13 Lit 🔥 Songs To Lift You Up

Reading Time: 16 min read

13 Lit Songs To Lift You Up features music courtesy of Beyoncé, Kane Brown, Panic! At The Disco, Lizzo & Whitney Houston.

Okay, cue the buff, shirtless men to LIFT our spirits! Those ripped, sweat bodies, lifting those weights – what a sight ! Okay, now that I’ve got you excited via objectification, the plan is the keep your spirits high, though sans the eye candy… No worries, the ear candy is totally lit . 13 Lit Songs To Lift You Up isn’t about hot, shirtless ripped guys – it’s a different sort of lift we’re getting at, sigh. Maybe you won’t be nearly as titillated, but your spirit will be stimulated with something much more substantive, all told.

13 Lit Songs To Lift You Up features favorites from the column, Music Lifts . Songs that appear in this column encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit. The songs exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity. Songs in 13 Lit Songs To Lift You Up are mostly secular, but there are a few faith-based songs thrown into the mix too . Songs featured on this uplifting list arrive courtesy of Beyoncé, Kane Brown, Lizzo, Panic! At The Disco, and Whitney Houston among others. So, without further ado, let’s feel the heat of these 13 Lit Songs To Lift You Up!

1. Beyoncé, “Be Alive”

 “Be Alive (Original Song from the Motion Picture “King Richard”)” •  Parkwood / Columbia •  2021

“It feels so good to be alive / Got all my family by my side…”   Grammy-winning R&B/pop singer  Beyoncé ‘brings the heat’ on  “Be Alive (Original Song from the Motion Picture “King Richard”)”. Beyoncé deservingly earned an  Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. On “Be Alive,” she serves up powerful lead vocals. She’s commanding but in total control, never growing overwrought.  Also impressive are glorious, harmonized vocals.  I love the warmth of her tone that’s introduced at the beginning. In the intro, she prefaces the eventual chorus, which is memorable and quite tuneful. The chorus, excerpted above, continues as follows:  

“…Couldn’t wipe this black off if I tried 

That’s why I lift my head with pride 

Now we’re sitting on top of the world again, huh.” 

In the verses, Beyoncé focuses on fighting and working hard to attain success – it wasn’t easy and wasn’t absent of adversity. “The path was never paved with gold,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “We worked and built this on our own.” Despite adversity, there’s also sense of black achievement and black excellence, which is particularly uplifting and encouraging to the black community (“Look how we’ve been fighting to stay alive / So, when we win, we will have pride”). Shout out superb production work by  Dixson, which provides the perfect palette for Bey to sing this inspired number over.     

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2. Panic! At The Disco, “All By Yourself”   

Viva Las Vengeance • Fueled By Ramen • 2022 

“If you give a listen / You sweet little kitten / Sittin’ downstairs in your room…” Um, meow, Panic! At The Disco “All By Yourself”, the penultimate track from the band’s seventh studio album, Viva Las Vengeance, is a thoughtful, uplifting number. Brendon Urie seems to paint a picture of a girl (we assume) who’s a nonconformist and seems to be more of a social outcast.  She appears to take refuge in music, specifically the rock and roll aesthetic.  

Urie empowers her, and others like her to use their voice to speak volumes:  

“All by yourself, all by yourself 

You can change everything all by yourself 

All by yourself, all by yourself 

You’re the queen, you’re the king 

All by yourself.”  

Urie, adorned with luscious backing vocals, suggests the power to “change everything” is in your own hands and on your own terms.  He has a valid point (for the most part). This is an anthem for the misunderstood, something Urie does an especially fine job of highlighting with key details in the second verse.  So, if you’re considered different, embrace your differences, and don’t be afraid to use your voice. Personally, I find that to be a takeaway from “All By Yourself”. Another takeaway – it’s one of the great moments from Viva Las Vengeance in my eyes. Brendon sounds amazing!  

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3. Vivian Green, “I’m Not Broken”

Vivid • Make Noise • 2015 

“(You didn’t break my heart) / You just bent it (You just bent it) / And there’s no damage (there’s no damage) / It’s Like it never happened (never happened) / I’m not broken, broken, broken, broken.” Thank goodness you are still standing, Vivian Green! Green clearly had a bad experience with a particular ex, as the lyrics from the chorus of her 2015 song, “I’m Not Broken”, detail.  Prior to the chorus, Green gives examples of his trifling ways:  “He’d say one and one is three / And expect me to believe it / Lying like you never seen / While looking dead at me.” Woo! This gem from Vivid isn’t sad, however – it doesn’t find this underappreciated and underrated R&B artist ‘down and out.’ Instead, she’s resolute, and shows incredible resolve through her ‘heart bend’ as opposed to ‘heartbreak.’  After previously being caught up in this perceived love, she can “see clearly now”.   

“When you walk away 

You know exactly what it was 

Your vision’s no longer cloudy 

(You’re off the love drug)…”  

Basically, Viv is able and fully committed to the rebound.  She’s learned a love lesson and survived it!   Here songwriting alongside Kwamé Holland is on-point, as is the production (Holland), which gives Green a background contemporary yet also firmly planted in neo-soul/adult contemporary R&B. If you’ve experienced bad love, and you need a lift, look no further than Viv’s awesome, “I’m Not Broken”. 

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4. Joshua Bassett, “Lifeline”

Sad Songs In A Hotel Room • Warner • 2022

“Doc said I got twelve hours / I called you without a second thought / Plane ride within the hour / As she pictures life without her son.” Can you imagine, as a 20-year-old receiving the devastating news that you had merely 12 hours to live? That happened to Joshua Bassett, who called his lifeline, his mom, to be by his side.  Obviously, he feared the worst in real life, and on the gem at hand, “Lifeline”, which appears on his 2022 EP, Sad Songs In A Hotel Room.  The positive news for Bassett is, he lived to tell about it. His fears, rightfully, motivated him spiritually: Lately, I’ve been prayin’ / To a god I’ve never known / I can’t do this on my own.”   

“Lifeline”, arguably, can be considered to be more a heavier, sadder song than an uplifting one.  I’d argue it’s uplifting because (1) Bassett lived to testify about his survival and (2) he gives thanks to his Mom for keeping him alive – being that lifeline. “One hour visitation / She beats me in chess, another round,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “Don’t matter what we’re sayin’ / I’m just glad you made it into town…” On this highly personal record, the songwriting is on-point – poetically and authentically constructed.  Furthermore, Bassett sings with incredible.  The centerpiece is the utterly sublime chorus, where he sings, “I won’t say goodbye just yet… / Oh, I’ll be fine for tonight / With you by my side, oh my / Don’t you know you’re my lifeline.” “Lifeline” is incredibly moving.   

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5. Meghan Trainor, “Rainbow”

Takin’ It Back • Epic • 2022

“You’re as colorful as a rainbow / You’re as bright as the moon / Everyone can see your halo /Everybody but you,” Grammy-winning pop artist Meghan Trainor asserts on “Rainbow”.  “Rainbow” appears as the eighth track on her fourth studio album, Takin’ It Back, released in the fall of 2022.  In the inspiring chorus on this retro pop cut (regarding the sound), Trainor continues singing, “Go and show ‘em all your rainbow / You’ll feel better when you do / Come on out when the rain goes / ‘Cause this world’s gonna love you.”  “Rainbow” was written by Trainor, Andrew Haas, Ian Franzino, and Teddy Geiger.  Geiger produces alongside Gian Stone and Afterhrs.   

In the first verse, Meghan sees this person struggling.  Despite the fact that the people – the world – doesn’t understand such struggles, she plays the role of encourager, making it crystal clear, “But you ain’t alone / No, no, when it’s getting dark / I’m a light you up, my love.” Similarly, in the second verse, she uplifts them despite their doubts and self-esteem issues. “‘Cause you beautiful, you intelligent / You emotional, but you the baddest bitch,” she sings, continuing, “Ain’t no one compared, so why you care / Whatt anybody says about you?” She has a point.  Ultimately, it leads to the crowning achievement, the rainbow-laden chorus, as well as the post-chorus, where Meghan makes it crystal clear, “They gonna love you.” “Rainbow” is both uplifting and sweet, sweet music to the ears.  

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6. Stevie Wonder, “Shelter in the Rain”

A Time to Love • Motown • 2005

“I’ll be your comfort through your pain / I’ll be your shelter in the rain.”  How utterly inspired and dedicated, Stevie Wonder! “Shelter in the Rain” appeared on Mr. Wonder’s 2005 album, A Time to Love.  A Time to Love is the sole album of the iconic, multi-award-winning musician released in either the 00s or the 10s!  The good news is this is a terrific LP yielding such gems as this supportive, thoughtful, and uplifting ballad. Those vibes are positive to the nth degree. 

“Just put your trust in me / My love will see you through.” Essentially, Stevie Wonder is willing to hold her up through adversity – when things seem bleakest. “When you’ve done everything you can,” he sings in the second verse, “No one’s there to take your hand / … I’ll be your shelter in the rain.” Helping him to lift the spirit is a choir, led by Kirk Franklin and Rickey Minor.  That choir, notably, features a younger, eventual Grammy-nominated R&B musician, BJ the Chicago Kid.  All in all, this is a beautiful, soulful ballad that reminds us how much of a treasure Stevie Wonder is.  It also reminds us about how nice it is to be nice, and to be authentic in helping and lifting up a significant other or someone of significance in our lives.

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7. Sia, “Alive”

This Is Acting • RCA • 2016 

“I was born in a thunderstorm / I grew up overnight,” Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter  Sia sings on “Alive”. She adds, “I played alone, I played on my own / I survived.” Sigh, sometimes, we must fight through adversity.  “I saw my life in a stranger’s face,” she asserts in the second verse, “And it was mine.” Wow.  In this powerful highlight from This Is Acting (2016), Sia expresses her story of survival even with the odds stacked firmly against her (“I had a one-way ticket to a place where all the demons go / Where the wind don’t change / And noting in the ground can ever grow”). The authenticity is pronounced and quite relatable, all told. 

Sia, known for her sharp pen, gets some assistance in the songwriting department.  She wrote this uplifting, second track from This Is Acting alongside Adele (!) and Tobias Jesso Jr.  From the production end of things, Jesse Slatkin helps to construct a powerful backdrop fitting for Sia’s distinct, commanding pipes.  Those pipes shine brightest on the simple but fitting chorus.  Here, Sia asserts, “I’m still breathing, I’m still breathing / I’m alive, I’m alive.”  It’s this resilience, despite many misadventures, trials, and tribulations, that makes “Alive” so puissant.  

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8. Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown, “Thank God”

Different Man • Sony Music Entertainment • 2022

We have plenty to be thankful for – that is an understatement.  For country singer Kane Brown and his talented wife, Katelyn Brown, they are thankful for each other.  Ah, the gift of love !  They showcase their dedication and gratitude to one another in their single, “Thank God”, which appears on Brown’s 2022 album, Different Man.   

In the first verse, Kane credits Katelyn for finding “a way to bring me back,” later adding, “Girl, I’m a witness of your love ‘cause you don’t be givin’ up / And it’s crazy how you saved me.” Oh, the feels! In the pre-chorus, he asserts, “Girl, what we got’s worth thanking God for.”  In the second verse, Katelyn addresses Kane, singing, “Never thought I’d find an angel undercover / Made a change to everything from my heart to my last name.” Aww, the feels, the feels, the feels! Of course, the centerpiece of this uplifting, matrimony-centric joint is the chorus, performed by both: 

“I thank God I get to wake up by your side 

And thank God your hand fits perfectly in mine 

And thank god you love me when you didn’t have to 

But you did and you do, and He knew 

Thank God for giving me you.” 

This sweet gem speaks for itself.  It gives you the longing and hopes to find a love like this, or, perhaps you relate to experiencing a love like this.  

Appears in :

Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown, “Thank God”: Music Lifts No. 41 (2022)

9. Katy Perry, “Roar”

Prism • Capitol • 2013

“I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath / Scared to rock the boat and makes a mess,” Katy Perry sings in the first verse of her gargantuan, uplifting hit, “Roar”, which graces her 2013 album, Prism. Essentially, the Grammy-nominated pop artist did not use her voice and kept the peace at her own cost. That’s totally wrong! Thankfully, Perry changed her tune, realizing after she “Stood for nothing” and “feel for everything,” she needed to assert herself – find her roar if you will. In the pre-chorus, she is strong, unwilling to be muzzled anymore, instead flexing her muscles. “You held me down, but I got up,” she memorably sings, setting up one of the best choruses of the 2010s:

“I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter

Dancing through the fire

‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar

Louder, louder than a lion

‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar!”

Woo! Over exuberant production, Katy Perry shuts down antifeminists and asserts her power to be what and who she wants to be. She doesn’t settle for others to make decisions for her, she is firmly in the driver’s seat. The days of being passive are done: “I went from zero, to my own hero.” Whether you’re a girl or woman like Perry who has far too long let others (men) keep you down, or you a boy/man who lets others run all over you and take your power, it is time to find your ROAR and make sure that the whole world can hear it loud and proud. This song NEVER grows old – it’s among Perry’s best.

Appears in :

Katy Perry, “Roar”: Music Lifts No. 33 (2022)

10. Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., “Your Tears”

Memorable Moments • Light • 2010

“Your tears are just temporary / Your tears, are just a release / Of the pain, sorrow, grief…” A musician and pastor who does an awesome job of providing encouragement and inspiration and lifting the spirit to lofty heights is Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr.. Morton is renowned for his ministry at Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church. There is no doubt that Bishop Morton is filled with the Holy Spirit. He’s devoted to praising God and bringing more souls to Him.  On the gorgeous, moving, eight-minute-plus “Your Tears”, he performs with The Greater St. Stephen Mass Choir, asserting that God, all-knowing and merciful, will “wipe all of your tears away.” “Your Tears” originally appeared on the 2007 album, Your Tears.  Later, it reappears on the compilation, Memorable Moments.  

Believers and people of faith will likely be the most moved by “Your Tears” – it goes with the territory.   That said, even nonbelievers can appreciate the faith that is ministered, as well as the emotional highs that occur throughout the record.  This joint is meant to lift spirits and provide hope. Some of the most memorable lyrics testify to no longer crying because of God:  

“I won’t have to cry no more 

When I reach the other shore 

You promised me joy and peace, thank you, Jesus 

Oh, what a blessed, sweet relief.”

All told, “Your Tears” delivers a powerful, powerful message. 

Appears in :

Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., “Your Tears”: Music Lifts No. 20 (2022)

11. Lizzo, “Special”

Special • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2022

“Fame is pretty new, but I’ve been used to people judgin’ me / That’s why I move the way I move and why I’m so in love with me.” “Special”, the title track from Lizzo’s sophomore album, is a reaction to the criticism she’s received for seemingly everything. Her authenticity and honesty truly shine: “If it wasn’t me, then would you even get offended or /Is it just because I’m black and heavy? Y’all don’t hear me though.”

Even though she’s had ample, unfounded negativity thrown her way, she doesn’t wallow in pessimism – she opts for optimism, encouraging herself, encouraging others, and taking the high road. The self-love is lit on “Special” where Lizzo turns the frowns into confident, empowered smiles!

“In case nobody told you today

You’re special

In case nobody made you believe

You’re special.”

Oh, yes, Lizzo – encourage us with that uplifting energy, those positive vibes! She adds on the utterly sublime chorus, “I’m so glad that you’re still with us / Broken, but damn, you’re still perfect.” Don’t we all need to hear that we are loved and special, even when we are flawed? “Special” marks one of the truly elite records from Special.

Appears in :

Lizzo, “Special”: Music Lifts No. 5 (2022)

12. Walter Hawkins, “What Is This?”

The Hawkins Family • Yell • 1980 

“What is this / That I feel deep inside / That keeps setting my soul afire?” Well, Walter Hawkins, many refer to it as The Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit, of course, is tied with The Most High aka God aka Jesus – The holy trinity… Of course, throughout “What Is This?” which appears on Hawkins’ 1980 album, The Hawkins Family,  Hawkins doesn’t make things complicated – he keeps it simple yet encouraging, spiritual refreshing, and uplifting: “Whatever it is / It won’t let me / Hold my peace.”  Essentially, Hawkins, and anyone who experiences this feeling, can’t just sit still – they must speak of this joy deep down inside and share it with the world! 

“What Is This?” is a soulful, R&B-gospel joint.  It’s smooth and easy-going, yet potent and powerful.  There are awesome vocals from all parties involved, namely Walter Hawkins himself.  The backing vocals are electrifying too, particularly the female leads that testify to the Holy Spirit.  The tuneful chorus is among the biggest selling points.  Still, moments like, “It makes me love all my enemies / And it makes me love my friends / And it won’t let me be ashamed / To tell the world that I’ve been born again,” truly speak to belief, faith, and a deep connection with God.  As this wonderful record progresses, it only grows more spirited, making the soul feel that much happier and #LIFTED .  There is an awesome cover by Korean Soul ! 

Appears in :

Walter Hawkins, “What Is This?”: Music Lifts No. 32 (2022)

13. Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey, “When You Believe”

The Prince of Egypt (Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1998

“There can be miracles when you believe / Though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill.” Amen, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston! Please, ladies, continue, won’t you with your uplifting musical sermon? “Who knows what miracles, you can achieve / When you believe, somehow you will / You will when you believe.” Yes, yes, yes! It should come as no surprise that “When You Believe”, from the 1998 animated motion picture, The Prince of Egypt, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. No, the two, gifted divas that performed the end-title duet version weren’t awarded, but decorated songwriter Stephen Schwartz was victorious, deservedly so. “When You Believe” is all about the power of faith.  What better way to sing about faith than have two of the most gifted sings of all time duet? Babyface produces this powerhouse rendition.

Whitney Houston is the first voice we hear, setting the tone for the first verse and of course, the tuneful chorus.  Essentially, Houston sings about ample prayer, with little evidence prayers would be answered.  Still, because of faith, even when it seemed like there was no reason to believe, ultimately, “We were moving mountains long before we knew we could.” In the second verse, Mariah Carey echoes the sentiment, asserting, “Hope seems like the summer birds / Too swiftly flown away.” Despite the adversity, she goes on to state, “My heart’s so full, I can’t explain / Seeking faith and speaking words / I never thought I’d say.”  Houston and Carey join forces the rest of the time, inspiring with what can be deemed unshakable faith: “A small but still resilient voice, says ‘Help is very near!’” Nearly 25 years after its debut, “When You Believe” remains one of the greatest pop duets of all time. Furthermore, it’s an awesome testament to faith.  Now that is a better lift than you can get at the gym, any day! Worth noting, the duet also appears on Houston’s 1998 album, My Love is Your Love and Carey’s Greatest Hits (2001). 

Appears in :

Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston, “When You Believe”: Music Lifts No. 8 (2022)

13 Lit Songs To Lift You Up [: Ashford Marx, Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Columbia, Epic, Fueled By Ramen, HELDER, Ketut Subiyanto, Light, Make Noise, Motown, The Musical Hype, nappy, Nice Life, Parkwood, Pavel Danilyuk, Pexels, RCA, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner, Yell]

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Published by the musical hype on December 7, 2022December 7, 2022