Life is full of challenges that test our character and show how committed we are to the journey. No matter what dream you pursue or plan you make, things will not always turn out exactly as you expected. For this reason, persistence is one of the most important factors because if you quit and give up, you lose. That's why the theme of these songs on this list is about persistence and never giving up to help you achieve your goals. These motivational tracks will give you that boost that you need!
1. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
This epic song is based on persistence. Released in 1982, it was made famous by its association with the Rocky movies. The lyrics give the listener a boost in power to overcome things, which is intensified by the intense emotional beat.
2. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Don't Stop Believin by Journey is a classic that encourages and strengthens goal achievement or overcoming complicated situations. The lyrics are meaningful and can help the listener believe in themselves.
3. Stronger – Kanye West
This song highlights how complex situations can make us capable of dealing with what comes next. It is a powerful song about pushing through hard times. This song was released in the 2000s and is still played on the radio. Its upbeat sound, which many people are familiar with, adds to the overall message of this song.
4. The Climb – Miley Cyrus
This song explores life journeys without focusing on the result helping to encourage the listener to continue climbing to reach their goals. If someone needs some motivation and encouragement, this is the perfect song for them.
5. We Will Rock You – Queen
This song is popular for being powerful and for bringing emotion to people as they sing it. Queen's "We Will Rock You" demonstrates courage and sticking together. The chorus is well-known and sung with feeling by people as they reflect on their experiences.
6. Fighter – Christina Aguilera
The lyrics in this song provoke feelings of battling through pain and rising stronger on the other side. Fighter is about turning struggle into strength and finding power in expression. When words aren’t enough, rhythm can help you let it out — try out one of our percussion instruments and feel how playing releases energy and builds confidence.
7. Rise Up – Andra Day
This is a ballad with an essential message about thinking about a better future by dealing with current situations. "Rise Up" by Andra Day is a beautiful ballad about resilience and the power of perseverance. Its key message is planning for a brighter future and overcoming struggles.
8. Hall of Fame – The Script ft. Will.i.am
For anyone facing a hard time, this song encourages the listener to keep going, and things will improve. "The Hall of Fame" also focuses on people's aspirations and empowers them to continue reaching for the stars.
9. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
"I Will Survive" is a classic song of power and strength. Throughout generations, it has been known as an empowerment song. Many people sing this song when they are going through difficult situations.
10. Keep Your Head Up – Andy Grammer
Andy Grammer's "Keep Your Head Up" is an uplifting song with an inspiring sound and chorus. It has a light feeling but a strong message of pushing through even when a situation feels impossible.
11. Unstoppable – Sia
This song's message empowers the listener to overcome difficult times and show strength. It motivates the listener to continue pushing through and to feel good. It has an uplifting sound and easy for people to sing along with the lyrics.
12. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me – Elton John
The lyrics to this song connect with the listener and give them a sense of freedom to focus on growing and having a better future. This is a ballad about personal struggles.
13. I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty
The lyrics strengthen the listener and empower them to face challenges without losing their footing. The song’s steady, grounded rhythm feels like an anchor—a reminder that progress is built one beat at a time. If you ever need that same sense of calm focus, finding your own rhythm on a handmade drum can be a simple way to steady the mind and keep moving forward.
14. Shake It Out – Florence + The Machine
Florence + The Machine's "Shake It Out" has powerful lyrics that allow the listener to feel positive and let go of the past. It has a high energy and resonates with many people.
15. Living on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
"Living on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi is well-known for its catchy chorus. It is inspirational and played at many social gatherings, where people sing the chorus, "Whoa, we're halfway there."
16. It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
Another Bon Jovi classic, "It's My Life," declares independence and resilience. It encourages the listener not to let things get in their way and to keep pushing for what they want.
17. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" is a powerful song that reminds people that they have inner strength and that bad situations can help them grow and become stronger in the long run.
18. Survivor – Destiny’s Child
This song empowers the listener, encouraging them to survive a difficult situation. The lyrics align with many people's feelings that they will be strong and get through it all.
19. Not Afraid – Eminem
If someone is going through personal problems or dealing with their thoughts, Eminem's "Not Afraid" provides a comforting story of recovery. The lyrics show how Eminem overcame his issues and began his journey to recovery.
20. The Power of Love – Huey Lewis & The News
This 80s classic captures how strong emotion can drive us to keep going, no matter what stands in the way. It’s upbeat, relentless, and full of momentum—the perfect reminder that persistence starts with action. If you’ve been waiting to begin something new, pick up a musical instrument and take the first step—because once you start, rhythm keeps you moving.
21. You Gotta Be – Des’ree
The lyrics in this song are inspiring and give the listener the courage to stay strong. It has a feel-good sound and discusses life's good and bad sides.
22. We Are the Champions – Queen
This classic by Queen explores strength and courage and is well-known worldwide. The lyrics are powerful and are often sung by people at parties.
23. Whatever It Takes – Imagine Dragons
This song has a strong beat, makes the listener feel good, and gives them the power to keep going. The lyrics encourage people to achieve their dreams and look to the future. If you need inspiration or to feel good this is a great song to play at any time of the day.
24. Rise – Katy Perry
This is the perfect song for anyone facing a challenging time. It focuses on overcoming a situation and feeling better on the other side. It has an uplifting feel and promotes strength.
25. Lean on Me – Bill Withers
The lyrics of this song highlight friendship and offer help to people who need it. Many cherished it due to its uplifting feel and context. The soothing tones of music along with the lyrics make this a classic and something that will be played for generations to come.
26. Fight Song – Rachel Platten
This is the ideal song if someone needs to find their inner strength. Its powerful sound is easy for people to sing to, and it helps people remember that they can make it through tough times. This song can be beneficial for people who need a little bit of encouragement and the beat of this song envokes a power within.
27. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
“Unwritten” celebrates new beginnings and the courage to create your own story. Its message is simple: the page is blank, and the future is yours to shape. If you’ve been waiting to start something new, a melodic instruments are a beautiful place to begin — easy to play and perfect for turning fresh ideas into sound.
28. Keep Fighting – John Legend
This song strongly reflects the message of perseverance. It encourages the listener not to give up and to keep going. The melody of this song creates a warm feeling whilst promoting a postiive outlook on things.
29. I Am Woman – Helen Reddy
This track is special for many women, as it celebrates courage and determination. It highlights women's challenges and encourages them to rise above them. It can often be heard at social gatherings, where women come together and sing it in unison. The song has an upbeat energy and makes it the perfect song to also dance to.
30. The Rising – Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising gives listeners hope and the strength to stand tall after hardship. It’s a song that reminds us how light always returns after dark. The tracks above echo that same spirit—each one a reminder that persistence is built one step, one breath, and one note at a time. If this playlist helped you feel ready to start again, explore our handmade drums and melodic instruments and keep that rhythm of persistence alive in your own hands.
