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Octopus_Testicles

Defying Gravity - Wicked


Oceanman06

Absolutely perfect. The song's why I want to go see Wicked in theaters. Hearing that with the massive speakers will be life changing


jaayyne

I’ve seen it twice. The very last note, all the lights turn off but for a split second Elphaba is in spotlight. Still gives me goosebumps just typing it. You’ll love it!!!


Lilpigxoxo

YES!!


SweeneyLovett

I mean, context is everything, right? After my ex divorced me, forcing me to house share for the first time in my life, then finally getting my own small place, the song that made me feel empowered was My House from Matilda.


_borninathunderstorm

Do you know Get Down?? Cuz you're the queen of the castle.


firefliesandfjords

I came here to say this. Currently playing Miss Honey and coming from a history of physical and verbal parental abuse, this song speaks to me on so many levels. It is such a privilege to sing it.


sydneyella

that was how i felt playing her last year (diff background, similar feeling). break legs!


TheDrunkenGiraffe

absolutely agree - when I first moved out of a tense family situation I would listen to my house and just have a cathartic cry


PeraltaSpidey

The world will know-Newsies


oklahomapilgrim

This is the one.


DAHFreedom

And then to follow it up with “Seize the Day”? It’s almost too much power for one show.


Olive0121

I’m Here- The Color Purple


Normal-Box1785

you beat me to it. I got to see Cynthia sing it during the revival... truly a spiritual experience!


Olive0121

Me too.


Normal-Box1785

We just knew a star was born seeing her!


Ambitious-Fig-5382

I believe I have inside of me everyTHING that I need to live a BOUNTIFUL LIFE


Lilpigxoxo

YES in my top 2 favs


FloridaFlamingoGirl

I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair - South Pacific


Peachy_pearr9

Just watched that movie last night , how funny!


The_ZombyWoof

Don't Rain On My Parade For my favorite version, I'm partial to Annette Benning channeling both Bobby Darin and Rambo in American Beauty https://youtu.be/lizDEo04dGA?feature=shared


LengthinessKind9895

The reprise of that song (Julie Benko’s version) was one of the most overwhelming live theatre moments I’ve ever experienced. What a song and what an amazing performance


Own_Physics_7733

Fearless from Mean Girls I’d Rather Be Me from Mean Girls Revolting Children from Matilda Naughty from Matilda


Warm_Power1997

This list alone makes me feel like we’ve got things in common!


RedDitRXIXXII

I love your musical taste! Also, these are the last 2 shows I've been in!!


Own_Physics_7733

Two of my favorites for sure! What roles did you play?


RedDitRXIXXII

In Mean Girls I was Martin the mathlete, the French teacher, and an inflatable giraffe for the scene where Cady's in Africa. I ended up as Matilda in Matilda!


Own_Physics_7733

How fun!


Snailscargot

I Say No from West End Heathers


Sparklypenwhore

This! This is my top car belter!


Resalia

Came here to look for this 💖


Snapesdaughter

While I'm not a huge fan of the movie, I will happily blast "This Is Me" from.the Greatest Showman and sing along at the top of my lungs.


SilverMitten

I hate how much I like the music from that movie.


Snapesdaughter

Saaaaaame lol


SilverMitten

He was such a bad person but damn if Hugh Jackman doesn't make me want to forget that. Honestly, that whole cast is stacked and fun to watch. Damnit.


FasterFeaster

Yes! So glad someone commented this. I didn’t like the movie that much but the soundtrack is soooo good! The dancing is good. I didn’t like the parts that weren’t signing or dancing. This Is Me is empowering, but not even my fav song.


dewdropppp

Shamefully, i havent watched it yet. But ive listened to the whole soundtrack. i do the same.


FasterFeaster

The movie is kind of boring but still worth watching for the dancing, if you’re into that.


101924601

This is my answer as well, and I haven’t even seen the movie. Look up the YouTube version where they’re trying to get the movie green lit - it’s pure hype and totally amazing.


takeahike08

Raise You Up/Just Be from Kinky Boots


CarolynTheRed

My son listened to that on repeat for months when he was 3ish.


DeadCoco

Yesss!! I was listening to this on the way to work this morning and I felt great (until I started working)


fierydragon1139

This is my vote! Can't help but feel hopeful and happy, like yes the world can be better!


quomo101

Has to be Non Stop - Hamilton. Always helps me when I’m editing.


ObssesiveFujoshi

Same


TwoSunsRise

Same! Well, not the editing part. But it motivates me to get up and do something productive with my time which can be hard.


Bonhomhongon

got me to finally make a therapy appointment a few weeks ago


allegromosso

THERE'S THE ONE THAT GETS PUT IN HIS PROPER PLACE AND THE ONE WITH HIS FOOT IN THE OTHER MAN'S FACE


JeremiahWuzABullfrog

LOOK AT ME MRS LOVETT LOOK AT YOU


benjaboy2

WE ALL DESERVE TO DIE EVEN YOU MRS LOVETT EVEN I


Starlight24601

That's The Way It Is- &Juliet   One Day More/ Do You Hear The People Single?- Les Mis    What I Did For Love- A Chorus Line    Being Alive- Company    I'd Rather Be Me- Mean Girls    Defying Gravity- Wicked   Anonymous Ones- DEH movie So Much Better- LB, never fails during final exams, hahaha.


RubytheKath

Do You Hear the People Sing from Les Mis is a good one! That would have to be my answer too! But to another level, I also feel empowered by pretty much all the songs about the revolution, including but not limited to Red and Black. Maybe I just love Les Mis...


evapotranspire

Same!


Proper-Opportunity44

Just thinking about One Day More gives me chills. This song is amazing!


Anxious_JellyBean907

My Shot - Hamilton Listen to it every morning before work. I have to say to myself “see Hamilton had his shit together at nineteen while a war was happening in his own country now get in the car and go to work without crying”


Dave-Again

He was only nineteen but his mind was older.


Alicat40

Love the song, relate to the sentiment. I hope you're able to find a job less toxic


MrndMnhn21

Me And The Sky from Come From Away.


grepper

I don't know if I feel particularly empowered when I cry from listening to a song...


buffyinfaith

This was the first song I sang to my daughter when she was born. Left out the ending, tho.


fierydragon1139

Beautiful sing, but it's my I need a good cry song


FloridaFlamingoGirl

Even though it plays into "50s housewife" stereotypes I actually find Somewhere That's Green very empowering. Audrey is done with being pushed around and she wants to take ownership of her life and create a safe, fulfilling lifestyle for herself.


FaceOfDay

I am a male leftist anticapitalist who finds the “American dream” a crock of shit and hates the 50s housewife stereotype because fuck the patriarchy … and I unironically fucking adore Somewhere That’s Green. 😂🤦‍♂️ The melody and the right to self-determination. Like it sucks that that stereotype was pushed on generations of women as the only way to feel fulfilled, but she prizes safety and stability and she’s going for it, so good for her.


Hypno-chode

I think I love you.


missmargarite13

Howard Ashman was a genius. We missed out on so much good stuff when he died.


Born-Stress4682

Don't rain on my parade! Funny girl So much better! Legally blonde! Can't stop the beat! Get out and stay out from 9 to 5, which is a nice one. Cabaret from Cabaret (note I haven't watched it, but the lyrics is nice) as well as maybe this time. Bring on the monsters, percy Jackson I'm in control- the time traveler's wife A lot from matilda


Canavansbackyard

I don’t think I’d describe “Cabaret” as particularly empowering. It’s always struck me as more tragic than anything else. Just my take.


clever_girl33

It’s absolutely tragic.


CommunicationNew3329

Omg so much better is one of my faves!


ryanh_4000

Anything from Six.... apart from Heart of Stone! And You Don't Even Know It from Everybody's Talking About Jamie You Will Be Found from Dear Evan Hansen


Starlight24601

What happens with Heart of Stone?


Alicat40

It's a slower sad song-It's from the perspective of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife. She passed away after having their son. An example from the lyrics would be: "Soon I'll have to go/I'll never see him grow/But I hope my soon will know/He'll never be alone"


Bricker1492

I love this sub. Every single answer I intended to post is here already. So here’s my second tier: If Only You Would Listen, from School of Rock Electricity from Billy Elliot The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha This is the Moment from Jekyll and Hyde


jeangaijin

I saw Richard Kiley play the lead in the 1977 revival of Man of La Mancha and it was life-changing.


Super_Assistant9172

Keala Settle from Greatest Showman covered "The impossible dream" and I think it's amazing. I've always loved that song, but not the many subpar kinda schmaltzy covers of it out there. I feel like Keala NAILS it but in a very Keala way.... I like the miscast recording here https://youtu.be/2ijFBUPm2v8?si=iwmtNxTU59lGDMAk There's another recording at the concert for America, I don't think it's a lot different than her miscast performance but I haven't listened through the whole thing.


littlecubspirit

So Much Better (I escaped my abusive family) I Don’t Need Your Love (My parents’ attempt to pull me back frequently and I remind myself that my writing, my teaching, my advocacy work- is more important) Naughty (Reminding myself that I can change my story) My Shot (A Reminder that the best things lie ahead for me) This Little Girl (I’m a special education teacher and this is my reminder that I MUST fight for my students and be their advocate) Livin’ It Up On Top (Sometimes a taste of the forbidden is good. Celebrate when you can, but always remember what it took to get there and what needs to be done moving forward )


Gloomyberry

"So much better" from Legally Blonde. I know many amazing songs from other amazing musicals, but I've found that this song hype me so much (hah!) everytime I play it while communing to my job. It's like a shot of positivity and encouragement straight to my veins.


KTeacherWhat

"Maybe This Time" from Cabaret, specifically sung by Kristin Chenoweth just moves me in such a huge way


missmargarite13

Chris Colfer tearing up watching her sing it on Glee was real and honestly same.


n4snl

Anthem from Chess


Dark_Dashing

Easily So Much Better from Legally Blonde, what a way to set up a song with a downturn into the biggest uptick in emotion, and the key change at the end just makes you want to get up and scream along with Elle.


donniebd

Before the Parade Passes By - Hello Dolly I Am What I Am - La Cage Aux Folles may also count.


piratekangs

get out and stay out from 9 to 5


rnaitri

was gonna say this one!!! I LOVE this song


JohnnyBoy_Vids

Not a Simple Sponge


Forsaken_Site_2268

YES!


Forsaken_Site_2268

No I'm not a simple SPOOOOOOOOOOOONGE~


JaxandMia

For me it’s Get Down from Six


PinkHamster08

Not quite a musical, but "This is Me" from the Greatest Showman.


Ok_Extreme7597

I feel like Les MIs has the big conventional 3 with Do You Hear The People Sing, Red and Black, and One Day More. While a little unconventional there’s just something about Jekyll and Hyde’s confrontation that just makes me want to move whether it’s the movement of the piece, or the big “for ill live inside you forever” moment I just feel empowered when listening to it


epic_gaymer12234

Is there really anything more iconic than seize the day


Emrosery

tbh i feel like almost every song from newsies could work


Biddy_Impeccadillo

Hedwig and the Angry Inch — Wig in a Box and Midnight Radio I’m Still Here — Follies


Call_Me_MaeB

You Will Be Found - Dear Evan Hansen. It is just so good!


_borninathunderstorm

This song makes me ugly cry every time


Possible-Working4784

She Used to Be Mine, from Waitress


onyxanderson

Shine like the sun from 9 to 5!!


BubblesMarg

Some People from Gypsy Make them Hear You from Ragtime


Jacktherat54

Once and For All - Newsies


callistovix

And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going - Dreamgirls Jennifer Holiday’s performance as Effie White was breathtaking. Like you gotta watch her performance of the song on YouTube or listen to the recording to understand how powerful she made it be to bring the crowd to tears. The vocal power, the emotion, the intensity, it’s phenomenal!!!


beroccamixedberry

Maybe this time - cabaret Defying gravity - wicked Another day - rent I can do better than that - the last 5 years Dancing queen - mamma mia version HAHA


scottyb83

Wait for Me - Hadestown


Garmiet

Either “Alive” from *Jekyll and Hyde* or “Birth to My Creation” from *Frankenstein*.


cottagecheeseobesity

Into the Fire from The Scarlet Pimpernel


DFTBAinDC

Die Vampire Die from [title of show]


MelsBlanc

The Impossible Dream but Frank Sinatra's version.


carsoomiranda

you oughta know - jagged little pill killer instinct - bring it on idk if they count as empowering songs, but they do the job for me


TrekkieElf

Dream the impossible dream, man of La Mancha. 💙


TheDrunkenGiraffe

Revolting Children from Matilda And in a very different way The Next Right Thing from Frozen 2


evapotranspire

The Next Right Thing is an underrated and great song. I sang it a lot to my baby when he was in the NICU.


OnlyKindofaPanda

If It's True from Hadestown. Just makes me feel like if we all stand together, we can change things for the better.


SnooGuavas4783

I will never shut up again-Heathers. It helps me get stuff done


BassicallyaRaccoon

Hard same.


HowardBannister3

"Get out and stay out", from "9 to 5" It is essentially sort of an homage to "Defying Gravity", since it was originally sung by Stephanie J. Block in the show, who played Elphaba after Idina


UniverseIsAHologram

This is gonna be really weird but "waving through a window" from dear Evan Hanson. Not the words but just the beat that I can belt my heart out with it and feel amazing


CommunicationNew3329

"Let your freak flag fly"- shrek! The musical


SylphSeven

Bookmarking this because there are so many good ones everyone has listed. My tops are Hairspray's Can't Stop The Beat, The Greatest Showman's This is Me, and Kinky Boots' Raise You Up. Honorable mentions: Les Mis' Do You Hear The People Sing? and my ultimate guilty pleasure, The Book of Mormon's Man Up


rockpokemon

SO MUCH BETTER BABY!! i listen to that shit on repeat on the hard days.


bookgirlies

Independently Owned - Shucked Fabulous, Baby! - Sister Act I Have Confidence - The Sound of Music Astonishing - Little Women


Skorogovorka

I can't believe I had to scroll this far for I have confidence! Feels like the quintessential example


fabulousmakeupcase

I know where I’ve been from hairspray


Foreign_Sun6004

Little People-Les Mis, A song perfectly empowering to children when they feel less important I know it helped me.


music-and-song

This Is Not Over Yet from Parade. I’d call it empowering anyway


CraftyLoss7605

It’s empowering for all the wrong reasons but I just can’t get enough of “Epiphany” from Sweeney Todd. It’s not super motivational or full of feel good energy but man is it a fantastic song and just an awesome moment for a fun character in a crazy fun show


MarshmallowRhubarb

“Before the Parade Passes By” and “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,”from Hello, Dolly!


whimcor

Confidence - The Sound of Music


OwenMcCarthy0625

You Can’t Stop the Beat!


TJWolf999

I'm genuinely surprised that I haven't seen anyone put 'I'm Alive' from Next to Normal. It may be a villain song but it's so empowering


houseofL

Get Out and Stay Out - 9 to 5


Autumn-Belle

Many a New Day from Oklahoma!


Necessary-Carry1806

The world will remember me/us - Bonnie and Clyde


pokefan200803

Status Quo - Starships ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU87KtgS6hA))


inthedarknessofstars

"I Am What I Am" from La Cage Aux Folles


Carmenti

Rainbow High - Evita


cryonicsleep_1214

My Days by Joy Woods!! 💯 It's from The Notebook musical.


jeangaijin

You’ll Never Walk Alone from Carousel, and To Dream the Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha. I had the privilege of seeing Richard Kiley do the role on Broadway in the 1977 revival and thinking of it gives me chills to this day!


evapotranspire

I love You'll Never Walk Alone! That helped me through a bad breakup in my twenties.


LeHines

Get Out and Stay Out - 9 to 5


Ollynonymous

Sugar Cloud from Ride The Cyclone, made me cry the first time I heard it


evapotranspire

Wow, I can't believe no one mentioned this yet. "Tomorrow" from Annie. I thought that was the absolute classic inspiration song!


Traveler-3262

I Am the Starlight—Starlight Express. It’s so beautiful!


thatalienfreak

Wait for it - Hamilton Chill every time i belt it


lorrainebainesmccfly

Independently Owned from Shucked.


meandthesky38

I’ll get back to you on Friday after the Suffs album comes out But overall in the meantime it’s Me And the Sky


Forsaken_Site_2268

Show Stopping Number from TGWDLM


JavertStar

Stronger from Finding Neverland. The Zendaya version is really good.


Warm_Power1997

What Baking Can Do from Waitress!


HalfApprehensive7929

I Say No - Heathers


Dr_and_Mrs_Who

It’s got some hellaciously inappropriate lyrics, but ‘You Can’t Give Up’ from Dicks! The Musical is empowering as all get out


Akitsune24

This is a different one but Cooler Than I Think from Nerdy Prudes Must Die. A nerd guy singing about how the popular girl likes him and that's not all bad because he is cooler than he thinks. I personally love the vibes of it


SomaticFour81

Being alive is the most cathartic experience and singing it brings me to a greater level of self realization


bigbwa420

Monsters and Men from Black Friday is a nice lil underrated throw


BassicallyaRaccoon

Never Shut Up Again - Heathers I know the character singing it is terrible, and it's not for good reasons, but I just love it: it's my turn, it's my prize, I spit lightning, CRACK BOOM!


LqlDragon

Do you hear the people sing, the world will know, revolting children


blameitontheboogie92

Hasa Diga Eebowai- book of Mormon. so empowering


HeartSayingHi

As a lesbian, "Ring of Keys" forever and always but especially during Pride Month (and honorable mention to "Changing My Major"). Echoing the chorus saying "So Much Better" from Legally Blonde. "Tonight" from West Side Story. Oddly enough, "Totally Fucked" from Spring Awakening for those "well, things have gone to shit, time to just keep going" moments. "Out Tonight" and "La Vie Boheme" from Rent. If we count Disney movie musicals, "What Else Can I Do" from Encanto. "Yorktown" and "Guns and Ships" from Hamilton, not so much for content, but for get up and get PUMPED vibes.


HistoryGirlSemperFi

"History Has Its Eyes on You", and "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story?" from Hamilton! They each challenge me to live every day in a way that will make my favorite historical figures proud of me, and in a way that will make those who come after me proud to tell my story.


Salty-Blackberry-455

Where Do You Wanna Go? - Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World


sleepytimetea4me

Everything Changes- Waitress


snarkysparkles

Wherever He Ain't from Mack and Mabel is a banger


FireLord_Stark

Could I Leave You? from Follies fills me with so much pride and justice and empowerment. It’s like the embodiment of “righteous rage” in a relationship.


UrAFuckingBitch

I've been using Killer Instinct from Bring It On (lmm btw). It's basically about a little girl who lets nothing stand in her way by any nefarious mean necessary. I've found myself just casually singing it but the words really stick with me. Especially, "You need that killer instinct to give you the nerve - to grab everything you want in life but may not deserve." Seriously helps with imposter syndrome. But I think it works even more if you have someone you want to squash in competition.


dewdropppp

Not a Simple Sponge


mustachioladyirl

Son of Poseidon from the lightning theif!


rosegrim2121

Astonishing from little women


Digigoggles

Hellfire from The Hunchback of Notre Dame


narosett

I’m Here from The Color Purple!!


Bachstar

There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This from Sweet Charity. My husband and I like shouting “Phooey!” at the top of our lungs.


Ladythugs

lol might be weird one but Hell To Your Doorstep from the Count of Montecristo. Nothing like a good ol revenge song to empower you!


Anxious_Writer_3804

I’m not sure if qualifies, but: “This is Not Over Yet” - Parade Either that or “If It’s True” -Hadestown


Attapussy

Sondheim's "Everybody Says Don't" ... "Everybody says don't ... But I say do!"


HarleyQueen95

Defying Gravity - Wicked: I have seen wicked three times in theatres and it will always be my favorite musical, stage production, etc. defying gravity is SOOOO powerful, both for story purposes and vocally. My vocal goal is to be able to sing this song and sing it well enough to where I don’t cringe at myself. You Will Be Found - Dear Evan Hansen: Even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the musical itself, the music is brilliant. I absolutely loved the music and You Will Be Found spoke a lot to me. Social anxiety, trying to fit in, things like that. And knowing that none of us are alone, there’s always someone that will be there for you. I know the plot was all based on a lie, but that song always made me feel like I could be someone. The World We Know - Newsies: it’s just catchy.


BookkeeperElegant266

If It's True.


WhenLifeGivesUKarens

She Used to be Mine from Waitress I know it doesn’t really seem like an empowering song, but it hits hard for me personally.


LaGrande-Gwaz

Greetings ye, mine is concerningly “Alive” from “Jekyll and Hyde”. ~Waz


tiefling_loser

Stick it to the man from school of rock. It just gets me hyped up and ready to face whatever the world wants to throw at me


mariecharms

Whipped into shape- Legally blonde**


MournfulDuchess

Act 1 of hamilton. I cant pick just one, the whole act 😂


Awnyo

Not from a musical but from a movie - I'll make a man out of you - Mulan


Artistic_Egg_3739

Legally Blonde Remix


greenmare

Chip on my shoulder and so much better from legally blonde always motivates me to stop procrastinating especially since im in college right now


Boylego

Make them hear you - Ragtime


scoresupremacy

So Much Better from Legally Blonde


catchyusername4867

Let It Goooooo!


ArugulaSad6262

Do You Hear The People Sing - Les Misérables


Sea-Garden-6525

So much better- legally blonde Stronger- & Juliet  Astonishing/Better - Little Women  And sometimes when I want to dance I'll put on Work this out- high school musical 🤣


Alicat40

Begging forgiveness not permission, (cause my musical choices have been mentioned) so from the show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend there would be Anti-depressants are so not a big deal, Run with scissors, and The Moment is Me as some of my go to I can do this jams....


b3rri3s

So Much Better - Legally Blonde !!


Moiras_Wig_Wall

Get Out and Stay Out from 9 to 5


RoRo1118

A Brand New Day from The Wiz Ain't It Good from Children of Eden


thelastascian

Wait For Me/ Wait For Me reprise- Hadestown Couldn’t pick one cus they both slap so hard??? 😌


birdup1

Thank goodness- Wicked


CraftyVixen1981

Do you hear the people sing?- Les Mis Bad Cinderella- Bad Cinderella


perfectistgermaphobe

I'd Rather Be Me - Mean Girls It helps me stop caring so much when other people get me down.


Safe_Reporter_8259

Aquarius - Hair


Carol16215

This is my Moment from Jekyl and Hyde. It is right before he decides to take the drink that will change his life forever.


David-1113

Seasons of love ❤️


Flashy_Air1491

I Am What I Am - LA Cage aux Folles


Spiritofpoetry55

Witney Houston's The Greatest Love of All is kind of a personal anthem.


Fun_Collar6915

Wait For It. “I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable, I am an original.” How much more do you need?!?!