The 12 best motivational songs are: Bollywood – Roobaroo (Rang De Basanti), Ek Jindadi Meri (Hindi Medium), Zinda Hai Toh (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag), Ruk Jaana Nahi (Imtehaan), Love You Zindagi (Dear Zindagi), Tu Naa Jaane Aas Paas Hai Khuda (Anjaana Anjaani); Hollywood – I Get Knocked Down (Chumbawamba), Get Up Stand Up (Bob Marley), It’s My Life (Bon Jovi), Don’t Worry Be Happy (Bobby McFerin), Eye of the Tiger (Survivor), Lose Yourself (Eminem).
These songs combine powerful lyrics with beats that fire your discipline and boost productivity.
They say music has no language and it is beyond barriers.
If you ask me, it’s quite true.
I do events across the world and make audiences of all races dance to the music I use during my motivational talks.
I love music, so much that I once had my friend gift me a collection of 100 of my favorite Hindi tracks for my birthday.
It plays in my car all the time now.
If you have attended any of my leadership or stress management talks, you would know what I am talking about 🙂 .. Hence, a list of my favorite and super motivational songs, both Hindi and English had to be there on my blog!
Quick overview: 12 super motivational songs and what they do for you
Here’s what these 12 motivational songs deliver:
Bollywood Hindi Songs:
- Roobaroo (Rang De Basanti, 2006) – For fierce determination: “Let not the fire in you die down”
- Ek Jindadi Meri (Hindi Medium, 2017) – For confidence: “Your qualifications don’t matter, confidence does”
- Zinda Hai Toh (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, 2013) – For extreme push: “If you’re alive, drink life in one breath”
- Ruk Jaana Nahi (Imtehaan, 1974) – Classic never-give-up anthem: “After dark tunnels, there is light”
- Love You Zindagi (Dear Zindagi, 2016) – For simplicity: “Keep what works, remove what doesn’t”
- Tu Naa Jaane Aas Paas (Anjaana Anjaani, 2010) – For faith: “In darkness, you’ll find God’s door”
Hollywood English Songs:
- I Get Knocked Down (Chumbawamba, 1997) – For resilience: Get up and continue the fight
- Get Up, Stand Up (Bob Marley, 1980) – For undying spirit: Love your art endlessly
- It’s My Life (Bon Jovi, 2000) – For living now: No one lives forever, work on dreams now
- Don’t Worry, Be Happy (Bobby McFerin, 1988) – For stress relief: Worry doubles troubles
- Eye of the Tiger (Survivor, 1982) – For fighting spirit: Thrill of the fight, joy of not giving up
- Lose Yourself (Eminem, 2002) – For seizing opportunities: One shot, one moment, don’t miss it
Best for: Students preparing for exams, professionals tackling deadlines, gym workouts, morning motivation, overcoming failures, building discipline.
This list is obviously not exhaustive.
It is a personal choice, songs that get me all pumped up, that act as the quickest pick-me-up and songs that I believe have been beautifully written or sung.
Please feel free to add to this list of 12 super motivational songs that might super charge your will power, add fire to your discipline and do wonders for your productivity.
6 super motivational songs from Bollywood
1. Roobaroo: Rang De Basanti (2006)
Best for: When you need to rekindle your inner fire | Students facing tough exams | Anyone feeling burnt out
If you have attended ‘Rise and Shine‘- my Flagship Motivational Session – you would have danced to the tunes of Roobaroo.
I have seen people forgetting their age and designation and get up to sing this one out loud.
This one stays with you, long after it’s over.
It is one of my favorite highly inspirational songs of all times. Specially the lines:
“Aandhiyon se jhagad rahi hai lau meri…
Ab mashaalon si badh rahi hai lau meri…”
What it teaches: The flame inside you is fighting storms. Like a torch, let it grow brighter, not dimmer. When external circumstances try to extinguish your passion, that’s exactly when you need to burn fiercer.
Let not the fire in you die down. Be Roobaroo to your own fierce potential! 🙂
Watch the song here:
2. Ek Jindadi Meri: Hindi Medium (2017)
Best for: Building self-confidence | Overcoming imposter syndrome | Students from non-privileged backgrounds
The movie itself was quite motivating.
But this song – is a different story altogether.
If you look at the context, it has been performed by kids who are not as privileged but equally (or maybe more) talented as any other kid.
This goes to say, “Your Qualifications do not always matter. Your confidence does!”.
And this line, just always fires me up –
“Maine haarna nahi hai chahe kuch bhi kahe duniyaaaa…”
What it teaches: Don’t let lack of pedigree or resources become your excuse. Confidence bridges gaps that degrees cannot. Your background is your story, not your limitation.
If the kids can do it, you can too.
The very catchy beats will also get to you. It was stuck in my head for days! Do watch it here:
3. Zinda Hai Toh: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
Best for: Pushing physical limits | Athletes in training | When you need to go all-in on a goal
I think this is one of the finest biopics made in India, and Farhan Akhtar brings Milkha Singh’s inspiring story to life very beautifully.
You can’t help but notice the extreme hard work, passion and training the actor has put in to look convincing as Milkha Singh.
And where do I begin with this song, “Zinda hai toh”.
Kick-ass motivation is what it is!
These lines say it all:
“Zindagi ka ye ghada le, Ek saans mein chadha le
Hichkiyon mein kya hai marna! Poora mar le…”
What it teaches: If you’re alive, drink life in one breath. Don’t die in small hesitations. If you’re going to fall, fall completely – give everything you have. Half-hearted attempts produce half-lived lives.
Watch this extremely Inspiring song here:
If you are a fan of dialogues, here are 12 Remarkably Inspirational Bollywood Dialogues!
4. Ruk Jaana nahi, Tu kahin haar ke: Imtehaan (1974)
Best for: Dealing with repeated failures | Long-term goal pursuit | Classic Bollywood lovers
Old is truly gold. And so is this song.
The name of the movie itself will give you an idea about the various trials and tribulations that life makes us go through and the importance of a indefatigable spirit that does not know how to back down.
What it teaches: After dark tunnels, there is light. After thorny roads, there is the garden of success. The road may be difficult, but stopping guarantees you’ll never reach. Keep walking.
That, after the dark tunnels, there is light. And that, after the thorny roads, there is the garden of success – is what this songs is about.
Any list of super motivational songs would be incomplete without this one!
Watch it here:
5. Love You Zindagi: Dear Zindagi (2016)
Best for: Stress relief | Overthinking | Decluttering life | Mental health breaks
A simple song that urges you to live and love life by uncomplicating it.
The funda is very simple – you keep in your life that which works for you.
And you remove from your life that which does not work for you.
I love the sheer simplicity of this song:
“Aane do aane do, Dil mein aa jaane do
Keh do muskuraahat ko, Hii Hii Hii Hii…. “
What it teaches: Don’t complicate life. Invite laughter in. Remove what doesn’t serve you. Life becomes lighter when you stop carrying unnecessary weight. Say yes to what works, no to what doesn’t.
This simple philosophy is what I live by. Watch this beautiful song here:
6. Tu Naa Jaane Aas Paas hai Khuda: Anjaana Anjaani (2010)
Best for: Spiritual connection | Facing dark times | Finding faith during struggle
Of the many relationships that I have been lucky to find in my life, the most beautiful and loving has been with God himself.
I have felt Him walking with me always, be the roads difficult or easy.
If you believe, HE is there; in darkness and light, in dawn and dusk.
These lines, have always been true for me:
“Jab hoga andhera, Tab paayega dar mera
Uss dar pe phir hogi teri subah…”
What it teaches: God is closer than you think, especially in darkness. When you reach His door in your darkest hour, that’s when your morning begins. Faith isn’t for easy times; it’s the light for dark ones.
In God I found the many answers that I was looking for. You should give it a try too! Watch the song here:
Why just songs! Here are some of the BEST Inspirational Movies you need to Watch
6 super motivational songs from Hollywood
From the likes of Bob Marley, to Bon Jovi to Eminem – a small but impactful and powerful list of inspirational songs from the most acclaimed international artists of all times.
7. I Get Knocked Down: Chumbawaba (1997)
Best for: Bouncing back from failure | Resilience training | Party motivation
A song dedicated to those who always get up and continue their fight.
A song for the good and the best times, a song for the ‘never-give-up’ attitude.
What it teaches: You will get knocked down – that’s guaranteed. What matters is whether you get back up. The spirit of resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about always rising.
The beats, the lyrics, the feel – it will all super inspire you into getting up and setting things right in your life.
Watch it here:
(Songs are nothing but stories in melody and motion. Here are 3 Motivational Stories to Inspire You to Action)
8. Get Up, Stand Up: Bob Marley (1980)
Best for: Fighting for what you believe in | Artists pursuing passion | Terminal illnesses won’t stop you
What do I even say about this song.
A gem from the 80s, sung by one of the most talented, versatile artists of all times, Bob Marley.
This song is also about not quitting, and is a personification of Bob Marley’s undying spirit.
This was the last song he performed. He was suffering from cancer but he sang 20 songs that night, collapsing soon after his performance.
What it teaches: Love your art, your skill, your talent endlessly. Whatever it is that keeps you going, do not let that go. Give it 100% of your efforts. If a terminally ill person can do it, what’s your excuse?
If a terminally ill person can do it, what’s your excuse!
Watch it here:
9. It’s my Life: Bon Jovi (2000)
Best for: Taking control of your life | Breaking free from expectations | Living in the now
If you haven’t heard of this song yet, please do right away!
It’s one of the most inspirational songs you will get to hear, and Bon Jovi has done tremendous justice to the spirit of life and music.
What it teaches: Your life is now. You live it now. No one is going to live forever. So work on your dreams now. Not tomorrow. Not when conditions are perfect. Now.
Your life is now, you live it now. You do the things that you want to do now. No one is going to live forever. So, work on your dreams now! As simple as that!
Watch it here:
10. Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Bobby McFerin (1988)
Best for: Stress management | Anxiety relief | Morning mood booster
If you are looking for peppy inspiration, this is it.
It has a sort of easy that will make you want to ease into the moment right away.
A truly lovely song with a simple and profound message – don’t worry. Be happy.
This one will make you whistle, sing along and maybe throw you into a trance too.
What it teaches: When you worry, you double your troubles. You’re not moving towards any solution, just towards more problems. Worrying is like paying interest on a loan you haven’t taken. Stop worrying. Be happy. Act.
When you worry, you double your troubles. Because you are not moving towards any solution, just towards more problems.
A song to put on loop and enjoy, this is one of the most inspirational songs that I grew up listening to.
Watch it here:
(Also check out: 10 Most Inspiring Hollywood Dialogues)
11. Eye of the Tiger: Survivor (1982)
Best for: Gym workouts | Competitive sports | Facing tough challenges head-on
The older ones are all legendary!
This 1982 song is all about the thrill of the fight that you see in the eyes of the tiger, the thrill of the fight that you see in the survivor, the joy of having not given up and the feeling of having risen up to the challenge.
What it teaches: Face challenges with the eyes of a tiger – fierce, focused, fearless. The thrill isn’t in winning; it’s in fighting. Rising to the challenge is the victory itself.
The beats of the song do complete justice to the lyrics. It will pump you into getting up and setting your will power right.
Don’t be afraid of looking into the eye of the tiger!
(Watch these 4 Highly Motivational Videos to Re-charge your Confidence)
12. Lose yourself: Eminem (2002)
Best for: Seizing opportunities | Career-defining moments | One-shot situations
If you want to lose yourself, you do it not to useless things but to great opportunities, to the chances that you might not again, to the things that you have always dreamed of – this is what Eminem sings about!
As a Motivational Speaker, I meet so many people, young and old – who do not know what to do with the opportunities they get in life because they are too busy doing the things they probably need not do at all!
What it teaches: You only get one shot, one opportunity. Will you capture it or let it slip? Most people are too busy with distractions to notice when their moment arrives. Don’t be most people.
It is one life only. And what you lose yourself into, and what you find time for – makes all the difference as to where you land in life!
Watch it here:
Why these motivational songs actually work (the science behind it)
According to music psychology research, motivational songs work because they combine three elements:
- Rhythmic drive: Upbeat tempo (120-140 BPM) increases heart rate and energy levels
- Empowering lyrics: Words like “fight,” “rise,” “believe” activate motivational circuits in the brain
- Emotional resonance: Songs tied to memories or identity create stronger commitment to action
These 12 songs hit all three marks.
Whether it’s the fierce determination in “Roobaroo” or the carpe diem urgency in “It’s My Life” – they don’t just inspire feelings. They trigger action.
Use them strategically:
– Morning routine: “Love You Zindagi” or “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
– Gym workout: “Eye of the Tiger” or “Zinda Hai Toh”
– Before big presentations: “Ek Jindadi Meri” or “Lose Yourself”
– Dealing with failure: “I Get Knocked Down” or “Ruk Jaana Nahi”
Frequently asked questions about motivational songs
1. What is the best motivational song of all time?
According to cultural impact and longevity, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor (1982) is widely considered the best motivational song of all time.
Released as the theme for Rocky III, it became synonymous with overcoming challenges and fighting spirit.
In Bollywood, “Roobaroo” from Rang De Basanti holds similar iconic status for inspiring an entire generation.
2. Which motivational songs are best for students preparing for exams?
For exam preparation, these songs work best:
- “Ek Jindadi Meri” – builds confidence when you feel underprepared
- “Ruk Jaana Nahi” – reminds you to persist through difficult topics
- “Lose Yourself” – creates urgency for one-shot exam opportunities
- “Don’t Worry Be Happy” – reduces exam anxiety and stress
Students report that listening to motivational songs before study sessions increases focus and reduces procrastination.
3. Are Hindi or English motivational songs more effective?
Effectiveness depends on language comfort and cultural connection.
Hindi motivational songs work better for native Hindi speakers because:
– Lyrics resonate more emotionally in your native language
– Cultural context makes metaphors more relatable
– Bollywood songs often have stronger storytelling
English songs have broader global appeal and are better for international workplaces or gyms where Hindi may not be understood.
Use both – Hindi for personal motivation, English for shared spaces.
4. Can I use these songs during workouts?
Absolutely. These songs are ideal for workouts:
High-intensity training: “Eye of the Tiger,” “Zinda Hai Toh,” “It’s My Life”
Cardio/running: “I Get Knocked Down,” “Lose Yourself,” “Get Up Stand Up”
Cool-down: “Love You Zindagi,” “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
The 120-140 BPM tempo in most of these songs matches optimal workout heart rates.
5. Which song is best for overcoming failure?
For dealing with failure, the best song is “I Get Knocked Down” by Chumbawamba.
The core message – “I get knocked down, but I get up again” – is a simple mantra for resilience.
Runner-up: “Ruk Jaana Nahi” (Imtehaan) for its message that after dark tunnels, there is light.
Both reframe failure as a temporary setback, not a permanent state.
6. Where can I listen to these motivational songs?
All 12 songs are available on:
– Spotify: Search “Best Motivational Songs” playlists
– YouTube: Individual songs linked in this blog
– Apple Music / iTunes: Available for download
– Amazon Music: Included in Prime subscription
Bollywood songs also available on JioSaavn and Gaana for Indian users.
7. How often should I listen to motivational songs?
For maximum impact without habituation:
- Morning routine: 1-2 songs daily (creates consistent energy boost)
- Pre-performance: 1 song before important events (exam, pitch, workout)
- During low moments: As needed (avoid overuse which reduces emotional impact)
Rotate between songs to prevent them from becoming background noise. Keep them special.
8. Can music really increase willpower and discipline?
Yes. Research from the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology shows that motivational music can:
– Increase endurance by 15%
– Reduce perceived exertion (makes hard work feel easier)
– Improve task persistence and willpower
The key is using music strategically – not as background, but as a tool to trigger specific mental states.
These 12 songs are designed for that purpose.
You know what, make your own list.
Our will power needs constant repairs. These songs will help you.
You may also want to read How to Develop a Unlimited Will Power to help you along with the songs.
Do let us know your favorite ones in comments below.
![](https://akashgautam.com/wp-content/themes/Akash%20Gautam/images/blog-email.png")
