“Every time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou
We can all admit that 2020 was far from the easiest year for anyone. Something that got me through it? Music. Female artists, to be more specific. Everyone needs to feel like a badass woman sometimes.
From recent pop hits to old country jams – here are 10 songs by powerful ladies to remind you to take pride in everything you do and never let anyone make you feel like you deserve anything less than the world.
1. Most Girls – Hailee Steinfeld (2017)
My personal favorite. An anthem that tackles the stigma behind “being like most girls” and reminds us that we need to lift each other up, not compete over everything.
“Most girls are smart and strong and beautiful
Most girls, work hard, go far, we are unstoppable
Most girls, our fight to make every day
No two are the same
I wanna be like, I wanna be like most girls”
2. Follow Your Arrow – Kacey Musgraves (2013)
A reminder that we only have so much life to live and shouldn’t spend it following others. We should be doing what makes the most sense to us and brings us happiness – even when we’re told what we want is pointless or wrong.
“You’re damned if you do
And you’re damned if you don’t
So you might as well just do
Whatever you want
So make lots of noise
Kiss lots of boys
Or kiss lots of girls
If that’s something you’re into”
3. The Man – Taylor Swift (2020)
Sometimes you just need to be angry that men have an advantage in this world. When you’re working harder than you ever thought possible and still feel like the odds are against you, listen to Taylor Swift put it into words perfectly.
“I’m so sick of running as fast I can
Wondering if I’d get there quicker
If I was a man”
4. So What – Pink (2009)
Even over a decade after it came out, this song remains painfully relevant. Pink reminds us that losing a man is sometimes a blessing in disguise and an opportunity to reclaim who we are.
“So, so what?
I’m still a rock star
I got my rock moves
And I don’t need you
And guess what?
I’m having more fun
And now that we’re done
I’m gonna show you tonight
I’m alright
I’m just fine
And you’re a tool”
5. Like A Girl – Lizzo (2019)
Lizzo shows us that women can do everything and that being compared to one should be uplifting, not degrading. In the times of America’s first woman Vice President, the opening lines pack more of a punch than ever.
“Woke up feelin’ like I just might run for President
Even if there ain’t no precedent, switchin’ up the messaging
I’m about to add a little estrogen
Buy my whip by myself
Pay my rent by myself”
6. OKAY OKAY – Alessia Cara (2019)
This is my go-to hype song for when the world has me doubting my worth. The perfect mixture of remembering that we all make mistakes and celebrating who you are.
“I’m a million trick pony
The number one and only
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m at 11”
7. This One’s For The Girls – Martina McBride (2009)
Appealing to women of all ages with her verses dedicated to each stage of life, Martina McBride delivers advice and sings of unity.
“This one’s for the girls,
Who’ve ever had a broken heart,
Who’ve wished upon a shooting star,
You’re beautiful the way you are,
This one’s for the girls,
Who love without holdin’ back,
Who dream with everything they have,
All around the world,
This one’s for the girls.”
8. UDK – Olivia O’Brien
In the days of social media, judgment is present constantly and rumors are unavoidable. But, as my mother always says, “just because someone says something about you doesn’t make it true.” Olivia O’Brien delivers the message of minding your own business with the perfect level of sass.
“You see me at a party once
So now you think that, that gives you the right to judge
You don’t know enough
And you can ask whoever, but
Unless it comes from me, it’s just not something you should trust”
9. Mother’s Daughter – Miley Cyrus
This one is for all the girls out there being raised by strong women. Remind yourself where you came from and where you get your power from.
“Don’t f–k with my freedom
I came up to get me some
I’m nasty, I’m evil
Must be something in the water
Or that I’m my mother’s daughter”
10. Successful – Ariana Grande (2018)
It can be intimidating to feel proud of yourself when the world is constantly telling you to be humble. But sometimes, you gotta brag about where you are in life and how you got there. You worked for it.
“Yeah, it feels so good to be so young
And have this fun and be successful
I’m so successful, yeah
And, girl, you too, you are so young
And beautiful and so successful, yeah
I’m so successful, yeah, yeah”
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