Best Songs for Underdogs, According To Champions

When you feel like your back’s up against the wall and you’ve got no choice but to battle through then you need some inspiration that really lets you know that you can do it.

That’s why we chose these songs!

Each of them is a fine example of how to live life even when you’ve taken a massive hit from bad luck and things are tough and they show you that you can pull through and overcome anything!

Spoon – The Underdog

This was a song about the band taking on Elektra Records (their label) and while it doesn’t guarantee that the underdog always wins – it certainly says that it’s a possibility.

And who doesn’t love a David Vs Goliath story where David comes out on top? We certainly love this one.

Listen to it here.

Foreigner – Jukebox Hero

It’s the story of a young guitar player stood outside of a stadium and listening to the band inside because he can’t afford a ticket and his determination that one day, he too will be playing to massive crowds.

You can’t help but feel exactly as that young man must have done and wonder if there’s an autobiographical element to this powerful tune?

Listen to it here.

Twisted Sister – We’re Not Gonna Take It

Dee Snider’s not known for accepting the status quo and if you’ve seen the video for this on YouTube then you’ll know it’s all about rising up against authority and making your own way in the world.

This song makes everyone want to sing along.

Listen to it here.

David Bowie – Heroes

This song was written when Bowie saw a couple kissing in the shade of the Berlin Wall (it was during the period when the Wall separated East from West) and he was so impressed by his heroes that he penned a song to them.

It’s one of his most universally well-regarded songs and shows that even in the face of impossible odds, love can conquer all.

Listen to it here.

Alicia Keys – Underdog

This comes from the A.L.I.C.I.A album and the co-writing credits include Ed Sheeran, Amy Wadge, Foy Vance, Jonny Coffer and Johnny McDaid.

It’s a simple piece about working day-to-day and doing the hard work to build a better future.

Listen to it here.

Albert King – Born Under A Bad Sign

This is one of those blues songs that speaks to the soul – it’s been covered by greats such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton (and Cream), Kingfish, and many others.

This is about being born under an unlucky sign and still deciding that it’s better to live with adversity rather than not to live at all!

Listen to it here.

Papa Roach – Kick In The Teeth

When the world makes you want to scream out loud, scream defiance as you sing the lyrics of Kick In The Teeth instead.

It doesn’t matter how many times you fail, just that you pick yourself up one more time, dust yourself off and keep trying. That’s what winners do.

Listen to it here.

Taylor Swift – The Last Great American Dynasty

This song from Taylor Swift is all about shrugging off negative energy from haters and naysayers and doing things your way.

There’s always someone out there jealous of what you have and trying to stop you from rising higher. This song is designed to give you the courage to ignore them and go for it.

Listen to it here.

Steve Winwood – Back In The High Life Again

This 1980s anthem has it all and it tells you to appreciate life as you strive for more. To smell the roses as you go, as it were.

Listen to it here.

Smashing Pumpkins – Today

Another song that says “just be yourself and savor the good things in life”.

You can chill to this and plan your next move in life as you get your energy back.

Listen to it here.

Pulp – Common People

This song tells you about the constant battle between the ordinary man and the elites in society.

It speaks out against the faux-idolization of the working class by those elites.

Listen to it here.

Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’

And the last song is one of rock’s finest moments for the downtrodden. Its message is super clear.

Believe in yourself, never stop and reach for the stars because you deserve to attain them.

You can’t ask for more than that, really.

Listen to it here.

When you listen to these songs, you’ll soon know that you can do anything as long as you give it all that you’ve got.

The lyrics here were all written by artists whose story was similar to yours right now and they want you to feel hope because they overcame and you can too.

We think that you might also appreciate the best songs for dealing with haters, the best songs for encouragement and when you triumph, our best songs about victory too.