Every once in a while, we find ourselves questioning a lot of things – our purpose, our existence, even our very own identities. As our minds open to all these deeper facets of our lives, we go on an ambitious quest – to understand and find our own selves.
Here is a list of 21 songs about Finding Yourself. These may help you navigate through your journey to self actualization.
Table of Contents
- 21. “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson
- 20. “Come Alive” by The Greatest Showman Cast
- 19. “Almost There” by Anika Noni Rose
- 18. “Me, Myself, and I” by G-Eazy and Bebe Rexha
- 17. “Me, Myself, and I” by Beyonce
- 16. “Independent Women P1” by Destiny’s Child
- 15. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
- 14. “Firework” by Katy Perry
- 13. “Who Says” by Selena Gomez & The Scene
- 12. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
- 11. “Party for One” by Carly Rae Jepsen
- 10. “How Far I’ll Go” by Alessia Cara
- 9. “F**kin’ Perfect” by Pink
- 8. “This is Me” by Keala Settle
- 7. It’s My Life by Bon Jovi
- 6. “Video” by India Arie
- 5. Break Free by Ariana Grande
- 4. Express Yourself by Madonna
- 3. I am What I Am Gloria Gaynor
- 2. I am by JoJo
- 1. Roar by Katy Perry
21. “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson
This powerful song is one of the main songs in the soundtrack of the movie The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Kelly Clarkson recorded this track as she was finishing her second album. The song being a massive hit, became a part of the track list and the album was even named Breakaway as well. This folk-pop song can inspire you to leave your current situation that does not suit you anymore. It’s time to fly away and grow. It’s time to breakaway!
Learn more:
20. “Come Alive” by The Greatest Showman Cast
This is the fourth song included in the soundtrack album for the film, The Greatest Showman. All tracks in the album were written by the talented duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. This feel good, pop song was performed by Hugh Jackman in the movie as he beckons his performers to embrace and find the beauty within themselves and actually dare to dream.
19. “Almost There” by Anika Noni Rose
One of the best songs in the Disney animated movie, The Princess and the Frog, Almost There was performed by Anika Noni Rose. This jazz song is one that inspires you to carry on and follow your dream, like Tiana’s restaurant in the movie. You might not have reached your dream yet, but stay on your course and be true to who you are. You are almost there!
18. “Me, Myself, and I” by G-Eazy and Bebe Rexha
Me, Myself, and I can be found in G-Eazy’s second album When It’s Dark Out and in the NBA 2K17’s soundtrack. This song was written by both performing artists G-Eazy and Bebe Rexha with Lauren Christy. This easy melody has pop-rock elements and proclaims how leaning on your own self is sometimes the right and only way to go.
17. “Me, Myself, and I” by Beyonce
Sharing the same title as the previous song in this list, Me, Myself, and I by Beyonce was released back in 2003 in her album, Dangerously In Love. Beyonce wrote this painful R&B song with Scott Torch and Robert Waller. It tells a story of a failed relationship with a cheating partner. Beyonce needed to find solace in her own self and be her own best friend. Being alone sometimes isn’t bad at all, especially if you like yourself to begin with.
16. “Independent Women P1” by Destiny’s Child
Talking about being comfortable being alone, here is a Pop R&B song that celebrates independence. Independent Women is a part of the soundtrack of the film Charlie’s Angels and is in Destiny’s Child’s third album, Survivor. One of the steps to finding yourself is to be independent. Work hard, be financially strong and buy your own shoes, own clothes, and own diamonds. Take it from these ladies.
15. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is one of the most outspoken and expressive artists of her time. She expresses herself artistically over-the-top and invites her fans to do the same. Born This Way is a part of her second album bearing the same name as the song title. It is a catchy Pop song that inspires listeners to accept the fact that being born the way they were is not something to change, only celebrated.
Learn more:
14. “Firework” by Katy Perry
Released in 2010 from Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream album, Firework is one of the top songs of that year. Katy Perry wrote this inspirational song with Ester Dean. Its Dance/Electronic tunes make this song so fun to dance to. Its message is plain and simple, everyone is unique and as beautiful as a firework.
13. “Who Says” by Selena Gomez & The Scene
From the album When the Sun Goes Down that was released in 2011, Who Says is a song performed by Selena Gomez that empowers listeners to ignore naysayers and believe in one’s own beauty and capabilities. This Pop song makes you feel like Selena is your actual friend who is comforting you and cheering you on.
Learn more:
12. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
This Pop, Soft Rock song is exactly what you need to hear when you are doubting yourself. It assures you that the rest of your life is yet to be written and you can control where you go to find yourself. Unwritten comes from the album also named Unwritten. Fun fact: Natasha wrote this song as a gift for her brother in lieu of a physical present.
Learn more:
11. “Party for One” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen is known for fun, snappy songs like her hit song Call Me Maybe. Party for One is one of the songs in her fourth album, Dedicated. This Dance Pop song is written by Carly Rae Jepsen among the hundreds of songs she wrote. It’s a song that declares that if her beloved had a change of heart and does not want to be with her anymore, she can still be happy and have a “Party for One.”
10. “How Far I’ll Go” by Alessia Cara
Written by acclaimed composer Lin-Manuel Miranda for Disney’s animated film Moana, this empowering song follows the journey of the courageous protagonist, Moana, as she embarks on a quest to uncover her true purpose.
Auliʻi Cravalho’s heartfelt performance captures the essence of Moana’s determination, while Alessia Cara’s rendition adds a touch of poignant reflection.
Nominated for prestigious awards, including a Grammy, this soul-stirring melody reminds us of the transformative power of embracing our inner strength.
Learn more:
9. “F**kin’ Perfect” by Pink
People who are trying to find themselves have usually experienced traumatic experiences that need to be addressed and overcome. Pink’s song Perfect is a pretty good First Aid one can use to believe in yourself again.
It’s a part of her album Greatest Hits… So Far! Pink co-wrote this song with Max Martin and Shellback, whom Pink has collaborated with many times previously. Pop rock with deep lyrics, this song is one of Pink’s best hits.
8. “This is Me” by Keala Settle
Another song from the movie, The Greatest Showman on this list, This Is Me is a song that expresses complete self acceptance despite all the odds. This song, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, is famously included in Oprah’s favorite things. Oprah is someone who understands discrimination and knows what it takes to rise above it all.
Keala Settle powerfully performed this song. She was also a victim of bullying when she was younger and this song serves as a reminder of how she has overcome her past.
Learn more:
7. It’s My Life by Bon Jovi
This rock song was released at the turn of the century, year 2000. This song is included in their album entitled Crush and was written by Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Max Martin.
It’s My Life, as the title implies, is a song that declares how one can claim ownership of his/her path. Life is hard either way anyway, so it would be better if you own your decisions and mistakes. You own your own life!
6. “Video” by India Arie
From her album Acoustic Soul, India Arie melodiously sings this song of self love. She shares how she completely loves and accepts herself. She does not need anyone’s opinions on how she should look or what her worth is. This R&B soul song is an inspiration for all of us to know that our creator did not make mistakes when we were made. It was personally written by India Arie with Carlos Broady, and Shannon Sanders. This is India Arie’s greatest hit. So many people needed to hear her message.
5. Break Free by Ariana Grande
Artists like Ariana Grande and Zedd can deliver profound thoughts even through music like Electronic Dance. This song hails from Ariana Grande’s album My Everything and is written for her by Anton Zadlavski and Max Martin. It sings of a moment when the woman finally realizes how strong she is and breaks free of an unhealthy relationship.
4. Express Yourself by Madonna
This song can be found in 3 of Madonna’s albums namely Like a Prayer, The Immaculate Collection, and Celebration. It is written by Madonna and Stephen Bray. Like a lot of Madonna’s songs, this will make you want to dance with its pop electronica elements. Ahead of its time, this song is all about equality and celebrating being a woman. Finding yourself is knowing your rights and fighting for them too.
3. I am What I Am Gloria Gaynor
This song is from the album I am Gloria Gaynor. This song was written by Gerry Herman and has a lively Dance Pop tune. It sounds golden from the start. This song depicting so much confidence was also featured in La Cage aux Folles, a Broadway Musical.
2. I am by JoJo
Coming from her album, Mad Love, JoJo released this song in 2016. It sings about self doubt and self love. Doubt indeed pervades our thoughts more often than we wish, but we can win over that by loving ourselves and affirming our value. This album was released several years after JoJo’s early hits and has shown how much she has matured through the years.
1. Roar by Katy Perry
Sometimes, one simply needs to have a battle cry. This song just might be it. Katy Perry’s “Roar” is from her album Prism which was released in 2013. Pop like most of Katy Perry’s songs, it sings of finally finding one’s own voice, using it to roar and be one’s own champion.