20 songs about being independent

Kelly Clarkson’s debut single “Miss Independent” plays into the theme of someone being self-sufficient but ultimately breaks her habits to let love in her life. Sometimes people can be a little guarded in the love department, but all it takes is the right person to come around and make one think differently. 

In 2000, Destiny’s Child had listeners desiring to be another member of Charlie’s Angels. Their hit single “Independent Women, Pt. 1” was the perfect feminist anthem highlighting women who are about buying what they want and doing as they please. 

The Chicks’ hit song “Wide Open Spaces” is the perfect track for listeners who feel they need to take another direction in life. The track highlights how some people get a bit too stagnant staying in their comfort zones and sometimes need to branch out to other areas to see growth within themselves. 

On Ne-Yo’s 2008 single “Miss Independent,” the singer is infatuated with a woman who has her own thing. Does she want a man? Maybe. But does she need him? No. Ne-Yo sings about how much he loves that she’s independent and doesn’t have to rely on a man to live the life she wants and deserves. On the track, he says, “'Cause she work like a boss, play like a boss / Anything less, she’s telling them to get lost.”

When music lovers think of the disco era, Gloria Gaynor’s hit song “I Will Survive” typically comes to mind. On the track, Gaynor details how hard it may be to move on after a breakup, but she realizes how strong and worthy she is to find love again. 

The big band production on Demi Lovato’s hit song “Confident” easily entices listeners to feel their best. On the track, Lovato details letting go of any inhibitions and elevating into boss mode. 

Janet Jackson was ready to break free on her 1986 hit “Control.” On the track, Ms. Jackson details how family members ran her life, but now she’s of legal age, so she’s ready to take life by her own reins. The song became a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

In 2004, American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson released her sophomore album, Breakaway. The title track tells the story of someone living in a small town who dreams of breaking free to somewhere new. On the hook, she sings, “I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn to fly / I’ll do what it takes ‘til I touch the sky.” 

In 2010, singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles released her hit song “King of Anything.” On the track, Bareilles doesn’t want to deal with anyone else’s opinions and is assertive in doing things her way. 

Music lovers are always down to hear an anthem made just for them. Rapper Webbie did that when he released his 2007 single appropriately titled “Independent.” On the track, Webbie details how he likes a woman who owns a car and house and works hard for what she wants.

In 1984, Patti Labelle released her hit song “New Attitude.” On the track, LaBelle details her newfound confidence and outlook on her life. She’s at a point where she has no worries, and she’s enjoying who she’s becoming. 

On Bon Jovi’s song “It's My Life,” the band reflects on living life on their own terms. They’re all about being strong, standing their ground, and living life how they please.  

On Beyoncé’s hit song “Grown Woman,” the singer reflects on the dreams she had as a child. Now that she’s a successful artist, she realizes that she’s living the life she once dreamed of and is ready for the world to continue taking notice. 

Life is always going to throw curveballs. While it’s important for anyone to have a solid circle of supporters around them, people should also be strong enough to trust themselves and venture out on their own. That’s the theme of Christina Aguilera’s song “Soar.” On the hook, she says, “Don’t be scared to fly alone / Find a path that is your own / Love will open every door / It’s in your hands, the world is yours.” 

G-Eazy and Bebe Rexha teamed up on their 2015 hit song “Me, Myself, and I.” On the track, the two detail the importance of having their own space and privacy. 

In 2000, pop star Britney Spears released her hit single “Stronger.” On the track, Spears expresses her resiliency after a breakup. She’ll continue to build her strength and realizes that being alone is quite alright. 

Ty Dolla $ign teamed up with Jhene Aiko and Mustard on his 2020 single "By Yourself." On the track, Ty highlights how much he likes an independent woman on her boss moves and always striving for more in life. 

In the late '90s and early 2000s, Limp Bizkit was a dominant name in rock music. The band's hit single "My Way," sampled Eric B. and Rakim's "My Melody." On the track, lead rocker Fred Durst highlights how he will start doing things his way. 

In 1990, rap group Salt-N-Pepa released their third album, Blacks' Magic. On the track "Independent," the group highlights how a woman can still be strong and independent even after other folks probably don't see it that way.

Natasha Bedingfield's 2004 single "Unwritten" stresses that people only have one life to live, so it's important to do what one wants and live out their dreams. She realizes that life has different chapters, but everyone can be the writer of their own story.