They say not all heroes wear capes, and that definitely rings true when it comes to great leaders. If you want to know what it takes to be a great leader, look no further than this post.
This post is all about the songs that embody the characteristics of great leaders. If you want to be a great leader yourself, listen to these songs and be instantly inspired.
What is a good song for a leader?
There are so many good songs that highlight the important qualities required to be a good leader.
This blog post has leadership songs, lyrics, and music videos about the leadership role qualities like resilience, confidence, growth, hard work, team building, and more.
What songs can boost your confidence as a leader?
If you are a leader looking for a confidence boost or for inspirational songs in general, this post has what you’re looking for!
In this post are so many great confidence boosting songs by some of the best artists in the world like Eminem, Carrie Underwood, Alicia Keys, and Demi Lovato.
After you listen to the leadership songs about confidence and inner strength below, you will feel ready and empowered to take on your leadership duties to the best of your ability.
Pick your favorite song (or songs!) and add them to your Spotify playlist ASAP.
This post is all about the 80 Best Songs About Leadership.
Leadership Songs About Resilience
The best leaders know that being resilient is key. Great leaders know that not everything will always go according to plan.
And when that happens, or when failure occurs, leaders know they need to pick themselves up (and their team) and try again because that’s the right thing to do.
Tough times make stronger leaders.
1. “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
Inspiring lyrics:
“But I keep cruising
Can’t stop, won’t stop moving
It’s like I got this music
In my mind
Saying, ‘It’s gonna be alright.'”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
2. “Stronger” – Kelly Clarkson
Inspiring lyrics:
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
3. “Rise Up” – Andra Day
Inspiring lyrics:
“And I’ll rise up, I’ll rise like the day
I’ll rise up, I’ll rise unafraid
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
4. “Roar” – Katy Perry
Inspiring lyrics:
“I got the eye of the tiger
A fighter
Dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
5. “Don’t Stop Believin” – Journey
Inspiring lyrics:
“Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin'”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
6. “Climb” – Miley Cyrus
Inspiring lyrics:
“Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
7. “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child
Inspiring lyrics:
“I’m a survivor (What?)
I’m not gon’ give up (What?)
I’m not gon’ stop (What?)
I’m gon’ work harder (What?)”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
8. “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
Inspiring lyrics:
“Oh no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
9. “Keep Your Head Up” – Andy Grammer
Inspiring lyrics:
“I know it’s hard, know it’s hard
To remember sometimes
But you gotta keep your head up, oh oh
And you can let your hair down”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
10. “Stronger” – Britney Spears
Inspiring lyrics:
“But now I’m stronger than yesterday
Now it’s nothing but my way“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
11. “Keep Holding On” – Avril Lavigne
Inspiring lyrics:
“Keep holding on
‘Cause you know we’ll make it through, we’ll make it through
Just stay strong
‘Cause you know I’m here for you, I’m here for you”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
12. “Here Comes The Sun” – The Beatles
Inspiring lyrics:
“Here comes the sun
And I say, “It’s alright””
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
13. “Daisies” – Katy Perry
Inspiring lyrics:
“They told me I was out there, tried to knock me down
Took those sticks and stones, showed ’em I could build a house“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
14. “Just Fine” – Mary J. Blige
Inspiring lyrics:
“Got my head on straight, I got my vibe right
I ain’t gonna let you kill it“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
15. “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive” – Travis Tritt
Inspiring lyrics:
“And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
16. “If You’re Going Through Hell” – Rodney Atkins
Inspiring lyrics:
“If you’re goin’ through hell keep on going
Don’t slow down if you’re scared don’t show it
You might get out before the devil even knows you’re there”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
17. “I Won’t Back Down” – Tom Petty
Inspiring lyrics:
“(I won’t back down) Hey, baby
There ain’t no easy way out
(I won’t back down) Hey, I
Will stand my ground
And I won’t back down”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
18. “Get Up Stand Up” by Bob Marley and the Wailers
Inspiring lyrics:
“Get up stand up, stand up for your right“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
19. “Dream On” – Aerosmith
Inspiring lyrics:
“Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream until your dreams come true“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
20. “Live Your Life” by T.I. Ft. Rhianna
Inspiring lyrics:
“You’re gonna be, a shinin’ star
In fancy clothes, and fancy cars
And then you’ll see, you’re gonna go far
Cause everyone knows, just who ya are”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
Songs About Inner Strength and Confidence
Are you looking for a powerful song about strength and confidence?
Being a leader isn’t all sunshine and rainbows – there will be ups and downs. But great leaders have confidence in their abilities. They are strong, take on challenges, and push themselves to be the best they can be.
21. “I’m Not Afraid” – Eminem
Inspiring lyrics:
“I’m not afraid (I’m not afraid)
To take a stand (To take a stand)“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
22. “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
Inspiring lyrics:
“This is my fight song (Hey)
Take back my life song (Hey)
Prove I’m alright song (Hey, ha)
My power’s turned on (Hey)“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
23. “Eye Of The Tiger” – Survivor
Inspiring lyrics:
“It’s the eye of the tiger
It’s the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
24. “It’s My Life” – Bon Jovi
Inspiring lyrics:
“It’s my life, it’s now or never
I ain’t gonna live forever
I just want to live while I’m alive“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
25. “Champion” – Carrie Underwood
Inspiring lyrics:
“I am invincible, unbreakable
Unstoppable, unshakable
They knock me down, I get up again”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
26. “Brave” – Sara Bareilles
Inspiring lyrics:
“Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
27. “Stronger” – Christina Aguilera
Inspiring lyrics:
“I’m tired of walking on eggshells, so terrified to fail
And in order to please you, I’ve abandoned myself
And though it used to hurt me when you pushed me away
I’m stronger than ever, you made me this way”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
28. “Unstoppable” – Sia
Inspiring lyrics:
“I’m unstoppable
I’m a Porsche with no brakes
I’m invincible
Yeah, I win every single game
I’m so powerful”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
29. “Confident” – Demi Lovato
Inspiring lyrics:
“What’s wrong with being confident?”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
30. “Girl On Fire” – Alicia Keys
Inspiring lyrics:
“You can try, but you’ll never forget her name
She’s on top of the world”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
31. “Born This Way” – Lady Gaga
Inspiring lyrics:
“I’m beautiful in my way
‘Cause God makes no mistakes
I’m on the right track, baby
I was born this way“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
32. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
Inspiring lyrics:
“R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
33. “Feeling Myself” – Nicki Minaj
Inspiring lyrics:
“I stopped the world
Male or female, it make no difference
I stop the world, world, stop—“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
34. “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself” – Jess Glynne
Inspiring lyrics:
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, no
Learn to forgive, learn to let go
Everyone trips, everyone falls
So don’t be so hard on yourself, no”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
35. “Bad Day” – Daniel Powter
Inspiring lyrics:
“You had a bad day
You’re taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
36. “Good as Hell” – Lizzo
Inspiring lyrics:
“Hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin’? (Feelin’ good as hell)
(Feeling good as hell)“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
37. “Stronger” – Kanye West
Inspiring lyrics:
“Now that that don’t kill me
Can only make me stronger“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
38. “Trophies” – Drake
Inspiring lyrics:
“What’s the move? Can I tell the truth?
If I was doing this for you then I’d have nothing left to prove“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
39. “Who Says” – Selena Gomez
Inspiring lyrics:
“Who says?
Who says you’re not perfect?
Who says you’re not worth it?“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
Songs About Growth
As a leader, your learning journey is never over. There is always something to learn, and always areas where you can improve.
These songs about growth will remind you that you don’t need to be a perfect leader (in fact, it’s impossible!). The important thing is that you commit to giving your best effort and aim to make positive changes.
40. “Man In The Mirror” – Michael Jackson
Inspiring lyrics:
“I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
41. “The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert
Inspiring lyrics:
“You leave home, you move on and you do the best you can.
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am.”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
42. “Life is a Highway” – Rascal Flatts
Inspiring lyrics:
“There’s no load I can’t hold
The roads are rough, this I know
I’ll be there when the light comes in
Just tell ’em we’re survivors”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
43. “Let It Go” – Idina Menzel
Inspiring lyrics:
“Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door
I don’t care what they’re going to say
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bothered me anyway“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
44. “Let It Go” – Zac Brown Band
Inspiring lyrics:
“You keep your heart above your head and your eyes wide open
So this world can’t find a way to leave you cold”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
45. “Humble and Kind” – Tim McGraw
Inspiring lyrics:
“Hold the door, say “please”, say “thank you”
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
Songs About Female Leaders
There are so many amazing women leaders out there. These songs are great reminders that great leaders come in all forms, shapes, and sizes.
46. “Run The World (Girls)” – Beyonce
Inspiring lyrics:
“Who run the world? Girls! Girls!”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
47. “The Man” – Taylor Swift
Inspiring lyrics:
“I’m so sick of running as fast as I can
Wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man
And I’m so sick of them coming at me again
‘Cause if I was a man, then I’d be the man“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
48. “Look At Her Now” – Selena Gomez
Inspiring lyrics:
“Of course she was sad
But now she’s glad she dodged a bullet (Mm)
Took a few years to soak up the tears
But look at her now, watch her go”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
49. “God Is A Woman” – Ariana Grande
Inspiring lyrics:
“When all is said and done
You’ll believe God is a woman”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
50. “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” – Shania Twain
Inspiring lyrics:
“The best thing about being a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
51. “Independent Women” – Destiny’s Child
Inspiring lyrics:
“The shoes on my feet, I bought ’em
The clothes I’m wearing, I bought ’em
The rock I’m rocking, I bought it
‘Cause I depend on me if I want it”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
52. “Can’t Hold Us Down” – Christina Aguilera & Lil Kim
Inspiring lyrics:
“Lettin’ ’em know we’re gonna stand our ground
Lift your hands high and wave ’em proud
Take a deep breath and say it loud
Never can, never will, can’t hold us down“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
53. “Diva” – Beyonce
Inspiring lyrics:
“Diva is a female version of a hustla“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
54. “This One’s For the Girls” – Martina McBride
Inspiring lyrics:
“This one’s for the girls
Who love without holding back
Who dream with everything they have
All around the world”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
55. “She Works Hard For The Money” – Donna Summer
Inspiring lyrics:
“She works hard for the money
So hard for it, honey
She works hard for the money
So you better treat her right”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
56. “That’s My Girl” – Fifth Harmony
Inspiring lyrics:
“You’ve been down before
You’ve been hurt before
You got up before
You’ll be good to go, good to go“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
57. “I Am Woman” – Emmy Meli
Inspiring lyrics:
“I am woman, I am fearless
I am sexy, I’m divine
I’m unbeatable, I’m creative“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
Leadership Songs About Working Hard
Want a great song about working hard? We all know great leaders work hard. Here are songs about working hard that pass along a great leadership message.
58. “Work Hard, Play Hard” – Wiz Khalifa
Inspiring lyrics:
“Work hard, play hard”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
59. “Hustlin’” – Rick Ross
Inspiring lyrics:
“Every day I’m hustlin'”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
60. “Till I Collapse” – Eminem
Inspiring lyrics:
“This is your moment, and every single minute you spend
Tryna hold on to it ’cause you may never get it again“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
61. “Started From The Bottom” – Drake
Inspiring lyrics:
“Started from the bottom, now we’re here“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
62. “Work” – Rihanna
Inspiring lyrics:
“When I see potential I just gotta see it through”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
63. “Successful” – Drake
Inspiring lyrics:
“I just wanna be, I just wanna be successful”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
64. “Whatever It Takes” – Imagine Dragons
Inspiring lyrics:
“Whatever it takes
‘Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do whatever it takes“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
65. “Hard In Da Paint” – Waka Flocka Flame
Inspiring lyrics:
“I go hard in the paint”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
Fun Leadership and Team Building Songs
These songs bring a little humor to leadership. If you’re looking to get some laughs, or bring a group of team members together, these songs are great for having fun and for bringing your team closer together.
66. “9-5” – Dolly Parton
Inspiring lyrics:
“Workin’ 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin’
Barely gettin’ by, it’s all takin’ and no givin’“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
67. “We Will Rock You” – Queen
Inspiring lyrics:
“We will, we will rock you, sing it“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
68. “All I Do Is Win” – DJ Khaled
Inspiring lyrics:
“All I do is win, win, win, no matter what
Got money on my mind, I can never get enough”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
69. “The Final Countdown” – Europe
Inspiring lyrics:
“We’re leaving together, but still, it’s farewell
And maybe, we’ll come back to Earth, who can tell?”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
70. “Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Inspiring lyrics:
“Tonight is the night, we’ll fight ’til it’s over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can’t hold us“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
71. “Get’cha Head in the Game” – Zac Efron
Inspiring lyrics:
“Gotta run the give and go, take the ball to the hole
But don’t be afraid to shoot the outside J”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
72. “Hey, Look Ma I Made It” – Panic! At the Disco
Inspiring lyrics:
“I’m gonna be the greatest
In a golden cathedral
I’ll be praying for the faithless
And if you lose, boo-hoo“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
73. “Nobody’s Perfect” – Miley Cyrus
Inspiring lyrics:
“Everybody makes mistakes
Everybody has those days”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
74. “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” – Jimmy Buffett, Alan Jackson
Inspiring lyrics:
“Pour me something tall and strong.
Make it a hurricane, before I go insane.
It’s only half past twelve. But I don’t care,
it’s five o’clock somewhere”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
75. “All Star” – Smashmouth
Inspiring lyrics:
“Hey now, you’re an all star
Get your game on, go play“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
76. “Remember the Name” – Fort Minor
Inspiring lyrics:
“This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
77. “Lean on Me” – Bill Withers
Inspiring lyrics:
“Lean on me when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
78. “With A Little Help From My Friends” – The Beatles
Inspiring lyrics:
“Oh I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm gonna try with a little help from my friends”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
79. “We Are Family” – Sister Sledge
Inspiring lyrics:
“We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
80. “We’re All in This Together” – High School Musical
Inspiring lyrics:
“We’re all in this together
Once we know that we are, we’re all stars
And we see that
We’re all in this together
And it shows when we stand hand in hand
Make our dreams come true”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
Bonus Songs About Leadership
Here are two more songs to add to your leadership repertoire!
81. “Ordinary People” – John Legend
Inspiring lyrics:
“We’re just ordinary people
We don’t know which way to go
‘Cause we’re ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow”
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
82. “DNA” – Kendrick Lamar
Inspiring lyrics:
“And I’m gon’ shine like I’m supposed to“
Click here to Read Full Lyrics
Click here to Listen On YouTube
Final Thoughts
That wraps up the list of the 80 most powerful and most inspirational songs about leadership. Is there a particular song that stands out to you the most? Did you find the right song for you?
A lot of people want to be leaders, but do they all have what it takes? The good thing about leadership is that it is a skill that can be worked on.
If you want to make sure you don’t turn into a bad leader, check out this post about the list of the things to avoid.
This post is all about the 80 greatest songs of all time when it comes to songs about leadership.
Other posts you might like:
- 18 Inspiring Poems About Leadership
- 150 Inspiring Simon Sinek Quotes On Leadership
- 106 Brilliant Marcus Aurelius Quotes On Leadership