In this article, we are going to focus on some legendary songs about winning that inspired generations to forget about losses and egged us on towards victory.
You’ve probably heard some songs about triumph at a football game, an annual sports day, or perhaps the background music for the local hotdog eating contest.
These songs are often loud and have catchy beats that capture the mood of optimism and reinforce a sense of hope. There are numerous songs about winning that have earned national and worldwide acclaim.
Here is a selection of some of the best songs about winning that have truly rings all around the world. The following list is not by any means a ranking.
Songs About Winning
Victory – Megadeth
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine names checks his band’s earlier successes on the devastating closing track to ‘Youthanasia,’ just as John Lennon did with a ‘Glass Onion.’
Mustaine did it as a joke, but ended up telling a more personal story.
The choruses of ‘Victory’ highlight the singer/triumph guitarist’s over addiction (“Had fingers in my eyes / Had needles in my veins”) and, maybe, an allusion to his dismissal from Metallica (“A knife right through my heart”).
“I am a win,” Mustaine cries at the end.
He sounds both thankful and defiant.
I’m Still Standing – Elton John
Victory can take many forms, and contrary to popular belief, it does not always come in the shape of a gold or silver medal.
The ability to stand in the face of adversity and not give up is perhaps the greatest victory.
One of his renowned songs about winning ‘I’m Still Standing,’ Elton John managed to encapsulate the essence of what it actually means to be triumphant.
This song, as the title suggests, emphasizes the significance of exhibiting perseverance in the face of hardship.
Bernie Taupin’s lyrics are snappy and to-the-point: “Don’t you know I’m still standing better than I ever did / Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a small kid…”Despite the fact that this upbeat song was created to help people get over a breakup, it is still featured in many highly intense competitions around the globe.
We Are the Champions – Queen
This song about winning is one of the most catchy tunes ever written, according to math.
‘We Are The Champions’ is one of the most popular anthems in sporting events.
This classic pop rock song was written by Queen’s gifted frontman Freddie Mercury and released in 1977 by the legendary British band Queen.
The song was an instant hit around the world, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and fourth on the US Billboard Hot 100.
With lyrics like “I consider it a challenge before the human race / And I ain’t going to lose…”, it’s no wonder that it was chosen as the official song for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Life’s been good – Joe Walsh
Eagles member who is extremely affluent.
One-man show.
A mind-blowingly talented guitarist.
Joe Walsh, who drew on his dry sense of humour for this famous send-up of the rock star lifestyle, has definitely had a nice life.
Walsh mocks haughty success stories with lines like
“My Maserati does 185
I lost my license, now I don’t drive”
and “I live in hotels, break down the walls
I have accountants pay for it all.”
It’s hilarious because it’s true.
Walsh’s gritty guitar just adds to the experience.
On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons
What better way to celebrate a victory than with a happy and upbeat song about praising your accomplishment?
Imagine Dragons’ 2012 hit reminds us to stay humble and enjoy our victories.
‘On Top of the World’ reminds us to treasure our victories and never take them for granted.
Being modest when it is required of you is sometimes the most empowered feeling.
Paths of victory – Bob Dylan
“Trails of problems
Roads of wars
Paths of victory
I shall walk,”
Bob Dylan famously begins this iconic song.
His eloquent portrayal of the bumpy route to victory and achievement cannot not but inspire individuals from all walks of life.
The song’s strength may be witnessed in the way it has been played on a variety of competitive platforms around the world.
The song’s significance may be seen in how many artists have covered it since it was initially released in 1991. This song’s acoustic style makes it one of the most soulful triumph songs about winning.
Unstoppable – Sia
We’ve got an empowerment anthem for you if you’re seeking to get into that winning attitude.
Sia launched her track ‘Unstoppable’ in 2016, which is about empowerment and resilience.
Despite your hardships, the lyrics of the song will make you feel ready to face the world.
Sia invites you to put on your armor, wipe away your tears, and demonstrate your might to the world. Just immerse yourself in these lyrics –
“I put my armor on, show you how strong how I am
I put my armor on, I’ll show you that I am
I’m unstoppable
I’m a Porsche with no brakes, I’m invincible
Yeah, I win every single game
I’m so powerful
I don’t need batteries to play
I’m so confident
Yeah, I’m unstoppable today”
Thunder road – Bruce Springsteen
The Boss has spent the majority of his career chronicling the problems of losers – or, at the very least, individuals who tend to come out on the losing end.
But there was still the possibility of escape on the ‘Born to Run’ LP, of a slender win in the closing seconds as the clock went down.
That’s what happens in ‘Thunder Road,’ with a protagonist who “ain’t no hero” but can nonetheless provide a shot for a better life via a long car voyage into an unknown future.
That’s as close as triumphant as Springsteen songs go, hence the famous kiss-off line,
“It’s a town full of losers, and I’m pulling out of here to win.”
Eye of the tiger – Survivor
One of the most popular songs about winning “Eye of the Tiger” is by the American rock band Survivor.
It was released as a single from their third album of the same name, and it also served as the theme song for the 1982 picture Rocky III, which was released the day before the single.
The song was written by Survivor guitarist Frankie Sullivan and keyboardist Jim Peterik, and it was recorded at the request of Rocky III star, writer, and director Sylvester Stallone, after Queen refused him permission to use “Another One Bites the Dust,” which Stallone intended to use as the Rocky III theme. Some of the catchy lines go like these –
“It’s the eye of the tiger
It’s the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger”
We will rock you – Queen
This was written by Queen guitarist Brian May, one of the all time greatest songs about winning.
He said that the song’s inspiration came to him in a dream.
In October 2008, he told Mojo magazine that he intended to “produce a song that the listener could engage in.”
In the Days of Our Lives documentary, he recalled a concert where the audience chanted the Liverpool Football Club hymn “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at the band as they exited the stage.
“I went to bed wondering, ‘What could you possibly ask them to do?’
They’re all crammed in there, but they can clap their hands, beat their feet, and sing “He took note.
“When I woke up in the morning, I had the inspiration for ‘We Will Rock You.'”
“We Will Rock You” was issued as a double A-side single alongside “We Are The Champions.”
Since the release of the song, the band has nearly always utilized “Rock You” and “Champions” as a back-to-back encore, with “Champions” finishing the concert and segueing into a tape playing Queen’s version of “God Save The Queen.”
Hall of fame – The script
You are the only person who has power over your fate, so make sure you know what you are worth and never underestimate yourself.
There is a song called The Script to aid you with it.
‘Hall of Fame’ is sure to inspire and motivate you, as well as instill in you a great deal of confidence – which is vital for any winner out there. The lesson is straightforward: you are only as great as you think yourself to be. Highlight of the lyrics for me is –
You can walk straight through hell with a smile
You can be a hero, you can get the gold
Breakin’ all the records they thought never could be broke (Yeah)”
Champion – Kanye West
Kanye West’s hugely hit bop Champion took place on his album Graduation.’
The underlying lyricism of the song, written by Becker Walter Carl and Fagen Donald Jay, makes it stand out.
Lines like
“Runners on their mark and they pop their guns
Stand up, stand up, here he comes”
make it an ideal tune to play at sports events both inside and outside of school.
While listening to the song, one can hear how jazz and reggae have inspired it. Despite the absence of trumpets in the background music, the superb usage of guitar and bass made the song noteworthy.
Good to be living – Andy Grammar
“Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah)” is a song by Andy Grammer that appears on the deluxe edition of his sophomore album, Magazines or Novels.
The song got release on August 24, 2015, during his Dancing with the Stars tenure.
The tune also featured in several Walmart discount commercials as well as Quaker Oats Chewy Bars.
I think I finally found my hallelujah
I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life
Now all my dreams are coming true, yeah
I’ve been waiting for this moment
Sweet victory
David Glen Eisley and Bob Kulick wrote and performed this rock song about winning.
Bubble Bowl featured this track on the episode “Band Geeks.”
And it’s sweet, sweet, sweet victory, oh!
It’s ours for the taking, it’s ours for the fight!
And it’s sweet, sweet, sweet victory, yeah!
And the one who’s last to fall!
The winner takes all…
Take it!
Winning Ugly – Rolling stones
‘Winning Ugly’ by the Rolling Stones is one of their most well-known songs. Another well known song that induces the idea of winning.
This fantastic pop song, released in 1986 as part of their album titled ‘Dirty Work,’ is recognized for the remarkable harmony of singers and instrumentation.
This song, written by Mick Jagger, was an instant triumph, tracing The Rolling Stones’ conquest over people’s hearts all across the world.
The song starts with the lyrics “I want to be on top / Forever on the rise / And damn the competition / I never play it fair…”, emphasizing the work required to reach success.
The champion – Carrie Underwood
Super Bowl LII was quickly approaching, and everyone needed something to raise their spirits.
What better method to accomplish this than through music?
Carrie Underwood’s ‘The Champion,’ released in 2018, became a major hit and an inspiring song for many.
The song is all about celebrating victories, and it’s also a great ego boost. Many people used it again for the 2018 Winter Olympics, and it remained a regular tune in numerous competitions.
Long Distance Winner – Buckingham Nicks
This Stevie Nicks song is one of the few from the legendary ‘Buckingham Nicks’ album to be re-released in the digital age (as part of Stevie’s ‘Enchanted’ boxed set).
It’s a melancholy gem in which she wraps her sweet and tart voice around poetic phrases about a man she admires from afar.
As her real-life lover at the time, Lindsey Buckingham, spins circles around her with his spiky and chiming guitar, Nicks sings, “I come sprinting down the hill but you’re swift / You’re the victor, long distance winner.”
Ain’t No Stopping Us Now – McFadden and Whitehead
An upbeat music that will boost your energy and motivate you is the ideal addition to our playlist, and this song is certain to do just that.
To win and achieve your objectives, you must push yourself.
People say that the road to success is paved with thorns, and this song will encourage and motivate you to overcome every hurdle on your path.
This catchy song starts like
“Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now!
We’re on the move!
Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now!
We’ve got the groove!”
Final Thoughts
Most of these songs are very well-known around the globe. But these are not the only songs that can help you celebrate your win or inspire you towards glory. Keep listening and keep inspiring yourself and the people around you.
Let us know in the comment section which ones are your favorite songs about winning. Also, share your glorifying stories behind these songs about winning.
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