50 Motivational Songs for Entrepreneurs, Side Hustlers, and Business Owners
The right song can completely change your mindset.
Whether you’re building a business, growing a side hustle, looking for a new job, or working toward a financial goal, motivation can be hard to find some days. That’s one reason music has always been a part of my routine. I’ve listened to many of these songs while working on My Money Chronicles, updating content, traveling, selling items online, and tackling new projects.
Research has shown that music can positively influence mood, reduce stress, and improve motivation. While everyone has different musical tastes, the songs on this list contain messages about perseverance, hard work, confidence, and overcoming challenges.
If you’re looking for music to help keep you focused and inspired, here are 50 business songs worth adding to your playlist.
Many of these songs sound even better with a quality pair of headphones, especially if you’re listening while working, exercising, or commuting.
Songs About Taking Risks and Following Your Own Path
1. Frank Sinatra – My Way
I can’t think of a better song to start this list with. Entrepreneurship or side hustling often requires taking risks and making decisions that other people may not understand. My Way is a reminder that success doesn’t always come from following someone else’s blueprint. Sometimes you have to create your own path and live with the results.
2. Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance
Here is a perfect song for anyone going through a tough time in business. It reminds you that bravery is a choice and that success often requires stepping outside your comfort zone. Keep showing up and taking chances, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
3. Billy Joel – Vienna
Although it wasn’t one of Billy Joel’s biggest hits, Vienna has become one of his most beloved songs. It serves as a reminder that success is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the journey and don’t burn yourself out trying to reach every goal at once.
4. George Benson – Never Give Up on Good Things
Entrepreneurship means total dedication, despite all odds, because the result is worth the effort. Here is a song that tells you never to give up.
5. Cake – The Distance
Success doesn’t happen overnight. This song highlights the importance of endurance, determination, and continuing to move forward when the finish line seems far away.
6. Liza Minnelli – Money, Money
Performed in the film Cabret, here is a catchy song to help you in your business journey. It emphasizes the significance of money as a life necessity with the lyrics, “money makes the world go round, of that we are sure.”
7. Dolly Parton – 9 to 5
Dolly Parton’s classic anthem highlights the realities of the workplace and encourages people to pursue something greater. It’s easy to see why this remains one of the most recognizable work-related songs ever recorded.
8. Merle Travis – Sixteen Tons
This classic song tells the story of hard work and struggle. It serves as a reminder of why many people pursue entrepreneurship and financial independence.
9. Flying Lizards – Money
As a cover of the original version written by Barret String, this song appeared in several movies as the main soundtrack. The aim of every business is more cash. Hence, this song emphasizes the significance of money in everyone’s life and encourages everyone to try to earn it.
10. ABBA – Money
ABBA’s take on money provides a unique perspective on wealth and financial aspirations. It encourages listeners to think about their financial future.
11. Pet Shop Boys – Opportunities
This song offers an interesting look at ambition, opportunity, and what it takes to succeed financially.
12. ABC – How to Be a Millionaire
As the title suggests, this song explores the idea of wealth and financial success.
13. Cyndi Lauper – Money Changes Everything
Here is another song highlighting the importance of money in personal lives. It is a song that will certainly trigger you to decide that you must embark on a successful business journey.
14. Dave Mason – Let It Go, Let It Flow
In business, people often leave you to make insignificant decisions for them. That sometimes affects your day and thought pattern. When it becomes overwhelming, blast this song at full volume and remind them that they have to do it themselves.
15. Incubus – Drive
One of the most motivational songs on this list, Drive encourages listeners to take control of their lives and stop letting fear dictate their decisions.
Songs About Hard Work and Persistence
16. Britney Spears – Work Bitch
Featuring a catchy beat, this motivational jam delivers a clear message; if you want results, take your hustles seriously in love, life, and business. If you are lookig for ideas to create another income stream, check out these side hustle ideas.
17. Erica Chase – Paris
This heartfelt song provides inspiration and motivation while encouraging listeners to continue pursuing their goals.
18. Kirk Franklin – I Smile
Running a business has its ups and downs. This song reminds you to keep smiling and moving forward, even when things aren’t going according to plan.
19. Fleetwood Mac – Dreams
Dreams often begin as simple ideas. This song serves as a reminder to look back at how far you’ve come and appreciate your progress.
20. Mary J. Blige – Just Fine
Your business output often depends on your state of mind. This song is a reminder not to spend all your energy stressing about things you can’t control. Running a business comes with enough challenges already, so maintaining the right mindset is critical. Sometimes you simply have to keep moving forward and focus on what matters.
If you’re looking for ways to boost your income, there are more opportunities available today than ever before.
21. Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive
In your most challenging times, you believe in yourself and your abilities- that is one of the fundamental keys to business success, which is what this song signifies. It is one of the best business songs of all time.
22. Miley Cyrus – The Climb
The journey toward success is rarely easy. This song encourages listeners to appreciate the process and learn from the challenges along the way.
23. The Real Tuesday Weld – Bathtime in Clerkenwell
This upbeat song can instantly improve your mood and help you stay motivated, regardless of how your day is going.
24. Des’ree – You Gotta Be
The lyrics of this song perfectly capture many of the qualities entrepreneurs need, including confidence, strength, and determination.
25. Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror
Change starts with the person in the mirror. This song reminds entrepreneurs that personal growth and self-discipline often drive business success.
26. Amy Steinberg – Exactly
This uplifting song reminds listeners that everyone has a purpose. It encourages you to keep moving forward and use your talents to make a positive impact through your work and business.
27. Destiny’s Child – Survivor
Running a business can sometimes be challenging, with multiple ups and downs. This song reminds you that only the strong survive, and if you don’t give up, you will surely get that rewarding feeling in the end.
If you are thinking about starting your own business or side hustle, remember that persistence matters just as much as talent.
28. Jack Johnson – With My Own Two Hands
Here is a song that addresses the need to take action to make the world a better place. Including this song in your business playlist will undoubtedly shape your perspective about the world and motivate you to create a change through your business.
29. OneRepublic – I Lived
Everyone in business needs a reminder to take risks and avoid living with regrets. This song encourages listeners to fully embrace life and pursue their goals.
30. Wings – Live and Let Die
This classic song reminds us that life and business are constantly changing. Adaptability is often one of the most valuable traits an entrepreneur can have.
31. The Who – Young Man Blues
This song captures many of the challenges young entrepreneurs face while trying to build something meaningful from scratch.
32. Katy Perry – Firework
If ever you need motivation or encouragement, turn to fireworks. This fast-paced music is an actual mood lifter, with an even more profound sense of inspiration. It reminds you that there is a spark in you, and you can delve deeper.
33. Alabama Shakes – Hold On
As the title suggests, this song is all about perseverance. Keep pushing forward, even when success seems far away.
34. Bjork – It’s Oh So Quiet
Business can be stressful. This song serves as a reminder to enjoy life, have fun, and occasionally step away from work.
35. Travis Tritt – I’m Gonna Be Somebody
If you are stepping into the business world, here is a perfect fit for you to remain motivated in your grind.
36. Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven
One of the most iconic songs ever recorded, it reminds us that we often have choices when facing challenges. The key is deciding which path to take.
37. Kip Moore – The Bull
Every entrepreneur hears “no” at some point. This song encourages listeners to use rejection and setbacks as fuel rather than excuses to quit.
38. The Greatest Showman – Come Alive
With its soothing vocals fully delivering positive and uplifting messages, this song speaks to me every time I listen to it. It is a song that tells you to embrace talents, actualize those goals and prove yourself.
39. A Perfect Circle – Sleeping Beauty
Success means very little if you neglect your mental health. This song reminds listeners to slow down, recharge, and take care of themselves.
40. The Black Eyed Peas – Let’s Get It Started
Few songs are better at creating momentum. If you need a burst of energy to tackle a project or goal, this one gets the job done.
41. Crowded House – Don’t Dream It’s Over
The road to success is rarely easy. This song encourages listeners to keep believing in themselves and continue pushing through obstacles.
42. Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire
Anytime you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unable to get past a difficult situation, this song can provide a much-needed boost. Confidence can be one of the most valuable assets an entrepreneur has. Many successful people started with little experience, but they took action and kept learning along the way.
43. Tom Petty – I Won’t Back Down
Another song tells you to keep fighting for yourself in adversities and never give up in any situation you face. This face applies to your business obstacles and other difficult life challenges.
44. Oasis – Roll With It
Business often involves dealing with difficult people and unexpected challenges. This song reminds listeners to keep moving forward and not let negativity slow them down.
45. Khali Conway – Entwined
This song serves as a reminder that success is a journey. Every step you take today contributes to something larger tomorrow.
46. Pink Floyd – Money
Money comes and goes, which is why building reliable income streams is so important. This song highlights the role money plays in everyday life.
47. The Notorious B.I.G. – Mo Money, Mo Problems
This remains one of my favorite songs on the list. The message is still relevant today. More money can create more opportunities, but it can also create more responsibilities. Financial success is great, but it doesn’t automatically solve every problem. The goal should be building a life and business that support what matters most to you.
48. The Rolling Stones – You Can’t Always Get What You Want
One of the most valuable lessons in life and business is learning to adjust expectations. Sometimes what you need is different from what you originally wanted.
49. Bachman-Turner Overdrive – Takin’ Care of Business
Here is a song that highlights self-employment as the way out of strenuous daily activities such as waking up early, bustling for a bus or train, and trying to get to work quickly.
50. Tony Bennett – With Plenty of Money and You
We’ve made it to the final song on the list. While money certainly isn’t everything, this song reminds us that financial stability can create opportunities and make life a little easier.
If you enjoy listening to music while working, a Bluetooth speaker can make your workspace more enjoyable and productive.
Motivation doesn’t come from a single song, quote, or video. It comes from consistently showing up and doing the work, even on the days when you don’t feel like it.
That said, music can absolutely help shift your mindset. The right song can help you stay focused, overcome setbacks, and remind you why you’re working toward your goals.
Whether you’re building a business, growing a side hustle, paying off debt, or simply trying to improve your life, I hope this list introduces you to a few songs that inspire you to keep moving forward.
Jason Butler is the founder of My Money Chronicles and an SEO consultant with over a decade of blogging experience. Since 2015, he has earned income through side hustles including blogging, eBay flipping, affiliate marketing, and freelance work while paying off over $64,000 in debt. His work has been featured in Forbes, Discover, Investopedia, and Yahoo Finance.
