55 Songs To Listen To When Undergoing Change

Last Updated on July 15, 2024

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Change is something that everyone experiences, and the way we process it can be different for each individual. Music with Songs about change has often been a powerful tool to help me cope with this challenging emotion, as many artists have found ways to express their feelings of change through song lyrics.

With so much music out there devoted to transitioning into new seasons in life, I rounded up 55 songs about change—from pop hits like “Whataya Want From Me” by Adam Lambert and country classics such as Martina McBride’s “This One’s For The Girls,” these tunes will provide inspiration or comfort when you need them most.

Best Songs About Change

Some of the best songs about changes that are sure to offer comfort include:

1. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol 

This melancholic classic by the Irish rock band is a reflection of how life can be unpredictable and full of surprises. It evokes feelings of nostalgia, longing for something in the past that we cannot have anymore. 

The chorus perfectly expresses this sentiment: “If I lay here/ If I just lay here/ Would you lie with me and just forget the world?” 

2. Story Of My Life – One Direction 

‘Story of my life’ is a touching ballad featuring heartfelt vocals released in 2013 and talks about how relationships can change over time: “Written on this wall are the colors that I can’t change, leave my heart open, but it stays right here in this cage.” 

3. A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke 

Sam Cooke’s legendary civil rights anthem speaks to the struggles of African Americans and their fight for equality. It was released in 1964, at a time when segregation laws were still actively enforced across America. The lyrics are powerful yet hopeful. 

4. Never Be The Same – Camila Cabello 

This pop song from 2018 is all about accepting and embracing life changes. “Just one hit, and you know I’ll never be the same.” The lyrics perfectly describe the changes that come with falling in love. 

5. Whataya Want From Me – Adam Lambert 

Adam Lambert’s hit song from 2009 is a powerful exploration of the complexities of any relationship. 

The lyrics are full of vulnerability and raw emotion as he sings, “What do you want from me? /Why don’t you run far away?”. It speaks to how sometimes change can be so hard, even if it’s for our good.  

6. Changes – David Bowie 

David Bowie’s 1972 hit is a reflection on the changes that life brings and how it can be both terrifying and liberating at the same time. 

The lyrics speak to this sentiment with lines like, “Ch-ch-changes/Don’t want to be a richer man.” It’s an anthem for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the change in their lives. 

7. Consequences – Camila Cabello 

This emotional track talks candidly about struggles in coming to terms with personal mistakes and flaws when going through a period of transition or change: “Loving you was such a safe and sound, a steady place to let my defenses but loving you had consequences”. 

The melodious voice of Camila and how the lyrics flow perfectly are heartfelt, and the changes that love brings us can be felt through the song. 

8. This One’s For The Girls – Martina Mcbride 

This country classic from 2003 is a love letter to women everywhere and speaks to the power of female friendship. It encourages us all to be strong in the face of change with lines like “hold on to, on to your innocence, stand your ground when everybody’s giving in.”  

9. Night Changes – One Direction 

‘Night changes’ is a touching ballad featuring heartfelt vocals perfectly describing how we all change as years go by. The people and things that we love also change as days go by, “We only getting older baby, and I’ve been thinking about it lately, how fast the night changes,” 

The powerful song describes how true love can never change – ensure this heartfelt, sweet song is on your playlist. 

10. Everybody Hurts – R.E.M   

An iconic song about accepting that sometimes bad things happen but reminding people not to give up as there is always light at the end of the tunnel. “When your day is night alone… hold on, hold on”. The jam reminds us that no matter how hurtful life can get, we must continue until better days arrive.  

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11. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield 

This famous pop-rock track released in 2004 talks about writing one’s own destiny despite inevitable highs and lows along the journey. It empowers listeners to take control over the future even when feeling scared of changes that may come along. “Feel the sun on your skin/ today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten.” 

12. Times Like These – Foo Fighters 

Foo Fighters released this powerful rock track in 2003. The song speaks about strength and resilience during times of change. “I’m a brand-new day rising, I’m a brand-new sky, Do I stay or run away, and leave it all behind.” 

13. Chasing Pavements – Adele 

This emotive pop song from 2008 captures the feeling that life is changing too quickly and we don’t know what’s ahead. “Should I give up or should I keep chasing pavements”.

14. That’s Life – Frank Sinatra 

This classic song, released in 1966, speaks about how life is full of ups and downs, but we must still keep going. “That’s life/You’re riding high in April / Shot down in May, but I know I’m gonna change that tune.” 

15. I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz 

‘I won’t give up’ is a soulful pop track from 2012 that encourages listeners to stay strong through difficult times & changes without giving up on hope or love for better days ahead. “I won’t give up on us/ Even if the skies get rough…” 

16. The Climb – Miley Cyrus 

This inspirational country rock ballad from 2009 talks about never losing sight of dreams during struggles in your journey towards achieving them: “There’s always gonna be another mountain/I’m always gonna want to make it move.” 

17. Accidentally In Love – Counting Crows 

Initially featured in the 2003 Shrek 2 soundtrack, this uplifting alternative rock tune can capture feelings when we suddenly fall in love unexpectedly: “makes me turn around and face me, but I don’t know nothing about love.” 

18. True Colors – Cyndi Lauper 

‘True colors’ is an iconic 80s hit featuring simple yet poignant lyrics reminding people to remain true to themselves regardless of changes they may be going through. “You with the sad eyes/ I realize it’s hard to take courage in a world full stranger.” 

19. Firework – Katy Perry 

A powerful pop track from 2010 about overcoming fear and doubt to reach full potential when life throws unexpected changes or challenges our way. “Do you ever feel like a plastic bag/ Drifting through the wind wanting to start again?” 

20. The Middle – Jimmy Eat World 

This popular alternative rock tune released in 2001 speaks of the importance of staying true to yourself and your beliefs during times of change. “It just takes some time / Little girl you’re in middle but everything will be just fine.” 

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21. One Day – Matisyahu 

“One day’ is a reggae-inspired song from 2009 about how we always have a choice whether to accept or fight against changes in our lives. “So when negativity surrounds, I know someday it’ll all turn around because I know someday…” 

22. Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae 

This soulful pop song from 2006 encourages listeners to be unapologetic and rise even when life is full of unexpected changes. “Put your records on, tell me about your favorite song/ You go ahead let down your hair down, I hope you get your dreams” 

23. Fight Song – Rachel Platten 

‘Fight song’ is an uplifting tune released in 2015 that speaks about staying strong in the face of adversity despite any changes that come our way: “Like a small boat upon ocean / Sending big waves into motion.” 

24. Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) – Green Day 

Green Day’s emotional pop-punk track from 1997 captures a bittersweet feeling when something ends, encouraging us to move on, regardless: “Another turning point/ A fork stuck in the road.” 

25. Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me) – Train 

Train’s upbeat folk rock song released in 2000 speaks about how sometimes changes can be complex, but with the right attitude, you will eventually find your way through them. “….walks like rain, …that there’s a time to change…”  

26. Best Days – Graham Colton 

This powerful alternative rock tune from 2006 talks about finding strength within yourself to keep going despite struggles and changes. “ There’s always something tomorrow, so I say let’s make the best of tonight” 

27. 100 Years – Five For Fighting 

This heartfelt piano ballad was a hit single in 2005 and chronicles our journey toward discovering what matters most in our lives during times of change. “Half time goes by, suddenly you’re wise, another blink of an eye.” 

28. Blue Sky Blue – Ryan Adams 

This reflective country tune, released in 2011, reflects upon the process of rebuilding oneself after facing difficulties due to changing circumstances. “When you gonna learn to rain, and let yourself go blue for once.” 

29. Take Me To Church – Hozier 

This powerful blues rock song from 2013 speaks about how sometimes, even after making changes, we still find ourselves unable to escape the past. “Take me church, I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies.” 

30. Soak Up The Sun – Sheryl Crow  

This upbeat pop tune released in 2002 reminds us that despite any changes or hardships life throws, the sun will always come out eventually: “I’m gonna soak up the sun / Gonna tell everyone to lighten up.” 

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31. In Color – Jamey Johnson 

Jamey’s heartfelt country track from 2008 talks about the importance of taking time to appreciate the beauty in moments when things are changing all around you: “That’s the story of life, right there black and blue”  

32. Get Out Alive – Three Days Grace 

This alternative metal hit single from 2003 encourages listeners to keep going during times change whatever comes their way: “If I stay, it won’t be long, till I’m burning on the inside, if I go I can only hope.” 

33. You Get What You Give – New Radicals 

New Radicals’ pop-rock anthem, released in 1998, speaks about how we should always strive to reach our goals, even when things seem uncertain or ever-changing: “You’ve got the music in you/Don’t let go just keep it alive.” 

On days you feel uncertain about life and things around you, this hit will remind you never to let that fire inside you die. 

34. Grow Up – Simple Plan

This upbeat punk track from 2011 encourages listeners to stay strong and never give up on dreams despite all life changes: “I don’t wanna be told to grow up I wish that could make this moment last.” 

We can’t control time, and this beautiful song reminds us to enjoy every moment. 

35. Glorious – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 

This inspirational hip-hop song was a hit single in 2012 and talks of the power of staying positive during times of change while striving to achieve greatness: “I feel glorious, glorious, got a chance to start again.” 

36. Feel Again – One Republic 

‘Feeling again’ is an uplifting alternative tune released in 2013 that captures the feeling of coming out on the other side after struggling through tough times due to changing circumstances: “Ever since you know, I’ve been a lonely soul, but that’s the old me.” 

As changes occur, we often find ourselves looking at things differently. This song encourages us to start over when changes occur. 

37. Try – Colbie Caillat

This soulful pop track from 2009 speaks of the importance of recognizing that sometimes we must take risks to achieve things during times change: “You don’t have to give it all way, you just have to get up, you don’t have to change a single thing.”  

This is the perfect power pump to keep us up and going despite the changes around us. 

38. The Man Who Can’t Be Moved – The Script 

This powerful rock ballad, released in 2008, talks about staying true to self despite life changes: “Cause if one day you wake up and find you are missing me… I’m not moving, I’m not moving.” 

39. Born This Way – Lady Gaga 

This dance anthem from 2011 encourages listeners to find strength within themselves regardless of what society tells them or how much the world is changing around them: “No matter gay, straight, bisexual transgender / Life is a lesson, got to get it the right first time.” 

It’s all about living your life unapologetically and letting the world accept you for what you are. 

40. I Lived – One Republic 

‘I lived’ is an uplifting pop song released in 2014 that reflects upon the importance of living life to the fullest despite changes that come our way: “Hope when the moment comes, you’ll say I have lived / I gave it all.” 

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41. Let It Go – Idina Menzel 

This iconic show tune from the 2013 Frozen movie speaks about the need to let go of the past. The jam orders us to move forward and embrace new beginnings during times of change: “Letting it go, turn away and slam door/ And here stand with a heart wide open.” 

We sometimes become so rigid to changes, and this melody is here to encourage us to embrace changes and turn the aspects of our lives we don’t desire. 

42. Keep Your Head Up – Andy Grammer  

Andy Grammer’s soulful anthem, released in 2011, talks about staying strong and never giving up even if the world around us is changing: “ This is just a journey, drop your worries, you are gonna turn out fine.”  

Being positive through our most heartbreaking changes is all we need. And this song will surely give you hope through your changing moment. 

43. Beautiful Day – U2 

U2’s upbeat rock track originally featured in the 2000 ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind’ album captures feelings of hope amidst changing circumstances: “See the world in green and blue, see China Infront of you… It’s a beautiful day.” 

44. Somewhere I Belong – Linkin Park

This powerful rock ballad from 2003 talks about how sometimes we must take a risk and make changes to find our place in the world: “I wanna let go of the pain I’ve felt so long, I wanna heal, I wanna feel like am close to something real.” 

45. Hall Of Fame – The Script & Will.I.Am 

This inspirational hip-hop track released in 2012 encourages listeners never to give up on their dreams despite all their life changes: “You could be the greatest, you can be the best/ You can turn the page / Be the first one to make it off-chain gang.” 

It is such an inspiring song to listen to while going through changes. 

46. The Scientist – Coldplay   

‘The scientist’ is a melancholy pop song from 2002 about how sometimes we must let go of things to find ourselves: “Nobody said was easy/It’s such a shame for our part.” 

47. So Small – Carrie Underwood 

This country ballad, released in 2007, speaks of the need to take time to appreciate the beauty and small moments during times change: “Sometimes it takes some pain and faith to come along / To show you what could be waiting on another side.”

48. Keep Holding On – Avril  Lavigne  

Avril Lavigne’s inspiring rock track encourages listeners to stay strong despite struggles and difficulties caused by change: “Cause you know we’ll make it through, we’ll make it through.”

49. You Found Me – The Fray 

‘You found me’ is a powerful alternative rock tune that talks about finding strength within yourself even if the world around seems to change: “All my days were spent by the telephone, that never rang, and all I needed was a call.” 

50. Changes – 2pac 

This hip-hop anthem, released in 1998, captures the feeling of hope amidst change: “Come on come on/ I see no changes / All I see is broken people living in their hell.”

51. My Own Way – Duran Duran  

This upbeat pop-rock song from 1983 speaks about the importance of staying true to yourself and forging your path during change: “I can find my way, cause i’ve got my way/I’ll make the most of every day.” 

52. Back To December – Taylor Swift 

Taylor Swift’s heartfelt country pop tune released in 2010 talks of the need to come to terms with changes that occur in our lives and forgive ourselves for mistakes we have made: “I’d go back to December it turns out okay/ I guess he knew what kind of words hurt the most.” 

53. It’s My Life – Bon Jovi

This rock anthem, released in 1984, speaks of the importance of staying true to yourself and embracing the changes that come with life no matter what: “It’s my life/ It’s now or never /I ain’t gonna live forever.” 

54. It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over – Lenny Kravitz 

This soulful pop song from 1991 encourages listeners to stay hopeful during times of change and always to keep fighting for better days ahead. When you feel like hope is gone, look inside yourself, be strong, and never let anybody bring you down. 

55. Heroes – David Bowie 

This powerful classic initially featured in a 1977 album, ‘Low’, talks about the need to take a stand against any darkness, oppression, and injustice despite the ever-changing world we may find ourselves in: “We can beat them just think it over.” 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Country Songs About Change?

There are many popular Country hits dedicated to transitioning into new seasons in life. Some examples include ‘This One’s for The Girls’ by Martina McBride, ‘I Hope You Dance’ by Lee Ann Womack, and ‘A Little More Country Than That’ by Easton Corbin.     

How Can Music Help Me Cope With Change?

Music is a powerful tool for processing difficult emotions, and songs about change often provide comfort or inspiration when you need it most. Listening to these tunes can be cathartic, as they often reflect the struggles of transitioning into new seasons in life.   

Are There Any Classic Rock Anthems For Dealing With Changes?  

Yes, one example would be Changes by David Bowie, released in 1972. It reflects how sometimes we face uncertainties brought by alterations. 

What Are Some Inspirational Pop Songs That Talk About Changes?

 Inspirational tunes such as Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’, Corinne Bailey Rae’s ‘Put Your Records On’, and Jason Mraz’s’ ‘I Won’t Give Up’, capture our feelings when life throws us unexpected challenges or changes.

Michael Stone
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