Songs About Self Love with Tabs and Chords

If you’re anything like me, you tend to beat yourself up. You may also have felt like you don’t quite fit into this world. It can make you feel lost and whether it’s in your head or reality, you often feel unwelcome. In many cases, that leads to looking down on yourself and wishing you could be someone else. Whatever the case is, we find just about any reason to be down on ourselves. But the truth is, you do deserve self love.

We all make mistakes, we all have weaknesses. While we should always work on improving ourselves, we also need to appreciate what’s good about ourselves. I’m not saying be arrogant and think the world owes you everything. If you’ve got bad habits, don’t just go, okay, that’s who I am and give up on changing. That’s the wrong kind of self love.

I’m talking about loving yourself while still being humble. Love yourself enough to do your best, to work on improving yourself, and allow yourself to experience joy and be loved by others. Self-confidence is beautiful. But you need to love yourself to be self-confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Songs About Self Love

Here are some songs that can inspire you to see yourself in a new light. Just be you and love who you are. No matter where you’re at in life.

1. Beautiful- Christina Aguilera

We’ve all been there. Those days when you just feel so ugly. In some cases, this goes on for weeks, months, and even years. Outward appearance really doesn’t matter. It’s shallow to be so hooked on what you and everyone looks like. We all know that. And yet, most of us, if not all of us, care about what we look like, at least some of the time.

It doesn’t help when nasty people are making horrible comments either. But you are beautiful, no matter what they say. This song is about that. It doesn’t matter what you look like. There is at least one person in this world who will look at you and say you’re beautiful. Even if they don’t, there is nothing as beautiful, or sexy, as someone being comfortable in their own skin.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

2. So Ordinary- Ryan Star

If you’ve been afraid for whatever reason, to go for your dreams or the life you want, this song may inspire you to try anyway. It may seem like our dreams are unattainable, especially for us musicians. Or maybe it’s that the way you express yourself may be looked down on. But don’t be so ordinary.

It’s true, you may need a stable job to pay the rent. You may need to look reasonably appropriate to get such a job. But don’t be afraid to gig on the side. Don’t be afraid of tinting your hair blue. You can do what you want in your downtime. Don’t be afraid to be you and don’t be afraid to reach for your dreams.

I couldn’t find tabs to this song that were free, but it’s a good way to practice playing by ear.

Here are the chords.

3. Try- Colbie Callait

Us women often put ourselves through the ringer to be beautiful. These days, there’s also pressure on guys too. So many guys are lead to believe they have to be buff to be good looking. Sure, there is the whole body positivity movement and there are even beauty queens who now go on stage without any makeup. But it’s still hard when there are influencers and celebs editing their pictures and videos so hectically.

This song was released before the body positivity movement really gained so much popularity so this is a message we’ve needed to hear for a long time. While it’s aimed at girls and women, it’s for everyone. You don’t have to try so hard. You are fine as you are.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

4. Respect- Aretha Franklin

You work hard. Whether you stay at home and do the traditional thing or you go out and get a job. This song is for all of you. If you work hard, you deserve respect from those living with you and dependent on you, whether monetarily or for the everyday tasks. This song is about not being taken advantage of. If people are disrespecting you and taking what you do for granted, you need to stand up for yourself, respectfully, of course. You can’t expect respect if you don’t respect others too.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

5. Superheroes- The Script

When life has knocked you down and beat you up repeatedly, it’s hard to feel anything but broken and weak. But no. If you’re still here, you are stronger than you know. As the song says, that’s how superheroes are made. Have compassion for yourself, but also have the gumption to get back up again, to rebuild yourself and your life. You are stronger than you know. Love yourself enough to see it.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

6. All About That Bass- Meghan Traynor

Gone are the days where you need to look like a stick figure. But, if you grew up prior to this new era of body positivity, where being skinny with that ever elusive thigh gap was the in thing (I’m looking at you 90s’ kids), it’s hard to accept your squishies. Well, if you find that you feel insecure about your extra booty, no matter what era you grew up in, this song is for you. Just be aware that there is a smidge of profanity in this song.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

7. Maybe- Sick Puppies

If you’ve been stuck in a rut, this song is for you. Change is scary. You don’t know whether you’re going to fail or succeed. You don’t know if you’re ready to sacrifice what it takes to get there. Life is a journey with many paths. All I know is, that if you don’t feel like where you’re at is where you belong anymore, or if comfortable has become boring, maybe it’s time to change. You just need to believe in yourself.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

8. Praying- Kesha

When we’ve been hurt repeatedly or abused by someone, it’s important that if they’re not going to change, that we get out of that situation. Love yourself enough to leave. Be strong and be brave. But be the kind of person that will say a prayer, or at least spare a hope that that person will change. Just because they weren’t a nice person, or in some cases, were a complete monster, doesn’t mean you need to be one too. You can be strong and assertive and still retain kindness.

I couldn’t find the tabs (free versions anyway), but here are the chords.

9. Garden Party- Ricky Nelson

If you’re a serial people pleaser, I bet that at times it’s become something that people have taken advantage of. In some cases, you may be so determined to please everyone or a certain group of people or person, but you find only rejection. You’ll please some people, but not others. That’s just the way life is. If you’re someone who tries to please people and find that they are thankless or that you’re always being rejected or being put down, listen to this song. “You can’t please everyone, so you gotta please yourself.”

I’m not saying be selfish and never put others before you. But, you need to be true to who you are, do the best you can, and what you do for others, do out of love where it truly matters. Generally, that will be for people who truly care about you and put you before themselves at times too.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

10. Firework- Katy Perry

If you’ve been down on yourself, or feel like a failure or that you’re worthless, this song is for you. You may not think you’re talented enough, smart enough, or good enough. But even if you aren’t at the level you want to be at, you have the potential to be. You are a firework! Let who you are and your talents shine. There’s no such thing as perfect. We’re all trying and learning. So go for it!

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

11. Still Feel- Half-Alive

Feeling lost or feeling like darkness is dragging you down, can make you question who you are. It can make you feel trapped and stuck in a rut. It can make you question whether you’re truly alive. The truth is that you can’t be contained.

Deep down there will always be something to remind you that you are still alive. That you still exist and that you have it within you to take back control (as much as any of us can in this world), and get yourself back on track. Back to thriving instead of just surviving. You are worth that fight.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

12. Be Good To Yourself- Journey

Depending on the type of people you surround yourself with, you may find people taking advantage of you. It’s even worse if you’re someone who never says no. People can be selfish, and when you’re the only one always going out of your way and they’re showing no appreciation, it gets hard. Especially if they’re rude. This song is about being good to yourself, because sometimes, no one else will. Learn to say no, learn that you aren’t the only one who needs to compromise or do everything.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

13. Who You Are- Jessie J

If you’re a perfectionist or someone who believes you need to attain certain things or look a certain way to be good enough, this song is for you. Sometimes trying so hard can put you into a tailspin. You can even start to lose sight of who you are or end up hating yourself. Every mistake, every time there’s a pimple, every time your smile slips and the sadness comes through, you beat yourself up.

Rather, be kind to yourself and accept that you will never be perfect. There is no such thing. Have grace for yourself and allow yourself to dream and work hard to achieve those dreams. You will make mistakes along the way, you will fail sometimes. That’s okay. Put your ego aside and realize that you aren’t the only one going through this. It’s everyone. Love yourself and stay true to who you are. This is what this song is about.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

14. All That Matters Is- Addison Road

You may not be the prettiest, smartest, or most talented. But that’s not what matters. You have intrinsic value just by way of the fact that you are loved by your Creator. Even if you don’t believe that, you can see that if you’ve surrounded yourself with good people, that at least one of them loves you for who you are. Not what you look like or what you own or what you can do for them.

Having said that, we shouldn’t be reliant on how other people feel about us to judge our self-worth. You need to look within yourself and see yourself through new eyes. You have inherent worth and you are loved.

I couldn’t find any tabs, but here are the chords.

15. Extraordinary Machine- Fiona Apple

If you walk to the beat of your own drum, you likely have someone who looks at the way you live your life and looks down on you or feels some concern and tries to help. Not everyone understands someone who flits from this to that and is constantly in the process of changing. But you’re learning, you’re growing, and you’re never bored. That’s a good thing. As long as you aren’t hurting anyone, carry on. You’re an extraordinary machine!

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

16. Stronger Woman- Jewel

This song is by a woman, and so naturally women will be the ones who relate to it more. But it really is for anyone who is in a romantic relationship. When you’re not really loved, you’re just there because you do stuff for them, whether it’s cooking or cleaning or bringing the money in, this song is for you.

If you’re not being valued, truly valued, not just for what you do, but for who you are, and if you’re not loved, it’s time to go. I don’t mean we just walk out of a relationship without trying to fix it first. But if it’s clear that your partner isn’t going to change their ways, it’s time to be the strong person that you are and leave. You deserve to be loved, truly loved.

I couldn’t find tabs for this song, but here are the chords.

17. You Learn- Alanis Morissette

Part of self-love, is learning and growing. While you can do courses and go to school to learn, it’s more the lessons you learn through experiencing life. Every mistake, every failure, every adventure, every bit of fun, and every person you let into your life, is going to teach you something. The experiences and lessons you learn in life will shape who you are. So make it count. Also know that when you’re hurt, broken, sad, or angry, there are lessons in that too, even if that’s all that’s good about it. Growth is difficult, but so worth it.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

18. Dancing With Myself- Billy Idol

One of the times you feel most free to be yourself and have fun is when you’re dancing by yourself, when no one is looking. Nothing to lose or prove. Whether it’s because you have no one that wants to go out dancing with you or if you just want to dance alone, have a blast! You can be the life of your own party!

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

19. Change- Lana Del Rey

To be faithful, honest, and capable are great things to strive for. It can take time to build those qualities in ourselves. It can take even more time to realize we can be those things no matter what’s happening in our lives, even if we feel unstable or broken. It takes strength to be a person of integrity, and to be someone who works toward solutions. But you are more than capable of being this person. You just need to see it in yourself.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

20. The Middle- Jimmy Eat World

It’s hard when people are spreading rumors and talking badly about you behind your back. Especially when the things that they say aren’t true. It could be that on top of people being so false and betraying you, that you already feel bad about yourself. Sometimes, it’s all in your head, but that still doesn’t make you feel any better. Obviously, if it is all in your head, you need to work on seeing the truth.

But whatever circumstances you’re in, don’t write yourself off. Don’t listen to what they say. You know the real you, and without even knowing you, I can say with absolute confidence, that you are worthy and that you matter. The right people will see that. But until then, do as this song says and realize that everything is going to be alright.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

21. Be Somebody- Thousand Foot Crutch

While the band is talking to God in this song, and many of the lyrics are helpful for those of us who believe, even if you don’t believe, this song still speaks a truth that everyone needs to understand. “We all want to be somebody, we just need a taste of who we are.” The second part of that chorus says that we’re also not willing to go that far.

We can surround ourselves with so much stuff and so many people that we neglect to find out who we truly are. We may also be scared to really reach our potential. But as soon as you have a taste of who you are and what you can achieve, have some faith in yourself. You can do so much more than you realize. And all just by being you.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

22. Unbreakable Heart- Three Days Grace

When people are putting you down and talking behind your back this song may just inspire you to realize the strength you have. Part of self-love is knowing who you are and being able to face the truth of that. When you do that, you can stand firm when others are trying to bring you down. I’m not saying it doesn’t hurt, but you can be the unbreakable heart, even if it has a few scratches in it so to speak.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

23. Lady Gaga- Free Woman

Things are changing these days, but especially in the past, there used to be this view that people are incomplete unless they’re in a relationship. Being single was thought to be this terrible and lonely thing. That’s not the case for everyone. You are most definitely complete, even if you don’t have a somebody. You’re still worthy of respect and love, even if you’re single. You’re free. This is what this song is about.

I couldn’t find free tabs (this tab is from UG pro), but here are the chords.

24. Composure- August Burns Red

If you’re feeling anguish, pain, or shame about your past and it just feels like it’s always with you, here you go. This song is almost depressing in how it describes the feelings that come with this. But it’s also uplifting in that it encourages you to let go of the past, not shun your support structure, and remember you have your whole life ahead of you. The truth is that although your past may have shaped you, you are not your past. Keep the lessons and discard everything else.

I couldn’t find chords for this song, but here are the tabs.

25. Lose you to love me- Selena Gomez

When you’re in a relationship with someone, you should still be free to be who you are. Yes, compromise comes with the territory, but you can’t be the only one compromising. A relationship that’s stripping your identity is not healthy at all. The lyrics are about recognizing that you’ve been losing who you are in a relationship, perhaps seeing the wrong your partner has done, and realizing you need to let go of that person to love yourself.

Here are the tabs from UG pro, and the chords.

26. Thank U, Next- Ariana Grande

For some people, looking back at their exes can fill them with anger, sadness, hate, and disappointment. For others it’s fond memories and may even be a little bitter sweet. Some of you may feel completely indifferent. But no matter how you feel about your exes, they all taught you something. This song mentions learning patience, love, and pain, and having grown from those lessons and experiences. Please be aware that this song contains profanity.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

27. ME!- Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie

So this song borders on arrogant, but hey, there’s nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself and acknowledging your good points. Maybe don’t go around bragging about it, but hold your head high.

While I also wouldn’t recommend that you just gloss over making your partner’s life miserable a lot of the time and then justifying it by saying other parts of you are amazing, so they should feel blessed… But we all have our weaknesses and bad side. We should work on them, but in the meantime, recognize all the ways that you’re awesome too.

I couldn’t find the tabs. But here are the chords.

28. Let It Go- Idina Menzel

Have you experienced society, friends, or family, telling you to conform, to fall in line, to be what they want you to be. Maybe you’ve to hide your emotions, let go of your dreams, or be someone else to make others happy. This song is an anthem for everyone experiencing these things. Let it go! You don’t need to be a princess with magical ice powers to own this song. You can just be you!

Here are the tabs for the metal version and tabs for the acoustic version.

Here are the chords.

29. The Way I Am- Charlie Puth

This song is a good song for those of us who are introverts, are shy, and/or struggle with anxiety. But anyone can listen to this song and relate to the chorus. People can love you or hate you, it’s just the way you are. Basically, take it or leave it.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

30. Freckles – Natasha Bedingfield

These days, there is a big focus on body positivity. But back in the day, freckles were looked down on. Some of you might still look in the mirror and hate your freckles. Us humans are great at putting ourselves down. Whatever part of your body you hate, try to see the beauty in it. Maybe it’s a scar, but think of how you survived or got through that injury. Maybe it’s your hands, but think of how much they do each day. You get the picture.

I couldn’t find the tabs, but here are the chords.

31. This is Me – Keala Settle

We all have bruises and scars. We all have things that others tell us we need to be ashamed of. The bullies of the world are loud. They want to hurt people. This song is about getting to the point where their words no longer matter. Where you stop being ashamed of who you are and what you look like. March to your own beat, be who you are in all your glory. Look out world!

I couldn’t find the tabs, but here are the chords.

32. Greatest Love Of All- Whitney Houston

This song is such a classic by a musical icon who went through a lot of struggles herself. The lyrics talk about learning to love yourself. Whether you fail or succeed. As long as you believe, you live. You have your dignity.

What’s more, teach children about the beauty they have inside them. Allow them to learn to love themselves too. Such an important thing in a world like ours where there is so much hate. I’d add, then we just need to get everyone to see each other’s beauty and value too, and we’ll be set. But it starts with you learning to do that for yourself first.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

33. Pushover- Etta James

This song is about knowing your worth and being fully aware of the fact that you deserve to be truly loved. So many guys… and girls, think way too much of themselves and think they can take whatever they want from you. Listen to this song, and understand, you are no pushover. Work to make that a truth even if it isn’t. Know what you want and don’t just fall for someone who won’t respect you and love you. No matter how hot they are!

I couldn’t find the tabs, but here are the chords.

34. Be Your Own Girl- The Wallflowers

Even in this day and age, sometimes girls and women still need to hear this. You don’t need to be any guy’s girl, you can be your own girl. If you’re someone who always feels like you need to be with someone, and it’s often gotten you into situations you don’t like, really give this song a listen. It’s good for every girl to hear this song.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

35. Brave- Sara Bareilles

If you’re a serial pushover and someone who keeps their mouth shut when they should rather speak up, this song is for you. So many times in the course of your life, you’re going to have people say mean things to you, whether you deserve it or not. I’d argue that even if you deserve it, there is still a straightforward but polite way to say something to someone. Be brave and start speaking up. There are many people who are going to try to knock you down in life, but you need to stand up for yourself.

Here are the official tabs by Ultimate Guitar.

Here are the chords.

36. Who Says- Selena Gomez and The Scene

This song is great when comments or that voice in your head gets you down. Who says you’re not worth it? Who says you aren’t star potential? You may not be a beauty queen, but you are beautiful you. When the world keeps telling you to be someone else, stand firm, you should be yourself. As the song says, you deserve a beautiful life.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

37. I Will Survive- Gloria Gaynor

This is the ultimate anthem for people who have been dumped or been treated badly in a relationship and made the choice to leave. Especially if that ex comes crawling back. If you need to leave but keep thinking that you won’t survive on your own, give this song a listen. It’s a song of triumph, growth, independence, and realizing your worth.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

38. Over and Under- Egypt Central

If you’ve given everything to someone, your dreams, what you’re passionate about, and even who you are, to make that person happy, this song is for you. This song speaks about breaking free from that person and finally being able to breathe. It speaks of overcoming weaknesses perhaps, or thoughts that caused you to stay trapped, and finally being able to stand again. If you’ve broken free, this song should resonate well. If you still need the courage to break free, give this song a listen.

I couldn’t find the chords, but here are the tabs.

39. Girl On Fire- Alicia Keys

This song is about a girl, but really, everyone can be the person sung about in this song. You are on fire. You can reach your goals, be successful. You can make a difference. Even if you’re quiet, you can be a flame. You may not be a raging bonfire, but your flame does burn bright when you allow yourself to be you and stop being afraid of reaching your potential.

Here the tabs for the intro.

Here are the tabs for the solo.

Here are the chords.

40. Second Chance- Shinedown

It can be tough when your parents don’t accept you or try to keep you from a road that you know you need to walk. Perhaps they want you to study somewhere specific, or do that particular job, or they just don’t understand that you need to spread your wings. We all grow up, and when we do, it’s time to make our own decisions and walk our own path in life.

This song speaks in a way that is compassionate, but straightforward. Perhaps it will give you the courage to chat to those holding you back in a gentle but assertive way. It will encourage you to stay strong and be unapologetically you, and to do what is in you to do.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

41. Perfect to Me- Anne-Marie

Okay, so I believe we should love ourselves enough to be healthy most of the time and I fully recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. But who hasn’t stuffed their face with mac and cheese, ice cream, or chocolate. Skinny doesn’t mean healthy or hot necessarily. I’m sure we all sometimes have a bit of word vomit and have had late nights or even all nighters. And makeup? Whatever. We don’t need to be perfect. And being okay with not being perfect, that’s perfect to me, and it should be to you too.

I couldn’t find the tabs, but here are the chords.

42. Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been- Relient K

It takes a strong person to see their mistakes and own up to them. It takes a strong person to apologize for the wrongs they’ve done and to change. When you see who you’ve been and see how wrong you’ve been, and dislike it, you’ve instantly changed. So who you are, does hate, or at least dislike who you’ve been. You should have grace for that old version of yourself. After all, you’ve become a better person, a wiser person, because of who you were. But this song describes that journey in such an honest way.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

43. The Voice Within- Christina Aguilera

Life can be lonely and scary. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery or trying to reach your dreams can cause anxiety. You may have no mentors or support. But listen to the voice within. Find the strength within and go for it. As the lyrics say, you can’t change if you just run away. While you might be alone in the beginning, you will find people who are true friends who will support you. But you may need the courage to take those first few steps alone.

I couldn’t find the tabs, but here are the chords

44. I Love Me- Meghan Trainor

In this song, she not only sings about loving herself, but encourages you to love yourself. Don’t let people clip your wings, don’t let them bring you down. You will always have people that try to do that. But as long as you love yourself and know who you are, they’re going to have a heck of a time trying. After all, God made you just right.

I couldn’t find the tabs, but here are the chords.

45. Anything But Ordinary- Avril Lavigne

Okay, so some of the lyrics are very emo and possibly risky. But if you’re someone who’s never quite fit in and don’t care to conform just to do so, this song is for you. You may be a little weird, a little crazy, but hey, you’d rather be anything but ordinary. As long as you’re not really going to do crazy stuff that’s inclined to get you killed or seriously injured, be free to live your best life as someone who is anything but ordinary.

Here are the tabs.

Here are the chords.

46. If You Don’t Love Yourself- The Script

A lot of us are our own worst critics. We’re kind to everyone else. But when it comes to us, we berate ourselves, tell ourselves we’re ugly, we doubt our potential, etc. And while I don’t necessarily believe we can’t love others when we don’t love ourselves, the Bible says to love others as we love ourselves. Can you imagine if you’re one of the aforementioned people who treat themselves badly, and possibly even hate themselves, loving others the way you love yourself? Yikes.

When we cross over into hating ourselves or believing that we’re not good enough, we often push people away. How is that love? So there is definitely a lot of truth for many people that if you don’t love yourself, you can’t love others. Next time you’re mean to yourself, think about whether you would say that to your friend or family member and in that exact way. I’m going to guess the answer is no. Be kinder to yourself. You’re also just a person trying your best.

Here are the tabs for the intro.

Here are the chords.

Conclusion

It can be a struggle to accept ourselves and feel free to truly be who we are. But hopefully these songs will help you with that journey. We can all do with being a little kinder to ourselves, a little more honest with ourselves, and having faith in ourselves. We all have so much potential. We should stop selling ourselves short whether it’s overcoming issues like anxiety or pain from our past, or a bad habit, or whether it’s reaching for our dreams and goals.

So take some time each day to work on believing in yourself and being kind to yourself and happy jamming!