Tear-jerking motivational songs in Western music
We’ve compiled a large collection of songs you’ll want to listen to when you want to cheer someone on—or when you need a boost yourself.
There are plenty of tracks that might just bring you to tears.
We’ve focused on Western music, so be sure to give them a listen!
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Tear-jerking motivational Western songs (1–10)
Dance With My FatherLuther Vandross
A track released in 2003 by American singer-songwriter Luther Vandross that went on to win a Grammy Award.
Written shortly after he suffered a stroke, it is a song paying tribute to his father.
It has been covered by artists such as Celine Dion and Anthony Callea.
StayRihanna ft. Mikky Ekko
An emotional ballad featuring a simple piano melody and falsetto vocals.
It’s a collaboration between singer Rihanna and Nashville singer-songwriter Mikky Ekko.
Released in 2013, it won an iHeartRadio Music Award.
With or Without YouU2
A track released in 1987 by the Irish rock band U2.
Frontman Bono has described it as “a track about pure pain.” It was selected by Rolling Stone for “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and has been used in TV shows such as Friends.
Tear-jerking motivational Western songs (11–20)
Counting StarsOneRepublic
This is a work released in June 2013 by OneRepublic, a pop-rock band from the United States.
It expresses the emotions of modern people swayed by materialism and anxiety about the future through an impressive folk-pop sound.
Included on the 2013 album “Native,” it became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.
1 in the UK.
Used in the end credits of the film “Earth to Echo” and in the TV drama “Rookie Blue,” this song offers courage and hope in the face of adversity.
It also makes a great background track for school sports days, encouraging a spirit of challenge.
Let It All GoBirdy & Rhodes
A collaboration between British singer-songwriter Rhodes and musician Birdy.
A sad and beautiful break-up track characterized by piano, violin, and tambourine sounds.
Released in 2015, it reached No.
3 on the Belgian charts.
Liquor Store BluesBruno Mars ft. Damian Marley
A track that sings about pain, sorrow, confusion, and hope for tomorrow.
It’s a collaboration between American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars and Jamaican artist Damian Marley.
Released in 2010, it reached No.
5 on the U.
S.
charts.
DemonsImagine Dragons
A track released in 2013 by the American rock band Imagine Dragons.
It sings about one’s darker side and self-doubt.
It reached the Top 10 on charts around the world and was used in works such as the romantic film “The Words.”