The future of music

45 Best Songs About New Beginnings & Starting Over

December 8, 2023
Songs about new beginnings

I’ve selected the best songs about new beginnings and starting over, each track a celebration of fresh starts and the resilience of the human spirit.

This article is a musical journey through the themes of renewal, hope, and the excitement of embarking on a new chapter in life.

Table of Contents

Top songs about new beginnings & starting over

  • “New Beginnings” by daydreamer
  • “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” by Michael Jackson
  • “Start Again” by Seven Lions ft. Fiora
  • “New Rules” by Dua Lipa
  • “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
  • “A New Day Has Come” by Celine Dion
  • “New Morning” by Bob Dylan
  • “Today My Life Begins” by Bruno Mars
  • “Good Days” by SZA
  • “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash

1. “New Beginnings” by daydreamer 

It’s probably worth remembering that the good things in life come at a cost. 

If you are willing to pay the price, you will show more desire, sacrifice, and commitment to achieve your dreams. 

And this song by daydreamer gives you the ultimate power to do so. 

It is a powerful track about pushing yourself to achieve everything you’ve always wanted.  

2. “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’’ has been interpreted in many ways. 

For a section of music critics, the song was more of Jackson’s attack on the mainstream media, always starting something about his celebrity life. 

Paying the price for being a public figure, Michael was tired of the media’s increased scrutiny of his life, always making a mountain out of a molehill. 

But for some, the song describes a genuine desire to start something, considering how Jackson’s rivals were always eager to spread unfounded rumors about his life. 

3. “Start Again” by Seven Lions ft. Fiora

Fiora’s passionate lyrics combined with Seven Lions’ beautiful melody made this epic track even more memorable. 

Unfortunately, the heart-wrenching lyrics only describe a somber mood. 

‘Start Again’ is a euphoric new life song about patiently waiting on someone to make up their mind. 

However, the pain only gets stronger as the waiting persists. 

And at some point, it starts to appear as if you are losing control of what belonged to you. 

Ultimately, you have to make a tough decision to move on with your life by making a fresh start.  

4. “New Rules” by Dua Lipa

Getting over someone you love isn’t the easiest thing to do, as Dua Lipa found out from her failed relationship. 

In the track, she sings about making a fresh start while getting over an ex. 

She’s now setting new rules to keep her distance from her one-time lover. 

This song should be part of your playlist if you’re trying to accept the situation, adjust, and move on. 

5. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles 

Life can be challenging. 

And we all need someone to cheer us up along the way by telling us to keep going. 

This Beatles’ song fits that category, cheering up anyone going through tough battles in life. 

It lives according to the classic ‘light after the tunnel’ saying, giving hope for better days despite the current struggles. 

6. “A New Day Has Come” by Celine Dion

Does anyone make them any better than Celine Dion? 

After a two-year break from the music scene, Dion made her much anticipated comeback with an excellent lyrical composition. 

The lyrics are so heartfelt they will almost blow you away. 

But nothing compares to the choirs and the melody. 

The song’s true meaning is a special type of love, referencing the birth of Celine Dion’s child. 

This is the perfect track to play on repeat on bad days when you need something to lift your spirits. 

7. “New Morning” by Bob Dylan 

This is a sentimental track about rebirth. 

It is a beautiful song with inspiring lyrics, precisely what every Bob Dylan fan will want to hear when they wake up. 

8. “Today My Life Begins” by Bruno Mars

If you want to conquer every day by leaving the past and rising again, this is the motivating piece you should listen to. 

According to Bruno Mars, a new day is another opportunity to make better decisions by rising above yesterday’s miseries.  

That also means forgetting the past and taking full control of your life. 

9. “Good Days” by SZA

‘Good Days’ is SZA as a distinct force in contemporary music, giving us a passionate narration we all know she’s capable of. 

It is about SZA getting over the negativities in her life and looking forward with a feeling of optimism. 

She laments wasting her best years with the wrong person but only looks forward to the better days. 

In life, you will have plenty to worry about. 

But just like SZA, try to find a ray of shining light in darkness even when things appear to be falling apart. 

10. “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkwJ-g0iJ6w

This song gives hope and courage to those going through tough life battles. 

It is about overcoming adversity, and while the singer acknowledges that life will be challenging, he encourages us to always look forward to the better days. 

11. “Begin Again” by Purity Ring 

‘Begin Again’ represents rebirth and renewal in the most bizarre way. 

The shocking music video has cultic elements, with an old woman seemingly getting resurrected from the dead. 

The music video looks ultramodern and futuristic, but some will find it uncanny. 

But if you choose to focus on the message, this could be the perfect piece you need to start afresh. 

12. “Godspeed” by Frank Ocean 

‘Godspeed’ is a soulful R&B track where Frank Ocean wishes the addressee the best of luck as they go separate ways. 

He acknowledges that the addressee may experience a few challenges as they part company, but the best he can do is wish her good fortune.  

The song will show you how to embrace respectfully even as you take different paths in life. 

13. “Follow The Sun” by Xavier Rudd

For all we know, sunshine represents a new beginning and another opportunity to reset, renew, and restart.

And that’s all about Xavier Rudd’s lyrics in this 2012 pop song. 

It is one of the most uplifting songs about fresh starts, spreading the kind of happiness that many people would die for.  

14. “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone 

Feeling Good’ is a euphoric song that evokes a lot more emotions than just bringing the feel-good factor. 

It is the ultimate soul music, helping anyone soar to greater heights by embracing positivity. 

It is about the thrills of making a fresh start, free from oppression.  

15. “Brand New” by Ben Rector 

‘Brand New’ became Ben Rector’s first ever single to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

And any fan of modern pop rock songs will probably remember Rector’s genuine lyrics. 

In the track, Ben is paying tribute to the men and women who deserve more credit for their hard work and heroism in the face of adversity. 

The song defines modern pop music, and the beautiful lyrics are worth the 4 minutes you will spend listening to this pop rock. 

16. “Dance Again” by Selena Gomez 

Selena Gomez is best known for her soulful compositions in songs like ‘Love Will Remember’ and ‘Slow Down.’ 

But in this 2020 track, he takes a completely different approach, choosing to inspire anyone in a troubled relationship. 

It is the ultimate club banger, describing Selena’s past struggles in life with failed relationships taking center stage. 

But on the bright side, Selena is only talking about good things this time, doing everything to redefine her source of happiness in the midst of adversity. 

At the end of it all, it looks like Selena could be finally conceding that it’s only her alone who can dictate when and how to be happy and satisfied. 

Isn’t that what everybody needs when making a fresh start? 

17. “New Memories” by DubVision & Afrojack

The Dutch duo gave us a classic dance-pop tune about new memories that exceeded all the expectations. 

It is a super addicting song with an optimistic message and a positive vibe to welcome you into a new world.  

18. “The Weight” by The Band

‘The Weight’ is a song about the burden on our shoulders that prevents us from achieving our dreams. 

If that’s where you feel you are at the moment, this is the song to help you make a new start. 

19. “Brand New Day” by Sting 

‘Brand New Day’ is an upbeat song about a new start.

It is about making a fresh start after the singer realizes that he’s probably wasting his life, just like most people are.

Sting’s soulful delivery makes this song an obvious masterpiece. 

And for anyone looking for one of those tracks that ushered in the millennial era, this song is a must-listen. 

20. “Start Over” by Beyoncé 

Of course, you can’t talk about new beginnings without mentioning one of the greatest artists to ever do it. 

Beyoncé, or Queen B, as some would call her, is known for her killer lyrics for just about any situation. 

Some fresh starts mean fighting for your romantic relationship, even when all appears lost. 

And in this mid-tempo pop song, the American star sings about a relationship she’s unwilling to leave. 

In the middle of a troubled relationship, the narrator wishes she could restart instead of parting ways with the guy. 

21. “Absolute Beginners” by David Bowie

David Bowie’s ‘Absolute Beginners’ perfectly brings up the theme of a young couple, depicting the simplicity of true love. 

It’s a simple song with simple lyrics. 

And the narrator believes that while their love is only just starting, it will stand many obstacles in the way. 

22. “Starts With Goodbye” by Carrie Underwood 

Carrie Underwood’s ‘Starts With Goodbye’ is obviously a sad song about a breakup. 

Of course, it hurts to let go of someone you love.   

But the optimistic feeling in Carrie’s voice gives the track a new meaning. 

Quite simply, the narration affirms that nothing in life lasts forever.  

And sometimes, people will go out of your life as fast as they come. 

But eventually, time is the perfect healer and will help you make a fresh start as a new individual. 

23. “First Day of My Life” By Bright Eyes 

Isn’t it impressive how true love can change someone’s life?

Bright Eyes’ songs are known for their powerful lyrical content and some poetic elements. 

And in this 2005 track, the indie band talks about the underrated power of true love. 

The narrator realizes that meeting a new partner has completely changed his life, giving him a fresh start he didn’t even know he wanted. 

‘First Day Of My Life’ has become a wedding classic, sung to commemorate the beginning of true love. 

24. “Starting Over” By Chris Stapleton

Just like the title suggests, this song is about starting over.  

The powerful track is a bare reminder that no matter what life throws at us, we always have a chance to recreate ourselves. 

The lyrics are absorbing and powerful and will let you know there’s always time to forget your mistakes, accept yourself, and start afresh. 

25. “Brand New Day” by Dizzee Rascal

There’s never a better time to start afresh than when things aren’t working out and you are almost helpless. 

That’s what Dizzee Rascal reminds us of in his 2003 rap song. 

It’s about putting on a brave face in the face of adversity, knowing that better days are ahead no matter how hard it gets. 

And what better way to approach life than putting on a big smile? 

26. “Dusk Till Dawn” by Zayn & Sia

‘Dusk Till Dawn’ is about a relationship that won’t crumble despite the many obstacles standing in its way. 

The narration begins with Zayn’s touching lyrics before Sia compliments it with her magnificent voice. 

27. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston 

There are fewer painful moments than breaking up with someone you love. 

And while Whitney Houston acknowledges that they are indeed parting ways, she will always hold fond memories of the addressee.  

This song went down in history as one of the greatest power ballads, showing everyone that not all chapters must end on bad terms. 

You can let go and make a fresh start but still, wish your significant other the best of luck in their next life. 

28. “Everything Has Changed” by Taylor Swift And Ed Sheeran 

Have you listened to this folk-pop by two of the most gifted singers of our generation? 

‘Everything Has Changed’ is about realizing that your life has changed since someone, presumably, a new lover, came into your life. 

Everything begins to look a little different from way before, and she’s now thinking about the two of them instead of herself. 

Swift wrote the folk-pop song in 2013 as part of her fourth studio album, ‘Red’, peaking at #32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

29. “We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters 

This song has fast become a wedding classic, with the narration describing a young couple beginning their journey together. 

The lyrical content represents love, positivity, and hope, and you will probably want to hold your lover’s hand by the time you finish listening to it. 

30. “One Day Like This” by Elbow 

How was your first experience in love? 

New love birds need some heartfelt lyrics to strengthen their bond. 

And this 2008 art rock, written by Guy Garvey, belongs to that category. 

As Garvey has explained in the past, ‘One Day Like This’ is about the first morning after falling in love, when you can’t stop thinking about the moment. 

The song was featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics for the rousing lyrics and absorbing vocals alone. 

31. “Begin” by Shallou Ft. Wales 

‘Begin’ is a massively underrated song with lyrics powerful enough to help you make a fresh start. 

The song has gentle lyrics, taking the listeners to an exciting place where they can dream again. 

The allure of the composition reaches its climax with the powerful message in the song. 

It’s all about starting over, knowing that you need more optimism and positive vibes to get through life’s adversities. 

If you need the perfect starting point, with some soothing lyrics to accompany you throughout the journey, spend your 4 minutes listening to this powerful song. 

32. “Start Again” by OneRepublic

In times of loneliness, you need a shoulder to lean on or someone to make you feel worthy again. 

And in this uplifting tune, OneRepublic reflects on their insecurities, loneliness, and miserable past when they felt underappreciated. 

But everything changes the moment they set out to make a fresh start, ultimately becoming a massive American pop rock band. 

The beautiful vocals will have you jamming to the tune. 

And if the powerful lyrics don’t inspire you to never give up, nothing probably will. 

33. “Waking Light” by Beck 

Throughout his music career, Beck has always written exceptional lyrics about music being a savior. 

And the lyrical interpretation of his 2014 folk rock single proves that. 

‘Waking Up’ is Beck’s piece about finding hope when you need a savior. 

The track is about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, with Beck encouraging everyone to brace themselves for the morning, for the night is long gone. 

This is an excellent piece if you need inspiring lyrics that will stick with you throughout the bad times.  

34. “Feeling Good” by Michael Buble 

Have you ever had a strong desire to recreate your life that you almost felt unstoppable? 

That’s the mood in this 1965 song.

The track conveys a message of optimism, describing the thrill that comes with fresh starts. 

Michael Buble’s 2005 version was probably the most popular, sharing the joy of getting into a brand new world and even appearing in ESPN’s 2005 World Series of Poker tournament. 

35. “Easy Come, Easy Go” by George Strait 

Some relationships aren’t just meant to be. 

And at some point, the best decision you can ever make is to let go. 

That’s what George Strait sings about in his 90s country song

George is describing his lover, and as the lyrics continue, it gets clearer that the relationship isn’t working anymore.  

And perhaps it would be wiser to end it before it’s too late. 

The lyrics are slow but powerful, and the good vibe is probably the icing on the cake, encouraging everyone to get themselves back up even when broken by a bad relationship. 

36. “Pack It Up” by Pretenders 

Packing up means getting ready for a fresh start. 

And that’s the best you can do if your relationship isn’t taking you anywhere.  

37. “I’m Movin’ On” by Rascal Flatts 

To many, the past only brings bad memories. 

And that’s evident in this Rascal Flatts song, narrating the emotional baggage the singer has had to deal with throughout his life. 

In the song, the narrator looks fed up with his troubled relationship. 

He acknowledges that a change of environment may be mandatory to make a new start. 

So, he’s packing up and going far away from the town. 

38. “Closing Time” by Semisonic 

In life, you will have to close a few chapters for new ones to begin. 

And in this 1998 upbeat ballad, the singer talks about the realities of new beginnings. 

While the bar is constantly mentioned in the track, it is only used metaphorically to illustrate the idea of closing a shop for a new start. 

It’s the classic song about starting afresh.  

39. “Up and Up” by Coldplay 

In a world full of negative energy, you need some optimism, even from the most unlikely sources. 

And for anyone who knows their true potential, the sky can only be the limit. 

‘Up and Up’ is one of those songs that sets you up for actual rebuilding, no matter how hard life may get. 

In this track, Coldplay encourages everyone to embrace life’s obstacles by collecting the pieces and backing themselves up when the journey gets rough. 

Above all, it reminds everyone to keep going, as there’s always a shining light at the end of the tunnel. 

If you want a song to inspire you to recreate your life, have this one on your playlist. 

40. “It’s A New Day” by will.i.am

How best to complete our list of the best new beginnings songs than one for the big occasions?

‘It’s A New Day’ by will.i.am is an iconic track celebrating Barack Obama’s historic triumph in the 2008 US presidential elections. 

In the song, the rapper mentions iconic figures in the country’s history, like Abraham Lincoln, JF Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, to show how special the occasion was. 

Behind Obama’s success were years of pain for the black man. 

But with the victory all but secured, it was time to cherish the moment with some iconic lyrics. 

41. “[Just Like] Starting Over” by John Lennon

Do you believe that the significant reason things haven’t worked out is that you haven’t given yourself and your spouse enough time to be together?

If so, this John Lennon song may speak to you on a deep level. 

The song’s lyrics express how starting over in a relationship seems like beginning all over again while also assuring the listener that things will ultimately turn around for the better. 

It’s a lovely song that is ideal for people who are down and lonely after a breakup.

42. “Brand New Sun” by Jason Lytle

Jason Lytle’s song “Brand New Sun” from the album “Yours Truly, The Commuter” perfectly depicts the joy of hitting the reset button on your life.

The song, which is performed on an acoustic guitar and accompanied by a small band, is about regret: “Damn… how did it get so bad?” “With all the dreams we had, and now you seem so sad now.”

43. “Out On The Weekend” by Neil Young

“Out on the Weekend” was a great way to introduce the world to the fantastic album that contained the songs “Old Man” and “The Needle and the Damage Done.”

This sounds more like a country song in comparison to his guitar-heavy, grungier work on the Crazy Horse album “Down By The River.”

The topic is autobiographical and centres on his lonesome quest for musical success.

44. “Brand New Friend” by Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

Another less common kind of new beginning is a new friendship.

The secret to life is having excellent friends. You should value the friendships you already have and foster new ones whenever they arise.

45. “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness

“I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness is an exciting rock love song about new beginnings that will make your heart beat.

It is about the strength of love and how you can achieve anything with it.

The silly yet entertaining song will surely give you the drive to fall in love again despite your past experiences.

Songs About New Beginnings – Final Thoughts 

Can you actually feel bad when making a fresh start

Probably yes!

But we hope that won’t be the case when you have a killer soundtrack to walk you through the journey. 

For whatever reason you want to recreate your life, our list of the best songs about new beginnings would be the perfect starting point to help you stay on track. 

So, redefine your life today with the best tunes from the list and let the music play its role; soothing a broken heart. 

Similar Playlists:

Songs About Moving On

Songs About Change

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

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