The catchy hooks, the danceable beats, the focus on the positive — there’s a reason pop music is so — well, popular. The pop genre is a kind of musical “melting pot” of some of the most beloved musical genres, serving as an accessible middle ground for lovers of rock, hip-hop, R&B, and more.
To be “pop” is to be mainstream, and to be mainstream, the music must win over millions of listeners with driving rhythms, relatable lyrics, and universal emotions. To quote a bona fide legend of the genre, pop music is often “simply the best” at invigorating us (and helping us channel our inner Tina Turner).
Though pop music has evolved over the decades, one thing has remained consistent: Lots of people enjoy it because, quite frankly, it makes us feel good. With songs covering everything from self-empowerment to the butterflies of budding romance to losing inhibition on the dance floor, pop music can provide that boost of energy we all need sometimes. “You’ve got this!” it shouts through the airwaves. Even when we get knocked down, when Chumbawamba tells us we can get up again, we believe them.
Here are 17 of our favorite bouncy and invigorating pop lyrics of the last seven decades.
It makes no difference if you’re black or white / If you’re a boy or a girl / If the music’s pumping it will give you new life / You’re a superstar.“Vogue,” Madonna, 1990 (source)
I’m young and I love to be young / I’m free and I love to be free / To live my life the way I want / To say and do whatever I please.“You Don’t Own Me,” Lesley Gore, 1963 (source)
If I’m shinin’, everybody gonna shine / I was born like this, don’t even gotta try / I’m like chardonnay, get better over time / Heard you say I’m not the baddest, [girl], you lie.“Juice,” Lizzo, 2019
I’m a shooting star, leaping through the sky like a tiger / Defying the laws of gravity / I’m a racing car, passing by like Lady Godiva / I’m gonna go, go, go, there’s no stopping me.“Don’t Stop Me Now,” Queen, 1978
Now I’m stronger than yesterday / Now it’s nothing but my way / My loneliness ain’t killing me no more / I, I’m stronger.“Stronger,” Britney Spears, 2000
Some boys take a beautiful girl / And hide her away from the rest of the world / I wanna be the one to walk in the sun / Oh, girls, they wanna have fun.“Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” Cyndi Lauper, 1983
All you people, can’t you see, can’t you see / How your love’s affecting our reality? / Every time we’re down, you can make it right / And that makes you larger than life.“Larger Than Life,” Backstreet Boys, 1999
As long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive / I’ve got all my life to live, and I’ve got all my love to give / And I’ll survive, I will survive.“I Will Survive,” Gloria Gaynor, 1978
It doesn’t matter what you wear / Just as long as you are there / So come on, every guy, grab a girl / Everywhere around the world / They’ll be dancing / They’re dancing in the street.“Dancing in the Street,” Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, 1964
I’m a fool, but they all think I’m blind / I’d rather be a fool than leave myself behind / I don’t have to explain myself to you / I am a grown woman, and I do what I want to do.“Oh My God,” Adele, 2021
I can cast a spell / With secrets you can’t tell / Mix a special brew / Put fire inside of you / But anytime you feel danger or fear / Instantly I will appear / ’Cause I’m every woman, it’s all in me.“I’m Every Woman,” Chaka Khan, 1978
Rising up, straight to the top / Had the guts, got the glory / Went the distance, now I’m not gonna stop / Just a man and his will to survive / It’s the eye of the tiger / It’s the thrill of the fight.“Eye of the Tiger,” Survivor, 1982
You’re a shining star / No matter who you are / Shining bright to see / What you could truly be.“Shining Star,” Earth, Wind & Fire, 1975
I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose / Fire away, fire away / Ricochet, you take your aim / Fire away, fire away / You shoot me down, but I won’t fall / I am titanium.“Titanium,” David Guetta, 2011
Best believe I’m still bejeweled / When I walk in the room / I can still make the whole place shimmer.“Bejeweled,” Taylor Swift, 2022
Anybody could be that guy / Night is young and the music’s high / With a bit of rock music, everything is fine / You’re in the mood for a dance / And when you get the chance / You are the dancing queen.“Dancing Queen,” ABBA, 1976
Drench yourself in words unspoken / Live your life with arms wide open / Today is where your book begins / The rest is still unwritten.“Unwritten,” Natasha Bedingfield, 2004
Featured image credit: Dave Hogan/ Hulton Archive via Getty Images
