cover is fun and has a lighter feel to it but is no less uplifting than the original. The younger generation seemed to like it, too, as it sold a cool two million copies. 

I confess to watching quite a few of the episodes from “Glee Season 1” and thoroughly enjoying them. They always carried a positive message with plenty of good singing thrown in. So, what’s not to like? Keep believing, guys!

2

Survivor by Destiny’s Child

Life can be unpredictable and throw all sorts of things our way. Things are never entirely linear or straightforward. Consequently, there’s a lot of truth in the old saying that it’s not about how many times you get knocked down but how many times you can pick yourself up.

If ever a song encapsulated this saying, it has to be “Survivor”…

It was released in 2000 and was co-written by Beyonce and her father. It was a brilliant piece of writing and provided a clue as to the quality of the songs Beyonce would pen and sing in her future solo career.

I’d go as far as saying this was Destiny’s Child’s best song. It was undoubtedly loved by the public since it went to #1 in the UK and US. It also sold over six million copies globally. 

However, this wasn’t enough to make it their biggest song. That accolade went to “Say My Name,” which sold 11 million copies worldwide.

Fans clearly feel differently from me about the quality of “Survivor”…

The album it was taken from, also named Survivor, similarly achieved #1 in the US and UK. Additionally, it sold well, chalking up ten million in sales.

The song is a piece of pure motivational gold. This a great song for whenever you feel down. It picks you up even on your darkest days. The lyrics and high-intensity beat, fused with girls’ amazing harmonies, snap you back to believing in yourself again. I’m a survivor, for sure.

3

Titanium By David Guetta and Sia

If you like Electronic Dance Music (EDM), you’re almost certain to have heard this before, and I bet you liked it too. That’s hardly surprising since it is a club classic that is as popular with clubgoers today as it was back in 2011 when it was first released.

EDM is not universally popular… 

But this fantastic hit from David Guetta and Sia crossed over to the mainstream. It subsequently chalked up five million in sales, which for a piece of Dance music is nearly unheard of. This makes “Titanium” one of the most commercially successful pieces of Dance music in history.

It was taken from the album, Nothing but the Beat, which was no less successful than the single. It also sold around the five million mark. 

That’s not surprising since the album is packed full of high-quality tracks. Including “Sweat” and “Little Bad Girl,” which were both released earlier in the same year. I think they were also no less impressive than the much bigger hit, “Titanium.”

I love the song, and I love the meaning behind it… 

It’s very powerful and a great reminder that we can rise above whatever adversities that life throws at us. Life is a rollercoaster, and the song urges us to stand tough when things are not so easy.

Musically, the song is as inspirational and hardcore as the lyrics. You are treated to a thumping uptempo Dance beat. This is beautifully combined with one of the catchiest melodies of any EDM track I’ve ever heard. Plus, you also get some sublime vocals from Sia.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to a workout or for those times you need a little bit of motivation to pick yourself back up. And let’s face it, that’s something we all need from time to time.

4

We Are The Champions by Queen

There’s nothing like a bit of self-belief, and this amazing song about life is the perfect track to bring it out. 

When the highs come, I’m happy to embrace them and enjoy and celebrate the moment. Tomorrow will come, and new challenges with it. So, when things have gone well, I’m going to pat myself on the back and take the time to celebrate. 

“We Are The Champions” has become Rock and sports anthem… 

It’s now almost synonymous with sports teams celebrating wins and success. Everywhere around the world, you’ll hear delirious sports fans cheering on their teams or celebrating a win against the backdrop of Queen and “We Are The Champions.” 

Even if the fans haven’t got a clue about Queen, they’ll know the song. As a result, it is one of those songs to describe your life that everyone knows.

So, what makes it so good?

From the point of view of sports fans, it’s all about the stirring high energy crescendo and chorus. For music lovers, it’s about the clever use of dynamics, the slow piano introduction, the changes of tempo, and one of the greatest vocal performances of all time. 

Additionally, we love the intensity and the passion of the chorus too…

“We Are The Champions” came out in 1977 in what was possibly the most successful era for Queen. It was released from the album News of The World. Both the single and the album sold in large quantities and charted well. The single and the album chalked up approximately six million each in sales. 

The single and the album are great examples of just how good Queen was back in the day. The quality of their music and live performances was virtually unparalleled. No wonder they became the second most successful group, in terms of sales, after The Beatles.

There’s no doubt that their music was superb… 

However, where they truly excelled was in their live performances. Most of this was down to the now sadly passed Freddie Mercury. In my opinion, he was the greatest Rock frontman in history. 

If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch a Queen Live concert, I’d honestly urge you to. However, I’d add the caveat that you should stick to watching older concerts when Freddie Mercury was the frontman. 

Queen is still alive and kicking today. But their new frontman, Adam Lambert, is frankly awful, and I wouldn’t suggest wasting your time. Having to listen to him and his horrible overuse of vibrato, warbling through a set, is worse than a trip to the dentist.

5

Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.

It’s great to enjoy the moment and bask in the glory of the good times. But, like everything in life, nothing lasts forever. Along with the highs, you have to weather the lows, and that can be tough. It’s all part of life and all part of the journey, which sometimes requires a little help to navigate.

“Everybody Hurts” is a song about the hard times in our lives. The length, frequency, and severity will be different for us all, but we all have to navigate through it. 

The process is harder for some than others, and “Everybody Hurts” is a song that recognizes this but focuses on those that are suffering the most.

It’s primarily aimed at the younger generation… 

A song for people who feel overwhelmed with their circumstances and are possibly considering ending their lives. It’s a direct plea to get them to “hold on” and seek help from their friends.

It is not a typical R.E.M. song because the musical structure and lyrics are uncharacteristically simple. The words are very direct, and the music is stripped back, although rousing in places. It’s all designed to be more appealing to a younger audience to better get the message across.

Although it was originally intended for a teenage audience… 

The song has undoubtedly connected to audiences of all ages, such is the quality. I’m sure that since its release, it’s helped people from all over the world to keep going and seek help when things are bleak.

“Everybody Hurts” was released in 1993 as a single from the album, Automatic for the People. The album was released a year earlier than the single and went on to sell 14 million copies making it their most successful song.

Before they released “Everybody Hurts,” I’d always liked the songs from this experimental Alternative Rock group. However, once this song came out, I found a new respect for them as musicians and human beings. I wholeheartedly applaud them for this song and for what it stands for.

6

My Hero by Foo Fighters

I’m a big Foo Fighters fan, but this song is my favorite. It’s a great down-to-earth song that celebrates ordinary people and their achievements. That’s most definitely me, so I can completely relate.

Rather than championing the achievements of elite athletes or Rock stars, the song looks at the everyday things we do for each other and champions those. You don’t have to be a global superstar to do great things. Just being a decent and considerate human being is all it takes.

“My Hero” not only has a wonderful sentiment…

It’s also backed by excellent musicianship. It is a passionate, hard-hitting Rock song that includes one of Dave Grohl’s best vocal performances. I love it, and thankfully the general buying public loved it too.

It was released in 1998 and made it to #8 on the Mainstream Rock Billboard Charts. It featured as a track from the album, The Colour and the Shape. The album was the band’s third best-selling, with over two and a half million copies sold.

I suspect that since “My Hero” is an accurate reflection of ordinary life, it will be among the best songs to describe your life for many of you. This is the case for me, as it feels completely relatable to my own life.

7

Roar by Katy Perry

8

Unstoppable by Sia

9

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

10

Brave by Sara Bareilles

11

I’m Still Standing by Elton John

12

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson

13

Invincible by Kelly Clarkson

14

Beautiful by Christina Aguilera

15

Rise Up by Andra Day

16

Not Afraid by Eminem

17

Fighter by Christina Aguilera

18

Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen

19

The Climb by Miley Cyrus

20

Born This Way by Lady Gaga

21

Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammer

22

I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty

23

Firework by Katy Perry

24

I’m Alive by Celine Dion

25

Stronger by Britney Spears

26

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers

27

Stand by R.E.M.

28

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

29

I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan

30

Happy by Pharrell Williams

31

It’s My Life by Bon Jovi

32

I Dare You by Kelly Clarkson

33

Don’t Stop by Fleetwood Mac

34

Shake It Off by Taylor Swift

35

You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

36

Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton

37

Beautiful Day by Michael Bublé

38

Best Day of My Life by American Authors

39

I Lived by OneRepublic

40

Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin

41

Live Your Life by T.I. ft. Rihanna

42

Counting Stars by OneRepublic

43

A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay

44

Happy Now by Zedd ft. Elley Duhé

45

Best of You by Foo Fighters

46

Chandelier by Sia

47

Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles

48

Hall of Fame by The Script ft. will.i.am

49

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

50

Titanium by Madilyn Bailey

More 45 Songs to Describe Your Life

51. 51. You Get What You Give by New Radicals
    52. I’ll Be There for You by The Rembrandts
    53. This Too Shall Pass by OK Go
    54. Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw
    55. It’s a Beautiful Life by Michael Bublé
    56. Hey Jude by The Beatles
    57. Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters
    58. I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas
    59. Hold On by Wilson Phillips
    60. One Day by Matisyahu ft. Akon
    61. The Man by Aloe Blacc
    62. Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
    63. Feeling Good by Michael Bublé
    64. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
    65. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
    66. Say Something by Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton
    67. I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly
    68. Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
    69. Wonderwall by Oasis
    70. The Fighter by Gym Class Heroes ft. Ryan Tedder
    71. Home by Michael Bublé
    72. Love on Top by Beyoncé
    73. Hall of Fame by will.i.am ft. Jennifer Hudson
    74. Viva la Vida by Coldplay
    75. Don’t Give Up by Peter Gabriel ft. Kate Bush
    76. Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine
    77. Beautiful Now by Zedd ft. Jon Bellion
    78. Better When I’m Dancin’ by Meghan Trainor
    79. Good Life by OneRepublic
    80. I Choose You by Sara Bareilles
    81. You’re Beautiful by James Blunt
    82. I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz
    83. Fight Song by Rachel Platten
    84. The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco
    85. All Star by Smash Mouth
    86. It’s Time by Imagine Dragons
    87. On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
    88. Shake It Out by Florence + The Machine
    89. Titanium by Boyce Avenue ft. Madilyn Bailey
    90. I’m Not Afraid by Halsey
    91. I’m Still Here by Johnny Rzeznik
    92. This Is Me by Keala Settle
    93. Don’t Stop the Music by Rihanna
    94. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
    95. Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder

Want More Great Songs About Living?

Well, take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs About Life, the Best Inspirational Songs For Motivation, the Top Songs About Unity, the Best Songs With Deep Meaning, and the Top Songs about Old Love for more great song selections.

Songs to Describe Your Life – Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. It was fun to reflect on some of the songs that have had the biggest impact on me. Although I’m sure if you made a song to describe your life playlist, it would be very different from mine. That’s very much part of life and what makes our journeys unique. 

However, despite there being plenty of differences, we are still bound by many common themes, which are generally a power for good.

Until next time, happy listening.