These '90s Songs Are So Inspirational

There are a handful of songs that every quintessential '90s kid will never forget the lyrics to. For instance: For me, those songs include such gems as Blackstreet's "No Diggity" (the lyrics of which I did not fully understand at the time, but do now) and anything by Destiny's Child and *NSYNC. But, the more and more I feel nostalgic and re-listen to the classic '90s songs that I grew up with, it becomes clear that many of these songs are so much more important than I remember: In fact, quite a few of them are still ridiculously empowering, and will, to this day, put anyone in the right mood to take on the world — haters be damned!

From songs produced by the most legendary female Pop, Rock, Alternative, and R&B icons like Alanis Morissette, Lauryn Hill and Destiny's Child to some songs that you may not remember feature lyrics that are actually pretty empowering, these '90s songs are perfect to amp anyone up, and make them ready to conquer the world. We've got messages of body positivity, girl power, friendship, and honest truths about life, all set to the some of the best music of the last several decades. (Seriously guys, I'm still obsessed with most of these songs. I listen to them on a regular basis. And it's not hard to see why.)

Alanis Morissette, "You Oughta Know"

This track is so angsty and full of sentiments most wouldn't want to reveal unless you they'd really been wronged — making it the perfect amp up anthem. If I need to put on my big girl pants and really take on the world, I absolutely listen to this song.

Spice Girls, "Wannabe"

I never understood these lyrics as a kid. Like: What does "zigazig ha" mean? And, why would you want your lover to get with your friends? However, as an adult, I get it now: The song is actually extremely empowering, and inspirational when it comes to relationships. This line, in particular, is important: "If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give/ Taking is too easy, but that's the way it is." Always demand what you deserve from those around you, whether they're lovers or friends.

Lauryn Hill, "Doo Wop (That Thing)"

Lauryn Hill knows the score, guys. She knows that men and women can be bad news, and she knows we're all equals when it comes to good things and bad things. That's what makes this song both powerful and awesome enough to really get your blood pumping: it tells the truth. Isn't that the best?

Des’ree, "You Gotta Be"

You gotta beYou gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiserYou gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be strongerYou gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay togetherAll I know, all I know, love will save the day

No words needed. Sing it, Des'ree.

Destiny's Child, "Bills Bills Bills"

The ultimate '90s girl power track, this song really gets me in the right mood to go out and conquer the day.

TLC, "No Scrubs"

It's got a meaning similar to Destiny Child's "Bills Bills Bills," but with the added bonus of extra beats, and a chorus that literally makes me want to hum it while I'm walking down the street to take on whatever comes at me. "No Scrubs" is classic TLC, and proof that they were one of the ultimate female power groups around.

En Vogue, "My Love (You're Never Gonna Get It)"

"No, you're never gonna get it/ never ever gonna get it/ my lovin'." Yup. Sometimes this is the song that gets to you in the perfect badass, take no prisoners mood.