I remember the first time a song made me think introspectively about loving myself. I was choreographing a piece full of eager high school dancers when, during a conversation about choosing music, I segued into talking about songs with an important message.
A few songs were thrown out until finally, I said, ‘I’ll play music throughout the class that celebrates self-love.’
Getting that dose of dopamine does wonders for our mood. It did for me during class that day teaching, and it does it for me now, as I’m recovering from an injury.
We all have those moments where the music just flips our switch. There is something about a song that can make you feel so much better, even if for only intervals in time while listening to it!
If you’re looking for songs about loving yourself, this is the list to come and create your playlist. These are songs I have used in my dance classes over the years. Songs with BIPOC women in mind.
Here are 27 songs for when you have those bad days or you need a reminder of how dope you are:
1. Young Love, Cleo Sol
“Dance sister
Smile sister
Laugh sister
Cry sister
You’re a prize sister
Don’t hide sister
Show them why sister”
Why I love it:
Her young motherly voice serves up something so sweet that you’ll probably end up putting this song on repeat. The lyrics are a love letter to herself, affirming all the reasons why she loves being her and why loving all of the qualities that make you, you are essential.
Here’s to one of the greatest love yet, underrated songs you could ever sing out loud to yourself.
Add to your playlist:
Listen to this song or, better yet, the entire album on Apple Music,Youtube, orSpotify.
2. Self-care, Savannah Cristina
“Self-care
Self-love
Selfish”
Why I love it:
The lyrics are simple, almost mantra-like, giving you a much-needed reminder to put yourself and your needs first. It’s a great song that alludes to the demise of toxic relationships and how the ramifications of not putting herself first have taken a toll.
The production is flawless, and you can almost sense the gentle release the singer is experiencing. It’s the perfect song for when you need to remember to prioritize your needs when getting distracted by a relationship.
Add to your playlist:
Listen to it on my top three platforms where I listen to music,Spotify,Youtube, and Apple Music.
3. Keep on singing my song, Christina Aguilera
“I woke up this morning with a smile on my face (ah-ooh)
And nobody’s gonna bring me down today (ah-ooh)
Been feeling like nothing’s been going my way lately
But I decided right here, right now
That my outlook’s gonna change
Why I love it:
Stripped is one of my top 10 albums I could still listen to today. It’s an absolutely beautiful song that warrants self-reflection. It’s a great reminder to your younger self that despite what your circ*mstances are, you owe it to yourself to be gentle with yourself.
Admit it; you can be your worst critic regarding where you think you should be in life. Regardless, oozing self-love is a non-negotiable that can instantly change our perspective on what we do, see, and experience.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms likeYoutube,Spotify,and Apple Music.
4. Self-love, Dreamville
“Self love is the best love
But your love was the worst drug
Self-love is the best love
But your love is the worst drug”
Why I love it:
What better way to describe self-love other than describing the struggle of balancing it with loving someone else, romantically? I love this self-love track due to the raw nature of the lyrics.
It alludes to the idea that when we focus on others and their needs, we often lose sight of our own. Coupled with the catchy beat, this song puts a spotlight on the truth, and sometimes the truth hurts while also giving us a dose of what we need- a reminder to put ourselves first.
Add to your playlist:
Find it by way of Apple Music,Spotify, andYoutube.
5. I ain’t stressin’ today, Dear Silas
“I woke up got out my bed it was a sunny day
Brush my teeth clean my skin cause I love my face
Ain’t got time for all that stressing
I’m receiving all my blessings
Bout to love and hug myself cause I got time today
Whatever happened yesterday guess what
Ain’t worried bout it”
Why I love it:
This song makes me smile within the first 30 seconds of it playing. It’s one of those songs you can’t help but sing and dance to, no matter what mood you’re in.
An instant confidence boost that reminds you to enjoy your own company by not sweating the small stuff is all the recipe you need for a good day.
Add to your playlist:
Available for streaming on all platforms-Spotify,Youtube, Apple Music.
6. My future, Billie Eilish
“Cause I, I’m in love
With my future
Can’t wait to meet her
And I, I’m in love
But not with anybody else
Just wanna get to know myself”
Why I love it:
This is a powerful song that will resonate with you so much. For me, it’s about getting on the right track with yourself, and there’s such an inner peace that unfolds when you realize your wiling meet your self-work in the now will pay off with your future self one day.
Add to your playlist:
Found on major platforms likeSpotify,Youtube,and Apple Music.
7. My power, Tierra Whack, Beyonce
“They’ll never take my power, my power, my power”
Why I love it:
For me, it’s the self-love anthem I need when questioning if devoting time to address my needs is worth it. It’s on my list of songs and playlists to remind me that loving myself is keeping my power to live my life on my own terms.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platformsYoutube,Spotify, and Apple Music.
8. I’ll be alright, Tituss Burgess
“I’m gonna make it through
My world didn’t start with you”
Why I love it:
The last line in this song gives me all the feels I need. It’s always a good thing when you can go through something so painful like a friend or romantic breakup and be open to experiencing a new beginning.
Hard times will come but loving yourself will help you make it through anything.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms likeYoutube,Spotify,and Apple Music.
9. My skin, my logo, Solange Knowles
“Moment of you
Get into that moment of you”
Why I love it:
This is one of the best songs to amplify how beautiful you are in your skin. After all, it’s your skin and you’re in it for life, so you might as well get comfortable with and love what you see in the mirror.
Add to your playlist:
Found on major platforms like Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music.
10. Keep on going, Vivian Green
“Guess it just took so long
For me to get to the place, I wanted to be
Now that I’m here, I got face my fear
Or everyday before this was in vain”
Why I love it:
This song keeps me going during difficult times, and you will be motivated by it once you listen to it.. It’s so nostalgic for me because, during one of my tough times in high school, I would grab this CD and play it after school, it became a great coping mechanism for me.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
11. Be happy, Mary J. Blige
“I just wanna be so, so, happy
But the answer lies in me”
Why I love it:
Don’t the above-sampled lyrics transport you into a place of self-reflection? It makes me think about what I need to do to find happiness and how it starts with me.
Rather than look to other people’s opinions, this song suggests you should go within to find your own answer.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms likeYoutube,Spotify,and Apple Music
12. Feeling myself, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce
“I’m feelin’ myself, I’m feelin’ myself, I’m feelin’ my
Feelin’ myself, I’m feelin’ myself, I’m feelin’ my, feelin’ my”
Why I love it:
To help boost confidence, I love songs that repeat words because they then become like affirmations. “I’m feeling” is repeated so many times throughout this song that you cannot help but start feeling good about yourself.
It’s a good song that can turn a bad moment into a good time with yourself.
Add to your playlist:
Find it by way of Apple Music, Spotify, and Youtube.
13. Video, India Arie
“But I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen”
Why I love it:
One of my favorite songs growing up was definitely this one. It brings good vibes and self-love all into one. The lyrics are so powerful and meaningful that it’s hard not to be inspired by them.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube , Spotify, and Apple Music.
14. Cozy, Beyonce
“Comfortable in my skin
Cozy with who I am
Comfortable in my skin (cozy, cozy)
Comfortable in my skin
Feet up above your sins
I love myself, goddamn (cozy, cozy)”
Why I love it:
It’s one of my favorite self-love songs that are out today. Beyonce always delivers when it comes to anthems, and that includes creating song lyrics that make you feel good about yourself.
This song is perfect for when you’re getting ready for a night out or just need a little extra pick-me-up.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube , Spotify, and Apple Music.
15. Peng Black girls, Enny feat. Jorja Smith
“I think I need some time away
I took a little time I prayed
We gon’ be alright ok”
Why I love it:
One of my go-to songs to listen to when experiencing a tough day. I even went so far as to create a story frame on my IG featuring all of the black female bloggers I admire and love.
Plus, it’s the song title for me that embodies self-care and loving yourself.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms likeYoutube,Spotify,and Apple Music.
16. Good morning gorgeous, Mary J. Blige
“I wake up every morning and tell myself
“Good morning gorgeous”
Sometimes you gotta look in the mirror and say”
Why I love it:
On good days or bad ones, this song will never grow old to me. It is always a great way to start my day and I love that it’s something I can say to myself as an affirmation without feeling awkward.
When I’m feeling down, this is one of the songs that I turn to in order to help me get out of my funk.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube , Spotify, and Apple Music.
17. Just you, India Shawn
“Now it’s, no one else, it’s just you (Oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, no one)
Don’t want
No one else, it’s just you”
Why I love it:
This song is quite literally one of my favorite songs about self-love released this year. When tapping into my voice within and looking for a song that echoes needing no one’s validation, this is the song that comes to mind. It’s soft, relatable, and most importantly – empowering.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube , Spotify, and Apple Music.
18. Good as hell, Lizzo
“Baby how you feelin’?
Feeling good as hell”
Why I love it:
Simply put, you can still have flaws and feel good as hell. You don’t need anyone’s approval or to change anything about yourself to feel beautiful and confident. This song is the perfect reminder of that fact.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms likeYoutube,Spotify,and Apple Music.
19. Imagine, Common, PJ
“Imagine loving you enough, you don’t need a like”
Why I love it:
Something about this song is so mesmerizing. I love how easy the lyrics are to follow along to and how it speaks volumes without actually saying much. It’s a perfect song for those days when you feel low and needs to be reminded of your self-worth.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube , Spotify, and Apple Music.
20. Don’t let it go to your head, Cleo Sol
“Don’t let it go to your head
Don’t let them affect you inside
Take control of your mind
Take control of your life”
Why I love it:
There’s a good reason for many of her songs going viral on IG. Her voice reverberates confidence and security with a dash of sisterly advice, and this song is no different.
For me, it’s about not letting the things we can’t control get to us and instead focusing on what we can – like our thoughts, emotions, and overall outlook in life.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube , Spotify, and Apple Music.
21. Don’t forget who you are, Common, PJ
“Beautiful baby, I love you, baby
Pray these words may hug you, baby
Look into the mirror and say “I love you” daily
Remember your light when the world seem shady”
Why I love it:
It’s a little mix of all the songs on this list – a perfect blend of loving yourself, being confident, and remembering your worth. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what’s happening in the world and forget about our own happiness.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms likeYoutube,Spotify,and Apple Music.
22. I am woman, Emmy Meli
“Only love can get inside me
I move in my own timing
Voice of the future, speak to me kindly
I feel what I want and somehow it find me”
Why I love it:
This song makes me so determined to be my own biggest fan. It’s easy to get caught up in what the world tells us we should be, but this song reminds us that our intuition knows best.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms likeYoutube,Spotify,and Apple Music.
23. Self-love, Jason Lyric, Neveah
“I been working on me
I been loving on me
I had to learn to love myself (Hmmmm)”
Why I love it:
Accidentally discovering this through IG reels, the above lyrics stopped me in my tracks. In a world that constantly tells us to focus on others, it’s important to remember to take care of ourselves first.
You are a stronger woman when you do.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube , Spotify, and Apple Music.
24. Girl, Internet
“If they don’t know your worth
Tell ’em you’re my girl
And anything you want is yours”
Why I love it:
It’s the little things that count, right? This song is an excellent reminder that we are loved and appreciated – even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Listen to it as if your best friend or partner tells you they’ve got your back, no matter what.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms like Youtube , Spotify, and Apple Music.
25. Feeling Good, Nina Simone
“It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good
I’m feeling good”
Why I love it:
Many artists have covered this song, but Nina Simone’s version is my favorite. It’s such a womanly song – confident, sensual, and unapologetic.
It’s perfect for those days when you need a boost of self-esteem and a reminder of your own power.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms likeYoutube,Spotify,and Apple Music.
26. One love, Cleo Sol
“One love” (Repeat 20x)
Why I love it:
This is such a centering song that grounds me every time I listen to it. It’s a reminder that no matter what, love will always be the answer. Love for yourself is the most crucial kind – it’s the root of everything else.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms likeYoutube,Spotify,and Apple Music.
27. Moving on, India Shawn
“Movin’ on like I should (should)
I just wanna feel good
I’ve been down, I’m gettin’ on with that
Going up ’til I’m over that”
Why I love it:
This song sends the right message to anyone going through a tough time. It’s about getting back up after you’ve been knocked down and moving on with your life.
This beat is catchy but not without reminding us of the importance of what is worth seeking: peace of mind and happiness.
Add to your playlist:
Found on platforms likeYoutube,Spotify,and Apple Music.
Create your fall self-love playlist
I am a sucker for some great cozy songs that helps me never to forget loving myself. Our inner critical voice never takes a break, and these songs offer the perfect reminder to keep our heads renewed with positive self-talk
Hopefully, this provided you with a running list of new self-love songs that you haven’t heard before or needed to be reminded of. If you found a song on the list that you love, please leave a comment down below.
