Music can be used to define a situation, affect a mood and change a mentality. For all those girls out there who need a little pick-me-up and reminder that you are young, free and independent, here is a list of current and throwback songs that every fierce girl should have in her playlist.

1. "This Is Not An Apology" by Bea Miller

This song is all about a girl who wants to do her own thing but is being smothered by a guy. As a girl who just came out of a relationship where my whereabouts and decisions were of concern to him, this song is an anthem to my life. Bea Miller preaches what we all want to say. As girls, we are not sorry for being strong and excited to explore the world. If you can't handle that, sorry not sorry.

2. "Scars To Your Beautiful" by Alessia Cara

We all dream of being "perfect" and praised by everyone around us. We assume that just because we don't look like the model on the cover that we aren't good enough. In "Scars To Your Beautiful" we are told that we are beautiful. We aren't flawed but the world and its view is. We all have scars and some sort of pain we are going through. It's the unique ways we carry ourselves through that make us beautiful.

3. "Try" by Colbie Caillat

In this song, society is blamed in a kind of satirical way for pushing people past their limit. Each verse gives a list of what a person should do to fit in. Colbie Caillat tells us that these things are insane and not necessary. We don't need to wear makeup or do our hair or buy the most expensive clothes to find our place in this world.

4. "Independent Woman Pt. 1" by Destiny's Child

A lot of girls depend on guys to buy them nice things and to give them a happy life. This song squashes that practice. Don't ever depend on anyone other than yourself. You are the only person that will be by your side one hundred percent of the time, therefore it doesn't make sense to depend on a temporary fixture in your life.

5. "Survivor" by Destiny's Child

This song tells us that we need to keep pushing no matter what obstacle gets in our way. We can't let things and people hold us down. We also can't hold onto the past; we need to be resilient and bounce back.

6. "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles

We should never give in to a man's desires no matter how much he begs. Of course this song talks about a love song or declaration of affection but it works for all principles. A guy begs you to do something? Tell him no. You control your actions and are the only person to have any say.

7. "Paper Doll" by Bea Miller

In this song, Bea Miller uses the metaphor of a paper doll to display strength. She repeatedly says she is not a paper doll that can be folded and torn to fit what another person wants. It's a good lesson for any girl and any person in general to live by. We can't let people walk all over us and tear us apart. You have the power to stand strong.

8. "People Like Us" by Kelly Clarkson

We all start at the bottom of something. Even if we seem to be raised into a perfect situation, we all gain underdog status at some point and that is completely okay. This song is an anthem for all of those feeling down about not yet being at the top. Just hold on and join forces with others and you'll get there eventually.

9. "Brave" by Sara Bareilles

The music video for this song is eye opening. It shows "outcasts" in different situations just standing tall and being who they really are. We shouldn't be afraid to act how we like or be who we want just because others will pass judgment. Like they say, dance like nobody is watching.

10. "Strip Me" by Natasha Bedingfield

We all are fighting for something and climbing some hill. People will try and maybe even succeed at stripping us of our strength, our value and our positions. What they can never truly take from you? Your voice. No one can keep down what you have to say no matter how low to the ground they try to pull you. The line to live by in this song is "I'm only one voice in a million but you ain't taking that from me".

11. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

If you don't jam out to this song in your underwear at least once then you have not felt what true liberation feels like. This song is all about writing your own destiny and living your life. Live outside the box and embrace your unique ways.