Prayer for Success: Recommended for Exam Takers! A Collection of Motivational Western Songs [2025]

Don’t Stop Believin’Journey

Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Escape Tour 1981: Live In Houston)

[Lyrics & Translation] Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’

Journey is a rock band that has produced numerous classic hits, known for many works that move and inspire.

Among them, the song we especially recommend to students preparing for entrance exams is Don’t Stop Believin’.

The title means “Don’t stop believing” in Japanese, and as the title suggests, it’s well known as a cheer song.

Rather than focusing on a single protagonist, it portrays various characters heading to the big city in pursuit of their dreams.

Many of the lyrics resonate with exam-takers as well, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation, too.

TryColbie Caillat

Colbie Caillat – Try (Official Video)

This is a song by Colbie Caillat, an American singer-songwriter.

She sings as if speaking to you, saying it’s okay not to push yourself too hard and to be true to who you are.

Some people see entrance exams as a competition, but in the end, isn’t it really a battle with yourself rather than with others? It’s important to be inspired by those around you, but let’s move forward at our own pace without over-comparing ourselves.

Am I WrongNico & Vinz

Nico & Vinz – Am I Wrong [Official Music Video]

This is a 2013 release by the Norwegian duo Nico & Vinz.

Its soothing Afrobeat and sentimental vocals have a strangely healing effect.

Exams are often said to be a turning point in life and a time to push yourself, but as the lyrics of this song suggest, perhaps what matters most is striving first and foremost for yourself.

Work B**chBritney Spears

Britney Spears – Work Bitch (Official Video)

This is a song that says if you want to make your dreams come true, work hard.

Try listening to it with studying in mind.

Mental strength is crucial for entrance exams.

I hope you’ll imagine the fun things waiting for you after the exams and do your best with your studies.

Please give it a listen.

You Haven’t Seen The Last Of MeCher

Burlesque Cher – You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me

This song is performed in the film Burlesque.

The hostess of a show pub that has hit a management dead end sings about how it won’t end like this and how she’ll turn things around.

The circumstances are different, but there are many parts that resonate with what exam-takers feel.

Everyone, keep striving for greater heights.

Let’s Go ft. Ne-YoCalvin Harris

Calvin Harris – Let’s Go (Official Video) ft. Ne-Yo

A collaborative work by popular DJ Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo, released in 2012.

Even the title alone conveys positivity, and Calvin’s production combined with Ne-Yo’s soaring vocals feels motivating.

It’s a track that tells you to focus on what you need to do right now.

You Gotta BeDes’ree

Des’ree – You Gotta Be (’99 Mix) [Video]

Released worldwide as a single in 1994 and 1995, the song reached the U.

S.

Top 10.

It was then used in overseas TV commercials for several years, and the 1999 remix single reached the Top 10 in Des’ree’s home country, the UK.

With its positive lyrics—“you can do it, you can be it”—it’s perfect for students performing their best during exams.