When I’m working or walking around the city, I’m usually listening to some tunes with my earbuds in (people have been known to throw things to get my attention).
I love music’s ability to motivate us and make us feel understood, and it’s in this spirit that I created an entrepreneurial playlist.
Lovingly cultivated with the many different facets of entrepreneurship in mind, I hope that the joys (and the headaches) are captured here.
If you use Spotify, you can subscribe to the Top 10 Playlist: Songs for Entrepreneurs. Happy listening!
TOP 27 Inspirational Songs About Business for Entrepreneurs
Now let’s have a look at the top 27 songs about business you need in your playlist:
1. Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band – “Express Yourself”
Why? This song has a lot of soul, just like you, intrepid entrepreneur. There’s no better spirit to infuse into your endeavor – express yourself!
Best Lyric: “Whatever you do, do it good”
2. M83 – “Steve McQueen”
Why? Never has a song about a famous dead actor sounded more epic and inspiring. “Steve McQueen” is about triumph in the face of everything that knocks you down in life, a sentiment that most entrepreneurs can relate to.
Best Lyric: “I woke up stronger than ever!”
3. The Temper Trap – “Sweet Disposition”
Why? “Sweet Disposition” is a song about love, but it’s also a song about new ideas, new beginnings, and what inspires us.
Best Lyric: “We won’t stop ’til it’s over, we won’t stop to surrender”
4. The Rolling Stones – “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
Why? Hey, a lot of the best ideas are borne out of frustration – businesses start because someone wants to change something. Channel your dissatisfaction into good! It worked for Mick Jagger.
Best Lyric: “I can’t get no satisfaction”
5. Kanye West – “POWER”
Why? Just like most things that come from Kanye, “POWER” is all about Kanye. Regardless, if this song doesn’t make you want to go out and conquer the world then we need to check your pulse. Thanks to Martin Lieberman for this suggestion!
Best Lyric: “I’m livin’ in the 21st century, doin’ something mean to it”
6. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – “I Won’t Back Down”
Why? There are a few Tom Petty songs that could have taken this spot, but this one really captures the attitude it takes to succeed.
Best Lyric: “Gonna stand my ground and I won’t back down”
7. Spoon – “The Underdog”
Why? “The Underdog” is about sticking it to the man, man. This song talks about the arrogance of the establishment and why the little man can win.
Best Lyric: “You got no fear of the underdog, That’s why you will not survive”
8. Aloe Blacc – “I Need A Dollar”
Why? Preach, Aloe. I think a lot of entrepreneurs can relate – just don’t start singing it at your next VC investment meeting.
Best Lyric: “And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me?”
9. Jill Scott – “Golden”
Why? “Golden” celebrates freedom, and Jill Scott uses her powerful voice to get that message across – put it all on the line and take chances.
Best Lyric: “I’m living my life like it’s golden”
10. Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Three Little Birds”
Why? With all the stress that can come with entrepreneurship, it’s good to remember every now and then that things usually have a way of working out.
Best Lyric “Don’t worry ’bout a thing, ‘Cause every little thing is gonna be all right.”
11. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
Why? This song is a heartfelt reminder to seize life’s opportunities and embrace its possibilities. Entrepreneurs often face the decision to step into the unknown, and this song captures that spirit of courage and hope.
Best Lyric: “Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens.”
12. “Never Give Up on a Good Thing” by George Benson
Why? It’s a motivational anthem about persistence and dedication, crucial traits for any entrepreneur facing challenges in their journey.
Best Lyric: “Never give up on a good thing, remember what makes you happy.”
13. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Why? A classic that inspires positivity and appreciation for the simple joys in life—qualities essential for maintaining balance and perspective in the hectic world of entrepreneurship.
Best Lyric: “I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom, for me and you.”
14. “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
Why? This song embodies the hard-working spirit and resilience required to succeed in the entrepreneurial world, reminding us that perseverance pays off.
Best Lyric: “Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living.”
15. “Drive” by Incubus
Why? Entrepreneurs often need to take control and steer their ventures with confidence, and this song captures that spirit of self-empowerment.
Best Lyric: “Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there with open arms and open eyes.”
16. “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins
Why? Known for its haunting melody and powerful drum solo, this song reflects the anticipation and transformative moments in an entrepreneurial journey.
Best Lyric: “I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord.”
17. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
Why? It’s a melodious reminder to chase your dreams and persist through the ebbs and flows of starting and running a business.
Best Lyric: “Thunder only happens when it’s raining, players only love you when they’re playing.”
18. “All of the Above” by Maino ft. T-Pain
Why? A song that captures the essence of aiming high and achieving one’s goals, echoing the ambitions of entrepreneurs.
Best Lyric: “It’s easy to dream a dream, but it’s harder to live it.”
19. “Started from the Bottom” by Drake
Why? This song resonates with many entrepreneurs’ journeys from humble beginnings to success, emphasizing the value of hard work and determination.
Best Lyric: “Started from the bottom, now we’re here.”
20. “For the Love of Money” by The O’Jays
Why? While cautioning about the pitfalls of greed, it also highlights the role of financial aspirations in driving business success.
Best Lyric: “For the love of money, people will steal from their mother.”
21. “You’re the Best” by Joe ‘Bean’ Esposito
Why? This 80s classic is all about overcoming challenges and striving for excellence, a mindset crucial for entrepreneurs.
Best Lyric: “You’re the best around, nothing’s gonna ever keep you down.”
22. “Rich Girl” by Gwen Stefani
Why? It talks about the desire for financial independence and success, a dream shared by many entrepreneurs.
Best Lyric: “If I was a rich girl, na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na.”
23. “She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer
Why? A tribute to hard work and dedication, it’s a reminder of the effort behind every successful entrepreneurial venture.
Best Lyric: “She works hard for the money, so hard for it, honey.”
24. “High Hopes” by Panic! at the Disco
Why? An upbeat song about dreaming big and overcoming obstacles, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Best Lyric: “Had to have high, high hopes for a living.”
25. “Break My Soul” by Beyoncé
Why? It encourages breaking free from conventional paths and pursuing one’s passions, much like the entrepreneurial journey.
Best Lyric: “I’ma find new drive, damn, they work me so damn hard.”
26. “Tightrope” by Janelle Monáe
Why? This inspirational song is about balancing challenges and maintaining confidence, key for entrepreneurs in unpredictable environments.
Best Lyric: “I’m marching on the tightrope, can’t go back, no way, no way.”
27. “The Final Countdown” by Europe
Why? A classic hit that symbolizes the final push towards achieving one’s business goals, with an iconic and energizing melody.
Best Lyric: “It’s the final countdown, the final countdown.”
Bonus Song: R.Kelly – “I Believe I Can Fly”
Why? I’m a 90′s kid and it makes me laugh to include this. Also, don’t pretend you haven’t sung this inspirational song aloud and really felt the lyrics.
Best Lyric: “I believe I can fly”
Leave Your Additions in the Comments!
This marks the end of our top 27 inspirational songs about business.
If you have any song suggestions, please recommend them in the comments.
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