Sometimes, the simplest reminder to be kind can brighten someone’s entire day.
Kindness can show up in countless ways, from offering encouragement to a friend to helping a stranger who needs a little support. Music can be another powerful way to celebrate compassion, empathy, generosity, and the positive impact we can have on one another.
There are plenty of songs that capture these ideas and remind us that even small acts of kindness can make a difference. Whether you’re creating an uplifting playlist, looking for music with a meaningful message, or simply want something positive to listen to, songs about kindness can be a great place to start.
Music also has a way of connecting people through shared emotions and experiences. A thoughtful song can encourage us to slow down, appreciate others, and remember that everyone may be carrying challenges we can’t see.
In this article, you’ll discover 31 feel-good songs about kindness that celebrate compassion, helping others, friendship, and making the world a little brighter.
And don’t forget to download the free Bucket List Template at the end of the article. It can help you turn the things you hope to experience, accomplish, and enjoy into a list of meaningful goals and adventures.
Let’s explore these uplifting songs and find a few new additions for your playlist.
The Benefits of Being Kind
Being kind doesn’t cost anything, and it offers a host of benefits for you and the rest of the world.
For instance, acts of kindness:
- Give a sense of belonging
- Lessen feelings of isolation
- Improve one’s well-being
- Keep one healthy
- Help people live longer
- Create a happier world
Considering all of these benefits, wouldn’t you want to be an agent of kindness? Some of the songs featured in this collection give us the artists’ personal definitions of what kindness is. Other hits reassure us that there is someone out there who cares.
Let’s check out our list.
1. Hands, Jewel
“In the end, only kindness matters.”
This song is a powerful reminder that our choices determine our destiny. We can choose to be mean, arrogant, and spiteful, or we can take the path of gentleness, generosity, and kindness.
Jewel encourages her listeners to have more faith in themselves and choose the right path.
2. A Random Act of Senseless Kindness, South Sixty Five
“With a random act of senseless kindness, unexpected hand to help remind us a little bit of love is the cure for hate.”
We often hear news about victims of senseless violence, but not so much about “victims of senseless kindness,” This is a concept that South Sixty Five promotes in this song.
It would certainly become a better world if everyone went on a spree of senseless, random acts of kindness.
3. Try a Little Kindness, Glen Campbell
“You’ve got to try a little kindness, yes, show a little kindness. Just shine your light for everyone to see.”
Every day, we are bombarded with news about violence and hate. It often seems as if negativity envelops us in a grimy cloak, darkening our days and making our hearts heavy.
In this song, Glen Campbell encourages us to show a little kindness. By doing so, negativity’s hold on us loosens and little streams of light can shine through to give us hope.
4. If Everyone Cared, Nickelback
“If everyone cared and nobody cried. If everyone loved and nobody lied. If everyone shared and swallowed their pride. Then we’d see the day when nobody died.”
With everything that’s going on around us—wars, riots, health crises, and more—it’s easy to feel a heavy sense of hopelessness. People get tired of trying to make things better, thinking that nothing they do will ever make a difference.
But this song is a call to action in which Nickelback challenges listeners to start caring.
5. Be Kind, Marshmello & Halsey
“When you know you can cry to the one, always confide in the one. You can be kind to the one that you love.”
Oftentimes, when partners become comfortable with each other, they begin to show their worst traits and take each other for granted. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
This song reminds listeners that kindness shouldn’t only be reserved for strangers or people in need. People in relationships have to remember to cherish the special people in their lives, treating them with kindness and respect.
(If you need some ideas on how to strengthen your relationship, check out this post featuring 31 relationship goals to help couples grow their love for each other.)
6. Treat People With Kindness, Harry Styles
“Maybe we can find a place to feel good. And we can treat people with kindness. Find a place to feel good.”
If you’ve ever given kindness when it was least expected, you may have witnessed the recipient’s eye light up in happiness. This kind of experience touches the heart.
This jubilant song is a reflection of that experience. It communicates the sense of happiness and lightness that comes when we show genuine kindness to others.
7. Humble and Kind, Tim McGraw
“When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you, when the work you put in is realized. Let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind.”
Many people pursue fame and fortune, thinking that they lead to the path of true happiness. However, in their journey to being famous and rich, many also become arrogant and mean.
This song reminds all of us to stay humble and kind, no matter what our station in life.
8. At Your Side, The Corrs
“I’ll be at your side. There’s no need to worry. Together, we’ll survive. Through the haste and hurry. I’ll be at your side, if you feel like you’re alone and you’ve nowhere to turn. I’ll be at your side.”
It’s a rare gift to have a friend who truly cares and promises to stand by you, no matter what. This song from The Corrs celebrates that kind of friendship. (Check out this post for more songs about friendship.)
9. Carry You, Union J
“When the vision you have gets blurry, you don’t have to worry. I’ll be your eyes. It’s the least I can do. ‘Cause when I fell, you pulled me through.”
Friends who care for you are a blessing.
The theme of a friendship that weathers all of life’s storms is echoed in this song from Union J. The song describes how a friend returns the kindness shown to them at a time when they were the one facing difficulties.
10. Kindness, Ryan Adams
“Kindness don’t ask for much, but an open mind. Kindness can cure a broken heart. Honey, are you feelin’ kind? Do you believe in love?”
This song has several reminders about kindness for its listeners:
- Kindness cures a broken heart.
- Kindness needs an open mind.
- Love is the wellspring of kindness.
I get excited at the idea of everyone in the world being kind to each other. It would truly be something to behold.
11. Do Something, Matthew West
“If not us, then who? If not me and you, right now. It’s time for us to do something, yeah!”
You may have heard people complain about a situation, blaming a particular sector of society or the government for unfortunate events. This song encourages listeners to take action themselves.
Instead of waiting for others to make a difference, Matthew West calls on us to be the ones to enact the change that we want to see. Let’s do something, right now.
12. The Promise, Sturgill Simpson
“If you need a friend don’t look to a stranger. You know in the end, I’ll always be there. But when you’re in doubt and when you’re in danger, take a look around and I’ll be there.”
If you’re looking for a song that represents how deeply someone can care for another person, look no further than this single from Sturgill Simpson.
In this song, Simpson states his dedication to a friend and promises to be there, looking out for them, even to the very end.
13. K Is for Kindness, Sesame Street Cast ft. Chris Jackson
“And when you try a little kindness, kindness. And you help someone for real. You might be surprised to realize how good it makes you feel.”
To make sure that children grow up to be good people, they should be introduced to the concept of kindness as early as possible.
This song from the cast of Sesame Street can be used to encourage kindness in children.
It gives several concrete examples of what constitutes an act of kindness. Plus, the music video is cute!
14. We Build, Nichole Nordeman
“We build. We clear away what was and make room for what will be. If you hold the nails, I’ll take the hammer. I’ll hold it still, if you’ll climb the ladder. If you will, then I will build.”
When life gets hard, it can be easier to pick up the pieces and rebuild if we have even just one friend to help us.
This song is about that kind of friend—someone who provides support during difficult moments.
15. Count on Me, Bruno Mars
“We’ll find out what we’re made of when we are called to help our friends in need.”
Finally, we have this peppy hit from Bruno Mars. It is an anthem about caring for others.
Just listening to the song lifts your mood. It is also a good reminder about what kindness is really about.
16. Be Kind to Yourself, Andrew Peterson
“I love you just the way you are. I love the way He’s shaping your heart. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to yourself.”
If you’re your own harshest critic or if you always demand more from yourself, here’s a song reminding you to be kind to yourself.
It’s alright to make mistakes, because they help us learn and grow. The important thing is to be gentle with yourself whenever you encounter setbacks. Fostering self-love spills over into kindness and acceptance for everyone else around you.
17. Lean on Me, Bill Withers
“Lean on me when you’re not strong. And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on. For it won’t be long ’til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on.”
This song invites listeners to never be scared to ask for help when they need it. It is also about reciprocating, because those who extend compassion and kindness to us may also be in need of help.
18. Compassion (Change the World), Andrew Witt
“Well, I can’t change the world. But I can live with open hands. And I can’t change the world. But I can give all that I can. And I can pray and I can love. And when all is said and done, I can’t change the world. But I can change the world for one.”
Many of us don’t have the resources to make huge contributions to the fight against poverty, war, and other social problems. However, that doesn’t mean we have to stop caring or being kind to others.
This song tells us that our intentions and how we treat other people has a ripple effect. Even our small acts of kindness make a difference.
19. Kind and Generous, Natalie Merchant
“You’ve been so kind and generous. I don’t know how you keep on giving. For your kindness, I’m in debt to you. And I never could have come this far without you. For everything you’ve done, you know I’m bound. I’m bound to thank you for it.”
This song expresses gratitude to someone who has been kind and supportive to a person during the toughest moments in their life. If you have such a person in your life, this could be a reminder to show your appreciation for their kindness.
20. Let Me Be There, Olivia Newton-John
“Watching you grow and going through the changes in your life, that’s how I know I’ll always be there. Whenever you feel you need a friend to lean on, here I am. Whenever you call, you know I’ll be there.”
Life can be tough sometimes. That’s why it is so nice to have someone who stays by your side and provides a pillar of support during those difficult moments.
Here’s a song about someone promising to be there for their friend/partner/family member in all moments of their life. Here’s hoping that we can be that person for others, and that there will always be someone like that for us, as well.
21. You Are Loved, Stars Grow Dim
“You don’t have to prove yourself. Don’t try to be someone else. You are loved.”
Kindness doesn’t judge. Here’s a song about accepting someone for who they are. It reminds listeners that they don’t have to pretend to be someone else just to be liked or accepted. They deserve love just the way they are.
22. Put a Little Love in Your Heart, Jackie DeShannon
“Take a good look around. And if you’re looking down, put a little love in your heart. I hope when you decide, kindness will be your guide. Put a little love in your heart.”
In this song, Jackie DeShannon reminds listeners to act with love and kindness. It’s the only way that we can change the world for the better.
23. Friendship, Chris Stapleton
“If you’re on the street, I’ll take your hand. If you’re hungry, I’ll give you food. If it’s money you need, I got some saved. If you’re sick, I’ll visit you. I’ve been where you are right now. You saw me through it all. I’ll lean on you. You can lean on me. I’m never gonna let you fall.”
This song enumerates specific ways one can care for others. It’s a promise that someone will be there during tough times and offer companionship, a meal, and financial support to a friend who needs it.
24. What the World Needs Now, Jackie DeShannon
“What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of. What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No, not just for some but for everyone.”
Jackie DeShannon makes it on this list twice because several of her songs describe the essence of kindness. In this one, she reminds us that the world is in dire need of love. She’s saying that this love shouldn’t just be shared among families or friends, but with everyone.
25. Stand by You, Rachel Platten
“I’ll be your eyes ’til yours can shine. I’ll be your arms. I’ll be your steady satellite. And when you can’t rise, well, I’ll crawl with you on hands and knees. ‘Cause I… I’m gonna stand by you. Even if we’re breaking down. We can find a way to break through. Even if we can’t find heaven, I’ll walk through hell with you. Love, you’re not alone. ‘Cause I’m gonna stand by you.”
This song is about taking care of someone who’s fallen on hard times. It’s about being there for them as they slowly get back on their feet, and letting them know that you’re there, every step of the way.
26. I Won’t Let Go, Rascal Flatts
“I will stand by you. I will help you through. When you’ve done all you can do. If you can’t cope. I will dry your eyes. I will fight your fight. I will hold you tight. And I won’t let go.”
Here’s another song about a promise to be with a person who is going through hardships. When someone is going through a rough patch in their life, it’s wonderful to have an assurance like this from people who care.
27. Never Gonna Let You Down, Colbie Caillat
“I’m never gonna let you down. I’m always gonna build you up. When you’re feeling lost. I will always find you, love. I’m never gonna walk away. I’m always gonna have your back. And if nothing else, you can always count on that. When you need me, I promise I will never let you down.”
When there’s someone who is willing to stand by us in our hardest moments, it makes it a whole lot easier to find a way forward. Friends and family who have our back give us hope.
This is one of those songs that strengthens that hope and remind us that kindness is always there for us, especially during our most trying moments.
28. He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, The Hollies
“So on we go. His welfare is of my concern. No burden is he to bear. We’ll get there. For I know he would not encumber me. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.”
This song is about extending help and kindness to others. This kindness isn’t viewed as a burden. Rather, helping others is a pleasure.
29. One Voice, Billy Gilman
“One voice. One simple word. Hearts know what to say. One dream can change the world. Keep believing ’til you find your way.”
Everyone has their own personal struggles. Some are obvious, while others aren’t. A kind word or gesture can often help lighten a person’s load or even make their day.
Let’s continue to help create more kindness in the world.
30. Hammer and a Nail, Indigo Girls
“I look behind my ears for the green. And even my sweat smells clean. Glare off the white hurts my eyes. I gotta get out of bed and get a hammer and a nail. Learn how to use my hands, not just my head. I think myself into jail. Now I know a refuge never grows from a chin in a hand in a thoughtful pose. Gotta tend the earth if you want a rose.”
Some people only speak about kindness like it’s a concept or theory. However, this song is about actually doing something that helps change the lives of other people for the better.
It’s about finding practical ways to help, such as getting a hammer and nail and building something beautiful.
As Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” This song shows us kindness in action.
31. Home, Phillip Phillips
“Settle down, it’ll all be clear. Don’t pay no mind to the demons. They fill you with fear. The trouble, it might drag you down. If you get lost, you can always be found. Just know you’re not alone. ‘Cause I’m gonna make this place your home.”
This song is about offering refuge to someone who has been struggling. In this safe haven, they can rest, recover, and heal.
Free Download: Bucket List Template
The Bucket List Template gives you a simple way to organize the experiences, goals, and adventures you want to accomplish. Use it to capture your ideas, prioritize what matters to you, and keep track of the things you hope to do.
Download your free template and start turning your bucket-list ideas into plans.
(The link opens up a Google Drive folder where you can get the PDF download in a variety of sizes: A4 and US Letter.)
Final Thoughts Songs About Kindness
There you have it—songs about kindness to add to your playlist today.
We hope you have been inspired to constantly choose kindness in a society where toughness is often encouraged and even celebrated.
Kindness has the power to help you live longer and make the world a better place.
If you need some ideas on how to improve the world through random acts of kindness, you can check out this post.
Meanwhile, here’s an in-depth resource about how kindness can help you live longer.
Looking for more songs to inspire kindness? Here are some other song roundups:
Stay kind!
Finally, if you want to use these songs to make a lasting change to your life, then check out these 100 LIFE GOALS that can help you wake up each morning with a sense of enthusiasm about making progress toward what’s important..
