77 Best Songs That Give Life Advice

Updated on May 14, 2019

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FlourishAnyway believes there is a playlist for just about any situation and is on a mission to unite and
entertain the world through song.

Make a custom playlist for someone you love. The songs in this Life Advice song list are perfect for someone special for
graduation, a milestone birthday, or just because. | Source

Pearls of Wisdom Playlist: Where Music Meets Life Advice

I'm a parent of a teenager who wants little to do with my life lessons, philosophical nuggets, or pearls of wisdom. As a
teen, she doesn't want to hear about what anyone learned from their mistake. "Hurry up and get to the point," is her
refrain. Right now, she's too busy texting with friends and listening to music.

But this mother is creative and won't be easily dissuaded. So if a direct approach doesn't work, I'll let the music speak
on my behalf.

Here is a list of diverse songs that offer memorable tidbits on how to live a better life. Make your own Life Advice
playlist and enjoy listening to the enduring lessons that life has to teach, compliments of pop, rock, and country
music.

1. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones
Youth is filled with limitless optimism, the feeling that you can achieve anything, be anybody if you just try hard
enough. But in comes this 1969 song that tempers that optimism with reality that is forthright but not bitter. If you
look hard enough you can find something redeeming in even the worst of situations.

Best words of wisdom from the song:

You can't always get what you want

And if you try sometime, you find
You get what you need.

2. "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera

Look around you at all the pretty people. Do you feel attractive enough? There is so much pressure to be thinner,
leaner, stronger. Between skinny jeans and "Swimsuit Illustrated" covers, amidst thigh gaps and social media, it
wouldn't be a stretch to image that your self-esteem could use a bit of a boost.

In this 2002 song, Christina Aguilera puts it all in perspective. She reminds you that no matter what others say, you are
good enough. Let the only words that truly matter be the ones you tell yourself.

Best pearl of wisdom from the song:

You're beautiful
No matter what they say
Words can't bring you down.

"I have found that if you love life, life will love you back" - Arthur Rubinstein, American classical pianist | Source

3. "Love Can Build A Bridge" by The Judds

In 1990, mother-daughter country music duo The Judds used this song to advocate the importance of joining hands
and hearts. When in conflict with a friend, a family member, or another nation, it's easy to forget that we're all just
human.

Best words of wisdom from the song:

Love can build a bridge

Between your heart and mine.

What's the Best Piece of Life Advice You've

Ever Received?
Who gave it? What were the circumstances? How has the advice impacted
you? Share the details with us in the Comments Section below.

4. "Man In the Mirror" by Michael Jackson

In this 1988 song, Michael Jackson echoes the sentiments of an old Chinese proverb, "It is better to light a candle than
to curse the darkness."

Rather than lamenting all that is wrong with the world and further spread negativity, hopelessness and inaction, dare
to take action instead. Start with the one person you can directly impact, and that is you. You could be surprised by
the reverberating change you create.

Best piece of advice from the song:

If you want to make the world a better place

Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.

5. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

This 1978 hit is one of those songs to keep in your playlist for when things are really going wrong. When you're
through sulking and feeling sorry for yourself, suck it up and fight back. Put on your big girl panties (or big boy briefs)
and make a comeback with this song as your anthem.

Words to live by:

Do you think I'd crumble

Did you think I'd lay down and die?
No, not I, I will survive
Long as I know how to love
I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live
And all my love to give and I'll survive.
I, I, I will survive.

6. "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers

A down-on-his luck poker player meets an experienced old-timer in this classic 1978 country song. He imparts some
sage advice about not only card playing but also life in general.

Whether in love, money, or other endeavors, know when to cut your losses. Also, understand the danger of drawing
unnecessary attention to yourself. Of course, The Gambler says it prettier.

Words to live by:

You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away, and know when to run.
You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done.

Do You Know When To Walk Away and When To Run?

Kenny Rogers' song, "The Gambler," offers superb advice on avoiding an escalation of commitment to a failing course of
action. Don't let your ego get the best of you. | Source

Kenny Rogers Was Right: Beware Of Sunk Costs

You've probably heard these popular phrases:

"in for a penny, in for a pound"

"going all in" and
"throwing good money after bad."

The sunk cost fallacy or escalation of commitment to a failing course of action is what Kenny's warning us about,
and it's a very real social psychological phenomenon.

People tend to become increasingly and irrationally invested in a prior decision when we've already committed
substantial resources against it. The result could mean enormous losses.

We can engage in the sunk cost fallacy on a national scale (e.g., the Vietnam War, Iraq War) or as individuals. If you've
ever found yourself in a bidding war on eBay or with a real estate deal, then you know how bids can quickly spiral
upwards. Suddenly, you may find that it's more about winning than anything else. Other examples include home
renovation projects, gambling, bad relationships, and unsatisfying jobs or career choices.

In your personal life, consider the following recommendations when you seek to honor Kenny Rogers' advice about
knowing when to walk away and knowing when to run:

1. Rely on accurate data. Knowing what (e.g., time, money) and how much you've lost thus far can help you make a
more rational decision.
2. Define what "failure" or "success" is before you start. For example, is there a price point above which you will not
pay? The sunk cost fallacy depends on you being emotionally over-invested and having soft or shifting definitions
of failure and success.
3. Rather than working yourself into a corner defending your chosen path, invest the up-front time in developing
multiple options. If well-meaning others voice concerns about your decision, consider whether you have truly
listened.
4. Consider your decision from an outsider's reference point.

7. "Daughters" by John Mayer

In this 2003 ballad, John Mayer advises men that how they treat their daughters has a lasting impact on how they live
and love throughout their lives. It creates a lasting foundation of trust or a lingering fear of abandonment.

Best words of wisdom from this song:

You are the guide and the weight of her world

So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do.

8. "I Believe I Can Fly" by Yolanda Adams

In this 2001 cover of R. Kelly's R&B original, the talented songstress encourages perseverance and self-belief in the
face of obstacles. May you take strength from the message.

Best words of wisdom from the song:

If I can see it, then I can do it

If I just believe it, there's nothing to it
I believe I can fly.
 "Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments." - Rose Kennedy, American philanthropist and socialite | Source

9. "Same Love" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

The first time I heard this 2012 song, I was profoundly moved. It takes a lot for a hip hop song to do that, but this is no
ordinary hip hop song. It advocates dignified acceptance of others at a very basic human level. The pearl of wisdom
from this song: "Strip away the fear, underneath, it's all the same love."

10. "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas

This is a celebration song by The Black Eyed Peas (2009), and what I like about this is that they're thinking ahead: "I
gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night." Let's hope that translates into responsible partying.

11. "Dream On" by Aerosmith

You cannot permit this cynical world to rob you of your dreams. Don't let the naysayers win by giving in like that.
Remember that some of the most successful companies of our time started out as a couple of dudes in a garage,
hell-bent on a dream (e.g., Apple).

This 1973 song urges you to "Dream until your dreams come true."

12. "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.

In this 1993 hit, R.E.M. reminds listeners they are not alone in this life. It urges them to hold on even during the lowest
of points, because everybody hurts sometimes.

Best pearl of wisdom in this song:

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins
 The rest is still unwritten.

13. "You've Got To Stand For Something" by Aaron Tippin

It was Winston Churchhill who remarked that having enemies was a good sign that you stood up for something,
sometime in your life. Country music singer Aaron Tippin is no Churchhill, but he imparts the advice that his daddy
gave him, advocating old fashioned Southern values with this 1990 song.

Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name

You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.

"Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out." - James Conant, former president of Harvard
University | Source

14. "Getcha Head in the Game" by Zac Efron

This 2006 song advises that no matter how interesting things may get on the sidelines, it's key to stay focused. Keep
your head in the game.

15. "Dust In the Wind" by Kansas

Kansas waxes philosophical in this 1977 song, providing a reminder that we're all simply passing through this world
and "All we are is dust in the wind."
16. "You Gotta Be" by Des'ree
This optimistic 1994 song challenges you to dig deep and find out who you are. It encourages boldness, calmness,
and authenticity. There are so many words of wisdom from this song, but the best are this: "Stand up and be counted."

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17. "100 Years" by Five For Fighting

Remember being 15 years old and wishing adulthood would come quickly?

This song is a retrospective from a 99 year-old who looks back on a life well lived. He re-examines each point of his
life and relationship with his wife -- from youth to old age. In doing so, he realizes that although each stage had its
positives and negatives, being 15 years old with your life laid out in front of you isn't such a bad stage after all.
(Remember that, teenagers!)

This 2003 song puts it bluntly: "You only got a hundred years to live." Many people, however, don't even have that.

18. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

No matter what your life story has been up to this moment, relish the fact that you can write the rest of it. Take hold of
that power and pen a brilliant middle and end to your life story, full of dramatic plot twists if you wish. You're the
author, according to Natasha Bedingfield (2004).

19. "(Good Riddance) Time of Your Life" by Green Day

Indie rock group Green Day (1997) offers the advice to live in the moment through all life's milestones so that you can
remember your eventful journey, as unpredictable as it was.

20. "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks

Have you ever prayed for something and the prayer wasn't answered? Based on a true account of his encounter with
his old high school girl friend, Garth Brooks (1990) explains that some prayers were never meant to be answered, and
you should be thankful that they weren't.

Best words of wisdom from this song:

 Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because He doesn't answer doesn't mean He don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

21. "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack

Somewhere between mortgages and marriages, education and obligation, adults often lose their childhood zest for
life. However, Lee Ann Womack (2000) captures that innocence and hope in this life-affirming song that a narrator
sings as a wish to her two young daughters.

Best pearl of wisdom from this song:

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you'll dance.

22. "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw

In an electric country song from 2004, Tim McGraw describes the feeling of being 100% engaged in life and his
relationships.

Don't wait until it's time to check out before you fully check in on life. Forgive, offer kindness and love to others, and
seek adventure and solitude. Live like no tomorrow. One day there won't be.

23. "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is the rock band that has stood the test of time from the 1980s days of big hair to today. In this 2000 song
they offer take on Frank Sinatra's mantra, "I Did It My Way."

Best words of wisdom from this song:

It's my life It's now or never I ain't gonna live forever I just want to live while I'm alive.
 "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson,
American writer | Source

24. "Let It Go" by Idina Mendel

If you watched the movie, "Frozen," then you probably have key parts of this 2013 song stuck in your head. The refrain,
"Let it go, let it go," is a good reminder that anger, bitterness, and other negative emotions are just not worth the toll
they'll take on your health and relationships.

25. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

Classic American rock band Journey (1981) offers this this anthem of self-belief. When the odds are stacked against
you, never lose faith that you can triumph.

:To change ones life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions." - William James, Father of American psychology
| Source

Even More Songs That Offer Life Advice

Song Artist Year Released

26. Think Good Thoughts Colbie Callait 2011

27. Put A Little Love In Your Heart Jackie DeShannon 1969

28. R-E-S-P-E-C-T Aretha Franklin 1967

29. Life's A Dance John Michael Montgomery 1997

30. Greatest Love Of All Whitney Houston 1986

31. If Tomorrow Never Comes Garth Brooks 1989

32. I Can See Clearly Now Johnny Nash 1972

 Song Artist Year Released

33. Stronger Kelly Clarkson 2012

34. Garden Party Ricky Nelson 1972

35. Cat's In the Cradle Harry Chapin 1974

36. Don't Worry, Be Happy Bobby McFerrin 1988

37. Happy Pharrell Williams 2013

38. Biscuits Kacey Musgraves 2015

39. Humble and Kind Tim McGraw 2016

40. Go Big or Go Home American Authors 2016

41. Keep Your Head Up Andy Grammer 2010

42. Dream Baby Dream Bruce Springsteen 2014

43. Dear Daughter Halestorm 2015

44. Everything but the Truth Lucinda Williams 2014

45. Affirmation Savage Garden 1999

46. Simple Man Lynyrd Skynyrd 1973

47. Strong Enough to Bend Tanya Tucker 1988

48. You Get What You Give New Radicals 1998

49. End of the Line Traveling Wilburys 1989

50. Titanium David Guetta (featuring Sia) 2011

Michael Franti & Spearhead (featuring

51. Once a Day 2015
Sonna Rele & Supa Dups)

52. Get Along Kenny Chesney 2018

53. Hold On Wison Phillips 1990

54. Life in One Day Howard Jones 1985

55. Secret O' Life James Taylor 1977

56. Secret of Life Faith Hill 1998

57. Only the Strong Survive Jerry Butler 1969

58. Love Is the Answer England Dan & John Ford Coley 1979

59. The Times They Are A-Changin' Bob Dylan 1964

60. Give a Little, Take a Little Jimmy Cliff 1969

61. Have It All Jason Mraz 2018

62. My Wish Rascal Flatts 2006

63. Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow Fleetwood Mac 1977

64. The Chain of Love Clay Walker 2000

 Song Artist Year Released

65. Shine On Jef Carson 1998

66. Let Her Go Passenger 2012

67. Ours Taylor Swift 2011

68. Try Again Aaliyah 2000

69. Can't Hurry Love The Supremes 1966

70. Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen Baz Luhrmann 1997

71. Invisible Hunter Hayes 2014

72. One U2 1992

73. Heal the World Michael Jackson 1992

74. Queens Don't RaeLynn 2018

75. Queen Jessie J 2018

76. Shop Around The Miracles 1960

77. Respect Yourself The Staple Singers 1972

Do you have a song recommendation? Share it with us in the Comments Section below.
 “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” – William Arthur Ward, American writer |
Source

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal
and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Ask the author a question Ask

Question:
What is probably your favorite theme or moral of a "life advice" song, and what is that
song?
 Answer:
It's probably "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw (2004) and similar songs that
advocate living a full, authentic life of no regrets with the limited time we have here
together rather than wasting it focused on petty matters.

There are many songs that address the theme, but that is my favorite. We are all dying,
but we just don't know how rapidly. Make sure you do what's on your bucket list, friend,
and take loved ones along for the adventure so you can create shared memories. None
of us are getting out of this thing alive so no regrets. Let people know how you feel
about them every day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9TShlMkQnc

He said

"I was in my early forties

With a lot of life before me

And a moment came that stopped me on a dime

I spent most of the next days

Looking at the x-rays

Talkin' 'bout the options

And talkin' 'bout sweet time"

I asked him

"When it sank in

That this might really be the real end

How's it hit you

When you get that kind of news?

Man, what'd you do?"

He said

"I went skydiving

I went Rocky Mountain climbing

I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu

And I loved deeper

And I spoke sweeter

And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying"

And he said

"Someday I hope you get the chance

To live like you were dying"

He said

"I was finally the husband

That most of the time I wasn't

And I became a friend a friend would like to have

And all of a sudden going fishin'

Wasn't such an imposition

And I went three times that year I lost my dad

I finally read the Good Book, and I

Took a good, long, hard look

At what I'd do if I could do it all again

And then

I went skydiving

I went Rocky Mountain climbing

I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu

And I loved deeper

And I spoke sweeter

And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying"

And he said

"Someday I hope you get the chance

To live like you were dying

Like tomorrow was a gift

And you've got eternity

To think about

What you'd do with it

What could you do with it

What did I do with it?

What would I do with it?

Skydiving

I went Rocky mountain climbing

I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu

And I loved deeper