When the world seems divided and angry, music can unite us. These songs about unity and hope will help you to keep moving forward.
The list below contains both recent songs and songs written decades ago.
The older songs remind us that discord and strife are nothing new. People have worked through these challenges before and we will continue to work through them.
Above all, we need to work through these challenges together. That can’t happen if we tear each other down on social media and at our dinner tables.
No one person can do everything. But everyone can do something. So be a little kinder to your crazy uncle. And your crazy niece. Listen to understand, not to respond.
I know this is hard, exhausting work. Use the songs about unity and hope below to help motivate you to reach out in kindness.
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1. Be a Light
I love this song and play it on repeat. If there’s a message that the world needs right now, this is it.
“Yeah there ain’t much difference between you and me … In a world full of hate, be a light”.
I need this reminder constantly. Especially when speaking to people with different viewpoints. It’s so easy to get frustrated and turn conversations into battles.
When I remember to be empathetic and open-minded, I gain so much more from these conversations. And so do the people on the other side of the conversation.
2. People Got to Be Free
The Rascals released this song in 1968. Its message reminds us that people have long been asking, “why can’t you and me learn to love one another?”
So turn up the volume and let this song motivate you to keep working towards a better tomorrow.
3. Get Along
This song carries a serious message – “can’t we all get along?” – within a happy, upbeat tempo.
It’s the kind of song that disarms you and gets you singing along, while also spreading a message of kindness and acceptance.
4. Everyday People
I love the cadence of this song. It highlights in simple rhythms how the chain of dislike develops. The long hair doesn’t like the short hair. The blue can’t accept the green one.
We have to break these chains of dislike. It’s the only way forward.
5. Get Together
No list of songs about unity and peace is complete without this song.
“Come on, people now. Smile on your brother. Everybody get together. Try to love one another right now.”
The song’s message is so well developed that it speaks for itself.
6. We Shall Be Free
The words “When I close my eyes, I see the way this world shall be” speak to me.
We all need to have hope for a better tomorrow. It can be easy to get bogged down in the frustrations of today. But hope is essential for moving forward.
7. Put a Little Love in Your Heart
This was the song that inspired me to create this playlist.
I was driving in my car, feeling down about the world. Then this song came on.
It reminded me how inspiring and motivating music can be. This song pulled me out of my funk and got me moving again. I hope it does the same for you.
8. Lean on Me
None of us can make it alone in this world. We need to lean on each other for support when times get tough.
And times can certainly get tough. But with each other’s support, we can get through.
9. Humble and Kind
My favorite lyrics to this song are “When you get where you’re goin’, don’t forget turn back around, and help the next one in line. Always stay humble and kind.”
This song is a great reminder to always support others, even as you’re pursuing your dreams.
10. What a Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong’s smile alone reminds me that this is a wonderful world.
While there are many things in this world that we can improve, we are blessed with skies of blue and clouds of white.
And what a wonderful world it is and will be.
Creating this list of songs about unity and hope was a therapeutic exercise for me. It reminded me that we are capable of moving forward in a positive direction. I hope these songs provide you with similar inspiration.
Comments or Questions?
Have a comment or a question? I’d love to hear from you! Visit me on Instagram @eastbymidwest and leave a comment or DM, or send me an email at pam@eastbymidwest.com.
