Top 20 Broadway Songs to Get You Pumped
#20: “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” “Mamma Mia!”
“Mamma Mia!” is like one big party from start to finish, but nothing gets you on your feet faster than the opening bars of this song. It’s Sophie’s bachelorette party and everyone is letting loose and breaking out their best moves. Clearly Madonna jumped on the hype bandwagon, as she personally sought permission from the songwriters to use the intro for “Hung Up” in 2005, and who can blame her? This song will never fail to bring out your inner party animal. Just point us to the nearest glitterball!
#19: “Get Down” “Six”
Top 10 Broadway Songs to Get You PUMPED
This her-story remix is filled with feminist power anthems that make us feel like we could rule the world. But none make us want to “get in reformation,” quite like Anne of Cleves’ “Get Down.” In it, she celebrates living her best life, funded by the generous divorce settlement. Think if Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Women” was written during the Tudor period and had a Broadway makeover. To be fair, if we had a palace in Richmond, a party lifestyle, and no Henry VIII in our lives, we’d be celebrating too. The song’s infectious beat makes us want to jump up and “Get Down” with these queens.
#18: “To Life!” “Fiddler on the Roof”
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This song is quite literally a celebration of life. Not just that, it’s about celebrating the good things during times of adversity. From the moment it begins, we simply can’t resist bopping along. It’s so joyous and plucky that we just want to join the party. Despite the underlying apprehension of what the future might bring, the happy melody, positive message, and overall good vibes come together flawlessly to create a number that never fails to put massive grins on our faces. And dare we say it? It’s so energizing that we might even be tempted to try our hand at some of those more ambitious moves. We’d raise our glass to this song any time. L’Chaim!
#17: “Big Fun” “Heathers the Musical”
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While “Heathers” is a dark comedy, there are a few numbers that manage to “Shine a Light” through the darkness. Sure, “Candy Store’s” lyrics aren’t so sweet, but its rhythm sure is! And the “Seventeen Reprise” sends the audience back into the world with an uplifting message and a spring in their step. Still, nothing is as “Big Fun” as, well, “Big Fun.” In this ‘80s dance music-inspired track, the teens abandon their inhibitions and go wild at an unsupervised house party. Although things get a little out of control, there’s no denying we could all sometimes use a reminder to just let go and enjoy life a little more.
#16: “Fame” “Fame”
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If you’re anything like us, you only need to hear those opening notes, and you’re already on your feet. Perhaps you’ve even grabbed a leotard and hastily put on some leg warmers. In the movie, the song compels the students to run out into the street and dance in traffic. And, not that we’d recommend doing that, but we get it. It’s so invigorating that we instantly want to drop everything, dance our hearts out, and sing at the top of our lungs. Indeed, the lyrics make us feel like we can do anything. The phenomenal and greatly missed Irene Cara really will live forever through this incomparable pump-up jam.
#15: “Don’t Rain on My Parade” “Funny Girl”
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Be honest, you totally belt this rousing song out whenever nobody is around. While everyone else is telling Fanny Brice that it’s a mistake to choose her man over her career, she continues to march to the beat of her own drum and couldn’t care less what the others think. This song is about tossing aside negativity and following your dreams. By the time you reach the end of this power ballad, watch out, world, because nobody is gonna rain on your parade!
#14: “Revolting Children” “Matilda the Musical”
Proving that you’re never too young to stick it to the man, the kids reclaim this insulting title and turn it into their rebel yell. It’s a clever play on words that turns the status quo on its head and makes listeners want to join their revolution. After all, we’ve all been there. Sometimes authority needs to be challenged, or people need to be called out. And this is the perfect song to fuel our confidence. When we’re faced with any daunting situation, this song gives us the push we need to take action. Rebellion has never sounded so good or felt quite as exhilarating.
#13: “9 to 5” “9 to 5”
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You probably know this one from before it’s days on the Great White Way, but thanks to Broadway, we get to fall in love with it all over again. Dolly Parton’s famous song originated from the film of the same name starring herself, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. It was written to expose gender inequality in the workplace, something that dominates our headlines still today. We love this song and everything it stands for, and it’s just what we need to hear on a Monday morning to get us through another week.
#12: “Freak Flag” “Shrek the Musical”
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We all have days when we’re just not feeling it, and we can often be our biggest and harshest critics. On those days, we’d recommend turning this song up to full volume and letting your “Freak Flag” fly. Gingy leads the ensemble in a number that celebrates unapologetically being yourself… quirks, flaws, and all. As the song builds, the characters sing out their message even louder and with a bucket load more enthusiasm. It’s a powerful self-acceptance anthem with a catchy rhythm that’s practically guaranteed to get those endorphins flowing. Who knew that a song about self-love sung by fairytale characters was exactly what we needed? And it’s a total banger, too!
#11: “La Vie Bohème” “Rent”
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Okay, Rentheads, who among us didn’t dream about gathering our friends, pushing some tables together, and recreating this scene? This ode to the Bohemian lifestyle promotes acceptance of others, a sense of community, and just living life in a way that makes you happy. If “Rent” taught us anything, it’s that there’s “No Day But Today,” so go ahead and live your best life, even if it “[goes] against the grain.” The song gives off a chaotic positive energy, and we’re so here for it. All we’re saying is it takes a lot of self-restraint not to jump on a table when this song plays, especially for that final fist pump.
#10: “Revenge Party” “Mean Girls” It’s not a party without dessert and Janis, Damian, and Cady are about to serve up some sweet justice at their revenge party. This song drives forward the infamous revenge plot where the trio decide to take down Regina and put an end to the Plastics’ reign on their school. The song has such a party vibe that even the most forgiving person may be convinced to join in. It only takes hearing this song once and you’ll be on your feet because, as Gretchen would say, it’s so fetch.
#9: “Do You Hear the People Sing?” “Les Misérables”
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Yes, even a show called “Les Misérables” has the power to get us fired up— it is about a revolution, after all. Indeed, “Do You Hear the People Sing?” has transcended Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s musical to become a worldwide symbol of protest, especially among marginalized groups. The steady beat grows louder and more forceful as the song progresses, giving us chills and filling our bodies with adrenaline. After hearing this song, we’re ready to take a stand against whatever hardships life throws us. But, if you still need more hyping up, might we recommend listening to “One Day More” and singing along as loud as you can.
#8: “Spread the Love Around” “Sister Act”
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Another finale song that will keep you smiling long after you’ve left the theater. Alan Menken sure knows how to write a song that gets audiences on their feet, and with a message of friendship, love, and acceptance, what’s not to love? Deloris and the nuns realize that they have more that unites them than divides them, and it’s their responsibility to put those positive vibes out there for the world to see. This song will inspire you to be your fabulous self and spread the love wherever you go.
#7: “Defying Gravity” “Wicked”
Fewer act one finales go as hard as this one. It’s a pivotal scene in the show where Elphaba decides she’s done with “playing by the rules of someone else’s game.” It marks the moment she decides to fight back and refuses to settle. This is our go-to pump whenever we need a reminder that, if we put our minds to something, the possibilities are “unlimited.” It’s so deeply moving that we feel like we could fly, much like Elphaba does during the song’s climax. There’s so much to love in this number, from the stunning composition to the non-compromising inspiration it instills in its listeners. Just–instant chills!
#6: “Sincerely, Me” “Dear Evan Hansen”
“Sincerely, Me” is the catalyst for Evan’s lie that spirals wildly out of control and takes center stage throughout the show. But, despite its darker premise, its upbeat and playful melody is deceptively uplifting. Sure, there’s some sketchy plot stuff happening, but all we really care about is how darn catching this song is. According to sportshoes.com, “Sincerely, Me” cracked the top 10 most popular musical theatre songs to feature on running playlists, a stat we can’t say we’re surprised by. A rocking beat with plenty of zest is likely to persuade even the most reluctant runner to break into a light jog. This song will leave you feeling charged— sincerely, us.
#5: “My Shot” “Hamilton”
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Lin-Manuel Miranda knows a thing or two about writing songs that make you feel on top of the world. We’d barely finished dreaming about what we’d do with $96,000 before he had us pumped up with songs like “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)” and “Non-Stop” from the “Hamilton” soundtrack. However, if you’re compiling a motivational theater playlist, might we suggest including “My Shot.” In the show, the pioneers perform this number while sharing their dreams and aspirations for the future. The message is universally relatable and will definitely inspire you to chase your dreams. We can’t think of a better way to tell the world that you’re not throwing away your shot.
#4: “Raise You Up/Just Be” “Kinky Boots”
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This song pretty much does what it says on the tin. The cast comes together for one of the most exhilarating finales to celebrate comradery, friendship, and never having to apologize for who you are. This song inspires everyone to just be who they want to be and never let anyone else make that decision for them. This uplifting tune is sure to put the biggest grin on your face and a bounce in your step. If your bubble busts or your glitter rusts, this song will certainly raise you up.
#3: “So Much Better” “Legally Blonde”
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Elle is heartbroken when Warner proposes to Vivienne, but it’s all quickly forgotten when Emmett shows her that she is one of the chosen few for Callaghan's coveted internship. From this moment, Elle realizes that she doesn’t need Warner and instead turns her sights to celebrating her own achievements and learns that she can do so much better. It’s a positive, uptempo song with plenty of sass and it will leave you bursting with energy and feeling like there’s nothing you can’t do if you set your mind to it.
#2: “Seize the Day” “Newsies”
There’s no denying that even the most mundane tasks can feel exciting with the right song. Indeed, “Newsies” offers a plethora of energizing jams, including but not limited to “Carrying the Banner,” “The World Will Know,” and “Once and for All.” However, if you want to get really hyped, might we suggest blasting “Seize the Day” at full volume. Davey rallies everyone together to strike with this high-energy showstopper that leaves us out of breath just watching. “Seize The Day” will leave you ready to march out the door and, you guessed it, “Seize The Day.” Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Totally F*cked,” “Spring Awakening” A Song to Get Your Fired Up When You Want to Stick It to the Man “Tomorrow Is a Latter Day,” “The Book of Mormon” A Humorous & Upbeat Take On Finding Your Cloud’s Silver Lining “Time Warp,” “The Rocky Horror Show” Jump to the Left & Then Toward Anything Life Throws Your Way “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” “Jersey Boys” This Song Gives Us “A Rush Like a Rollin’ Ball of Thunder” “Friend Like Me,” “Aladdin” We Ain’t Never Had Such a Magical Pump-Up Jam Until Genie Took on Broadway
#1: “You Can’t Stop the Beat” “Hairspray”
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“Hairspray’s” songwriters sure know how to leave their audience on a high by pulling out all the stops on this colorful finale. If you are looking for the ultimate pick-me-up, then this is your track. The song’s message still rings true today as Tracy and her friends start the fight against intolerance and prejudice. And they all come together for one highly memorable show-stopper in the end. We think it’s high time we take a page out of Tracy’s book and “shake and shimmy with all of [our] might”! Who wants to stop our dancin’ feet anyway?
