Here’s our picks of the best songs about winning, appropriate for all of your celebratory moments!
Music has a way of resonating with a range of varying circumstances and victory is one of them! In a moment of celebration, listening to celebration songs elevates your mood and lets you bask in that moment of success.
1. “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons
From the album Night Visions, this powerful 2012 song oozes a feeling of achievement, one that has been anticipated since childhood. It talks of being on top of the world but also doesn’t fail to mention that being at the top isn’t an easy task. It encourages you to get up even when you hit the ground.
The song received nominations for Teen Choice Award for Choice Rock Song and World Music Award for World’s Best Song. It was a popular hit and has been used for commercial purposes on various platforms. These include the NBA promotional adverts, a FIFA video game, a Coca-Cola advert video, and several other kid’s movies. In 2013 and 2018, other artists recorded renditions of it.
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2. “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston
Featured in the movie “The Bodyguard,” in which she was the main character, the song was a huge success similar to the film. Initially recorded by Humperdinck Engelbert in 1978, this sentimental ballad by Whitney was released in 1988. It was written and produced for the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics.
It featured on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number five and the UK Singles Chart at number one, being Whitney’s third number-one single. On the year-end charts, it held a top one hundred position on at least six charts and top ten on at least seventeen charts globally.
3. “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” By McFadden and Whitehead
Released in 1979, this popular disco song talks of conquest after facing multiple hurdles. It advises you to refuse anything to stop you, regardless of circumstances. Additionally, the song tells you to avoid negative people as they have no clue where they are heading. The song was quite an anthem back in its days. It was broadly perceived to be about the Afro-American community’s experience, and after becoming popular, it was dubbed “the new black national anthem.”
It appeared on the US Billboard Hot R&B Charts at number one and in the top twenty list on the US Billboard Hot 100, US Cashbox Top 100, US Billboard Disco, as well as in Ireland and the UK. Having aged well, it remains one of the top songs about winning.
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4. “We Are the Champions” By Queen
This 1977 rock song has had more than five other renditions by various artists, including Liza Minnelli in 1992, Crazy Frog in 2006, and Marc Martel in 2018. The song tells of how challenging it is to attain success, but if you keep fighting to the end, you’ll be a champion. While the journey wasn’t easy, triumph is sweet.
It was created using previously inaudible instrumental and vocal tries from the original tapes and is widely regarded as one of rock’s most recognizable anthems. A global success, it attained top ten positions in several countries on numerous charts. It made its way to the Grammy Hall of fame in 2009.
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5. “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida
Released in 2011, this dance song gives off a good vibe of winning. It depicts a very ambitious person who compares himself to the President, Bill Gates, and the king of the jungle. The song makes you feel limitless and creates the feeling of one’s ability to achieve anything. It continues to hit the airwaves as one of the top celebration songs.
The song attained a top ten position in sixteen countries and was the group’s fourth top-five and sixth top-ten single on charts globally. On the US Billboard Hot 100, it attained number three.
6. “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang
This upbeat 1980 post-disco song by this American jazz and R&B group was the band’s premier single to attain the first position on the US Billboard Hot 100. The words and the beat put you in a celebratory mood, making it a popular favorite on celebration song playlists. It depicts good times, laughter, gathering, and partying and openly invites everyone from around the world.
It featured on numerous weekly charts, holding the number one position on the US Record World, US Billboard Hot Soul Singles, US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play, Recorded Music New Zealand, US Cash Box, and Canada Top Singles. The song also featured on at least seven year-end charts, all positions of top fifty.
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7. “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled (feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, & Rick Ross)
The hip-hop rap song was released in 2010. It’s a hype song that talks of winning, no matter what, and is from the album Victory. It’s one of those songs you would play during a celebration gathering or when encouraging people to achieve something. Also, like many rap songs, it’s a song about money and getting it, too!
It held positions six and eight on the weekly charts for the US Hot Rap Songs and US Hot R&B | Hip-Hop Songs. On the year-end charts, it attained number seventy-nine on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was also featured on charts in Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
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8. “Unstoppable” by Sia
Composed by Sia and Chris Braide, this 2016 pop song is about winning and being invincible and unstoppable. She compares herself to a Porsche with no brakes, one of the fastest cars in the world. Sia also speaks of winning every single game, stating she doesn’t need batteries to play, depicting that her strength comes from within. That’s a great reminder to all those who feel that they require external aid such as substances to get by.
In July 2016, a revised soundtrack of the song, “Pretty Isn’t Perfect,” was released for Gillette’s 2016 Olympic marketing campaign, with a verse by American rapper Pusha T. In 2017, Red did a rendition of this empowering track.
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9. “I’m Gonna Win” by Foreigner
The song is a reiteration to oneself of how winning is not optional. It speaks of determination and the sweet taste of winning. However, it also depicts that a win won’t be easy, but it will be well worth it. Released in 1981 from the album “4”, this rock song demonstrates Lou Gramm’s vocal prowess and talent.
The album was a great success globally and held the number one position on the Billboard charts for straight ten weeks. It sold over seven million copies in the United States alone.
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10. “I’m Still Standing” By Elton John
This song depicts triumph over a failed love relationship, stating how he has survived and is still standing. With relationships being one of the major reasons people crumble, it is indeed worth celebrating that he got his life back. It is a moment of pride to have overcome the hurdles.
This 1982 pop-rock song was nominated for the MTV Video Music Awards for Best Editing and Best Choreography. Various artists have done renditions of the song in 1996, 2012, and 2016.
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11. “It’s Good to Be Alive” – Andy Grammer
A celebratory song, this 2014 pop track talks of how ecstatic it feels to be alive and winning after years of patiently waiting. Andy gives thanks to a higher power that is seemingly responsible for his current jubilations. Success doesn’t come easy, as he states when he says sometimes you’ve got to get scars to attain what you deserve.
Andy performed this song in Rio four days before the 2016 Olympic games opening ceremony, sharing his rags to riches testimony through the lyrics of this song.
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12. “Applause” by Lady Gaga
This ballad talks of applause, the recognition you get upon outstanding achievements, and the thrill that comes with it. It gives one the feeling of being on the podium and receiving applause. This electronic dance music song was released in 2013.
In 2013, the song received nominations for the YouTube Music Awards Video of the Year and MTV Europe Music Award for Best Video. In 2014, it was nominated for the World Music Award for World’s Best Song and World’s Best Video and the Billboard Music Award for Top Dance | Electronic Song.
13. “We’re a Winner” by The Impressions
This song resonates with almost every African American as it sends a message about being proudly black. You can hear people enjoying themselves and laughing, a percolating guitar and funky drums, depicting the picture of a fabulous party. The song celebrates and unites the journey of the African Americans, who came out victorious. It honors those who came out of the racism and segregation struggle as winners.
Released in 1968 at a time when riots were common in various cities with tension building up over civil rights protests, it topped the R&B Charts.
14. “Winner” by Pet Shop Boys
It’s interesting how most songs about success talk of the struggle before the win. This 2011 synth-pop song talks of the hard work before you succeed. It also tells of the near desperation in the past, a reminder that you have to find a way to inspire yourself along the way.
The song premiered on radio waves in the UK on BBC Radio 2 on The Ken Bruce Show in 2012. In the second week of July, it featured as the station’s Record of the Week.
15. “The Champion” by Carrie Underwood (featuring Ludacris)
The similarity is seen in this song and several other songs about winning in reference to having paid dues, the sacrifice one has to make to attain success. This celebratory song is motivating and gives one the courage to be unstoppable if only to taste the sweetness of being a champion.
Released in 2018, it was initially recorded as an opening theme song for Super Bowl LII’s television broadcast on NBC Sports. It featured on the US Billboard Hot 10 at number forty-seven.
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16. “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
This 1990 pop-rap song is a celebration of success. MC Hammer depicts himself as a symbol to look up to, an ideology of success, an untouchable icon. It’s a hype song that would put anyone into a mood of jubilation and enjoyment.
In 1990, the song was awarded the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video and Best Dance Video. In 1991, it was awarded the American Music Award for Favorite Soul | R&B Single, Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance, Soul Train Music Award for Best Song of the Year, and Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.
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17. “How Do You Like Me Now” by Toby Keith
This country music ballad, released in 1999, is mocking a crush who didn’t give him much attention back then, as he had nothing much to offer. His pursuit of love drove him to ensure he achieved and became successful, which he sings about with emphasis. As his voice rocks the airwaves on the radio, he sings of winning while the intended recipient of his affections lives a miserable life, having married for the money.
In 2000, the song garnered the Academy of Country Music Award for Video of the Year and the Country Music Association Awards for Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year. Subsequently, in 2001, it attained the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year and Academy of Country Music Awards for Single of the Year and Song of the Year.
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18. “Exactly” by Amy Steinberg
Exactly is a rock song about strategic placement and victorious experiences. Amy shares her joy in being at the perfect place, divinely timed. It’s a song about winning beyond endurance. It was released in 2005 and is from the album Must Be The Moon.
This touching song depicts a higher power as being the manipulator of life’s events. It also indicates that there’s no winning without struggle. This is illustrated in the words “you’ll see a dark stormy night if you look at me closely,” and the joyous moment is seeing the light of day reflect in her hands when they sway.
19. “Watch Me Rise” by Mikky Ekko
This 2015 indie celebratory song talks about Ekko standing tall even while the rest are falling. It is clear there is something to celebrate as a hurdle has been overcome, as he calls others to watch him rise. The song is motivational while at the same time celebrational. The song became EFL’s Championship opening theme song on Sky Sports.
In April the same year, he was selected as Elvis Duran’s Artist of the Month and was highlighted on NBC’s Today show, broadcast nationally. Unfortunately, his songs never made it to the charts until “Stay,” a compilation he performed with Rihanna, which held top five positions in various countries worldwide.
20. “New Day” by Alicia Keys
Alicia calls us all to celebrate and lift our hands in jubilation. This 2012 pop song makes one come alive. It is from the album Girl on Fire, quite appropriately named. As depicted in the song, success gives one a feeling that you don’t want to let go of, but it comes by not giving up.
The song appeared on several charts, including France at number one hundred and six, US Hot R&B | Hip-Hop Songs at number seventy-three, South Korea International Singles at number forty-seven, and Belgium (Ultratip) at number three, among others.
21. “My Way” By Frank Sinatra
This lovely jazz song, recorded in 1969, was viral after its release and many years later. It is the celebration of a life well-lived, with few regrets, and most importantly, a life lived on his terms. Sinatra expresses how pleased he is with having done life his way and is quite amused by that. The song featured in the UK Top 40 charts, where it spent seventy-five weeks.
Over the years, there have been over fifteen other renditions of this song by various artists, including Paul Anka in 1975 and Elvis Presley in 1977. Vicente Fernández, in 1983, recorded the song in Spanish – “A Mi Manera.”
22. “You’re The Best” by Joe Esposito
This powerful 1984 synth-pop ballad, written by Alee Willis (lyrics) and Bill Conti (music), was initially written for Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky III movie. However, it ended up in another classic and was featured as the original motion picture soundtrack for The Karate Kid.
It’s a vibrant song that reiterates, “you’re the best!” A strong, positive reminder that with the appropriate work, commitment, and focus, every one of us is capable of being the best. The song not only celebrates success but also encourages it.
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23. “The Best” by Tina Turner
This song celebrates a loved one, emphasizing how they are better than all the rest. Tina speaks of how she would rather be dead if the subject of her affections were ever to leave. The words really elevate him as she says she is stuck on his every word.
Released in 1991, this rock and R&B soul song garnered nominations for the Brit Awards for British Video of the Year.
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24. “Sweet Victory” by David Glen Eisley and Bob Kulick
This song was first recorded in 1996 by the two artists and was later performed by the Band Geeks in the SpongeBob Square Pants series in 2012. Eisley voiced it as SpongeBob.
This song talks of triumph against all odds and pain. It’s a song that encourages determination and tells you to trudge on despite the challenges since, after all, the winner takes it all.
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25. “Gonna Fly Know” (composed) by Bill Conti
Also referred to as “Theme from Rocky”, this Philly soul song was released in 1977 for the movie Rocky. The song became popular in the United States after the main character, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), sprints up the 72 stone stairs as part of his daily training program. These led to the entryway of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There, he lifts his arms in a triumphant stance while the music plays.
The song gained popularity, and particularly in Philadelphia, it is regularly played at sporting events. It held positions above one hundred in the Canada RPM Top Singles Charts, the US Billboard Hot 100, and the US Billboard Adult Contemporary Charts.
26. “Eye of The Tiger” by Survivor
This celebratory rock tune was a hit and was featured in the 1982 movie Rocky III as the theme song. There have been over ten other renditions of this song over the years by various artists. These include Amel Bent in 2004, Crew 7 in 2006, and New Found Glory in 2019, to name a few.
When you describe someone as having the “eye of the tiger,” you mean they are confident, focused, and have the appearance of being somewhat cold, intense, but extremely fierce, with a never say die mentality.
27. “Started From the Bottom” by Drake
The video of this song is hilarious, the in-store scene at the beginning. Quite a feat, the piece depicts starting from the bottom and making it to the top, indicative of how sweet success is.
Released in 2013, this hip-hop | rap song won BET Awards for Viewer’s Choice and Video of the Year, and BET Hip Hop Awards for Best Hip Hop Video, Best Song of the Year, and People’s Champ, all of which were attained in 2013.
It also received nominations in 2013 for MTV Video Music Awards for Best Direction and Best Hip-Hop Video, BET Award for Video of the Year, BET Hip Hop Award for Best Song of the Year, and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Music: R&B | Hip-Hop Song. In 2014, the song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance and World Music Awards for World’s Best Song and World’s Best Video.
28. “Roar” by Katy Perry
Once again, we see the reference of the eye of the tiger in this song, a celebration of gathering the strength to walk out of an abusive relationship. It is an excellent reminder to all those going through similar circumstances that walking out is not the end. In fact, it is the beginning of a triumphant existence.
From the album Prism, this pop song was released in 2013 and received nominations for the CMT Music Award for CMT Performance of the Year and the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance.
29. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
Unlike most songs about success that speak of already achieved success, this hardcore hip-hop song is more of a wake-up call. It talks about hard times in detail and the realization that success is the only option – other than living a life full of pain, food stamps, and nine-to-five grinding. It’s a call to us all to grasp opportunities when we can, as there may never be a second chance.
Eminem is the songwriter and producer and released the song in 2002. He expresses himself authentically in this track, making it inspirational and emotional. This was his first Billboard Hot 100 single at number one, which it held for twelve weeks consecutively.
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30. “Top of the World” by The Carpenters
This was quite a common track played on airwaves globally, depicting a feeling of success and celebration. It was the original motion picture soundtrack for the Dark Shadows film. The country-pop song was released in 1972. Since then, there have been various other recordings of the same song, including, but not limited to, The Sugarcubes in 1992, Shonen Knife in 1994, and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes in 2014.
In 1973, for two consecutive weeks, it maintained the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. Between 1973 and 1974, the song was number one on charts in Australia and the Canadian RPM Top Singles. It also held top five positions on the US Billboard Easy Listening and US Record World Charts. Additionally, it appeared on Dutch, Japanese, German, Irish, UK, and New Zealand Charts.
31. “Live to Win” by Paul Stanley
This motivational song is Stanley’s way of encouraging others to overcome depression, frustration, delusion, confusion, and all else that could come in the way of achieving their dreams. He shares how he is not caving in and succumbing to life’s pressures, but instead, he lives to win.
This is his second solo studio album. It was released in 2006. Twenty days before its release, the album’s title track featured in a South Park episode. The song held number fourteen and fifty-three on the Rock Albums and Billboard 200 on North American charts.
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As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.