20 Best Songs About Being Different

Richard Ellison

In a world that often tries to make everyone the same, it’s refreshing to hear songs that celebrate being different. These 20 tracks explore what it means to be unique and special, despite any challenges or obstacles that come with standing out from the crowd. From the perspective of the singer or listener, these songs affirm that it’s always worth it to be yourself.

By the way, if you like songs about being different you might like some of our other articles, such as songs about triumph, songs about being used, songs about being second choice, songs about hair, and songs about making a difference.

Complicated – Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne - Complicated (Official Video)

Being different can be hard, but it’s also what makes us special. In Avril Lavigne’s Complicated, the singer reminds us that it’s okay to be different and that we should embrace our uniqueness. She sings about how being different is a good thing and how it’s something to be proud of. Its lyrics are about how we should all celebrate our differences and not try to fit in with the crowd.

All Kinds of Kinds – Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert - All Kinds of Kinds

“All Kinds of Kinds” is a song about acceptance and tolerance. In the song, Lambert sings about how there are all kinds of people in the world, and that everyone should be respected for who they are. Despite the many different types of people in the world, the song affirms that we all belong together. Its lyrics are about how we should celebrate our differences, instead of judging others for them.

Fat Lip – Sum 41

Sum 41 - Fatlip (Official Music Video)

In the song “Fat Lip” by Sum 41, the singer celebrates his difference. He’s not like everyone else and he’s proud of it. He’s not interested in fitting in or following the herd – he wants to be himself, no matter what anyone thinks. The lyrics remind us that it’s important to be true to ourselves, even when it’s not easy. Its lyrics are about a boy who is trying to find his place in the world. He doesn’t quite fit in anywhere, but he’s okay with that.

Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror (Official Video)

In the song “Man in the Mirror,” Michael Jackson sings about the importance of being true to oneself. He encourages listeners to take a look at themselves and make changes for the better. He emphasizes the need to be honest and kind, both with oneself and with others. Jackson’s message is one of self-awareness and personal transformation. Its lyrics are about taking responsibility for one’s own happiness and making a positive impact on the world.

Hair – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga - Hair (Official Audio)

Lady Gaga has always been known for her outrageous sense of style. In her song “Hair”, she celebrates being different and urges everyone to be their own unique self. She sings, “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen” and encourages people to be proud of who they are. Gaga’s message is that it’s important to be yourself, no matter what others might think. Its lyrics are about not caring what others think and just being yourself.

Let Me Be Myself – 3 Doors Down

3 Doors Down - Let Me Be Myself (Official Music Video)

3 Doors Down’s song “Let Me Be Myself” celebrates the importance of being different. The song is about a person who has been through a lot of pain and has had to hide their true identity for so long that they’ve forgotten who they are. But at the end of the day, they realize that it’s more important to be themselves than to try and fit in with everyone else. Its lyrics are about embracing your own uniqueness and not being afraid to show the world who you really are.

Secrets – Mary Lambert

Mary Lambert - Secrets (Official)

“Secrets” by Mary Lambert is a song about being different and embracing that difference. In the song, Lambert sings about how she’s always been different and how she’s proud of it. She celebrates her quirks and the things that make her unique. The song is a reminder that it’s always worth it to be yourself, no matte what anyone else says. Its lyrics are about being different, and how that’s something to be celebrated. The song is about being unique and special, and how those things are always worth it despite any challenges or obstacles that come with them.

Grace Kelly – Mika 

MIKA - Grace Kelly

Mika’s “Grace Kelly” celebrates individuality in a world where it often feels like everyone is trying to be the same. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their quirks and be themselves, no matter what other people say. Mika encourages listeners to be “cool” and “swanky” even if they don’t fit in with the mainstream. Its lyrics are about being unique and comfortable in your own skin: “So be you/Be free/Be all that you can be.”

Be Yourself – Audioslave

Audioslave - Be Yourself (Album Version, Closed Captioned)

Audioslave’s “Be Yourself” celebrates those who march to the beat of their own drummer. The song is all about being true to yourself, no matter what anyone else thinks. It’s a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Its lyrics are about not conforming to societal norms and staying true to who you are, no matter what.

Minority – Green Day

Green Day - Minority [Official Music Video]

The song Minority by Green Day is about a person who is different and doesn’t quite fit in. The lyrics talk about how the singer is proud to be a minority and how they will never change who they are to please anyone else. This anthem celebrates individuality and standing up for what you believe in, no matter how different you may be from the majority. Its lyrics are about being proud of who you are, no matter what others may think or say.

Fall Out Boy – This Ain’t a Scene, It’s An Arms Race

Fall Out Boy - This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race (Official Music Video)

Fall Out Boy’s “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” celebrates individuality in the face of conformity. The song is about standing up for what you believe in, even if it means going against the grain. Its lyrics are about not being afraid to be different, and ultimately, about being proud of who you are. Some people are born to stand out from the crowd, and this song is for them.

My Way – Frank Sinatra

My Way (2008 Remastered)

In his signature song, Frank Sinatra croons about how he’s always done things his own way. He’s never cared what others think of him, and he’s proud of the life he’s built for himself. This anthem of individuality is a celebration of being different and going against the grain. Sinatra reminds us that it’s always better to be ourselves, even if that means we’re not part of the mainstream.

Pork and Beans – Weezer

Weezer - Pork And Beans (Closed Captioned)

Weezer’s “Pork and Beans” celebrates individuality in a world where people are often pressured to fit in. The song’s catchy chorus proclaims that “everyone is different, and that’s a good thing.” This message is reinforced by the music video, which features a variety of people and animals who are all proudly celebrating their uniqueness. Its lyrics are about celebrating what makes you different, and not changing yourself to fit in with others.

Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag

Wheatus - Teenage Dirtbag (Official Video)

Teenage Dirtbag is a song by the American rock band Wheatus. The song was written by lead singer Brendan B. Brown and produced by Rick Nowels. It was released in February 2000 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album.

The song is about a teenage boy who is popular among girls, while the protagonist is an outcast. Despite this, the two eventually connect over their shared love of music.

Come as You Are – Nirvana

Nirvana - Come As You Are (Official Music Video)

“Come as You Are” is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. The song was released as the second single from their second album, Nevermind, in 1992. It was written by frontman Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic.

The song is about self-acceptance and encourages people to be themselves no matter what others think. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and the song has become an anthem for misfits and outcasts everywhere.

A Day to Remember – All I Want

A Day To Remember - All I Want (Official Video)

“All I Want” is a song by the American rock band A Day to Remember. Released on September 11, 2012, as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Common Courtesy (2013), the song was written by the band’s vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, bassist Joshua Woodard and rhythm guitarist Neil Westfall. “All I Want” is about McKinnon’s experience of being an outsider in high school and how he eventually found his place in the world.

Firework – Katy Perry

Katy Perry - Firework (Official Music Video)

There’s no mistaking the message in Katy Perry’s Firework—”you are enough just the way you are.” The song is all about celebrating individualism and difference, with Perry urging her listeners to “let your colors burst.” It’s a powerful message of self-acceptance that can inspire anyone to feel like they don’t quite fit in. Its lyrics are about overcoming self-doubt and insecurity, with the singer declaring that “there’s a diamond in everyone.”

Who You Are – Jessie J

Jessie J - Who You Are (Official Music Video)

In “Who You Are,” Jessie J celebrates the unique qualities that make each person special. She encourages listeners to be proud of who they are, no matter what others may say. With its empowering message and soaring chorus, “Who You Are” is a perfect anthem for anyone who’s ever felt different or out of place. Its lyrics are about accepting yourself for who you are, and loving yourself even when it’s hard.

The Middle – Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World - The Middle (Official Music Video)

In “The Middle,” Jimmy Eat World celebrates those who are different. The song is about not fitting in and feeling like you’re stuck in the middle, but it ultimately celebrates those who don’t quite fit into society. The lyrics talk about how it’s OK not to be like everyone else and how being different is something to be proud of. Many songs celebrate individuality, but “The Middle” does it in a way that is both fun and relatable.

It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now – Four Year Strong

It Must Really Suck To Be Four Year Strong Right Now (Lip...

There’s no doubt that it must really suck to be Four Year Strong right now. The band is going through a tough time, and they’ve recently announced their break-up. In a letter to their fans, the band stated that “being in Four Year Strong has been an amazing experience and one that we’re all incredibly grateful for. We’ve had the opportunity to travel the world, play some incredible shows, and meet so many amazing people.” However, the band also explained that “the time has come for us to move on to other things.”