Music has always been a powerful tool for self-expression and exploration, and it is no surprise that many songs are written about personal identity. From the earliest days of popular music to the present, artists have used their music to explore their own identities and to connect with their listeners on a personal level. The top 20 songs about identity can take many forms, from personal anthems that celebrate individuality and self-acceptance to protest songs that call attention to social injustices and marginalized identities.
In this article, we will explore the rich history of songs about identity and the many ways in which artists have used music to express their own personal experiences and perspectives. We will examine how different genres of music have approached the topic of identity, from hip-hop and punk rock to country and folk. We will also delve into the ways in which identity is reflected in the lyrics, melodies, and rhythms of these songs, as well as in the visuals and aesthetics that accompany them.
1. “I Don’t Want to Be” by Gavin DeGraw
“I Don’t Want to Be” by Gavin DeGraw is a pop rock song that was released in 2004. The song was written by DeGraw and produced by Mark Endert. It features a catchy, upbeat melody and lyrics that express a desire to break free from societal expectations and live life on one’s own terms. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a hit on radio stations around the world. Its message of individuality and self-determination continues to resonate with listeners today, making it a beloved anthem for anyone who has ever felt constrained by the expectations of others.
2. “Still Here” by JB The First Lady
“Still Here” by JB The First Lady is a hip-hop song that was released in 2017. The song was written and performed by JB The First Lady, a First Nations hip-hop artist and activist from Canada. “Still Here” is a powerful and poignant tribute to the resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of historical and ongoing colonization, displacement, and oppression. With her fierce lyrics and soulful delivery, JB The First Lady celebrates the strength and endurance of Indigenous communities, while also calling attention to the ongoing struggles and injustices they face. The song is both a moving work of art and a call to action for social justice and equity.
3. “Who We Are” by Red
“Who We Are” by Red is a rock song that was released in 2013. The song was written by the band members and produced by Rob Graves. It features an explosive and anthemic sound, with heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and soaring vocals. The lyrics of “Who We Are” express a sense of defiance and resilience in the face of adversity, encouraging listeners to stay true to themselves and their values, even when the world tries to knock them down. The song’s message of strength and self-determination has resonated with fans around the world, making it a beloved and empowering rock anthem.
4. “Black Like Me” by Mickey Guyton
“Black Like Me” is a country song by Mickey Guyton, released in 2020. The song was written by Guyton, Nathan Chapman, Emma Davidson-Dillon, and Fraser Churchill. The lyrics speak to the experience of being a Black woman in America, and address issues of systemic racism and discrimination. The song begins with a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment and builds to a powerful crescendo, featuring Guyton’s soulful and powerful vocals. “Black Like Me” is a powerful anthem that encourages empathy, understanding, and a commitment to social justice. The song has been praised for its honesty and vulnerability, and has helped to amplify the voices of marginalized communities within the country music industry.
5. “Mistaken Identity” by Kim Carnes
“Mistaken Identity” is a pop rock song by Kim Carnes, released in 1981. The song was written by Carnes, Dave Ellingson, and Duane Hitchings, and produced by Val Garay. It features a haunting and atmospheric sound, with a driving beat, moody synthesizers, and Carnes’ distinctive raspy vocals. The lyrics of “Mistaken Identity” explore the theme of lost love, and the pain and confusion that can come with trying to move on. The song’s cinematic quality and emotional intensity have made it a beloved classic of the 1980s pop rock era, and a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of heartbreak.
6. “Free to Be Me” by Francesca Battistelli
“Free to Be Me” is a Christian pop song by Francesca Battistelli, released in 2008. The song was written by Battistelli, along with the songwriting team of Ian Eskelin and Tony Wood. It features a catchy and upbeat melody, with lively piano and guitar accompaniment, and Battistelli’s spirited and soulful vocals. The lyrics of “Free to Be Me” express a message of self-acceptance and grace, emphasizing the idea that everyone is unique and valued in God’s eyes. The song has been praised for its empowering and positive message, and has become a beloved and uplifting anthem for Christian audiences around the world.
7. “Stranger In Town” by Toto
“Stranger in Town” is a rock song by the band Toto, released in 1984. The song was written by band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, and produced by Paich and the legendary Quincy Jones. It features a distinctive and funky sound, with a driving beat, soulful horns, and catchy chorus. The lyrics of “Stranger in Town” tell the story of a charismatic and mysterious stranger who comes to town and shakes things up, sparking both excitement and suspicion. The song has become a classic of the 1980s rock era, and a testament to Toto’s innovative sound and infectious energy.
8. “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club
“Karma Chameleon” is a pop song by the British band Culture Club, released in 1983. The song was written by the band’s frontman, Boy George, along with Roy Hay, Jon Moss, and Mikey Craig. It features a catchy and upbeat melody, with a blend of pop, rock, and reggae influences. The lyrics of “Karma Chameleon” explore the themes of love, identity, and the changing tides of fortune, with the “chameleon” symbolizing the fluidity and complexity of human relationships. The song has become a classic of the 1980s pop era, and a testament to Culture Club’s unique and enduring style.
9. “Who You Are” by Pearl Jam
“Who You Are” by Pearl Jam is a song that encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and to reject societal pressures to conform to a certain mold. The lyrics convey a message of self-acceptance and self-discovery, encouraging the listener to discover their true identity and not be afraid to express it. The song is driven by a powerful guitar riff and a catchy chorus, making it both anthemic and introspective. Overall, “Who You Are” is a timeless message of empowerment and a reminder to embrace and celebrate our uniqueness, even in the face of adversity.
10. “In My Life” by The Beatles
“In My Life” is a ballad by the British band The Beatles, released in 1965 on their album “Rubber Soul”. The song was written by John Lennon, with contributions from Paul McCartney, and features Lennon’s soulful and introspective vocals. It features a gentle and melancholy melody, with a lilting acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment. The lyrics of “In My Life” reflect on the people and experiences that have shaped the songwriter’s life, with a poignant and wistful tone. The song has become a beloved classic of The Beatles’ repertoire, and a testament to their emotional depth and musical genius.
11. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
“Born This Way” is a dance-pop song by Lady Gaga, released in 2011. The song was written by Lady Gaga herself, along with Jeppe Laursen and Fernando Garibay, and produced by Garibay and Gaga. It features a driving beat, catchy synthesizers, and Gaga’s powerful and exuberant vocals. The lyrics of “Born This Way” express a message of self-acceptance and empowerment, emphasizing the idea that everyone is born unique and deserving of love and respect. The song has been praised for its positive and inclusive message, and has become a beloved anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies around the world.
12. “People Are Strange” by The Doors
“People Are Strange” is a psychedelic rock song by the American band The Doors, released in 1967. The song was written by the band’s frontman, Jim Morrison, and guitarist, Robby Krieger, and features Morrison’s distinctive and haunting vocals. It features a moody and atmospheric melody, with a haunting organ and guitar accompaniment. The lyrics of “People Are Strange” explore the theme of alienation and the feeling of being different or misunderstood, with the “strangeness” symbolizing the complexity and depth of human nature. The song has become a classic of The Doors’ repertoire, and a testament to their experimental and poetic style.
13. “I Call Your Name” by The Beatles
“I Call Your Name” is a rock and roll song by The Beatles, released in 1964 on their EP “Long Tall Sally”. The song was written by John Lennon, with contributions from Paul McCartney, and features Lennon’s dynamic and passionate vocals. It features a driving beat, with a catchy guitar riff and a pounding drum accompaniment. The lyrics of “I Call Your Name” express a sense of urgency and longing, with the singer calling out to a lover who has left him. The song has become a fan favorite of The Beatles’ early repertoire, and a testament to their raw energy and youthful spirit.
14. “Choices and Rights” by Johnny Crescendo
“Choices and Rights” is a protest song by Johnny Crescendo, released in 1980. The song was written by Crescendo himself, and features his powerful and impassioned vocals. It features a driving punk rock beat, with a simple but effective guitar and drum accompaniment. The lyrics of “Choices and Rights” express a message of social justice and equality, emphasizing the importance of standing up for one’s rights and fighting against oppression and discrimination. The song has become an anthem for the punk and activist communities, and a testament to the power of music to inspire and motivate social change.
15. “Cameron” by Jillette Johnson
“Cameron” is a melancholic and introspective song by Jillette Johnson, released in 2013. The song was written by Johnson, and features her haunting and emotional vocals. It has a simple but powerful piano accompaniment, with occasional percussion and a hint of strings in the background. The lyrics of “Cameron” express a feeling of regret and longing for a lost love, and a sense of sadness and melancholy over what might have been. The song has become a fan favorite and a standout track in Johnson’s discography, showcasing her talent and sensitivity as a singer-songwriter.
16. “Ain’t That Peculiar” by Marvin Gaye
“Ain’t That Peculiar” is a soulful and groovy song by Marvin Gaye, released in 1965. The song was written by Gaye, along with Smokey Robinson, Bobby Rogers, and Warren “Pete” Moore, and features Gaye’s smooth and soulful vocals. It features a catchy and upbeat melody, with a funky bassline, brass and guitar accompaniment, and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics of “Ain’t That Peculiar” express a sense of frustration and confusion in the face of a lover’s mixed signals and contradictory behavior. The song has become a classic of Gaye’s repertoire, and a testament to his talent and versatility as a singer and songwriter.
17. “I Am A Rock” by Simon & Garfunkel
“I Am A Rock” is a melancholic folk-rock song by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1966. The song was written by Paul Simon and features his introspective lyrics and delicate acoustic guitar work, as well as the duo’s signature vocal harmonies. The song’s melody is haunting and bittersweet, with a sense of isolation and self-reliance. The lyrics of “I Am A Rock” describe a person who has retreated from the world and built emotional walls around themselves. The song has become a classic example of Simon & Garfunkel’s introspective songwriting, and a staple of the folk-rock genre.
18. “Pretty” by Lauren Alaina
“Pretty” is an empowering country-pop anthem by American singer Lauren Alaina. The song was released in 2019 and written by Alaina, alongside songwriters David Garcia and Emily Weisband. The song is about embracing one’s unique features and celebrating inner beauty. With its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and positive message, “Pretty” is a feel-good song that encourages listeners to love themselves and be confident in their own skin. The song has received critical acclaim for its empowering message and has become a fan-favorite track in Alaina’s discography.
19. “Sit Still Look Pretty” by Daya
“Sit Still, Look Pretty” is a pop song by American singer Daya. The track was released in 2016 and written by Daya alongside songwriters Scott Bruzenak and Michael Pollack. The song encourages young girls to be more than just “pretty faces” and to pursue their passions and dreams. With its catchy beat and Daya’s powerful vocals, “Sit Still, Look Pretty” became a popular anthem for female empowerment, inspiring girls to break free from traditional gender roles and embrace their individuality. The song received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
20. “What Is Life” by George Harrison
“What Is Life” is a song by English musician George Harrison, released in 1970 as a single from his album “All Things Must Pass”. The song features Harrison’s signature blend of rock and Indian music, with a driving guitar riff and a soaring chorus. Lyrically, the song reflects on the meaning of life and the search for purpose, with Harrison questioning what it all means and what lies beyond this world. “What Is Life” became a hit for Harrison and remains a beloved classic in his catalog, with its optimistic message and infectious energy resonating with audiences for over five decades.
Jason Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
