40 songs that aren’t really about running but really are

By Henry Howard

During a recent run, I thought about some musical lyrics that have inspired me during races or long runs. We’ve all been there, getting pumped up and rallying due to a steady beat or meaningful lyrics.

There are plenty of listicles online about best motivational songs for running, or song lyrics about running. For this list, I aimed to focus on some song titles that could be about the pain, joy and everything in between about running.

Thanks to those on the socials who offered their nominations. Here is a collection of song titles that aren’t really about running but really are:

Starting the race

Beautiful Day (U2)

Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen)

I Feel Good (James Brown)

Runnin' Down a Dream (Tom Petty)

Walking on Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves)

For races with hills or mountains

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye)

Fire on the Mountain (Marshall Tucker Band)

Misty Mountain Hop (Led Zeppelin)

My Humps (Black Eyed-Peas)

Run to the Hills (Iron Maiden)

The Climb (Miley Cyrus)

The Mountains Win Again (Blues Traveler)

For ultra runners

Everybody Have Fun Tonight (Wang Chung)

Everybody Hurts (REM)

Everlong (Foo Fighters)

Get Up Stand Up (Bob Marley)

Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath)

Here Comes the Sun (George Harrison)

Highway to Hell (AC/DC)

Hurt (Johnny Cash)

I’m Still Standing (Elton John)

Nothing Lasts Forever (Echo and the Bunnymen)

Pour Some Sugar on Me (Def Leppard)

Still of the Night / Here I Go Again (Whitesnake)

The Distance (Cake)

You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC)

When things go south

Another One Bites the Dust (Queen)

Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd)

Dazed and Confused (Led Zeppelin)

Delirious (Vistoso Bosses)

Don’t Give Up (Peter Gabriel)

Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey)

Hit Me With Your Best Shot (Pat Benatar)

In My Time of Dying (Led Zeppelin)

Lose Yourself (Eminem)

Welcome to the Jungle (Guns ‘N Roses)

Where is My Mind (The Pixies)

The finish line

Celebration (Kool & the Gang)

Survivor (Destiny’s Child)

The End (The Doors)