These self love songs help us embrace our uniqueness

In my opinion, there is no better way to develop your self-love than through the transformative power of music. Music is a loyal companion that heals, offers solace, and provides motivation. When we can’t find the words to express our deepest emotions, music comes to the rescue.

“Where words fail, music speaks.”

— Hans Christian Andersen

I have hand-selected every single one of the self-love songs on this list with great care. While technically any love ballad can be a self-love song if you turn the lyrics around and sing them to yourself, these tracks are special.

In moments where I feel insecure or down, these tunes have enveloped me in their therapeutic embrace. They are anthems to reclaim your power. They span across many years and genres with the universal message to be good to yourself.

If you want to hear them all in one place, I’ve made a Spotify playlist for that.
And if you still love seeing music videos because you grew up watching MTV like I did, I’ve linked all their videos below.

I now present to you my ultimate playlist for self-love. Play these songs while you’re showering, jogging, driving, or do like I do and…get weird dancing around your house to them! However you choose to do it, I promise you’ll be inspired.

Be sure to check out my posts about self love poems, self love affirmations, self love journal prompts, and my interview with a self love expert! And check out this page for all things self-love.

HERE ARE 31 PHENOMENAL SELF LOVE SONGS:

1. queen by jessie j

Self- Love Lyrics:

Stop playing with your body lady
Stop feeling like you're not enough
Stop feeding into the haters
Stop and give yourself some love
Stop staring at the mirror getting faded
Saying you won't fall in love
Stop trusting all these fake idiots
Trust me they don't give a f*ck

I’m tired of seeing it
I'm tired of feeling this
The world says beauty is changing
F*ck that, it's fake expectation
Not the real shit
Let's get naked
Start meditating
Feel elevated and say:

I love my body
I love my skin
I am a goddess
I am a queen

This song is one of my favorite self-love anthems and a must-listen for anyone on their own self-love journey. It feels like she is speaking directly to you, and it’s so powerful!

I also LOVE the music video and the diversity it showcases. It will help you embrace your unique qualities and find strength in your individuality.

2. strength courage & wisdom by india aire

Self- Love Lyrics:

Inside my head there lives a dream that I want to see in the sun
Behind my eyes there lives a me that I've been hiding for much too long
Cause I've been, too afraid to let it show
Cause I'm scared of the judgment that may follow

Always putting off my living for tomorrow
It's time to step out on faith, I've gotta show my faith
It's been illusive for so long, but freedom is mine today
I've gotta step out on faith, It's time to show my faith
Procrastination had me down but look what I have found

Behind my pride there lives a me, that knows humility
Inside my voice there is a soul, and in my soul there is a voice
But I've been, too afraid to make a choice
Cause I'm scared of the things that I might be missing

Running too fast to stop and listen
It's time to step out on faith, I've gotta show my faith
It's been illusive for so long but freedom is mine today
I've gotta step out on faith it's time to show my faith
Procrastination had me down but look what I have found

I close my eyes and I think of all the things that I want to see
'Cause I know, now that I've opened up my heart I know that
Anything I want can be, so let it be, so let it be

Strength, courage, and wisdom
And it's been inside of me all along
Strength, courage, and wisdom
Inside of me

It's been inside of me all along

India Aire is a healer. In my eyes, she is truly the embodiment of divine feminine goddess energy. I went to her concert while I was hurting deeply from a breakup, and I left feeling reborn.

Out of all of her songs, this song about self love stands as a timeless testament to resilience. Her heartfelt lyrics speak directly to your soul, encouraging listeners to tap into their inner reservoirs of strength, courage, and wisdom and go after whatever it is that they want in life. The song is a musical affirmation, reminding us that amidst life's challenges, our true power lies within.

3. VIDEO BY INDIA AIRE

Self-Love Lyrics:
Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won't
Depend on how the wind blows, I might even paint my toes
It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul

I'm not the average girl from your video
And I ain't built like a supermodel
But I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be
India Arie

When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it's supposed to be
And I know my creator didn't make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my lips, my eyes, I'm loving what I see

Am I less of a lady if I don't wear panty hose?
My mama said a lady ain't what she wears, but what she knows
But I've drawn the conclusion, it's all an illusion
Confusion's the name of the game
A misconception, a vast deception
Something's gotta change

Don't be offended this is all my opinion
Ain't nothing that I'm saying law
This is a true confession
Of a life learned lesson
I was sent here to share with y'all
So get in where you fit in, go on and shine
Clear your mind, now's the time
Put your salt on the shelf
Go on and love yourself
'Cause everything's gonna be alright

Keep your fancy drinks, and your expensive minks
I don't need that to have a good time
Keep your expensive car and your caviar
All I need is my guitar

Keep your Cristal and your pistol
I'd rather have a pretty piece of crystal
Don't need you silicone, I prefer my own
What God gave me is just fine

Another self love hit by the incomparable India Arie, this song is a soulful masterpiece. It is so clear that India has done so much work on herself to get to such a beautiful place of cherishing herself, and I find her truly inspirational!

This song for self love celebrates the essence of our individuality, urging everyone to embrace their true selves without succumbing to societal pressures. In each verse, she paints a vivid picture of self-acceptance, and encourages us to look beyond superficial standards to embrace our authentic beauty.

4. love myself by hailee steinfeld

Self-Love Lyrics:
When I get chills at night, I feel it deep inside
Without you, yeah
Know how to satisfy, keepin' that tempo right
Without you, yeah

Pictures in my mind on replay
I'm gonna touch the pain away
I know how to scream my own name
Scream my name

Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else
Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else
Anytime that I like
I love me

I take it nice and slow, feeling good on my own
Without you, yeah
Got me speaking in tongues, the beautiful it comes
Without you, yeah

I'm gonna put my body first
And love me so hard 'til it hurts
I know how to scream out the words
Scream the words

Yeah, I know how to scream my own name

This upbeat, unapologetic song about self love is so simple but so powerful. It effortlessly captures the essence of independence, and exudes a sense of liberation. It’s a great reminder that our worth is not contingent on external validation.

5. FIGHT SONG BY RACHEL PLATTEN

Self-Love Lyrics:

Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion

And all those things I didn't say
Wrecking balls inside my brain
I will scream them loud tonight
Can you hear my voice this time?

This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I'm alright song
My power's turned on
Starting right now I'll be strong
I'll play my fight song
And I don't really care if nobody else believes
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me

Losing friends and I'm chasing sleep
Everybody's worried about me
In too deep
Say I'm in too deep
And it's been two years I miss my home
But there's a fire burning in my bones
Still believe
Yeah, I still believe

This song about self worth captures the feeling of overcoming challenges with unwavering strength. From the very first note, the song ignites a powerful determination that encourages you to rise up! If you are facing struggles in your life, internal or external, this song will help you reclaim your power!

6. good as hell BY lizzo

Self-Love Lyrics:

I do my hair toss
Check my nails
Baby how you feelin'?
Feeling good as hell

Woo child, tired of the bullshit
Go on dust your shoulders off, keep it moving
Yes Lord, tryna get some new shit
In there, swimwear, going to the pool shit
Come now, come dry your eyes
You know you a star, you can touch the sky
I know that it's hard but you have to try
If you need advice, let me simplify

If he don't love you anymore
Just walk your fine ass out the door

Woo girl, need to kick off your shoes
Got to take a deep breath, time to focus on you
All the big fights, long nights that you been through
I got a bottle of Tequila I been saving for you
Boss up and change your life
You can have it all, no sacrifice
I know he did you wrong, we can make it right
So go and let it all hang out tonight

This is the go-to self love anthem if you’ve been through a recent breakup or aren’t getting the love you deserve! It’s a feel-good tune that gives you an instant boost of self-assurance and a reminder of your worth.

7. self love by jayson lyric

Self-Love Lyrics:

I ain't tryna be stubborn
But I could use some self loving
I ain't gotta say nothing
They already know how I'm coming
I been working on me
I been loving on me
I had to learn to love myself

And no, I don't mind no help
I'd rather do it myself
No, I don't mind no help
But I'd rather do it myself
I been working on me
I been loving on me
I had to learn to love myself

They hate to see it
We love to see it
You continue to set the bar
They underneath it
Always bet on yourself
And best believe it
If you ever fold I'm here to iron out the creases
Just pre-heat it

Self hate we must un-teach it
I'm talking standards so high
They could never reach it
A lot of broken promises
From broken people
I bet them half naked hoes never feel completed
Just conceited

For no f*cking reason
Something got you glowing
I can't my put a finger on it
God took his time on you
Had to linger on it
You the housewife type
Put a ring on it
I'm happy for you
You practically royal
The queen bee
They should kneel, yeah
You might love the streets
But they'll never love you back
Love yourself
Every love story needs a climax
She say

This lyrically rich and emotionally resonant song is deep, and captures the essence of learning to love yourself authentically.

Check out these posts:

8. confident by demi lovato

Self-Love Lyrics:
It's time for me to take it
I'm the boss right now
Not gonna fake it
Not when you go down
'Cause this is my game
And you better come to play

I used to hold my freak back
Now I'm letting go
I make my own choice
Bitch, I run this show
So leave the lights on
No, you can't make me behave

So you say I'm complicated
That I must be out my mind
But you've had me underrated
Rated

It's time to get the chains out
Is your tongue tied up?
'Cause this is my ground
And I'm dangerous
And you can get off
But it's all 'bout me tonight

What's wrong with being confident?

This song about self love is potent. Her voice exudes strength and resilience, and the lyrics make me feel powerful. There’s no room for self-doubt here, just unabashed confidence in oneself.

And the music video featuring Michelle Rodriguez will help you tap into your badass feminine energy. I love playing this song before interviews or public speaking events to get myself hyped up!

9. self care by savannah cristina

Self-Love Lyrics:
I felt this before, and I can't afford to cry
I got work in the morn', I got bills, I got family ties
You play with the piece of me I try not to reason with
Not trying, you made it clear, wonder why you even here

Don't you know I
I can't be caught up on no bullshit?
I don't got the time
Don't care who you with or what you doing
I'm doing it right
Self-care, self-love, selfish
Self-care, self-love, selfish

And I want you to know that I did try my best with you
I cut off all my hoes, that was just for you
And I, I don't got the time, I'm doing it right

This soulful and introspective ballad is one of the best self love songs out there. She expresses herself with so much authenticity and vulnerability, and reminds us of the importance of taking care of ourselves, both physically and emotionally. Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish.

This song is like a balm that will moisturize your skin, mind, and soul. It’s the perfect song to get through a breakup or to find the courage to leave.

10. brand new me by alicia keys

Self-Love Lyrics:

It's been a while, I'm not who I was before
You look surprised, your words don't burn me anymore
Been meaning to tell you, but I guess it's clear to see
Don't be mad, it's just the brand new kind of me
Can't be bad, I found a brand new kind of free

Careful with your ego, he's the one that we should blame
Had to grab my heart back
God know something had to change
I thought that you'd be happy
I found the one thing I need, why you mad
It's just the brand new kind of me

It took a long long time to get here
It took a brave, brave girl to try
It took one too many excuses, one too many lies
Don't be surprised, don't be surprised

If I talk a little louder
If I speak up when you're wrong
If I walk a little taller
I'd be known to you too long
If you noticed that I'm different
Don't take it personally
Don't be mad, it's just the brand new kind of me
And it ain't bad, I found a brand new kind of free

Hey, if you were a friend, you want to get know me again
If you were worth a while
You'd be happy to see me smile
I'm not expecting sorry
I'm too busy finding myself
I got this
I found me, I found me, yeah

I don't need your opinion
I'm not waiting for your okay
I'll never be perfect, but at least now I'm brave
Now, my heart is open
And I can finally breathe
Don't be mad, it's just the brand new kind of free
That ain't bad, I found a brand new kind of me
Don't be mad, it's just a brand new time for me

This is a moving song about personal transformation. She talks about her journey of self-discovery and growth, shedding the weight of past expectations and control by others. It’s a powerful and relatable soundtrack for anyone navigating towards self-acceptance and renewal, and it’s a testament to loving yourself through every phase of the journey.

11. feeling good by nina simone

Self-Love Lyrics:

Birds flying high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by, you know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me, yeah

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me, ooh
And I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea, you know how I feel
River running free, you know how I feel
Blossom on the tree, you know how I feel

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know?
Butterflies all havin' fun, you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done, that's what I mean
And this old world, is a new world
And a bold world for me

Stars when you shine, you know how I feel
Scent of the pine, you know how I feel
Oh, freedom is mine
And I know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me

I'm feeling good

This uplifting self love song captivates you with its timeless elegance and empowering spirit. Every time I listen to it, I feel a more positive outlook on life. The song's optimistic lyrics paint a vivid picture of personal liberation and newfound confidence that is nothing short of inspiring!

12. Love myself By olivia o’brien

Self-Love Lyrics:

Why is it so hard to just be myself?
I feel like I'm different from everyone else
Yeah, why am I like this? Can somebody please tell me?
I look in the mirror, and what do I see?
I don't really know who's looking back at me
I don't even know who I wanna be

I don't need to know who I am yet
I don't need to have a solid plan yet
I don't need to be the same as everyone else
I just need to motherf*cking love myself

I need to love myself before I love anyone else, yeah

No matter how hard I try or what I do
I just can never fucking impress you
So, why am I letting what you say get me down?
I spent my whole life thinking I was wrong
And nobody likes me and it's all my fault
But I'm done with that shit, I finally figured out

People are constantly judging and eyeing
And plotting and lying, so why am I trying?
They all gon' talk shit anyway
They're all gon' say what they wanna say
They're all gon' say what they wanna say anyway
That's why I need to

This is a bold and unapologetic anthem that firmly takes its place in the domain of great self-love songs. She speaks to the themes of independence, self-worth, and unapologetic self-love. The lyrics remind us to prioritize personal happiness over external validation.

13. know that you are loved By cleo sol

Self-Love Lyrics:

Know that you are loved
Even if you don't love yourself

This song gives me goosebumps. It feels like she is speaking directly to my soul. Even with just two sentences that she sings over and over, this song moves you - it’s so gentle yet so profound.

This song gives me the feeling of true, unconditional love. Like the kind of love that comes from a mother for her child.

14. forward motion BY daya

Self-Love Lyrics:

Don't let the negative ever get in your way
Don't let it mess up your life
Don't let it fuck up your day
Don't let the shit they do get in under your skin
Gotta push it aside
And keep pushing ahead

Ooh, when this life knocks you on your ass
Get up, just keep coming back
Don't let it get you down

Gotta keep going
Keep moving in forward motion
Keep moving in forward motion
Don't let nothing ever slow you down
Keep on, hit the gas, get your speed on
Never look back, no reason
No, no, nothing's gonna stop you now

Don't let the darkness get in the way of your life
Don't let it mess with your head
Don't let it shut off your shine
You're on the fast track, they're just stuck in reverse
Leave 'em under your wheels
Kick 'em all to the curb

So any time the drama comes
Don't let it get anywhere near you
Just go and leave it in the dust
Just disappearing in the rearview
You're on a run that's just beginning
No, you've got no limits
Oh, so just go with it
Don't let it get you down

I just love this song on self esteem in the face of adversity. It reminds us to keep moving forward regardless of what the haters say.

15. masterpiece By jazmine sullivan

Self-Love Lyrics:

My eyes ain't used to these rays
I'm feeling exposed, but I hide no more
I can't hide
As the sun shines on all of my glory
My flaws don't look so bad at all
What was I so afraid of?

Every part of me is a vision of a portrait of Mona, of Mona Lisa
Every part of me is beautiful
And I finally see I'm a work of art
A masterpiece

Who is this I tried so long to fight?
Filling my heads with lies that I'm not good enough
Then I heard something in my ear
Tell I'm perfect, now that I know the truth
Time to show and prove

And now I see the pretty colors on my canvas
I'm a work of art, a Mona Lisa
I'll share my picture with the world
Not afraid to let it show anymore

I can light the night, shine so bright, Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa
Let my colors paint the sky
I can light the night, shine so bright, there is beauty in my eyes
Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa
And I can see it now, I can light the night, I believe it now, shine so bright
I can feel it now, Mona Lisa
I can light the night, shine so bright, Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa
Took a while to see, I can light the night, I'm a work of art, shine so bright
I'm a masterpiece, Shine so bright, Mona Lisa
I can light the night, I am beautiful, shine so bright, Mona Lisa

Every part of me is a vision of a portrait of Mona, of Mona Lisa
Every part of me is beautiful
And I finally see I'm a work of art
I'm a masterpiece

The first time I heard this song, I cried tears, tears, and more tears. I still get misty eyed every.single.time I hear it even though I’ve listened to it hundreds of times. If you want a reminder of your magnificence, this song is exactly what you need.

And if you want watch Jazmine bring the whole damn house down, watch her incredible BET performance!

16. golden by jill scott

Self-Love Lyrics:

I'm taking my freedom
Pulling it off the shelf
Putting it on my chain
Wear it around my neck
I'm taking my freedom
Putting it in my car
Wherever I choose to go
It will take me far

I'm livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden

I'm taking my own freedom
Putting it in my song
Singing loud and strong
Grooving all day long
I'm taking my freedom
Putting it in my stroll
I'll be high-steppin' y'all
Letting the joy unfold

I'm livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden

I'm holding on to my freedom
Can't take it from me
I was born into it
It comes naturally
I'm strumming my own freedom
Playing the God in me
Representing his glory
Hope he's proud of me

I have loved Jill Scott’s music for many years, and this is one of my faves. It is an exquisite message of empowerment, that drips with elegance and soul. The lyrics radiates positivity and warmth. This song fills me with that joie de vivre!

17. unstoppable by sia

Self-Love Lyrics:

All smiles, I know what it takes to fool this town
I'll do it 'til the sun goes down
And all through the nighttime
Oh, yeah
Oh, yeah, I'll tell you what you wanna hear
Leave my sunglasses on while I shed a tear
It's never the right time
Yeah, yeah

I put my armor on, show you how strong I am
I put my armor on, I'll show you that I am

I'm unstoppable
I'm a Porsche with no brakes
I'm invincible
Yeah, I win every single game
I'm so powerful
I don't need batteries to play
I'm so confident
Yeah, I'm unstoppable today

This song about self-worth is a powerful ode to recognize your own inner power. If you are ever feeling down or defeated, this is the song you need to awaken your inner champion!

18. SCARS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL BY ALESSIA CARA

Self-Love Lyrics:

She just wants to be, beautiful
She goes, unnoticed she knows, no limits
She craves, attention she praises, an image
She prays to be, sculpted by the sculptor

Oh, she don't see, the light that's shining
Deeper than the eyes can find it
Maybe we have made her blind
So she tries to cover up her pain
And cut her woes away
'Cause covergirls don't cry
After their face is made

But there's a hope that's waiting for you in the dark
You should know you're beautiful just the way you are
And you don't have to change a thing
The world could change its heart
No scars to your beautiful
We're stars and we're beautiful

She has dreams to be an envy, so she's starving
You know, covergirls eat nothing
She says, beauty is pain and there's beauty in everything
What's a little bit of hunger?
I could go a little while longer, she fades away

She don't see her perfect
She don't understand she's worth it
Or that beauty goes deeper than the surface
Oh-oh, oh-oh
So to all the girls that's hurting
Let me be your mirror
Help you see a little bit clearer
The light that shines within

No better you than the you that you are

In this poignant ballad, she delicately addresses societal standards of beauty and encourages listeners to find beauty in their own uniqueness. The lyrics are a heartfelt reflection on the struggles individuals face in embracing their imperfections and scars. if you’re grappling with insecurities, this song will remind you how beautiful you are, inside and out.

19. i believe by christina perri

Self-Love Lyrics:

I believe if I knew where I was going I'd lose my way
I believe that the words that he told you are not your grave
I know that we are not the weight of all our memories
I believe in the things that I am afraid to say

Hold on, hold on

I believe in the lost possibilities you can't see
And I believe that the darkness reminds us where light can be
I know that your heart is still beating, beating, darling
I believe that you fell so you would land next to me

'Cause I have been where you are before
And I have felt the pain of losing who you are
And I have died so many times, but I am still alive

I believe that tomorrow is stronger than yesterday
And I believe that your head is the only thing in your way
I wish that you could see your scars turn into beauty
I believe that today it's okay to be not okay

This is not the end of me, this is the beginning

This simple and relatable self-love song went bananas on social media, and she even made her music video based on what people submitted online. It’s an important reminder that most of the battles and self-doubts we face are all in our head.

20. bad girls by m.i.a.

Self-Love Lyrics:
My chain hits my chest when I'm banging on the dashboard
My chain hits my chest when I'm banging on the radio

Get back, get down
Pull me closer if you think you can hang
Hands up, hands tied
Don't go screaming if I blow you with a bang

Suki suki
I'm coming in the Cherokee gasoline
There's steam on the window screen take it, take it
Wheels bouncing like a trampoline
When I get to where I'm going, gonna have you trembling

Oh back it, back it
Yeah pull up to the bumper game read the signal
Cover me, cause I'm changing lanes
I had a handle on it
My life, but I broke it
When I get to where I'm going
Gonna have you saying it

Going nought to b*tch I'll see four million
Accelerating fast I can do this in a second
Lookin' in the rear view, swaggin' goin' swell
Leavin' boys behind 'cause it's illegal just to kill
Shift gear, automatic, damned if I do
Who's gonna stop me when I'm coming through?
What we got left is just me and you
But if I go to bed, baby, can I take you?

Live fast, die young, bad girls do it well

Listen, I promised you a range of genres, right? I know this isn’t a traditional self-love song, but let me tell you, this song has been my JAM for years. I play this song in the morning when I’m struggling to get out of bed, before interviews, before dates, when someone pisses me off, when I’m anxious, when I am bored with life and need to get my spark back…and on, and on.

This is an anthem for female empowerment. When you want to find and embrace your inner badass, turn this song on at full force! And watch the video - every time I watch it, I feel completely amped up and ready to take on the world!

21. belong to you by sabrina claudio

Self-Love Lyrics:

Take care of me
Talk all day then at night fall in deep
Stimulate me
I want you mental and physically
I belong to

I belong to you
You
You

Grab hold of me
Gentle love but touch passionately
I'll give you my blessing
Take me person and objectively
Ex and internally

I belong to you
I belong to you

I am a huge Sabrina Claudio fan, and her live concert that I went to in LA was absolutely mesmerizing! Her vocals just get me, you know?

While at first glance this song sounds like a love song, it was actually written as a love letter to herself. Her words carry such a sense of ownership and independence. And as she sings to her reflection in the music video, it’s like she’s trying to seduce herself.

This song is one of the most beautiful literal and metaphorical declarations of self-love out there, and it’s such a great reminder of how magical and powerful we are when we tap into our feminine energy.

22. angel by halle

Self-Love Lyrics:

Do you ever make it out of your head?
Do you still swim in your thoughts?
Do you still mistake your flaws for property?
Something that just don't sit right with you
But Heaven knows, Heaven knows
Your wings can't weight you down

Angels make a way somehow
And if we fall, we fall on clouds

Black girl here, black girl with the black girl hair
Took a little sunkiss just to look like this
God sent, you're an angel
Angel
Angel
Angel
Heaven wears your halo
They know you're an angel
Angel
Angel
Angel

I'm a big deal
I get sick and tired of holdin' it in
Rich blood, you can probably see the gold in my skin
I'm more than a girl, won't let the troubles of the world
Come weigh me down

But angels make a way somehow
And if we fall, we fall on clouds

Some might hate and they wait on your fall
They don't know there's a grace for it all
My flaws don't make me
Beautiful and real, all you fake cannot compare
Oh, you're perfectly a masterpiece
And all of me, even my scars
Even my scars, yeah

I’m not black, but this song still gives me all the feels, it is such a freakin masterpiece. The first time I heard it, I played it on repeat for one week straight, it’s that good.

Although Halle never publicly addressed all the racism and hate she got when she was cast in The Little Mermaid, she instead took it and made it into art. She kept her head held high, and gracefully and masterfully silences everyone with this incredible song about self-love.

23. keep me in love by alina baraz

Self-Love Lyrics:

My love
For me, it runs so deep
How could someone ever match my, my energy
Enough, enough for me to believe in
The words you say, you say that you mean

I want someone, someone who gets me
Gets me the world, I need to believe
That there is someone, someone to keep me
Keep me in love, I need it for me

My love
Won't give it all up for free
You need my trust
Before you receive
I played it safe, I had my fun
But that's not really what I want
I know there's so much more that's meant for me

Another one of my favorite artists of all time. This is a soulful song about loving yourself.

24. god morning by natalie lauren

Self-Love Lyrics:

Inhale, exhale, breathe

Good morning stretch
Reach for the stars
Today, maybe, baby, you're an astronaut
No room for margin
My fears are starving
The saints still marching
I am the harvest
And God got flowers for me
God got flowers for me
God got flowers in me
That never met a vase
Just rose-tinted shades
You can lay inside your faith
This kind never fades and I

I feel love surrounding me
And your spirit guiding me
Just breathe and pray
There's grace for today

I am free, this is home
Fully loved, fully known
And I have joy in my bones
And I am safe, not alone
Not no broken, I am healed
No shame, what I feel
And be gentle to yourself
Be the light, salt the world

Today I will show up for myself
I will show up for myself, show up for myself

This is an uplifting and affirming track that effortlessly captures the essence of self-love. The lyrics resonate as a personal pep talk, and foster a deeper sense of connection with a higher power.

25. flawless by beyonce

Self-Love Lyrics:
I know when you were little girls
You dreamt of being in my world
Don't forget it, don't forget it
Respect that, bow down, b*tches
I took some time to live my life
But don't think I'm just his little wife
Don't get it twisted, get it twisted
This my sh*t, bow down, b*tches

We teach girls to shrink themselves
To make themselves smaller
We say to girls
"You can have ambition
But not too much
You should aim to be successful
But not too successful
Otherwise you will threaten the man"
Because I am female
I am expected to aspire to marriage
I am expected to make my life choices
Always keeping in mind that
Marriage is the most important
Now marriage can be a source of
Joy and love and mutual support
But why do we teach girls to aspire to marriage
And we don't teach boys the same?
We raise girls to see each other as competitors
Not for jobs or for accomplishments
Which I think can be a good thing
But for the attention of men
We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings
In the way that boys are
Feminist: the person who believes in the social
Political, and economic equality of the sexes

Mama taught me good home training
My Daddy taught me how to love my haters
My sister told me I should speak my mind
My man made me feel so God damn fine

You wake up, flawless
Post up, flawless
Ridin' round in it, flawless
Flossin on that, flawless
This diamond, flawless
My diamond, flawless
This rock, flawless
My rock, flawless
I woke up like this

Y’all didn’t think I’d make a self-love playlist without Queen B on it, did you? This is one of the greatest female self love songs ever! A classic that will live on for the ages.

26. speak by jhene aiko

Self-Love Lyrics:

Woke up this mornin'
Heart was beatin' out my chest
So excited, realizin'
That you weren't here to judge me
No one to impress
I decided
That I liked it, yeah

I'm movin' on
I'm puttin' on my favorite dress
The one you hated
Said I look naked in
F*ck your opinion 'bout it
I'm feelin' my best
I won't hide it
And besides that

Look how the sun
Rises without our askin'
Shinin' with so much passion
Light just for us to bask in
Love shouldn't be for our keepin'
I'll celebrate my freedom
I'm gon' speak up

Speak from my heart, baby
Speak from my soul, sugar
Say what you want, lady
Act like you know who you are
Speak from your gut, honey
Say what you want, my love
Be who you wanna be
Speak, speak, speak, speak
Be free

This is such a great song for anyone who has ended an unhealthy or controlling relationship to reclaim their freedom. It’s full of so much good energy. And the video gives all the vibes of an epic self care Sunday with her taking a bath, meditating, aligning her chakras, and living her best life.

27. OK by MABEL

Self-Love Lyrics:

Wake up with a knot in my chest
Tried everything just to get out of bed
It ain't workin', it ain't workin'
Sometimes I can get like this
Cover it up with a smile on my face
But I'm hurtin', I'm still hurtin'

There are days when the world gets heavy
Sleepless nights, I've had way too many
When it's late and no one's around, around
Alone in my room and the tears start pouring
Wishin' the nights were still the mornin'
But tonight I'ma let them fall down, fall down

Look at you, look at me
We all goin' through it
If you look beyond the surface, beyond the surface
So what do I do? Just wear it on my sleeve
Maybe then, maybe then you'll be believe
That I'm hurtin', that I'm hurtin'

'Cause it's OK not to be OK
It's OK if you feel the pain
Don't gotta wipe your tears away
Tomorrow's another day
It's OK not to be OK
It's fine, you're allowed to break
As long as you know, as long as you know
Everything's gonna be OK, OK

I know, you know, I know, you know
It's not easy
But you know, you know, you know, you know
That it gets easier

Self love is loving yourself even when you’re not at your best. This is such a wonderful song for anyone who is going through a tough time in their lives. It’s okay not to be okay.

28. i by kendrick lamar

Self-Love Lyrics:

I done been through a whole lot
Trial, tribulation, but I know God
Satan wanna put me in a bow tie
Pray that the holy water don't go dry
As I look around me
So many motherf*ckers wanna down me
But an enemigo never drown me
In front of a dirty double-mirror they found me

And I love myself
The world is a ghetto with big guns and picket signs
I love myself
But it can do what it want whenever it want, I don't mind
I love myself
He said I gotta get up, life is more than suicide
I love myself
One day at a time, sun gon' shine

Everybody lookin' at you crazy
What you gonna do?
Lift up your head and keep moving
Or let the paranoia haunt you?
Peace to fashion police, I wear my heart
On my sleeve, let the runway start
You know the miserable do love company
What do you want from me and my scars?
Everybody lack confidence, everybody lack confidence
How many times my potential was anonymous?
How many times the city making me promises?
So I promise this

I love myself

This song on self love is a powerful exploration of resilience. The introspective lyrics create a raw and honest narrative that delves into the complexities of self-acceptance, mental health, and the triumph over inner struggles, and remind us to be kind to ourselves.

29. best of me by yuna

Self-Love Lyrics:

I can see that lately you've been strugglin'
I know that you've been demotivated
Saying, "Sometimes things, they just don't go your way
And people gonna say some things about you"

When you give everything
You give everything up for nothing
You'll find when you give everything
You give everything up for nothing
Just tell yourself that

Yeah, I'm not gonna let you get the best of me today
All these people tryna bring out the worst in me
Come look at what you've created
I'm better than what you've been saying

'Cause once I was like you
The struggles that I went through
'Cause once I was like you

I can see it now the world is changing
People hiding faces behind screens
Throwing criticisms, you don't need all that
Just keep your head up high, keep walking

When you give everything
People hate to see that you're growing, you're growing
When you know everything
Everything you've gone through is worth it
And you tell yourself that

If you’ve ever been criticized or put down, this is one of the best self love songs for you. Silence the haters.

30. good thing by kehlani & zedd

Self-Love Lyrics:

I book myself tables
At all the best restaurants, then eat alone
I buy myself fast cars
Just so I can drive them real fuckin' slow
I like my own company
Company, I don't need it
I'm not always cold
I'm just good on my own, so good on my own

I've always been told, one day, I'll find
Somebody who changes my mind
If they come along, I won't think twice

I make myself up
Just to dance in the mirror when I'm at home
I pose and take pictures
Then send them to people that I don't know
I like getting compliments
Compliments how I'm feeling, oh
I'm not always selfish
Just bad at romance, it's not in my bones

'Cause I already got a good thing with me
Yeah, I already got everything I need
The best things in life are already mine
Don't tell me that you got a good thing for me
'Cause I already got a good thing with me
Yeah, I already done everything I dreamed
I'm good by myself, don't need no one else
Don't tell me that you got a good thing for me
'Cause I already got a good thing

This song was my go-to anthem for a long time. It’s a great reminder to treat ourselves well, and to enjoy our time alone.

31. love yourself by mary j. blige

Self-Love Lyrics:

It's been a long way, but I made it here with love
I made it here with love, love
Said I've been and up and down and I've been through it all
Took a while to know my heart
Oh, yes, it did, yeah
Before love like this, you go
Through the fire and valley lows
But if you just hold on
Please hold on 'cause love is strong, it'll save yah
Oh, please hold on, it'll save yah

Truth can be the sweetest pain
It can mess up everything
It's the only way you know
I'm paying for it, I'm changin' for it
Oh, oh, and it hurts
But I'll make it work
'Cause I'm no beginner
I'm a winner, paid dues, I know my purpose

Thought they'd put my life on hold
But I knew somethin' they didn't know
I know myself too much to ever fold
Dark clouds are movin' past you

Oh, you gotta love yourself
If you really wanna be with someone else
You gotta feed yourself
Before you feed somebody else
You gotta stay open, and don't be foolish
'Cause everybody don't mean you well
You gotta love yourself
Before you love somebody else

What a perfect way to end this epic self love playlist - with the wise words of this living legend. I have been listening to Mary J. for literally decades, and this song is the epitome of the kind of wisdom one can only gain through time, age, and learning things firsthand the hard way. This song soothes my soul.

*******

These self-love songs transcend mere melodies - they are anthems of empowerment and personal growth. Each lyric, every note, carries the power to seep through you and ignite a fire inside of you. They are a celebration of our inherent worth, and a reminder that love, in its purest form, begins from within.

Want more? Be sure to check out my posts about self love poems, self love affirmations, self love journal prompts, and my interview with a self love expert! And check out this page for all things self-love.

Are you hyped up after hearing these self-love songs? Do you have any faves not on this list? I’d love to hear in the comments! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I donate 10% of all proceeds made from this blog to charity. Find out more about the charity I am supporting here.