Music has a unique power to evoke emotions and touch our souls.
It can remind us of how much we have in common with other people and make us more kind and understanding.
This list highlights 30 of the best songs about kindness and empathy that encourage us to treat others with love, understanding, and respect.
Whether you’re looking for a song to lift your spirits or to inspire someone else, these songs about kindness and empathy will be sure to do the trick.
1. “I’ll Be Your Mirror” by The Velvet Underground
“I’ll Be Your Mirror” expresses the idea of being there for someone and offering support, serving as a reflection of the other person’s feelings and emotions.
The song’s lyrics talk about being a source of comfort and reassurance, offering a supportive and understanding presence.
The song can be interpreted as a symbol of the empathy and compassion that can exist between two people.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of being there for others and offering support in times of need.
2. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
“Time After Time” was written by Lauper and Rob Hyman and appears on her debut studio album, She’s So Unusual.
The song is about the unconditional love and support that a friend offers another during difficult times, and it speaks to the power of being there for someone when they need it most.
The lyrics express a deep understanding and compassion for the struggles and hardships that the person is going through, and a commitment to be there for them no matter what.
3. “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man” by Prince
The lyrics of “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man” tell the story of a man who is trying to win the heart of a woman who is still in love with someone else.
He realizes that no matter how hard he tries, he will never be able to replace the man in her heart. He decides to move on.
The lyrics reflect a sense of understanding and acceptance of the situation and the emotions it evokes.
4. “I Melt With You” by Modern English
“I Melt With You” is a song about love and understanding from the album After the Snow. The song expresses the importance of not letting a loved one face their struggles alone.
The song was a hit in the United States, reaching the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
5. “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill
“Doo Wop (That Thing)” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the US R&B charts and winning five Grammy Awards, including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.
The lyrics of the song talk about women’s empowerment and tell women to value themselves and stay away from bad relationships.
6. “Epiphany” by Taylor Swift
“Epiphany” was included in Taylor’s eighth studio album, Evermore, which was released in December 2020.
The album was a surprise follow-up to her seventh studio album, Folklore, which was released earlier in the same year.
In the song, Taylor reflects on a range of experiences and emotions, including love, loss, and self-discovery.
She sings about the moments of clarity or insight that have shaped her life and the realization that “everything means nothing if I can’t have you.”
7. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
“Humble and Kind” is a ballad that encourages listeners to be humble and kind in their lives, reminding them of the important values of love, compassion, and empathy.
The song was written by Lori McKenna, who is known for writing heartfelt, emotional ballads.
“Humble and Kind” is a touching tribute to the importance of family, kindness, and humility in life, with lyrics that emphasize the idea that success and material wealth are not the most important things in life.
8. “Empathy” by Alanis Morissette
“Empathy” was released in 2012 and was included in Morisette’s album Havoc and Bright Lights.
“Empathy” by Alanis Morisette is a powerful song about the importance of being able to understand and empathize with another person.
It reminds us that empathy is a skill that we all possess and that showing it to others is one of the most important things we can do for them.
9. “Loving Kindness” by Ashana
“Loving Kindness” is a meditative and peaceful song that is perfect for unwinding and reflecting on the importance of empathy.
The song’s lyrics express the idea that we are all connected and that by showing kindness and compassion to others, we can make the world a better place.
The song is meant to evoke feelings of love, compassion, and inner peace and to encourage the listener to cultivate these qualities within themselves.
10. “Tin Man” by Miranda Lambert
“Tin Man” was written by Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, and Jon Randall, and it is about feeling broken and vulnerable.
In “Tin Man,” Lambert sings about a person who is searching for the missing pieces of their heart, like the character from “The Wizard of Oz,” who sought a heart from the wizard.
The song encourages listeners to be kind to themselves and recognize the value of their own emotions and experiences.
11. “Fallen Angel” by Frankie Valli
The song “Fallen Angel” by Frankie Valli is about a young man who is battling addiction.
It’s also a song about empathy and making an effort to understand what another person is going through.
The song expresses the idea that even someone who may seem lost or broken can still be a source of comfort and support for others.
The message of “Fallen Angel” is that a simple act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life and can bring hope to those who need it most.
12. “Fix You” by Coldplay
“Fix You” has been widely acclaimed for its emotional impact and has been described as a powerful anthem for hope and resilience.
The lyrics of “Fix You” deal with themes of love, loss, and the comfort that can be found in the support of others.
The song expresses the idea that when someone is going through a difficult time, those who love them can help them get through it and offer a sense of hope and comfort.
It was used in the movie “The Fault in Our Stars” and several commercials and TV shows.
13. “I’ll Be Your Mirror” by The Primitives
“I’ll Be Your Mirror” is about a person’s unconditional love for someone and their willingness to be there for them in whatever way they need.
The song was initially written by Lou Reed and performed by The Velvet Underground
The Primitives did cover the song and released their version as a single in 1986.
The lyrics are about someone offering to be a mirror for their loved one, reflecting their emotions and helping them to see themselves more clearly.
14. “Living for the City” by Stevie Wonder
While “Living for the City” is certainly a socially conscious and thought-provoking song that addresses important social issues.
The song focuses on the challenges faced by African Americans in urban areas and raises awareness about issues of poverty, racism, and inequality.
The song touches on themes of kindness and understanding, but its main purpose is to address social problems.
15. “An Innocent Man” by Billy Joel
“An Innocent Man” was released in 1983 as the title track of Joel’s ninth studio album.
The song is a nostalgic look back at Joel’s childhood in the 1950s and 1960s and a reflection on the loss of innocence as he grew older.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who looks back on his life and reflects on the choices he has made and the memories he has created.
“An Innocent Man” was a commercial success, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 4 on the US Adult Contemporary chart, and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
16. “At Your Side” by The Corrs
“At Your Side” was released as a single in 1999 and appeared on the band’s third studio album, In Blue.
The lyrics of the song express a message of love and support, with the singer promising to always be there for their loved ones, no matter what they face.
The song reflects the idea that having someone to rely on and confide in can make a big difference in someone’s life and can help to ease difficult moments.
17. “Stand By You” by Rachel Platten
“Stand by You” has a powerful message of support and love, with the singer promising to be there for her loved one through thick and thin.
The song’s uplifting and emotional lyrics, combined with its catchy melody, have made it a popular choice for people looking for a song that represents friendship, kindness, and empathy.
The song became a hit for Platten, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and being certified platinum in the US.
18. “I Know It’s Over” by The Smiths
“I Know It’s Over” is known for its melancholic and introspective lyrics, which deal with themes of heartbreak and loss.
The song’s narrator laments the end of a relationship and reflects on the pain and emptiness that follow.
It discusses the pain of empathy and how, even when a person is no longer in our lives, we can still feel their pain.
19. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
“Lean on Me” was released in 1972 and became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and number seven on the Pop Singles chart.
Withers offers support and encouragement to a friend who is going through a difficult time.
The lyrics are simple, but they send a message of love, kindness, and friendship that has touched people for many years.
The song has been covered by a lot of artists and used in movies and TV shows.
20. “Try a Little Kindness” by Glen Campbell
“Try a Little Kindness” is a classic song that was popularized by American singer and guitarist Glen Campbell.
It was written by songwriters Bobby Austin and Curly Putman and was first recorded by Austin in 1968.
Glen Campbell’s version of the song was included on his 1970 album Hey Little One and has since become one of his most well-known songs.
The song encourages listeners to show kindness and understanding to others, reminding them that “a little love goes a long, long way.”
21. “Be Kind” by Marshmello & Halsey
“Be Kind” was released as a single through Joytime Collective and Astralwerks, and it was co-written by Marshmello, Halsey, and its producers, Justin Tranter, Ali Tamposi, and Andrew Watt.
It was released in May 2020 as an upbeat dance-pop song with positive lyrics that tell people to be kind.
22. “Be Kind To Yourself” by Andrew Peterson
“Be Kind to Yourself” was included in Peterson’s sixth studio album, The Burning Edge of Dawn, released on March 25, 2015.
“Be Kind to Yourself” is a song about self-compassion and how important it is to be kind and patient with yourself.
It tells people to take care of themselves and show themselves the same kindness and compassion they show others.
23. “Treat People With Kindness” by Harry Styles
The song was released as a promotional single in December 2019.
The song’s title is a phrase that Styles often uses in his merchandise and on social media.
He was inspired to write the song after using the phrase as the slogan for his 2018 tour.
The song has a positive message about treating others with kindness and compassion, regardless of differences in opinions or backgrounds.
The song has become a popular anthem for kindness and acceptance because of its positive and empowering message.
24. “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars
“Count On Me” has a positive and uplifting message about friendship and support, encouraging listeners to count on their friends during tough times.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a person who is always there for their friend, no matter what, and the chorus encourages listeners to “count on me like 1, 2, 3, I’ll be there.”
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in countries around the world and being certified platinum in the US and Australia.
25. “Somebody’s Daughter” by Tenille Townes
“Somebody’s Daughter” was released as the lead single from Townes’s debut studio album The Lemonade Stand.
The song is a mid-tempo country song with themes of understanding, compassion, and empathy.
The songs tell the story of a lady who is struggling and homeless, and the chorus reminds listeners that she is “somebody’s daughter, somebody’s friend.”
The lyrics show how important it is to reach out and help people who are in need.
26. “Hey Brother” by Avicii
“Hey Brother” features bluegrass singer Dan Tyminski on the vocals and has elements of country music with a bluegrass-influenced breakdown in the middle of the song.
The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to come together as a family and support one another through tough times.
“Hey Brother” quickly became a hit because of its catchy melody and upbeat energy.
It made it to the top 10 in many countries and solidified Avicii’s place as one of the best EDM artists of his time.
27. “A Random Act of Senseless Kindness” by South 65
“A Random Act of Senseless Kindness” was included in the Canadian country music group’s album, Mainstream Radio.
The song is about how a random act of kindness can help brighten someone’s day.
The single was a top 10 hit on the Canadian Country chart, peaking at number 8.
It also charted on the Billboard country chart in the United States, reaching number 60.
28. “Carry You” by Union J
“Carry You” is written from the perspective of someone who will be there to carry another person through tough times.
It was written as a gesture of gratitude to Union J’s fans for sticking by them despite the group’s ups and downs.
It peaked at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song was a hit in other areas, reaching the top 10 in some countries.
29. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a power ballad written by Paul Simon and performed by both Simon & Garfunkel.
It features a memorable chorus, which speaks of comfort in troubled times and of lifting someone up who is struggling.
Many other artists have made their own versions of the song, and it is often used in pop culture.
It was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016.
30. “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King
Carole King’s classic song “You’ve Got a Friend” is a timeless ode to the power of friendship.
The lyrics express the deep comfort and support that comes from having a true friend, someone who will always be there for you no matter what.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but King’s version remains the most iconic and beloved.
It is a reminder that we all need someone to lean on, someone who will be there for us no matter what.
Songs About Kindness – Final Thoughts
Songs about kindness and empathy are powerful tools that can inspire and motivate us to be better human beings.
They remind us of the importance of treating others with respect and compassion and they encourage us to reach out to those who are in need.
Whether it’s through lyrics that touch our hearts or through upbeat melodies that uplift our spirits, these songs can bring us together and help us build a more connected and empathetic world.
So let us take the time to listen to these songs, internalize their messages, and strive to make kindness and empathy a central part of our lives.
