Connect with us

Playlists

33 Best Songs About Winning, Victory, Celebration, & Success

Published

on

Best Songs About Winning, Victory, Celebration, & Success

Songs about winning offer the best way to bask in sweet victory, whether you just graduated college, won a big game or landed a new job. You put in the work. Now, enjoy the fruits of your labor!

No matter your situation, a celebration playlist is a must-have for when you achieve success in your life. We’re positive you’ll find the perfect song in this list to help you relish your accomplishments!

 

The Best Songs About Winning, Victory, Celebration, & Success

We’ve researched and listened to lots of music to identify the most iconic victory songs for a celebratory mood.

Here’s our playlist of the 33 best songs about winning, victory, celebration, & success:

 

33. Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah) – Andy Grammer

This groovy tune will have you dancing in no time with its bouncy beat. “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)” was released when Grammer was on the popular TV show, Dancing With The Stars.

The lyrics were inspired by Grammer’s own experience as a street performer and how he’d been waiting for his big break. You can feel the pure excitement in the song, as it describes the joy he feels when he finally makes it big.

“Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)” made it to #12 on Billboard’s Adult Top 40 and #20 on the Adult Contemporary chart in 2016. In the same year, it broke through to #62 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

32. Sweet Victory – David Glen Eisley

“Sweet Victory” is the song to play if you need to get yourself in a winning mindset before a big game.

David Glen Eisley co-wrote “Sweet Victory” with American guitarist and record producer Bob Kulick in 1997. Its inspirational lyrics focus on continuing to battle whole-heartedly even when you’re pushed beyond your limit.

The hard rock song was featured in a famous episode of Spongebob Squarepants in 2001, which increased its success tremendously. It went on to hit #23 on the Hot Rock Songs chart in 2019.

 

31. Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen

“Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen is a liberating tune focusing on the excitement of a romantic relationship. It’s one of those free-spirited songs that make you want to explore the world!

In addition to the joy of embarking on a new journey with a lover, the song also metaphorically invites Springsteen’s fans to join him on his musical adventure.

The rock song earned the 111th spot on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2021. It also peaked at #5 on the Radio Airplay chart in France in 1975.

 

30. Roar – Katy Perry

If you need some motivation to take on a challenging day ahead, we recommend adding this one to your playlist. “Roar” is so good that it also makes our list of the best songs to wake up to!

This statement song by Katy Perry is meant to empower listeners to speak up for themselves and take on the next stage in their life with boldness, courage, and confidence.

In 2013, “Roar” was named the Best-Selling Female Song of the Year in Australia and hit #1 on the U.S. Adult Pop Songs chart.

 

29. Hall Of Fame – The Script ft. will.i.am

This song features an interesting blend of pop-rock and hip hop that will get you pumped!

“Hall Of Fame” is all about following our dreams and doing what we can to impact the world around us positively. The lyrics tell listeners that they can be anything they want to be.

The track went #1 on the Irish Singles Chart and debuted at #2 in the UK in 2012. It also had major success in the U.S. in the same year, charting at #25.

 

28. U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer

There’s no better way to celebrate your achievement than with this pop-rap hit from 1990.

MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” is the perfect hype song, presenting the narrator as an embodiment of success. Throughout the lyrics, he repeatedly claims that no one can match his musical and dancing skills.

“U Can’t Touch This” earned Hammer a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song and Best Rap Solo Performance in 1991. The song also hit #1 in ten countries throughout that same year.

 

27. All Star – Smash Mouth

Here’s a song that radiates pure confidence! You’ve probably heard it in the popular kid’s movie Shrek.

It’s an uplifting song that tells listeners to ignore the haters and go ahead and pursue their dreams. The lyrics were meant to build self-esteem and let Smash Mouth’s fans know that they can do anything they set their minds to.

The alternative rock song topped the Billboard Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 charts in 1999. It’s also one of the most-streamed rock songs in the U.S. during the four years between 2017 and 2021.

 

26. Champion – Fall Out Boy

If you’re into pop rock, you’ll love this encouraging song from the American rock band, Fall Out Boy.

Some believe this empowering anthem is bassist Pete Wentz’s reference to his battle with bipolar disorder. The lyrics focus on overcoming obstacles in life and never letting them define you.

“Champion” peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in 2017. The song also made its way to #18 on Alternative Airplay in the same year.

 

25. My Way – Frank Sinatra

Everybody loves a good Frank Sinatra song, especially when it’s as nostalgic and upbeat as this one.

“My Way” describes how the narrator has looked back on his life and concluded that he is satisfied with how he’s lived. He has no regrets and did everything the way he wanted to do it.

The jazz song took the #2 spot on the Easy Listening chart and #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. It also charted seventy-five consecutive weeks in the UK Top 40 in the same year, making it the second song ever to do that in music history.

 

24. Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys

This R&B song was meant for all the ladies out there. You just can’t help but be inspired listening to it!

“Girl On Fire” is about a girl who follows her passions and finally lets go of what has held her back in life. Essentially, it’s a song about freedom and becoming the best version of yourself.

This fiery Alicia Keys song went #1 in multiple countries, including Austria, South Korea, and Slovakia, in 2012. It also peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 within the same year.

 

23. Another One Bites The Dust – Queen

“Another One Bites The Dust” is a classic rock ‘n roll hit from the 80s. Queen is also our #1 choice on our playlist of the best songs of all time with “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

The song’s main message appears to be the refusal to succumb to an enemy. Its lyrics explain that no matter the opposition, the narrator is prepared to handle it.

The signature Queen song charted #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980 and won an American Music Award for Favorite Rock Single in 1981.

 

22. Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton

Ben Haggerty, otherwise known as “Macklemore,” teamed up with Ryan Lewis to release this record in 2011.

This exciting, soulful beat talks about how the sky is the limit for those who want to chase their dreams. It’s all about motivating listeners to work hard to earn success, but not to forget to enjoy it when it comes.

“Can’t Hold Us” was the Most-Streamed Song of 2013 by Spotify and became the eighth best-selling song of the same year. It also hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 during that time.

 

21. Started From The Bottom – Drake

“Started From The Bottom” is a great song for people who came from humble beginnings or are currently working their way to the top. Drake also appears on our best summer songs playlist with his hit, “Summer Sixteen.”

The lyrics stem from Drake’s background and how he and his family worked hard to succeed in the music industry. He talks about the sacrifices made along the way and how he plans to care for the people who supported him.

This hip hop song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart in 2013. It also won Track of the Year at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards.

 

20. Best Day Of My Life – American Authors

If you need the perfect song for a good day, you should definitely listen to “Best Day Of My Life” by American Authors.

The central message of this joyful song is simply celebrating the goodness of life even if you’re having a rough day. It reminds listeners that there’s always a way to make any day better.

This pop-rock song peaked at #2 on the Hot Rock Songs chart and #4 on the Mainstream Top 40 in 2013. It also appears in many films and TV shows, including Vampire Diaries, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Glee.

 

19. Winner – Pet Shop Boys

This Pet Shop Boys tune is yet another song about being on top of the world.

“Winner” was a synth-pop song explicitly written for the 2012 London Olympics. Its lyrics describe how long the journey to success has been and encourage the listener to enjoy the feeling of sweet victory while it lasts.

The song reached #8 on the Billboard Dance Singles Sales chart and #16 on the Japan Hot 100 in 2012. It also earned the #12 spot on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart in the same year.

 

18. Good Feeling – Flo Rida

If you’re looking for a fun, upbeat celebration song, this is it! Check out our best party songs playlist if you want to see more Flo Rida songs.

This hip hop/dance song features an Etta James vocal sample from her song, “Something’s Got a Hold On Me.” The song shows a narrator relishing his life’s successes and focusing on grinding to achieve even more.

“Good Feeling” hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the UK Singles chart in 2012. As of 2020, the song has sold over 1.2 million copies in the UK.

 

17. The Champion – Carrie Underwood ft. Ludacris

Carrie Underwood’s “The Champion” is another song that’s great for pumping yourself up for a sports game. However, the lyrics can also be applied to other challenging events in your life.

This motivational anthem reminds us that there is a champion in all of us. Its lyrics focus on conquering challenges and overcoming obstacles in life, whether in or out of the game.

“The Champion” was the opening theme song for the Super Bowl LII in 2017 and the 2018 Winter Olympics. Underwood also received Female Video of the Year for the song at the 2018 CMT Music Awards.

 

16. All I Do Is Win – DJ Khaled ft. Ludacris, Rick Ross, T-Pain, & Snoop Dogg

Your hands will instantly go up when you hear this legendary rap song from some of the best hip hop artists in the music industry.

“All I Do Is Win” basically states that DJ Khaled and his crew of rappers can’t lose. They’re going to win no matter what, earning fame and fortune.

It peaked at #8 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart and #63 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2010. The single also became an anthem for various professional sports teams, serving as the New York Knicks’ player introductions for the 2010-2011 season.

 

15. On Top Of The World – Imagine Dragons

Have you ever felt on top of the world and just wanted to shout it from the rooftops? Well, this Imagine Dragons song talks all about that very feeling.

“On Top Of The World” shares the story of a narrator who has experienced the highs and lows in life but has finally found success.

The song reached #79 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the Hot Rock Songs chart in 2012. It went on to chart within the top ten in multiple countries, including Australia, Poland, and Portugal, from 2012 to 2014.

 

14. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship

Another of the top songs on this celebration-themed list is “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by the American rock band, Starship. It’s a perfect song for lovers who are ready to face the world together!

This soft rock duet features a lovesick narrator who vows not to let anyone or anything stop them from pursuing a long-term relationship with their special someone.

It was the second best-selling song in 1987 and also charted #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the same year. Interestingly enough, in 1987, band member Grace Slick was the oldest woman to achieve a #1 single in the U.S.

 

13. One Moment In Time – Whitney Houston

You can never go wrong with listening to Whitney Houston! Her song, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” also made our playlist of the best 80s songs of all time because it’s just that good.

This sentimental R&B/pop ballad concentrates on the narrator’s desire to live her life and make her mark on the world. The lyrics tell listeners never to settle for anything less than the best.

“One Moment In Time” became Houston’s third #1 song in the UK and hit #1 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart in 1988. The song also made it on the Billboard Hot 100 that same year.

 

12. You’re The Best – Joe Esposito

You probably recognize this one from the 1984 film, The Karate Kid. It’s the song from the famous scene when the two main characters win their karate matches before they meet to fight in the finals.

The hard rock/synth-pop song’s simple lyrics motivate listeners to believe in themselves and contend for their dreams.

Although “You’re The Best” didn’t chart in 1984, it has been used in many movies and TV series throughout the years, including Big Stan (2007), The Wedding Ringer (2015), The Simpsons (2017), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2014), and South Park (2005).

 

11. The Winner Takes It All – ABBA

ABBA shows up on many of our playlists. You’ll find their song, “Mamma Mia,” among the best easy songs to sing, and “Dancing Queen” among the best sweet 16 songs and the best happy songs of all time.

“The Winner Takes It All” is one of the group’s most famous breakup songs, which sarcastically congratulates the narrator’s ex for moving on from their relationship.

The pop ballad took the #1 spot on charts in Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, the UK, and South Africa in 1980. It also made #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in 1981.

 

10. Don’t Stop Believin – Journey

“Don’t Stop Believin” is a great song about winning, but Journey has also written some of the best love songs of all time. You’ll see them on our best prom songs playlist with their ballad, “Faithfully.”

However, this particular song focuses on the power of positive thinking for people facing different challenges in life. The lyrics show that you can rise to the top even when you’re at rock bottom. You just have to keep believing!

The song was a great success, hitting #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981. It also became the highest-selling song of the 20th century before the digital era.

 

9. Survivor – Destiny’s Child

If you need a catchy song that’ll motivate you to keep pushing, “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child is a good song for you. It’s one of the best TikTok songs to date, making many appearances in inspirational videos.

Destiny’s Child also earned a spot on our best songs about money playlist with “Bills, Bills, Bills.”

“Survivor” was actually inspired by the reality TV series, Survivor. Its lyrics talk about surviving a variety of situations, from losing people you care about to rising above hateful criticism.

In 2002, the song won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals. The accompanying music video also won Best R&B Video at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.

 

8. Celebration – Kool & The Gang

“Celebration” is an excellent tune for graduation parties, weddings, and sporting events.

The song makes it easy to apply to any happy situation, as its lyrics are generic, which encourage listeners to “party” and “have a good time.”

The Library of Congress picked the song to be preserved in the National Recording Registry in 2020 for its cultural, historical, and aesthetical significance. It was also Kool & The Gang’s only single that earned #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980.

 

7. Ain’t No Stopping Us Now – McFadden And Whitehead

If you’re in more of a disco mood, this one is sure to make you bust a move.

This funky tune is one of many songs that inspire a winning mindset. The song describes the obstacles the narrator has faced and the ones to come but focuses on that he’ll never give up.

“Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” went #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart and became a crossover hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. It also made #5 in the UK and #10 on the Billboard Disco charts during the same year.

 

6. Unstoppable – Sia

Australian singer-songwriter Sia is no stranger to songs about winning and success. So you’ll undoubtedly feel “unstoppable” when you push play on this one.

The electropop hit talks about confidence and resilience while proving that it takes hard work and determination to make your dreams a reality.

“Unstoppable earned worldwide recognition, peaking at #1 on Russia Airplay and Belarus Unistar Radio Top 20 charts in 2016. It also ranked 2nd on the Greece Airplay and France Downloads charts throughout 2019 and 2020.

 

5. Lose Yourself – Eminem

“Lose Yourself” is one of the only rap songs included on our playlist of the best 90s songs of all time, which isn’t surprising considering Eminem’s legendary songwriting and performance skills.

The song’s lyrics concentrate on the main character, Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr., in the 2002 movie 8 Mile. It walks through his journey to become a professional rapper with all odds stacked against him.

Rolling Stone named it one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004. In addition, it won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards in 2003 and a Grammy for Best Male Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song in 2004.

 

4. The Best – Tina Turner

Nothing will get you revved up better than a song by Tina Turner. And this one’s no different!

“The Best” was originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler in 1988. The lyrics focus on the excitement and romance of a new relationship that feels like “the one.”

The hit topped the charts at #2 in Austria, Belgium, Canada, and Portugal throughout 1989 and 1990. It also made #1 in Scotland and #9 in the UK in 2010.

 

3. I’m Still Standing – Elton John

“I’m Still Standing” is a powerful, inspiring ballad that focuses on surviving a broken heart.

Elton John also appears on our playlist of the best karaoke duets of all time with his track, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.”

The song talks about John’s recovery after his cold-hearted ex-lover ended their relationship. However, the lyrics boast that he is “still standing” even though they are no longer together.

It took the #1 spot on Canada’s Top Singles chart and the Swiss charts in 1983 and also went #4 in the UK and #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. during the same year.

 

2. Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor

If you want to channel your inner Rocky Balboa, listen to this song by Survivor!

This upbeat track will surely pump you up, as its lyrics focus on achieving success through rigorous mental and physical training (as seen in Rocky III). The song’s overall meaning is that you have to fight to keep your dreams alive.

“Eye Of The Tiger” went #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles chart in 1982. As of 2015, the song sold over 4.1 million digital copies in the U.S.

 

1. We Are The Champions – Queen

“We Are The Champions” is one of the best winning songs from the arena rock genre that’s commonly played at various sports competitions.

You’ll also find other Queen songs on our best songs about memories and best karaoke songs playlists, including “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

 “We Are The Champions” talks about the joys of being victorious after fighting hard to be successful. It expresses that victory only comes to those by a consistent effort that’s often painful.

It was the official theme song for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The song also charted at #2 in the UK, #4 in the U.S., and #3 in Canada between 1977 and 1978.

 

Summary

Congratulations, champion! Now you have the best songs about winning at your disposal for the next time you score a victory.

Whether you need motivation or have already achieved success, we hope these songs inspire you and help you celebrate!

What’s the best song about winning, in your opinion? Leave a comment below. 

Emily is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and ukulelist who has graced the stage at countless venues across the Midwest and Southern U.S. Throughout her career, she’s opened for artists including Eric Paslay, Stars Go Dim, Love & The Outcome, and Sierra Hull. She writes relatable, original music in various genres, from country and folk to cinematic pop, hoping to inspire and uplift her listeners. Outside of music, Emily enjoys hiking with her husband and playing with her comical cat, Olive.