Songs About Fighting For Yourself

Post

Subscribe

A third fighting column, following personal combat songs and arguing couples songs . This time it's about fighting to maintain something positive in life. After the previous two columns, this one is so much more happy and cheerful in tone!

So these are songs about internal struggles and overcoming the odds.

In this day and age, that is something that many are struggling with, and I do understand that. One of the greatest challenges, as we face more and more lockdown situations, is dealing with the mental stress caused by it all. And to survive, we do need to fight for ourselves, and maybe help others fight for themselves as well.

Please, if you are having some trouble in this regard, talk to someone. Friends, neighbours, relatives, medical professionals, telephone help-lines – anyone.

Meanwhile, here are some songs for inspiration. Fight for yourself in song!
'Fight For Your Life' by Judas Priest (1979)

Let's start with one of the originals in the NWOBHM, and a rocking song filled with guitars and drums and Rob Halford's awesome voice. While money is mentioned, the main theme of the song is found here: "Rock hard with a purpose…" Find something to fight for. And rock hard!
'Fight The Good Fight' by Triumph (1981)

Sticking with the heavy metal idea, Triumph, with their more melodic sound, put this song on their Allied Forces album. And it can be summed up by these lines: "Don't get discouraged, don't be afraid/ We can make it through another day…" Yes, there are religious undertones to the lyrics, but the central theme is that you need to push yourself on.
'Can't Fight This Feeling' by REO Speedwagon (1984)

The feeling being fought against is the singer admitting he loves someone. That can be the hardest part of any relationship, admitting that initial spark of attraction, but he's stopped fighting it and now he's happy. Sometimes not fighting is a good thing, too.
'Fight For Love' by Deckchairs Overboard (1985)

One of those songs I'll bet nearly everyone except me has forgotten. But this is such an uplifting song about fighting for love, not fighting against admitting it. And that chorus! Why isn't this song still screamed along to?
'Fight For Ourselves' by Spandau Ballet (1986)

Don't rely on others, but fight for yourself. You're the master of your own destiny. That's the idea behind this song. And the song has that sort of chant-along quality that a few Spandau Ballet songs had, making it feel like the sort of song you should listen to, like at a protest or something. I enjoy Spandau Ballet; an under-rated band.
'Fight The Power' by Public Enemy (1989)

The "Power" is the authority that tries to hold back the African-American people. This is standing up for yourself and the officialdom that is holding you back. And what do they suggest be used in this fight? Music. Surprisingly, this still stands up, even today. I have been accused of not liking rap music. That's wrong. I don't generally like modern rap music. There is a huge difference.
'Broken, Beat & Scarred' by Metallica (2008)

This is simply about getting back up after being beaten down. Don't let yourself stay down. There is something great about one of the best heavy metal bands giving forth such a positive message when so often the style of music is accused of been dour.
'Fight Song' by Rachel Platten (2014)

Okay, back off, I'm allowed to like this song! Even after Metallica… Take control of your own life, fight against things that put you down – the message could not be simpler here. I like Platten's voice – it's not perfect, with little blemishes, which only makes it feel all the more real.

'The Fighter' by Keith Urban feat. Carrie Underwood (2017)

I've admitted in the past I like Keith Urban , but was never really a fan of Carrie Underwood. But here their voices mesh so well. This duet is about helping one another get through a tough time. Yes, it is a love song, sort of, but the themes go deeper than that. I would actually like to hear a more countrified version of this.

'A Reason To Fight' by Disturbed (2018)

Don't give up! That's the message of this dark, brooding, yet uplifting track. There is something about David Draiman's voice that hits hard, and when the lyrics are like this, he can emote with the best of them. "When there's nothing left inside, there's still a reason to fight…" And on that very positive note, we shall end the list.

Yeah, I know – there is a lot of sonic dissonance here. The styles of music are really eclectic, but I hope that means everyone can find at least one song that suits them. And two distinct eras seem to be represented – the 1980s, and the decade from 2008-2018. No, I don't know why – that's just the way the music tumbles sometimes.

Anyway, while life and times have been hard for many of us of late, I hope this list can help in some small way.

And again, talk to someone.

Have a good one.

via GIPHY

#lists
#music
#performing_arts
#personal_development
#pop_culture
#quirky
%wneverywhere