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Empowering, healing, transforming. Songs about self love are more than just feel-good tunes.
During my darkest moments, when my self-esteem is low, sometimes it’s a song that ends up pulling me out of my funk and into embracing the beauty of myself.
Music has long held a magical sort of power over the human soul. It’s poetry set to a melody, speaking to our most personal experiences, lifting us up when we need it most.
And so, in no particular order, here are some songs about self love.
1. Holy by Jamila Woods
Also prominently featured on my morning playlist, this song by Jamila Woods is an empowering reminder that we are holy in our own right, and that being alone isn’t lonely when you dare to fall in love with yourself.
2. Wonderful by Gary Go
During those aforementioned rough times, when I’m at my lowest, this song has been here for me. The soothing melody, vocals, and lyrics come together to remind me that I am, in fact, wonderful.
“We are all miracles, wrapped up in chemicals. We are incredible. Don’t take it for granted, we are all miracles.”
3. You’re Only Human (Second Wind) by Billy Joel
If you’re anything like me, your self-esteem tends to go down the toilet when you make a mistake. (Perfectionism is a real bitch sometimes, ya know?)
Billy Joel is here to remind us that we’re only human, and it’s okay to fail.
Don’t beat yourself up for missing the mark; life is a journey of learning, and you are worthy of love every step of the way.
4. Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
“I am beautiful, no matter what they say. Words can’t bring me down.”
A time-tested hit from 2002, Christina Aguilera’s powerful vocals and demonstration of both vulnerability and strength make this song an absolute must for any self love playlist.
5. Born This Way by Lady Gaga
“Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you’re set.”
In this acclaimed anthem for marginalized groups, Lady Gaga proclaims that we are all inherently beautiful the way we were born.
6. Your Life Is Now by John Mellencamp
“In this undiscovered moment, lift your head up above the crowd.”
In this song, 1980’s heartland rock star John Mellencamp recognizes that we can all be leaders and positively impact the world’s future, and encourages you not to back down from your own potential. Talk about empowering!
7. Energy by The Apples In Stereo
“There’s a light inside of you…”
There’s nothing quite like this psychedelic pop hit by The Apples in Stereo to remind you how bright and beautiful and wondrous you are.
8. Shining Star by Earth, Wind & Fire
A friendly reminder from Earth, Wind & Fire that, no matter who you are, you’re made to shine bright and be amazing in your own unique way.
9. No One Is Lost by Stars
This is one of my all-time favorite songs, and one I definitely count as worthy of a self love playlist, because it encourages you to embrace the fullness of yourself – your fear, your failures, your mortality. And it reminds you that, through it all, you’re never truly lost.
10. Better In Time by Leona Lewis
“Even though I really love you, I’m gonna smile ’cause I deserve to.”
A bittersweet song about going through a rough breakup, and knowing that you’ll heal in time, that you’ll be okay, and that you deserve to be happy.
11. Forever Young by Handsome & Gretyl
This cover of the Bob Dylan classic is so sweet, and reminds you to hold on to the beauty of a young-hearted soul.
12. Cure For Me by AURORA
AURORA proudly proclaims in this song that she isn’t broken, and doesn’t need a cure, no matter how others might try to break her down.
13. Secrets by Mary Lambert
“They tell us from the time we’re young to hide the things that we don’t like about ourselves inside ourselves. I know I’m not the only one who spent so long attempting to be someone else. Well, I’m over it.”
One of the most iconic songs about self love to come out in the past decade, this anthem by Mary Lambert encourages us to embrace our perceived imperfections and love ourselves out loud.
“I don’t care if the world knows what my secrets are. So what?”
14. F**kin’ Perfect by P!NK
(Explicit lyric warning!)
“Change the voices in your head, make them like you instead.”
Listen, being secure enough that you only need your own validation is a great ideal, but sometimes I need someone like P!NK to tell me I’m f**kin’ perfect.
Thank you, P!NK.
15. Shy Away by Twenty One Pilots
This upbeat Twenty One Pilots song reminds you not to shy away from yourself and your capabilities. You “manifest a ceiling” for yourself when you give in to self-doubt. Don’t limit yourself! You are full of potential for so many great things!
16. Who Says by Selena Gomez & The Scene
Younger millennials and older Gen Z’ers will remember this 2011 hit from Selena Gomez & The Scene. I was a sophomore in high school when this came out, and it’s still one of the best songs about self love I can think of!
17. I Am Not a Robot by MARINA
In this song from 2009, MARINA sings about being vulnerable and still recognizing how lovable you are, no matter how troubled you might be.
It’s an important aspect of self care to allow yourself to feel all your feelings, and know you are lovable through all of them.
18. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Natasha Bedingfield is here to let you know that life is a blank page that you can do anything with – just believe in your own power!
19. This Is Me by Keala Settle
A powerful song from the 2017 musical The Greatest Showman, Keala Settle’s strong vocals belting out the words “there’s nothing I’m not worthy of” makes me tear up every time.
20. Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae
“You’re gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow…”
A feel-good song about loving yourself and taking it easy.
21. King of Anything by Sara Bareilles
“I hate to break it to you, babe, but I’m not drowning. There’s no one here to save…”
An empowering song about loving yourself enough that you don’t let other people’s opinions dictate the way you live your life.
22. Try Everything by Shakira
“Look how far you’ve come, you filled your heart with love. Baby, you’ve done enough, take a deep breath.”
In this hit from Disney’s Zootopia, Shakira sings about giving herself grace as she tries new things, allowing herself to fail so she can learn and grow. That’s real self love!
23. I’ve Gotta Be Me by Sammy Davis Jr.
“I can’t be right for somebody else if I’m not right for me.”
This classic from legend Sammy Davis Jr. reminds us to love ourselves enough to be true to our own vision for our life, not worrying about whether other people will accept you.
24. (I Know) What I’m Made Of by Diamond Rings
“No stick or stone you throw can ever break me, no name or word you call can ever shake me. This is who I am and you just can’t fake me, I know what I’m made of.”
An empowering jam about not letting the words of others shake your sense of self.
25. Confident by Demi Lovato
One of the most badass songs about self love, in my opinion, is this hit in which Demi Lovato owns their confidence and refuses to be put down for it.
Demi has stated that they wrote this song about dealing with body image issues and finally feeling proud of their body and wanting to show that confidence to the world.
Go, Demi!
26. Good as Hell by Lizzo
“Come now, come dry your eyes. You know you a star, you can touch the sky!”
Lizzo’s here to remind you that even if it turns out that someone else doesn’t want you, you ought to want and love yourself!
27. my future by Billie Eilish
“I’m in love, but not with anybody else. Just wanna get to know myself.”
This ambient, jazzy ballad from Billie Eilish speaks of the value of loving yourself and prioritizing your own journey of self-discovery before any other relationship.
“I’m supposed to be unhappy without someone, but aren’t I someone?”
…And that concludes this list of songs about self love!
I know everyone has their own taste in music, but I hope at least a few of these songs will leave you feeling empowered and full of love and respect for the beautiful being you are.
Sincerely,
Riley, he/they pronouns
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