Tear-jerking motivational songs in Western music

Fight SongRachel Platten

Rachel Platten – Fight Song (Official Video)

Just as Japan has classic cheer songs, the United States also has staple tracks of that kind.

Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” is known as a classic motivational anthem in America and became a massive hit when it was released in 2014.

The song’s biggest appeal lies in its lyrics: even if no one else in the world believes in you, you keep believing in yourself and move forward.

Still I FlySpencer Lee

Spencer Lee – Still I Fly (from “Planes: Fire & Rescue”) (Audio)

The mellow anthem that was also used in the Disney movie Planes is a song you’ll want to listen to alone and really take in the lyrics.

Unlike clumsy words of encouragement like “You might not realize it, but the whole world is on your side right now” or “Give it your all this time,” it has many gentle lines that resonate when your motivation is low and you feel like you can’t quite give it your best.

Stop Your CryingSpiritualized

Spiritualized – Stop Your Crying (Official Music Video)

There have been countless songs, both Japanese and Western, throughout the ages that carry the message “don’t cry.” But among them, I personally think this song is the best.

If you want to encourage someone who’s crying, this song is probably the most fitting choice.

We Are The WorldUSA For Africa

USA For Africa – We Are The World (HQ official Video)

This song was created to support fundraising efforts for famines in Africa.

Living in a vast world, we need to help one another to get by—that powerful message is embedded in the song.

It remains a classic that is still sung around the world today.

I Will Not BowBreaking Benjamin

Breaking Benjamin – I Will Not Bow

A song by Breaking Benjamin, a hugely popular alternative rock band in the United States.

It’s also well known for being used as the ending theme of the Bruce Willis–starring film Surrogates.

The intense vocals—like raw emotion put directly into voice—and the somewhat melancholic melody evoke the “negative” side that everyone experiences in sports.

As a sports anthem, it’s a track you’d want to send to someone when you want them to keep fighting without giving up.

TubthumpingChumbawamba

Chumbawamba – Tubthumping

In Japan, this song was used on a soccer TV program, so some people may associate it with soccer.

This is Chumbawamba’s signature track “Tubthumping,” a band that works across various genres like punk rock, folk, and pop.

Its bright, poppy melody makes it fun to listen to—it’s a straightforward cheer song from them! The lyrics express the punks’ indomitable spirit of “I get knocked down, but I get up again.”

Lose YourselfEminem

Eminem – Lose Yourself [HD]

Eminem’s well-known classic Lose Yourself needs no introduction.

The song, created from his own experiences, served as the theme for his semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, in which he starred.

At the time, hip-hop was considered a predominantly Black genre, yet Eminem, as a white artist, kept believing in himself and pushing forward.

His lyrics—carrying the message “You only get one shot at life; don’t miss your chance”—resonate with anyone striving for glory through adversity.