Classic Rock Songs With Inspirational Lyrics
The greatest classic rock songs with inspirational lyrics couple those motivating lyrics with big hooks, warm riffs and powerful vocals. – Author: Anne Erickson, Photo via Audio Ink Radio
Every genre has its great songs with inspirational lyrics, but the classic rock genre has some of the most motiving, inspiring anthems of any musical style. There’s something about the big hooks, warm riffs and powerful vocals in classic rock music that’s thrilling and can make the listener feel like they can do anything. These songs, no matter how many decades they’ve been around, always find a place on new playlists, especially ones that are motivational or even workout playlists. “You can do it,” these inspiring lyrics scream. In honor of classic rock songs with inspirational lyrics, here are a few favorites from the staff of Audio Ink Radio.
Classic Rock Songs With Inspirational Lyrics That Motivate
Bruce Springsteen, “Born to Run”
Bruce Springsteen released “Born to Run” in 1975 off the album of the same name, and the song took off and really took on a life of its own. The entire album was a smash and helped Springsteen get back into the mainstream. Lyrically, “Born to Run,” the single, has fun, inspiring lyrics about going fast and full speed ahead. It can be taken as a motivating song that makes one want to work hard and fast at your dreams.
Journey, “Don’t Stop Believin'”
It would be difficult to think of a song that’s more inspirational than Journey with their 1981 hit, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The lyrics literally tell the listener to not stop believing in their dreams and in themselves. This is the No. 1 go-to song for anyone looking to make something of themselves, fight obstacles and concur their goals. The lyrics also lyrics mention being “born and raised in south Detroit,” but the closest thing there is to south Detroit is the Downriver area, which is a fun fact. Windsor, Ontario, is actually directly south of downtown Detroit. “Don’t Stop Believin'” made Rolling Stone’s tally of the best songs of all time, and it’s certainly an inspiring track and one of the top classic rock songs with inspirational lyrics
Queen, “We Are the Champions”
One of the most triumphant songs of all time, hands-down, is Queen with “We Are the Champions.” In the 1977 song, the late Freddie Mercury sings about doing his time and paying his dues and finally becoming the champion that he deserves. Mercury wrote the famous lyrics for “We Are the Champions” after being inspired by an audience chanting “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at a concert. In a sense, he created his own version of the song for Queen, and it became one of the band’s greatest hits.
Survivor, “Eye of the Tiger”
The guys of Survivor have an enduring motivational hit in their 1982 classic “Eye of the Tiger,” which is about coming up from a loss, being resilient and fighting back. It’s about not taking no for an answer and proving all the naysayers wrong and coming out triumphant. It doesn’t get more inspirational than that. Besides, if it’s good enough for Rocky, it’s good enough. Of course, the track is backed with inspiring lyrics, which makes is purpose-made for any motivational playlist.
Tom Petty, “Running Down a Dream”
Tom Petty released a song about humankind’s struggles and dreams in his 1989 track “Running Down a Dream.” Petty has said he wrote the song out of his own personal struggles, hardship and keeping your integrity throughout it all. “Running Down a Dream” is the perfect song for anything feeling down and needing to go up.
Beyond classic rock songs with inspirational lyrics, check out some great classic rock songs that should have been bigger.
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