We all have those days when we wake up and just don’t feel good about ourselves. Everything seems to be going wrong, and it feels like nothing can make us feel better.
These days, it’s important to have songs that will empower you and help you regain your footing with a confidence boost. You’re in good hands because I will share 21 songs about self-worth that can help turn a bad day into a manageable one.
These songs remind you of your worth and help you get through even the most challenging days. Pull up your favorite music streaming app and prepare to enjoy adding songs to your playlist.
1. Beautiful, Mali Music
“I put my lighter in the air for you
I see whatch’u doing, yeah I see whatch’u go through
Put my lighter in the air, the truth is you’re beautiful, beautiful”
Why I love it:
It’s one of my favorite songs to listen to because of how I interpret it. To me, the song lyrics are like a softer version of an anthem that gently reminds you that despite everything, you’re worth being celebrated.
It’s a great self-esteem song that never fails to put a smile on my face whenever I’m feeling down about myself.
Add to your playlist:
Listen to this song or, better yet, the entire album on Apple Music, Youtube, or Spotify.
2. Black Woman, Danielle Brooks
“Heart, bred, fed, sweet tea sippin’
Nubian queen with the skin that glistens
I’m a black woman”
Why I love it:
This beautiful song serves as a great reminder that a Black woman is a force to be reckoned with, and this song celebrates that fact. It’s perfect for when you need a self-empowerment anthem that will make you feel like the Nubian queen you are.
Add to your playlist:
Listen to it on my top three platforms where I listen to music, Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music.
3. Worth it, Amber Mark
“Oh, release the feeling
It’ll send you out to space
Nothing like your happiness
(Nothing like it) Ohh
Open up the ceiling
You think you don’t deserve it
But you are so damn worth it, baby”
Why I love it:
Once you listen to this song, this will become a theme song for weeks. It’s the embodiment of you being an extraordinary machine yet still worthy of love.
It’s the ultimate self-love anthem for when you are battling being your own worst critic. Even in tough times, this is the perfect song to have play on repeat. Just promise me that you’ll listen to the end of the song.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
4. Diamonds, Rihanna
“So shine bright, tonight, you and I
We’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Eye to eye, so alive
We’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky”
Why I love it:
This is on my list of songs for when I look to the power of music to relieve stress and remind me of the powerful, worthy woman I am. The lyrics and Rihanna’s voice make for an intoxicating combination that always manages to give me the pick-up when I feel low about myself.
The lyrics are simple yet effective in helping to change my mindset for the better. It’s one of the best songs that never get old when battling low self-esteem.
Add to your playlist:
Find it by way of Apple Music, Spotify, and Youtube.
5. Grounded, Ari Lennox
Grow
You’ll grow (ooh, ooh)
Once you are grounded
Grounded, grounded, grounded
You gotta be grounded
(oh-oh-oh) Ah
Grounded, grounded, grounded
Why I love it:
The first song, whose instruments and vocals lend to what life can make you feel sometimes. Being grounded can look like you slowing down, taking cues from your body to remind you that sometimes what you need is to just be still in your daily life.
This song comes on, and I can feel the weight of the world being lifted off my shoulders. It has an ethereal quality to it that can make you feel as if you can finally hear your own thoughts and worthiness.
Add to your playlist:
Available on all streaming platforms- Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music.
6. Find your way back, Beyonce
“But you just got to find your way back
Big, big world, but you got it, baby
Find your way back, don’t let this life drive you crazy
Find your way back, come back home ‘fore the street lights on
Find your way back, find your way back”
Why I love it:
This song is so inspiring because it is a reminder that no matter how lost you feel, you can always find your way back. This song talks about how your gifts are within reach versus galaxies away.
Trusting your gut will never lead you wrong. You are worth believing in yourself and this song is a beautiful ode to that idea.
Add to your playlist:
Found on major platforms like Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music.
7. Free, Destiny’s Child
Ain’t no feeling like being free
When your mind’s made up
And your hearts in the right place, yeah
Ain’t no feeling like being free
When you’ve done all you could
But what’s misunderstood
Why I love it:
A great song to listen to when transitioning out of toxic relationships. The first line is so freeing because it reminds you that you are in control of your happiness.
The second line is an excellent reminder that even when you have done everything you could, sometimes it’s just not enough for the other person. In those cases, it is time to move on, and this song will affirm when you need to listen to it, even if the truth hurts.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
8. Fun, Nnena
“You took too much time
I made up my mind
On my own love
All eyes on love
Heavy on my mind,
I need rain sometimes
On my own love”
Why I love it:
Listening to your voice within, and knowing when a relationship is no longer serving you, comes in handy, and this song is a great one to have on repeat when you find yourself in that situation.
It is unapologetic and empowering, which we all need when deciding to walk away from something that is no longer good for us. It can be a tough pill to swallow, but this song will make you feel like closing a chapter is a little bit easier.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
9. Get up, Amel Larrieux
“People try to pull the wool over your eyes
Don’t know why they want to profit from your demise
Oooo they lie to cover up how weak they are inside
Oh baby baby don’t you cry”
Why I love it:
One thing you remember from reading this roundup is how listening to this song will result in an instant bad-day pick-me-up during hard times. It is a song that is motivating without being forceful.
The lyrics affirm and remind you that you can’t let other people’s opinions of you get in the way of your own happiness. Even if their actions against you have you questioning your worth or even competence. Who is raising their hand in agreement?
Add to your playlist:
Found on major platforms like Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music.
10. I’m Dope, Tobe Nwigwe
“Yeah, I’m dope” (Repeat 2x)
Why I love it:
A great song to not encourage the ‘young people but also those of a particular age who need the reminder. It is a song that affirms your dopeness. From its positive message to the excellent production, this song is one you’ll want to listen to on repeat.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
11. Black is gold, Wale
“Black is beautiful, baby, black is bold
Black is black, true, but black is gold, ay, hey, yeah, look
I say black is beautiful, shawty, black is bold
Black is black, true, but black is gold”
Why I love it:
The greatest love one can witness, or experience is love for self; this song is a beautiful ode to that. It sings about how black is gold, which is often seen as something negative, but it is something positive and should be celebrated. It is a song that makes you feel proud to be a black woman, no matter what anyone else says.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube
12. Superpower, Kirby and D. Smoke
“We got superpowers (ai, ai, ai, ai, ai)
We got superpowers (ai, ai, ai, ai, ai)
Eh, everyone else cannot forget that
We got superpowers (ai, ai)
We got superpowers (ai, ai)”
Why I love it:
Honestly, this power ballad is vastly underappreciated. It is a song that gives you goosebumps and chills down your spine. The song’s lyrics are empowering, and the production is moving.
This is more than just a little reminder of what it is like to be a black person living in America but how our gifts lend themselves to our superpower. Despite what the world tells us, we are powerful beyond measure.
Add to your playlist:
Find it by way of Apple Music, Spotify, and Youtube.
13. Superwoman, Alicia Keys
“Cause I am a Superwoman
Yes I am
Yes she is
Even when I’m a mess
I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes
I’m a Superwoman”
Why I love it:
Many of us love being the independent women we are, but on tough days when you need a little reminder, Alicia Keys has covered you with this song. Not feeling like a boss is impossible after listening to this anthem.
It is empowering and affirming, which makes it the perfect song to listen to when you need a confidence boost. We all have our moments, and this song will help us stay encouraged that better days are ahead.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
14. I am not my hair, India Arie
“I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations, no (hey)
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am the soul that lives within”
Why I love it:
As a young woman, the first time I heard this song, it was refreshing to know that I didn’t have to conform to what society deemed beautiful. That I could be comfortable in my own skin and still be beautiful.
I could embrace my natural curls without fearing my hair being labeled as “unkempt.”The lyrics are simple, but the message is profound and something we all need to remind ourselves of from time to time. We are so much more than what the world sees on the surface.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube , Spotify, and Apple Music.
15. Crown, Chikka
“Can’t let (Can’t let)
Nobody take (Take)
Take (Take), take (Take)
Take my crown (Take)
Can’t let (Can’t let)
Nobody take (Take)
Take (Take), take (Take)
Take my crown (Take)”
Why I love it:
Last year when I heard this song, it quickly became one of my favorites. It is a song that promotes self-advocacy and has you declaring that you will not let anyone take what is rightfully yours. It is a song about knowing your worth and not allowing anyone to dim your light, even on good days.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Songs that promote self-love and self-esteem
These songs will empower you like never before and remind you of your strength. Whether you’re having a good or bad day, these songs will make you feel better! If you’ve come across a song that you’ve found empowering, share it in the comments below!