It never fails.
I already know I’m going to get some messages about his one.
Messages asking me: why only songs about strong women? Why nothing about strong men?
I just ignore them. I feel bad, but what else can I do?
The answer is obvious to most of us. And those who ask that question don’t actually want an answer anyway.
They would just ignore any answer. Or argue with it. Arguing is the real intention, after all.
If you’re one of those people, don’t waste your time. Or go check out my list of songs about good men. Everyone else, take a look at my list of songs about female empowerment and let me know what you think.
Songs About Strong Women
I tried to include songs about strong women from as many different genres as possible. That is always my goal, so that everyone can find at least a few songs that appeal to them.
Respect by Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s iconic song is all about respect and has become a powerful anthem about independence over the decades. With its soulful melody and powerful vocals, this song has become a symbol of the feminist movement.
The song was written by Otis Redding and released under Franklin’s name in 1967. This version of the song is all about a wife demanding respect from her husband. The legendary song includes powerful lyrics such as “I’m just askin’ for a little respect when you come home” and “give me my propers when you get home.”
Man! I Feel Like A Woman by Shania Twain
Shania Twain’s upbeat country and pop track is all about female empowerment. The song encourages women to embrace their femininity and fills you with a confident and fearless attitude that leaves you ready to take on the world.
The song was released in 1999 and is featured on her third album, Come on Over. The song was received positively by fans and critics alike and was featured in the top ten in six countries. The lyrics include lines such as “go totally crazy, forget I’m a lady” and “I wanna be free, yeah, to feel the way I feel.”
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Gloria Gaynor’s disco hit became an anthem for overcoming adversity. I Will Survive celebrates resilience and strength in the face of heartbreak and challenges, making it a timeless empowerment anthem.
This song was written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris. Perren also wrote songs for the likes of Jackson 5. This one was a huge hit all over the world. Iconic lines from this song include the lines “and I grew strong, and I learned how to get along” and “you think I’d crumble? You think I’d lay down and die?”
Independent Women Part I by Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child’s chart-topping hit is about financial independence and self-reliance. The song became an anthem for women everywhere, encouraging them to stand on their own and be proud of their achievements.
This song lands in the genre of R&B and pop and has won numerous awards such as Billboard Music Award for Soundtrack Single of the Year. It was released in 2001 and is also the main song on the Charlie’s Angels movie soundtrack.
Fighter by Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera’s Fighter is a song all about self-empowerment. Aguilera sings about rising above challenges to find your inner strength. She released this song in 2012 and it fits into the genre of electro-pop.
Song lyrics to really make you feel like a strong woman include “I wanna thank you because made me that much stronger” and “makes me that much stronger, makes me work a little bit harder.”
Roar by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s Roar is a catchy pop-rock track that encourages women to find their voice and inner strength. The song’s empowering message and singalong chorus make it a go-to anthem for overcoming anything life throws your way.
The song was released in 2013 and comes from her album Prism. It was the lead single. Katy Perry wrote the song with Bonnie Mckee.
The song has had plenty of success and topped the charts in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Key lines of the song include “You’re going to hear me roar” and “I got the eye of the tiger.”
Of course, the song was also the one she sang at the NRJ Music Awards, which ended up being one of the worst lip synching disasters ever caught on camera.
Fight Song by Rachel Platten
Fight Song has become a modern anthem for perseverance and strength. Rachel Platten’s empowering lyrics and uplifting tune make this song a reminder to anyone that, no matter the circumstances, you can keep fighting.
Rachel Platten released the song in 2014 and it became an instant hit. It was even nominated for the iHeartRadio Music Award for Best Lyrics. You can sing along to those award winning lyrics with lines such as “this is my fight song, take back my life song” and “I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.”
Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten is an uplifting pop song that encourages women to take control of their destinies. The strong lyrics remind us that we have the power to shape our own lives.
This song was released in 2004 and became the soundtrack for the iconic reality television series The Hills. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Its inspirational lyrics include lines such as “I am unwritten, can’t read my mind” and “the pen’s in my hand.”
Girl On Fire by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’s soulful anthem celebrates the strength and resilience of women. Girl on Fire is a powerful tribute to the strength that can be found in every woman, reminding them that they can achieve anything they put their mind to.
Alicia Keys released this song in 2012 and it peaked at number eleven on the Billboard chart. Since its release it has become one of Alicia Keys’ most popular songs. You can sing to lyrics such as “this girl is on fire” and “she’s on top of the world” at the top of your lungs.
Stronger by Britney Spears
Britney Spears’ Stronger is a dance-pop anthem that is about personal growth and strength after a breakup. The song’s upbeat tempo and encouraging lyrics make it a staple for anyone going through a tough time. Spears sings about growing stronger each day, showing that there’s hope for anyone.
She released the song in 2000 from the album Oops… I Did it Again. It was nominated for many awards such as an MTV Music Video Award and MuchMusic Video Award. With lyrics such as “my loneliness ain’t killing me no more” and “stronger than yesterday” the song really helps to keep you feeling empowered and is a great option for any strong women playlist.
Express Yourself by Madonna
Madonna’s Express Yourself is a bold anthem that encourages women to be true to themselves and express their individuality. The song’s feminist message is delivered with a dance beat and a huge 80s feel.
The song was released in 1989 and comes from the album Like a Prayer. The song is all about female empowerment and helping women to realize that they should never settle for second best.
It’s a key song to add to your playlist about strong women. You can sing along to lyrics such as “you don’t need diamond rings or eighteen carat gold” and “you deserve the best in life.”
Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani’s Hollaback Girl is a sassy and confident anthem that encourages women to stand up for themselves. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat energy make it a staple for empowering playlists.
This is the perfect pop anthem for any strong woman. The song was released in 2004 and comes from Stefani’s Love. Angel. Music. Baby album. The song features lines such as “gonna get a touchdown, gonna take you out” and “I’m ready to attack, gonna lead the pack.”
Wings by Little Mix
Little Mix’s Wings is an infectious pop anthem that celebrates self-love and independence. The song’s upbeat vibe and empowering lyrics make it a must-have on any playlist dedicated to strong women.
This was Little Mix’s debut single after winning the X-Factor. Because of this new-found fame from the competition, this song was an instant hit.
It came from their first album DNA and was released in 2012. You can sing along to lines such as “these wings were made to fly” and “mama told me not to waste my life.”
Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves by Eurythmics ft Aretha Franklin
The collaboration between Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin resulted in this powerful anthem celebrating the empowerment of women. Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves highlights the strength and capabilities of women in various aspects of life.
The song was released in 1985 and is just as popular today as it was then. The song has been featured in many movies and TV shows and is also a well-known karaoke song for women.
The song reached number nine on the UK charts and number eighteen on the US charts. You can grab the karaoke mic and sing along to lyrics such as “so we’re coming out of the kitchen” and “standin’ on their own two feet.”
Not Ready To Make Nice by Dixie Chicks
The Dixie Chicks’ Grammy-winning hit Not Ready to Make Nice addresses resilience and standing up for your beliefs in the face of adversity. The song was released in 2006 and comes from their Taking the Long Way Album.
Not Ready to Make Nice won a grammy award for Record of the Year. Fans and critics agree on this one, for sure. It is a catchy song that you can easily sing along to. Key lines in this song include “I’m not ready to make nice” and “forgive sounds good, forget not sure I could.”
Songs About Female Empowerment: Final Thoughts
As mentioned at the beginning, we wanted to include songs about strong women from as many different genres as possible. Of course, there are some we missed completely and other genres with only a single song.
I would love to hear any suggestions you might have for additional songs about female empowerment. I will add good suggestions to the list in the next update, especially ones from missing genres, or genres that are underrepresented.
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