20 Best Songs About Being Tough

Richard Ellison

It takes a lot of strength and determination to be tough. It’s not something that comes naturally to everyone. In fact, it takes a lot of hard work and effort to become the toughest person you can be. That’s because toughness is an admirable trait that many people aspire to have. And these 20 songs reflect that. From Eminem to Taylor Swift, these songs will inspire you to be tougher than ever before.

By the way, if you’re interested in songs about being tough, you may also be interested in songs about triumph, songs about hard times, songs about arguing, songs about being proud, and songs about believing.

Don’t Stop Believin – Journey

Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (Official Audio)

Don’t Stop Believin’ is a song by the American rock band Journey, originally released as a single from their 1981 album, Escape. The song became a global hit, reaching number one in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The song has been covered by many artists and has been featured in a number of popular films and television shows. The lyrics of the song encourage listeners to maintain hope and to never give up on their dreams. The message of the song is one of determination and resilience, and it is this message that has resonated with so many people around the world.

Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)

Don’t Stop Believin’ is a song by the American rock band Journey, originally released as a single from their 1981 album, Escape. The song became a global hit, reaching number one in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The song has been covered by many artists and has been featured in a number of popular films and television shows. The lyrics of the song encourage listeners to maintain hope and to never give up on their dreams. The message of the song is one of determination and resilience, and it is this message that has resonated with so many people around the world. Despite the challenges that life may bring, the song reminds us that we should never stop believing in ourselves or in our ability to achieve our goals.

Float On – Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse - Float On (Official Music Video)

“Float On” is a song by American rock band Modest Mouse. It was released in 2004 as the second single from their fourth studio album, Good News for People Who Love Bad News. The song reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, making it the band’s first and only single to reach that position. “Float On” is a positive and uplifting song about overcoming adversity. The lyrics describe how even when things seem bad, there is always a chance for things to improve. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it an enduringly popular track, and its message of hope is one that resonates with many people.

Dare You to Move – Switchfoot

Switchfoot - Dare You To Move (Alt. Version)

“Dare You to Move” is a song by the American rock band Switchfoot. The song was released in October 2000 as the second single from the band’s third studio album, Learning to Breathe. The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Christian Songs chart and number four on the US Billboard Hot Christian AC chart. The song was also a commercial success, reaching number one in Australia and New Zealand, and number three in Canada. “Dare You to Move” is a song about overcoming adversity and being tough. The lyrics encourage the listener to keep moving forward, even when things are tough. The song is an encouragement to never give up, and to always keep fighting.

Survivor – Destiny’s Child

Destiny's Child - Survivor (Official Video)

Released in 2001, “Survivor” is a song by American R&B group Destiny’s Child. The song was written and composed by band member Beyoncé Knowles for the group’s third studio album of the same name. It was inspired by Knowles’ life experiences, as well as the 1998 film version of Survivor. The song became one of the most successful singles of Destiny’s Child’s career, peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and receiving Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best Song Written for a Visual Media.

It’s My Life – Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi - It's My Life (Official Music Video)

It’s My Life is a song by American rock band Bon Jovi. It was released as the lead single from the band’s seventh studio album, Crush (2000). The song was written by lead singer Jon Bon Jovi and producer Richie Sambora and was released to radio stations on May 23, 2000. The song is about being tough and not backing down from a fight. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song was ranked number one on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart for eight weeks. The song has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold over three million copies in the United States.

The Climb – Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus - The Climb

“The Climb” is a song by American singer Miley Cyrus, released as the lead single from the film’s soundtrack (2009). It was written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe, and produced by John Shanks. The song is a power ballad with inspirational lyrics about overcoming obstacles. It achieved commercial success, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and becoming Cyrus’ first song to enter the top ten of the chart. “The Climb” was a moderate success internationally, reaching the top forty in seven countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The song received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its lyrical content but criticized its production.

We Are The Champions – Queen

Queen - We Are The Champions (Live)

“We Are the Champions” is a song by the British rock band Queen, first released on their 1977 album News of the World. Written by lead singer Freddie Mercury, it is an anthem of triumph and resilience. The song has been adopted as an anthem by sports teams around the world, and its opening line, “I’ve paid my dues,” has become an iconic rallying cry for underdogs everywhere. The song’s simple, powerful message has resonated with people from all walks of life, making it one of Queen’s most popular and enduring songs.

Confident – Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato - Confident (Official Video)

Demi Lovato’s song “Confident” is all about being tough and not taking any crap from anyone. The song starts off with a strong beat that sets the tone for the rest of the song. Lovato’s powerful vocals convey the message that she is a force to be reckoned with. The lyrics talk about not being afraid to show who you are and not backing down from a challenge. “Confident” is the perfect anthem for anyone who wants to feel empowered and ready to take on the world. By belting out the lyrics and letting her confidence shine through, Lovato shows that she is a role model for anyone who wants to be proud of who they are.

Numb – Linkin Park

Numb (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE] – Linkin Park

“Numb” is a song by American rock band Linkin Park. It was released as the third single from their second studio album, Meteora (2003). The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the band’s highest-charting single in the United States at that time. “Numb” was certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song is composed in the key of A Minor and has a moderate tempo of 84 beats per minute. The verses follow a chord progression of Am–C–G–D, and the chorus features a variation of this progression.

Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley

Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Music Video)

Rick Astley’s song “Never Gonna Give You Up” is a popular choice for people who are looking for a motivational song. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship that is going through some tough times. Despite the difficulties, the singer vows to never give up on the relationship. The message of the song is clear: even when things are tough, it is important to never give up. This message is one that resonates with many people, and it is no wonder that the song has become so popular. The next time you are feeling down, consider giving “Never Gonna Give You Up” a listen. It just might give you the motivation you need to keep going.

Keep Holding On – Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne - Keep Holding On (Official Audio)

Keep Holding On is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne. The song was released in 2006 as the second single from her second studio album, Under My Skin. Keep Holding On was written by Lavigne and her producer Butch Walker, and it is about remaining strong in the face of adversity. The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its inspiring message and Lavigne’s powerful vocal performance.

Don’t Give Up – Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel - Don't Give Up (ft. Kate Bush)

Don’t Give Up is a song by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush. The song was released as a single in 1986, and it has become an anthem of hope and perseverance. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship that is going through hard times, but the singers encourage the listener to “hang in there” and not give up. The song has been covered by many artists, including Barbra Streisand, who released her version as a single in 2002. Don’t Give Up has also been used in popular culture, appearing in films such as Parenthood and Stuart Little. The song has been praised for its positive message and its ability to inspire people to keep going even when times are tough.

I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack

Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance (Official Music Video)

The song “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack is a song about being tough. The song talks about how when life gets tough, you have to be tougher. It also talks about how you need to be strong when you face obstacles and how you can’t give up when things get difficult. The song is a great motivator and it really encourages people to never give up and to keep fighting even when things are tough. The lyrics are really inspirational and the message of the song is very powerful. The song is definitely a great motivation for people who are facing tough times in their life.

Call On Me – Starley

Starley - Call On Me (Ryan Riback Remix) [Official Video]

Call on Me by Starley is a song about being tough and never giving up. The lyrics tell the story of a person who has been through a lot in life and has come out stronger for it. The song is an anthem for anyone who has ever faced adversity and come out stronger for it. The lyrics are inspiring and motivating, and the song is sure to give listeners a boost of confidence. Call on Me by Starley is a perfect song for anyone who needs a little extra motivation to keep going.

You Are Loved – Josh Groban

Josh Groban - You Are Loved (Don't Give Up) [Official Music Video]

Josh Groban’s song “You Are Loved” is a ballad about being strong in the face of adversity. The lyrics tell the story of someone who has been through a tough time, but has emerged stronger for it. The song is genuinely moving, and the message of hope and resilience is one that everyone can relate to. The beautiful melody and Groban’s soaring vocal performance make “You Are Loved” one of the most powerful and memorable songs of recent years. It is a song that reminds us that, no matter how tough life gets, we always have the strength to overcome challenges and come out stronger on the other side.

Hero – Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey - Hero (Official HD Video)

The song “Hero” by Mariah Carey is a song about being tough and overcoming adversity. The lyrics tell the story of a person who has been through a lot in their life and has come out stronger for it. The song is an inspiration to people who are facing challenging times in their own lives. It is a reminder that we all have the potential to be heroes if we just stay strong and keep fighting. The song has been very popular over the years, and continues to inspire people all over the world.

Firework – Katy Perry

Katy Perry - Firework (Official Music Video)

Katy Perry’s song “Firework” is an anthem about being tough and overcoming difficult times. The song starts with a simple piano melody and Perry’s soft vocals, slow building to a soaring chorus with explosive percussion. The lyrics are uplifting and empowering, urging listeners to “shine like a firework” and letting them know that they are not alone. “Firework” is a song about celebrating who you are, no matter how different you may be. It is a call to arms for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit in or like they’re not good enough.

Hey Hey Hey – Michael Franti And Spearhead

Michael Franti & Spearhead, Michael Franti - Hey Hey Hey

Hey Hey Hey is a song about being tough. The lyrics talk about how we all go through tough times, but we need to keep our heads up and be strong. The song is upbeat and has a great message. It is definitely a song that will get you through tough times.Hey Hey Hey is a song about being tough. The lyrics talk about how we all go through tough times, but we need to keep our heads up and be strong. The song is upbeat and has a great message. It is definitely a song that will get you through tough times.

I Won’t Let Go – Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts - I Won't Let Go (Official Video)

“I Won’t Let Go” is a song by American country music group Rascal Flatts. It was released in October 2011 as the third single from their album Nothing Like This. The song is about a person who is struggling in life but refuses to give up. The lyrics tell the story of someone who has been through a lot of pain and heartache, but they continue to hold on because they know things will get better. The song is a reminder that no matter how tough life gets, we need to keep going and never give up.