15 Country Songs About Overcoming Obstacles To Help You Move Past Challenges

We all have those days when the trials and challenges we face seem impossible to conquer. Even worse, we are often unsure how to move forward or find motivation. Whatever the case, there are country songs about overcoming obstacles to give us that extra push we need to keep going.

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Adversity is bound to happen, but stumbling blocks or hardships don’t have to keep you from achieving your intended goals and finding the happiness you seek–whether in your job or relationship.

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To help you, we’ve tracked down some of the best country songs about overcoming obstacles that will give you the much-needed confidence in overcoming life’s struggles. There are country songs about triumphing over adversity and inspiring country songs about breaking through barriers that will inspire and motivate you to persist. Check them out below.

1. Getting Good by Lauren Alaina

Let’s begin with one of the most inspiring country songs about resilience and overcoming adversity. If life’s constant worries overburden you, Lauren Alaina’s “Getting Good” will undoubtedly provide comfort, love, and a morale boost. It’s a great song about the significance of enjoying life and appreciating the small things. Sometimes, we fail to realize that the endless search for happiness can distract us from living in the moment. 

2. If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows) by Rodney Atkins

When things seem to be going wrong, and you feel like you’re about to hit rock bottom, let Rodney Atkins’ 2006 country hit remind you to keep moving and that you’ll make it through. 

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Written by the husband-and-wife songwriting team of Sam and Annie Tate, the song tells the story of breaking down life’s walls standing in your way.

3. Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood

For those looking for empowering country songs about pushing through obstacles, you’ll surely be inspired by Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel.” The song tells the story of a young mother going through a rough patch when she decided to give her life to Jesus. She begged Him to take the wheel of her car and carry her and her child to safety.

4. This One’s For The Girls by Martina McBride 

In 2003, Martina McBride delivered one of the most hopeful country songs about overcoming obstacles, “This One’s For The Girls” – a song for all women of different ages battling different life challenges. This includes high school girls facing new pressures, ladies coping with the uncertainties of their careers, as well as every broken-hearted woman. She even reached out to the middle-aged, telling them they are beautiful just the way they are.

5. Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves

This is probably one of the most positive country songs about rising above obstacles. Kacey Musgraves’s “Rainbow” is actually a hopeful note to herself that later became “a message of hope for anyone in the midst of dark times,” the singer said. Furthermore, Musgraves hopes the song will one day become an anthem for those facing adversity.

6. Up! by Shania Twain

When nothing seems to go your way, we could all use uplifting country songs about overcoming challenges to cheer us up. Take, for instance, Shania Twain’s “Up!” which will surely get you out of the gloomy and heavy emotions after a long, challenging day.

7. Unstoppable by Rascal Flatts

The country music group has definitely released some of the most motivating country songs about overcoming challenges and obstacles. Check out this song that will urge you to push through tough times. An adapted version of “Unstoppable” was even used as the athlete’s theme during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. 

8. I’m a Survivor by Reba McEntire

Released as the lead single from Reba McEntire’s third compilation album Greatest Hits Volume III: I’m a Survivor in 2001, “I’m a Survivor” is an inspirational song about a strong woman dealing with day-to-day perils. While not autobiographical, McEntire compared herself to the song, noting that she is a survivor, too.

9. Choices by George Jones

No one knows country songs about overcoming hardships and setbacks better than George Jones. “Choices” was even basically Jones’ true-to-life story after overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. 

In it, Jones sings about how life gives us different choices ever since birth and how important it is to listen to the voices telling us right from wrong so we wouldn’t end up in some hardships as he did.

10. The Journey of Your Life by Jake Owen

Jake Owen gives us a how-to-guide in the “journey of your life.” The song is actually pieces of advice, strong morals, and values instilled by his grandfather into their family. This includes the importance of having “a lot of faith in God above, a woman you can love, and a good song you can sing on.”

11. Even If It Breaks Your Heart by Eli Young Band

The country music band reminds you to live your dream in one of the most motivational country songs about conquering hurdles we’ve ever heard. Bass guitarist Jon Jones noted that the song is a meaningful track to the band as it is basically their story. It also resonated with many country fans, proving that dreams do come true. 

12. Riser by Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley recorded this song in the year following his father’s death, and it’s about determination and one’s ability to bounce back. Bentley noted how life has a way of knocking us down for different reasons, and “Riser” reminds you to get back up and get on your feet.

13. Girl Goin’ Nowhere by Ashley McBryde

Have you met someone who discouraged you from following your heart? Well, Ashley McBryde once did, and you’ll be amazed how she fought long and hard to turn her dreams into a reality. 

It’s no surprise she wrote some of the most heartfelt country songs about perseverance and triumph out there. This includes “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” where she proves how pursuing what you want pays off in time.

14. It Won’t Always Be Like This by Carly Pearce

They say tough times never last, but tough people do. Carly Pearce shares the same sentiment in one of the most encouraging country songs about overcoming life’s challenges, where she walks down memory lane of her life’s journey. 

This includes the struggles she went through after moving to Nashville and a glimpse of the early stages of her new relationship. She surpassed it all with the thought that “no matter how hard it gets, it won’t always be like this.”

15. Work in Progress by Allie Colleen

Many of you may not recognize Allie Colleen, but she’s actually the daughter of country star Garth Brooks. Currently, she’s figuring out her career one step at a time – which she details in her song, “Work in Progress.” The track is a great listen whenever you are feeling a little lost in life. It provides the encouragement and the rest you need. It’s indeed one of the best country songs about conquering obstacles and reaching goals out there.

So, the next time you face a huge mountain that feels difficult to climb, we hope these country songs about overcoming obstacles help you find your way and remember why you started the journey.