25 Songs About Strong Women, from I Am Woman to Girl on Fire

What is the best song about strong women?

"I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy is the classic anthem for strong women, and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin is the most famous song about demanding it. "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys and "Run the World (Girls)" by Beyoncé are the modern favorites.

Classic songs about strong women

1. "You Don't Own Me", Lesley Gore: a bold 1963 declaration of independence.
2. "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'", Nancy Sinatra: walking away on her own terms.
3. "Respect", Aretha Franklin: the anthem of a generation.
4. "I Am Woman", Helen Reddy: the 1972 anthem of the women's movement.
5. "I'm Every Woman", Chaka Khan: a celebration of every woman's strength.
6. "Woman", John Lennon: a thank-you to the women in his life.
7. "She Works Hard for the Money", Donna Summer: a tribute to working women.
8. "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves", Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin: a duet about independence.
9. "9 to 5", Dolly Parton: the working woman's anthem.

R&B and hip hop songs about strong women

10. "Ladies First", Queen Latifah featuring Monie Love: a groundbreaking 1989 rap.
11. "U.N.I.T.Y.", Queen Latifah: a call for respect.
12. "Independent Women Part I", Destiny's Child: paying her own way.
13. "A Woman's Worth", Alicia Keys: a song about how a woman should be treated.
14. "Girl on Fire", Alicia Keys: unstoppable and proud.
15. "Superwoman", Alicia Keys: for every woman holding everything together.
16. "Run the World (Girls)", Beyoncé: a high-energy anthem.
17. "Freedom", Beyoncé featuring Kendrick Lamar: a powerful song from Lemonade.
18. "Q.U.E.E.N.", Janelle Monáe featuring Erykah Badu: celebrating being yourself.

Pop and rock anthems

19. "Just a Girl", No Doubt: a sarcastic answer to being underestimated.
20. "Woman", Kesha: a joyful, horn-driven anthem.
21. "God Is a Woman", Ariana Grande: a song about feminine power.
22. "Bigger", Beyoncé: from The Lion King: The Gift.

Country songs about strong women

23. "Strong Enough to Bend", Tanya Tucker: strength that comes from flexibility.
24. "Girl", Maren Morris: a reminder to stop doubting yourself.
25. "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", Shania Twain: a fun night out with the girls.

Why songs about strong women matter

For decades, songs like "Respect", "I Am Woman" and "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" gave women a soundtrack for standing up for themselves. They still work that way today: a single song can remind someone of their own strength on a hard day, or celebrate the women who shaped them.

The story behind I Am Woman

Helen Reddy wrote the words to "I Am Woman" with music by Ray Burton, and it became a number one hit in the United States in 1972. When it won her a Grammy, she ended her speech by thanking God and calling God "She", a line that made headlines. The song became the unofficial anthem of the women's movement.

Songs about strong women for Mom

For a mom who raised a family, worked hard and never gave up, "Superwoman", "I'm Every Woman" and "She Works Hard for the Money" make perfect Mother's Day dedications. See our songs about motherhood for more.

Songs for Women's History Month

In March, Women's History Month is a great time for a playlist of songs by and about women who changed music. Start with Aretha Franklin, Helen Reddy and Queen Latifah, then move to modern artists like Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and Janelle Monáe.

Songs about strong women for a daughter

For a daughter's graduation, sweet 16 or first job, "Girl", "Girl on Fire" and "Just a Girl" are fun and encouraging. See our songs about daughters for more ideas.

Songs for a wife or partner

For a wife or partner who keeps the family going, "Woman" by John Lennon is a sweet thank-you, and "A Woman's Worth" is a reminder of how she deserves to be treated. For an anniversary, pair one of these with a love song.

Songs for a retirement or a big achievement

For a woman retiring after a long career, earning a degree or opening her own business, "9 to 5", "She Works Hard for the Money" and "Girl on Fire" celebrate the work behind the moment. See our retirement songs for more.

Songs for a girls' night

For a night out with friends, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!", "Run the World (Girls)" and "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" get everyone singing. See our bachelorette party songs for more.

More songs about strength and confidence

For songs about believing in yourself, see our songs about confidence, which includes songs about self-love and being yourself.

A song for the strongest woman you know

A personalized song can celebrate the strong woman in your life: her name, the battles she has won and the ways she has lifted everyone around her, in a soulful R&B, pop or country style. It makes a powerful Mother's Day, birthday or retirement gift.

How to create a personalized song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: R&B, pop, country and more.
2. Add her name.
3. Share three moments that show her strength.
4. Review the lyrics and edit or regenerate them for free before any music is made.
5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $24.99, or $29.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Celebrate her strength with a song of her own: create a song and hear four previews for free.