Songs About Resilience and Inner Strength

published 1/6/21; updated 11/12/25

by Catharine Hannay, founder of MindfulTeachers.org

Continuing the popular series of Song Playlists for Teachers, here are a variety of songs about self-acceptance, self-compassion, and determination.

Teachers, please note: With such a multicultural audience teaching young children through adults, I can’t guarantee that all of the songs and videos will be appropriate for your particular context. Please preview anything you plan to share with your students.

Better Days, Le'Andria Johnson

lyricsaudio

Better Days, Niko Moon

audio; lyrics

Bloodline, Alex Warren (ft. Jelly Roll)

lyrics; official video; lyrics video

The Comeback, Danny Gokey

lyrics; official lyric video

Courage, Pink

lyrics; audio

Dream, Dave Blanchard & Randy Kartchner

official video by One Voice Children's Choir (lyrics in video description)

Fluffy Bro, Raging Flowers

lyric video

Focus, Cyndi Hounouvi

audio; lyrics

Girl Power, Haschak Sisters

lyricsofficial video

Go, Black Violin

lyricsaudio

I Know Alone; HAIM

lyrics; video

I Won’t Back Down, Tom Petty

lyrics; audio; cover by Christian Porter


I’m Still Standing, Janis Ian

lyrics; audio; live performance


Impossible is Possible, Black Violin

lyrics; official video

Inner Life, Kathryn Bostic

audio

[no lyrics; instrumental piano music]

It’s Not Over Yet, For King & Country

lyrics; audio

Long Promised Road, The Beach Boys

lyrics; audio

Rise Up, Andra Day

lyrics; audio

Song of Survival, Red Eagle

official video

Stand Like an Oak, Rising Appalachia

official video (lyrics in video description)

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