Songs about being victorious and successful are interesting because they have a reverse side to them. If there is a winner, there has to be a loser. So, you have to be aware of that and not overdo the celebrations.
Table of Contents
The best songs about winning, celebration, victory, and success come in a range of genres and styles. They are sometimes written specifically for an event. Sometimes, they are just used as a natural extension of the song’s content.
So, let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best songs about winning and success, starting with the classic…
125 Best Songs About Winning, Celebration, Victory, and Success
1I’m Still Standing By Elton John
This is a song that has two potential meanings regarding our subject. Co-writers, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, have remained silent over the issue. The song was taken from his album, Too Low For Zero, released in 1983. “I’m Still Standing” reached #4 in the UK and #12 in America.
The two potential meanings include, firstly, having a dig at a past relationship and saying I am better off without you. The second is a reminder to the general music public.
Effectively, he is saying that despite the advent of Punk Rock and the rise in the “New Wave Culture,” he is still here. And, not only that but also making good music.
The Measure Of An Artist
This is a song that brought him some success after what could be described as a lean period. Sometimes, the measure of the quality of an artist is that they can survive the cultural changes in music. And, despite these changes, can bounce back. It is going to happen as tastes change. Elton is one of those survivors, as is Bernie Taupin, his writing partner.
2Celebration by Kool & The Gang
We all know this song from 1980. It was one of the songs that somehow survived the ‘Disco Demolition Night‘ of 1979 in Chicago when Disco began to lose its appeal. This track followed on from that unfortunate event.
Of all the songs about celebrating just about anything, this has to be one of the best. The whole atmosphere of the song is joyful and encourages a celebratory mood. It is still played at any event where someone is celebrating something.
It reached #7 in the UK and hit the top spot in America. However, it was Kool and the Gang’s only #1 record, which is quite surprising.
3Paths Of Victory by Bob Dylan
This is a song with an unusual history, to say the least. It started life as a gospel song that was also known as “Deliverance Will Come.” Originally, it is thought it was written by a New York minister, John Mathias. It wasn’t, however, a popular religious song of the time.
In the 1920s, The Carter Family recorded it. And in 1963, Bob Dylan changed the words of the song and its title to “Paths of Victory.” It appears to have been based on the 19th-century book “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by British author and puritan preacher John Bunyan.
To Triumph Over Adversity
That is essentially the message of the song. It tells us that it can be very difficult to win. But, when you do, the feeling of being triumphant over adversity is its own reward.
This is not a typical Dylan song of the time. Unless you relate the lyrics to struggles against government and authority, in that context, it may be a relevant song for him. Surprisingly, he would go back to a gospel song to put across the message and not just write another one himself.
4I’m Gonna Win by Foreigner
Foreigner was a band formed in New York by ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald and two other Brits, Mick Jones and Dennis Elliott. They combined with Americans Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, and Ed Gagliardi.
This particular song came from their album, 4, released in 1981. The song speaks about the determination to win, but also emphasizes that it is never easy. The song is a reiteration to oneself of how winning is not a foregone conclusion. 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, this rock song demonstrates Lou Gramm’s vocal prowess and talent.
5Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
This was a track from Survivor’s third album of the same name. It rose to fame because it was also the theme song for the film “Rocky III.” The song was released a day after the film.
It was the second option for a song for the film. Queen had been approached by Sylvester Stallone’s people to use Johnny Deacon’s song “Another One Bites The Dust.” The request to use the song was refused. So, Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan of the band were approached to write a song.
Whilst John’s song was excellent in terms of a Queen performance; I can’t see how it would fit into a tongue-in-cheek Rocky film. I think “Eye of The Tiger” turned out to be the best option. And it endures as one of the best songs about winning, celebration, victory, and success.
As a rock song…
It was better than being just known as “the song from that Rocky film.” With a great driving rhythm and good vocals, it may well have been a hit without the film. It reached #1 in the UK and America as well as in plenty of other countries.
6Top Of The World by The Carpenters
How about a song about celebrating small victories? Richard and his sister, Karen, formed their duo in 1969 and very quickly established themselves. Richard is a consummate and talented musician; his sister is a drummer, but with that voice.
She didn’t want to be at the front and the center of attention, but with that voice, it was always going to happen. This was a song released in 1972 and was pure 70s Pop music. It was included on their album, A Song For You.
Originally…
The song was just scheduled for the album. However, Lynn Anderson covered it with some success, and they changed their mind.
It was popular in Europe, getting to #5 in the UK and #1 in America. And, it did well in other countries. There was always something uplifting about The Carpenters’ music. This song exemplifies that feeling. When she died so young, it was a great loss to the music world.
7We’re A Winner by The Impressions
This is a song that still has a certain resonance today. Curtis Mayfield wrote the song with Jerry Butler. At the time, he was writing plenty of songs about racial tensions and prejudices.
We had already seen The Impressions have a hit with the album People Get Ready. This is another from his songbook.
A song that was written for one reason…
To try and generate pride in being African-American. It sends a very clear message about being proud to be black. Likewise, it celebrates what they saw as a victory as they emerged from racial segregation.
In 1968, American racial riots were not uncommon, and the civil rights movement was growing stronger. This was also the year that Martin Luther King was assassinated. There was much to fight for and much ground to win.
An Anthem
It became an anthem of hope and a song that celebrates each small success and victory for Civil Rights. Not released in Europe, it rose to #14 in the main American chart.
8Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now by McFadden and Whitehead
A decade after The Impressions, we are in the Disco Age with this track from McFadden and Whitehead. It was released in 1979 and taken from their first album together entitled McFadden & Whitehead.
The song was widely believed to be about the experiences of African-Americans. It talks about being successful after facing plenty of hurdles and setbacks. In some circles, it was called the ‘New Black National Anthem.’
Another possible meaning was that it was written about the record company in Philadelphia. There was an initial lack of interest in them as an act. They just wanted them to write songs and give them to acts like The O’Jays rather than compete with them. It reached #5 in the UK and #13 in America.
9You Win Again by The Bee Gees
This is a song written by the brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb and was released in 1987. It was a song that signaled the start of yet “another” comeback by the brothers.
They had gone through the Disco thing. But, the end of that lucrative period for them had left them in a void. This song could be considered “watered down disco” in some ways. The beat was familiar, if a little slower, and the mix was redesigned to give it more of a pop feel.
Some notable mentions…
It was their first #1 in the UK in more than eight years, which tells its own story. But, on the positive side, they became the first artists to record a #1 in three decades – the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Doing well in Europe, it only reached #75 in America. Over the pond, they still saw them as very much ‘Disco’ with all the negative connotations that brought.
An interesting song about losing rather than winning. Something essential for all of us. Learning to lose is important; it is a lesson we must learn. And, it is easy to see those people that never learned that lesson.
10Heroes by David Bowie
Some people like David Bowie; others do not. But you can’t ignore the effect he had on music and styles. “Heroes” was taken from his album of the same name.
Bowie wrote the song with Brian Eno, and he used musicians such as guitarist King Crimson’s Robert Fripp. The complete backing track was recorded and finished before they thought about a melody and lyrics.
The story of the song is about two lovers from either side of the Berlin Wall, still in existence at the time. Fear of death for their relationship is always a possibility, but they continue in their affair. This brought forth the title “Heroes,” which, at the time, they would have been.
Critics
Some people were not overly kind in their appraisal of the song. And, despite Bowie doing plenty of promotion on TV, it only reached #24 in the UK. It gained added status when he performed it at Live Aid in 1985, when there was a lot of renewed interest.
It has grown in stature as a song. And after Bowie’s death, it is listed as one of the Top 30 songs of his career. So, it’s hard not to include it as one of the best songs about winning, celebration, victory, and success.
11Every 1’s a Winner by Hot Chocolate
Here is a strange occurrence in music. A band that will get on with each other, without egos, who were all genuinely nice guys. That was Hot Chocolate. They were unique in many ways. As an example, they are the only group ever to have a hit in the UK for 15 consecutive years.
When singer Errol Brown finally left in 1985, it was only to spend more time with his wife Ginette and his young daughters. But, by then, their status as one of the most successful British bands ever was already assured.
To hammer home that point…
They had a unique honor in that they played at the wedding reception of Prince Charles and Prince Charles. She got her way on that one. This song was taken from the album of the same name that came out in 1978.
It was the third single from that album. One more we shall look at next. It reached #12 in the UK and #6 in America. A simple enough song telling us we can all be winners at some time.
12So You Win Again by Hot Chocolate
Another song about being a winner from the same album, but this time with a slightly different interpretation. This song is addressed to a love who has total control over you. Someone who you “lose” to every time. And, who always gets their way and wins the argument and you can do nothing.
This was the first single release from the album and was also Hot Chocolate’s first #1 in the UK. It reached #31 on the American chart. The song was written by Russ Ballard and was produced by Mickie Most.
I mentioned the wedding reception of Prince Charles and Prince Charles. As I said, she got her way on that one. And, I bet she would have had a wry smile if they played this song that night.
13Winning by Santana
What is the link between the last track from Hot Chocolate and this track from Santana? They were both written by Russ Ballard.
Ballard was the guitarist, singer, and founder member of the British Progressive Rock band, Argent. He is well-known as a songwriter and producer and released his version in 1976. Santana released theirs in 1981, a track from the album, Zebop!
Not a typical Santana song…
Neither is the guitar sound he coaxes from a Fender Telecaster. It is a rock ballad that has an almost Pop chorus. The lead vocal is taken by Alex Ligertwood, who worked extensively with the band.
The song tells a story about a man not doing so well but has now turned it around, and he quite likes being a winner. A mystical figure he calls “Lady Luck” helps to secure him what he sees as a victory. It reached #17 in America but was not released extensively in Europe.
14Another One Bites The Dust by Queen
Would you be surprised if I said this was Queen’s best-ever selling single? Then be surprised. It was the longest-running song in the Top 10 in America in 1980. It registered for 15 weeks and also reached #7 in the UK, as well as selling over seven million in this period.
Written by John Deacon, he also played all of the instruments except for the drum loop that Roger Taylor added. It was included on the album, The Game.
Two Meanings?
The lyrics are interesting in that they seem to have two themes. It starts by referring to what could be a scene in a mobster film with the line “machine guns ready to go.”
He later refers to “another one bites the dust” when talking about a relationship that went wrong and saying he won’t let it get him down. He is “standing on his own two feet.”
I read someone say it is not a typical Queen song. Looking back over their catalog, I couldn’t say what a ‘typical’ Queen song might be. But, this was a welcome change to some of their material.
15My Way By Frank Sinatra
If ever there was a song associated with an individual singer, then this has probably got to be it. Sinatra released it in 1969 when it reached #5 in the UK and #27 in America. It spent nearly 18 months in the UK Top 40.
Oddly enough, it was a French song called “Comme D’Habitude,” meaning “As Usual.” It was written by Jacques Revaux and Claude Francois. Francois first performed the song in 1967. The Sinatra version had English lyrics written by Paul Anka.
Jazz Influences
The Sinatra arrangement had some subtle Jazz influences, as you might expect. The song tells of how he sees his life with no regrets. A song about celebrating a life lived and how he wanted to live it.
We don’t need to evaluate that. Just accept that he was happily conducting himself in the way that suited him most. Not a lot of explanation is needed as to why this is on a list of the best songs about winning, celebration, victory, and success, is there?
16Simply The Best by Tina Turner
If ever your partner says these words to you, then that would be a reason for some celebration. Tina’s “Simply The Best” was a song that brought her back to the top of the game. It is a song that emphasizes love for another person. Telling them they are “better than all the rest.”
It was taken from the album Foreign Affair, and the single was released in 1989. It was written by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman.
However, it had been released a year earlier by Bonnie Tyler, which didn’t do so well. Tina’s version received the most popularity in the UK, where it reached #5 on the UK chart. It was ranked #15 on the American chart.
Widely popular…
The song was also included on her 1991 compilation album, Simply the Best. It has been used at multiple sporting events in the UK. Glasgow Rangers FC uses it at matches, as did the boxer Chris Eubank before fights.
So, it’s easy to call this one of the best songs bout finding success.
17Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship
This is a song written by Diane Warren and Albert Hammond. That pairing of songwriters almost guarantees success, and that is what you got from this track. Starship was formed from remnants of the better-known Jefferson Starship, and this track features Grace Slick on vocals.
It was a huge success and reached #1 in both the UK and America. This is a song that celebrates teamwork in a way. It’s about people sticking together, and when they do, winning becomes easy.
18Tubthumping by Chumbawamba
I suppose the chorus of the song says it all, and little more needs to be said. “I get knocked down but I get up again/You’re never gonna keep me down.”
One of the great things about music is that you can get complete unknowns to score a massive hit. That’s what happened here. They were formed in Burnley, Lancashire, in the early 80s and, over the years, had more members than you could believe.
They had a very deliberate stance…
Anti-just about everything. You could describe it, as some did, calling it ‘Anarchist Punk.’ They certainly made the Sex Pistols look like Mary Poppins at times.
They played free gigs in houses that were squats, not pleasing the neighbors too much at times. And were quite often a general nuisance.
No Love Lost For Mr. Geldof Either…
They upset the apple cart with their album, Pictures of Starving Children Sell Records. A rather blatant critical analysis of Geldof and Live Aid. That makes it all the more surprising that “Tubthumping” in 1997 was such a massive hit. It was #2 in the UK, #6 in America, and #1 in four more countries. The song became a phenomenon.
And, all this from an expression few understood. “Tubthumping” means aggressive political protesting. It was that chorus that did it, of course. A great hook for the Pop music fan. A fundamental belief for those with a cause to fight.
19Celebration Day by Led Zeppelin
This is an interesting track in more ways than one. It starts with a droning sound from a synthesizer overlaid with some Page chords.
It was supposed to be a John Bonham “special’ at the beginning. But, the engineer accidentally deleted the drum track. Oops. They didn’t bother to re-record it. It is taken from Led Zeppelin III.
For me…
The most influential part of the song is John Paul Jones’s bass line. That is something very special. The song starts very heavy, and Plant is screaming his head off.
But, it goes into what can only be described as a ‘bubblegum chorus.’ It wouldn’t have been out of place on a Sweet track and when it comes in is quite a shock. Very ‘un-Zeppelin.’
20We Are The Champions by Queen
From a simple song written by Freddie Mercury came what was to be a Queen anthem. It was released in 1977 as a track from the News of the World album, their sixth. The song reached #2 in the UK and #4 in America. It was written with audience participation in mind, as were some other Queens songs. And it achieved the desired effect.
It was a popular and almost demanded part of every live concert after 1977. And today, it remains one of the most popular songs about victory.
Complex…
Freddie never shied away from creating complex and hard-to-sing songs. His vocal range was wide, of course, and this song featured a C5 note. Sometimes hammered out, other times in falsetto.
The chord structure has plenty of Jazz influence, using minor 7ths and 9ths. The choruses had 6ths, 7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths that were taken by the vocal harmonies.
But that was all technical stuff. The most important element of the song was how he could use it to get audience participation. You could say that at Live Aid in London in 1985, he achieved that.
21The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel
Paul Simon has written some great songs, but few as good as this. Lyrically, he crafts it perfectly, using the first person to tell the tale, but the third person to tell his feelings. He also uses some religious inferences in the story for descriptive purposes.
The song was included on the Bridge Over Troubled Water album. It reached #6 in the UK and #7 in America. It was written at a time when Simon was feeling unappreciated and overly criticized.
Some have said the song is a criticism of Bob Dylan, but that is unlikely. Dylan himself recorded it on his Planet Waves album.
The song tells the story…
Of a young man born into poverty and fighting to get out of it. Paul Simon sees much of his early life in the story. He uses some of that imagery from his youth as he left home to follow his dream.
A masterpiece, in my opinion, and a very moving song to sit and watch him play and sing by himself. Likewise, it will always hold its place among the best songs about winning, celebration, victory, and success.
22The Winner Takes It All by Abba
Abba was, without a doubt, one of the biggest acts of the 70s and 80s. “The Winner Takes It All” was taken from their 1980 album, Super Trouper.
It’s one of their momentous songs with great lyrics and a memorable tune. It was thought at the time that the song was about the divorce between band members Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog.
Ulvaeus denies that saying that whilst it is about a breakup and divorce, it is not about his and Agnetha’s situation. It was written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, with Agnetha delivering the excellent lead vocal.
Britain’s Favorite Abba Song
In both 1999 and 2010, it was voted Britain’s favorite Abba song. It reached #1 in the UK along with five other countries and Top 10 elsewhere. It reached #8 in America.
The lyrics do emphasize the situation that in a divorce, there is usually a winner. Which does indicate there is always a loser, which is often true. A sad song but an excellent one.
23Best Day of My Life by American Authors
24It’s My Life by Bon Jovi
25I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
26Let’s Get It Started by Black Eyed Peas
27Good Feeling by Flo Rida
28How Do You Like Me Now by Toby Keith
29On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
30We Will Rock You by Queen
31U Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer
32One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston
33Life’s Been Good by Joe Walsh
34All Star by Smash Mouth
35It’s Good to Be Alive by Andy Grammer
36Ain’t No Stopping Us Now by McFadden and Whitehead
37Hell Yeah by Montgomery Gentry
38Firework by Katy Perry
39The Touch by Stan Bush
40Happy by Pharrell Williams
41Sweet Victory by David Glen Eisley
42Watch Me Rise by Mikky Ekko
43The Power of the Dream by Celine Dion
44Don’t You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
45You Can Make It If You Try by Sly and the Family Stone
46Push It to the Limit by Paul Engemann
47Takin’ Care of Business by Bachman-Turner Overdrive
48I Just Want To Celebrate by Rare Earth
49Celebrate by Three Dog Night
50Unstoppable by Foxy Shazam
More Best Songs About Winning, Celebration, Victory, and Success
51. Lucky by Mary Chapin Carpenter
52. Get Down On It by Kool and the Gang
53. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
54. How Do You Like Me Now by Toby Keith
55. Never Surrender by Corey Hart
56. I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly
57. The Climb by Miley Cyrus
58. You’re the Best by Joe Esposito
60. Party In The U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus
61. Playing to Win by Little River Band
62. On My Way by Axwell Λ Ingrosso
63. Go Big or Go Home by American Authors
64. Beat It by Michael Jackson
65. You Gotta Be by Des’ree
67. Drag Me Down by One Direction
68. Applause by Lady Gaga
69. Best Night by Justice Crew
70. Confident by Demi Lovato
71. Geronimo by Sheppard
72. Winning It All by The Outfield
73. Hearts on Fire by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
74. Winner by Pet Shop Boys
75. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming by Judas Priest
76. Break My Stride by Mattew Wilder
77. Things Can Only Get Better by Howard Jones
78. There’s No Stopping Us by Ollie & Jerry
79. New Attitude by Patti Labelle
80. No Pain No Gain by Scorpions
81. The Champion by Carrie Underwood (Featuring Ludacris)
82. Whatever It Takes by Imagine Dragons
83. Victorious by Wolfmother
84. Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys
85. Rise by Katy Perry
86. Victorious by Panic! At The Disco
87. The Man by The Killers
88. Feel Invincible by Skillet
89. Unstoppable by The Score
90. Unstoppable by Sia
91. Back in My Body by Maggie Rogers
92. The Greatest by Sia (Featuring Kendrick Lamar)
93. The Cup of Life by Ricky Martin
94. Never Give Up by Sia
95. Go Big or Go Home by Saliva
96. Invincible by OK Go
97. Conqueror by Empire Cast (Featuring Estelle & Jussie Smollett)
98. Take It Higher by Larry Greene
99. To Be the Best by Tenacious D
100. We’re Gonna Win by Bryan Adams
101. Champion by Fall Out Boy
102. I Will Not Bow by Breaking Benjamin
104. Never Surrender by Stan Bush
105. Fame by Irene Cara
106. Successful by Ariana Grande
107. Hey, Look Ma I Made It by Panic! At the Disco
108. Live to Win by Paul Stanley
109. Dare by Stan Bush
110. Where My Heart Will Take Me by Russell Watson
111. I’m All In by Metis (Featuring Aynzli Jones)
112. A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson
113. Spoilin’ for a Fight by AC/DC
114. Fire by Gavin DeGraw
115. Lonely at the Top by Jamey Johnson
116. Started from the Bottom by Drake
117. Gonna Fly Now (Rocky Theme) by Bill Conti
118. Walking On Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves
119. Roar by Katy Perry
120. Chariots of Fire Theme Song by Vangelis
121. Winning Ugly by The Rolling Stones
122. The Final Countdown by Europe
123. We’re Not Going To Take It by Twisted Sister
124. Get the Party Started by P!nk
125. The Greatest Man That Ever Lived by Weezer
Want to Find More Incredible Songs?
We can help with that. Take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs About Heroes, the Best Songs about Fighting, the Best Songs About Change, the Best Songs About Magic, and the Best Songs About Dreams for more amazing song selections.
Best Songs About Winning, Celebration, Victory, and Success – Final Thoughts
They are not the same thing. Although, it must be said that they all create a situation where one benefits over another. Winning is subjective. The celebration comes as a result.
You may set yourself a very easy target to reach and achieve. That, in a sense, is winning in that you have made the achievement.
Winning is usually competitive…
That means there will be a loser. And that is when some thought needs to be given to the level of celebration you use. That celebration would be different in a sporting sense from being successful in obtaining the job you want.
But any success may be considered as something to be pleased about and worthy of some celebration. However, in the world today, where it seems cheating is part of life, especially in sports, winning obtained that way means nothing. If you win by playing by the rules, then the reward is satisfaction and well worth celebrating.
Until next time, happy listening.
ncG1vNJzZminnJnBqrnEpqysoZNjsLC5jpucrKxdqLyvs9JmmJunpal6uLXNp6Cnn12Ysq2xwauYraGfo3q3tcKtpquxXZa7pXnSrpqcnaOofA%3D%3D