| The Ballad of Lucy Jordan |
Marianne Faithfull |
Broken English |
1979 |
A woman reflects on her life and choices as she reaches middle age. |
| Jolene |
Dolly Parton |
Jolene |
1973 |
A woman pleads with another woman not to take her man. |
| American Pie |
Don McLean |
American Pie |
1971 |
A nostalgic tale of the loss of innocence in American music and culture. |
| The River |
Bruce Springsteen |
The River |
1980 |
A story of love and lost dreams in the working class. |
| Fast Car |
Tracy Chapman |
Tracy Chapman |
1988 |
A tale of escape and the struggle for a better life. |
| The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia |
Vicki Lawrence |
Vicki Lawrence |
1972 |
A murder ballad that unfolds in a Southern town. |
| Careless Whisper |
George Michael |
Make It Big |
1984 |
A story of lost love and regret after a romantic betrayal. |
| Hotel California |
Eagles |
Hotel California |
1976 |
An allegorical tale of excess and entrapment in the music industry. |
| Long Black Veil |
Johnny Cash |
Johnny Cash Sings Ballads of the True West |
1965 |
A man falsely accused of murder reflects during his execution. |
| 26 Miles across the Sea |
The Four Preps |
The Four Preps |
1958 |
A story of longing and love set on Catalina Island. |
| Dead Man's Curve |
Jan & Dean |
Jan & Dean's Little Old Lady from Pasadena |
1964 |
A cautionary tale about street racing and its tragic consequences. |
| Carmen |
Eric Clapton |
Slowhand |
1977 |
A contemporary adaptation of the classic opera about a love triangle. |
| The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia |
Vicki Lawrence |
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia |
1972 |
A brother seeks revenge after being wrongfully accused of murder. |
| Brown Eyed Girl |
Van Morrison |
Blowin' Your Mind |
1967 |
Nostalgia for youthful love and carefree days. |
| We're Not Gonna Take It |
Twisted Sister |
Stay Hungry |
1984 |
An anthem of rebellion and personal empowerment. |
| The River |
Bruce Springsteen |
The River |
1980 |
A story of love and hard times centered around a young couple. |
| Me and Bobby McGee |
Janis Joplin |
Pearl |
1971 |
A tale of love and freedom, and the loss of a traveling companion. |
| El Paso |
Marty Robbins |
Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs |
1959 |
A cowboy's tragic love story set in El Paso, Texas. |
| Wildfire |
Michael Murphy |
Blue Sky – Night Thunder |
1975 |
A story of a lost horse and the memories it evokes. |
| Landslide |
Fleetwood Mac |
Fleetwood Mac |
1975 |
A reflection on growth, change, and the passage of time. |
| Goodbye Yellow Brick Road |
Elton John |
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road |
1973 |
An exploration of fame and the search for a simpler life. |
| Concrete Jungle |
Bob Marley |
Catch a Fire |
1973 |
A vivid portrayal of life in the urban landscape of Jamaica. |
| Train in the Distance |
Paul Simon |
One-Trick Pony |
1980 |
A narrative of personal growth and missed opportunities. |
| Streets of Laredo |
Traditional |
Various |
1790s |
A cowboy's dying wish and the story of his last moments. |
| The Last Goodbye |
Jeff Buckley |
Grace |
1994 |
A haunting tale of love and loss that combines elements of Shakespeare. |
| Ballad of the Green Berets |
Barry Sadler |
Ballads of the Green Berets |
1966 |
A tribute to soldiers and their courage during the Vietnam War. |
| She's in Love with the Boy |
Trisha Yearwood |
Trisha Yearwood |
1991 |
A young love story facing familial disapproval. |
| Delilah |
Tom Jones |
Tom Jones |
1968 |
A man's heartache as he learns about his lover's betrayal. |
| Roxanne |
The Police |
Outlandos d'Amour |
1978 |
A man begs a woman to leave her life of prostitution. |
| Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) |
Green Day |
Nimrod |
1997 |
A reflective song about transitions and moments in life. |
| Vincent |
Don McLean |
American Pie |
1971 |
A tribute to Vincent van Gogh and the beauty of his art amidst tragedy. |
| Hotel California |
Eagles |
Hotel California |
1977 |
A mysterious tale of a traveler trapped in a luxurious but sinister hotel. |
| Whiskey Lullaby |
Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss |
Mud on the Tires |
2003 |
A story of heartbreak and the tragic aftermath of love lost. |
| The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia |
Vicki Lawrence |
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia |
1972 |
A story of betrayal and wrongful execution in the South. |
| You Don't Know Me |
Ray Charles |
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music |
1962 |
A man expresses his unrequited love and hidden feelings. |
| Hey Jude |
The Beatles |
The Beatles (The White Album) |
1968 |
A comforting message to someone going through a difficult time. |
| Spill the Wine |
The Animals |
The Best of the Animals |
1970 |
A whimsical tale involving a chance encounter and a party. |
| Tim McGraw |
Taylor Swift |
Taylor Swift |
2006 |
A tale of nostalgia and lost love tied to a favorite country song. |
| Big Iron |
Marty Robbins |
Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs |
1959 |
A story of a ranger's hunt for an outlaw with a big iron on his hip. |
| Running to Stand Still |
U2 |
The Joshua Tree |
1987 |
A narrative about addiction and the struggle for redemption. |
| Folsom Prison Blues |
Johnny Cash |
At Folsom Prison |
1968 |
A prisoner's regret and longing for freedom. |
| Where the Streets Have No Name |
U2 |
The Joshua Tree |
1987 |
A journey for a better life beyond societal divisions. |
| Black Velvet |
Alannah Myles |
Alannah Myles |
1989 |
A tribute to the music of Elvis Presley set against a backdrop of longing. |
| The Night Before Christmas |
The Brian Setzer Orchestra |
Brian Setzer Goes Instru-Mental! |
2000 |
A musical retelling of the classic Christmas poem. |
| Middle of the Road |
The Pretenders |
Learning to Crawl |
1984 |
A personal narrative about self-identity and belonging. |
| Chasing Cars |
Snow Patrol |
Eyes Open |
2006 |
A story of love and the desire to simply be together. |
| Love Story |
Taylor Swift |
Fearless |
2008 |
A modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, featuring young love. |
| Angel from Montgomery |
John Prine |
John Prine |
1971 |
A woman's yearning for a better life and connection. |
| I Will Always Love You |
Dolly Parton |
Hello, I'm Dolly |
1974 |
A bittersweet farewell to a loved one while expressing enduring love. |
| Little Red Riding Hood |
Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs |
Wooly Bully |
1966 |
A playful take on the traditional fairy tale. |
| Young, Wild & Free |
Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa |
Mac & Devin Go to High School |
2011 |
A fun anthem about living carefree and enjoying youth. |
| Love Is a Battlefield |
Pat Benatar |
Get Nervous |
1983 |
A portrayal of romantic struggles and the fight to stay together. |
| Desperado |
Eagles |
Desperado |
1973 |
A ballad about a man's sorrow and desire for freedom. |
| Everybody Hurts |
R.E.M. |
Automatic for the People |
1992 |
A comforting anthem for those dealing with pain and loneliness. |
| It Wasn't Me |
Shaggy |
Hot Shot |
2000 |
A humorous tale of infidelity and the consequences of being caught. |
| I Will Survive |
Gloria Gaynor |
Love Tracks |
1978 |
A story of empowerment after a breakup. |
| The Boys of Summer |
Don Henley |
Building the Perfect Beast |
1984 |
A reflective song about lost love and memories of summer. |
| Long Train Runnin' |
The Doobie Brothers |
The Captain and Me |
1973 |
A story about a wandering spirit seeking a place to belong. |
| Simple Man |
Lynyrd Skynyrd |
Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd |
1973 |
A mother's advice to her son on living a fulfilling life. |
| Sundown |
Gordon Lightfoot |
Sundown |
1974 |
A story of love and jealousy set against the backdrop of night. |
| American Girl |
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers |
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers |
1976 |
A tale of dreams and despair in America. |
| Me and You |
Kenny Chesney |
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems |
2002 |
A simple narrative about love and togetherness. |
| Baker Street |
Gerry Rafferty |
City to City |
1978 |
A melancholic story of longing and life in a big city. |
| Time in a Bottle |
Jim Croce |
You Don't Mess Around with Jim |
1973 |
A contemplative song about cherishing moments with loved ones. |
| Gemini |
Kacey Musgraves |
Star-Crossed |
2021 |
A modern story of the complexities of love and relationships. |
| Valerie |
Amy Winehouse |
Lioness: Hidden Treasures |
2011 |
A story of longing for a loved one who has left. |
| Summer of '69 |
Bryan Adams |
Bryan Adams |
1984 |
A nostalgic look back at youth and carefree days. |
| Tell Me the Truth |
Hootie & the Blowfish |
Cracked Rear View |
1994 |
A quest for honesty in relationships. |
| American Dream |
MKTO |
MKTO |
2013 |
A commentary on modern youth and the elusive American Dream. |
| Someone Like You |
Adele |
21 |
2011 |
A tale of moving on after heartbreak and wishing the best for an ex. |
| Billie Jean |
Michael Jackson |
Thriller |
1982 |
A man confronts his past and allegations regarding fatherhood. |
| Wild Horses |
The Rolling Stones |
Sticky Fingers |
1971 |
A story of love that endures despite adversity. |
| Romeo and Juliet |
Dire Straits |
Making Movies |
1980 |
A modern retelling of the classic Shakespearean love story. |
| Love Shack |
The B-52's |
Cosmic Thing |
1989 |
A fun narrative about a place of love and joy. |
| Fire and Rain |
James Taylor |
James Taylor |
1970 |
A reflective story of loss, addiction, and recovery. |
| We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together |
Taylor Swift |
Red |
2012 |
A playful declaration of independence from a toxic relationship. |
| Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road |
Elton John |
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road |
1973 |
A search for authenticity amidst fame. |
| Two Princes |
Spin Doctors |
Pocket Full of Kryptonite |
1991 |
A lighthearted story of a love triangle. |
| Heard It Through the Grapevine |
Marvin Gaye |
In the Groove |
1968 |
A tale of infidelity and heartbreak upon discovering betrayal. |
| Fields of Gold |
Sting |
Ten Summoner's Tales |
1993 |
A nostalgic look at love and memories shared in a beautiful field. |
| Angel Eyes |
Jeff Healey Band |
See the Light |
1988 |
A story of love entwined with heartbreak and memory. |
| Dirty Water |
The Standells |
The Standells |
1966 |
A tale about a man's love for his city despite its flaws. |
| Somebody's Baby |
Jackson Browne |
Lawyers in Love |
1983 |
A story of young love and longing. |
| Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) |
Bruce Springsteen |
The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle |
1973 |
A romantic story of a couple's desire to break free together. |
| Islands in the Stream |
Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton |
Eyes That See in the Dark |
1983 |
A duet about a love that can withstand challenges. |
| Bad, Bad Leroy Brown |
Jim Croce |
Life and Times |
1973 |
A narrative about a tough man who meets his fate. |
| Year of the Cat |
Al Stewart |
Year of the Cat |
1976 |
A story that blends time, love, and history in a mystical way. |
| Take Me Home, Country Roads |
John Denver |
Poems, Prayers & Promises |
1971 |
A longing for rural roots and a simple life. |
| Circle of Life |
Elton John |
The Lion King |
1994 |
A portrayal of the interconnectedness of all living things through the cycle of life. |
| Stairway to Heaven |
Led Zeppelin |
Led Zeppelin IV |
1971 |
An allegorical tale of a woman's quest for happiness and spiritual enlightenment. |
| Please Forgive Me |
David Foster |
David Foster |
1994 |
A heartfelt plea for forgiveness in a troubled relationship. |
| Still D.R.E. |
Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg |
2001 |
A story of resilience and returning to one's roots in the music industry. |
NaN |
| Easy Street |
The Doodletown Pipers |
The Doodletown Pipers |
1972 |
A catchy tune narrating the pursuit of wealth and ease. |
| Sweet Child O' Mine |
Guns N' Roses |
Appetite for Destruction |
1987 |
A declaration of love and the beauty seen in a significant other. |
| Behind Blue Eyes |
The Who |
Who's Next |
1971 |
A reflection on loneliness, betrayal, and longing. |
| Walkin' on Sunshine |
Katrina and the Waves |
Katrina and the Waves |
1985 |
An upbeat story of joy and the excitement of new love. |
| Goodbye to You |
Michelle Branch |
The Spirit Room |
2001 |
A poignant tale of infidelity and the end of a relationship. |
| I Shot the Sheriff |
Bob Marley |
Burnin' |
1973 |
A narrative about a man claiming to have shot a sheriff but insisting he was justified. |
| Graceland |
Paul Simon |
Graceland |
1986 |
A journey of healing and self-discovery after loss. |
| I'm My Own Grandpa |
Lonzo & Oscar |
Lonzo & Oscar |
1947 |
A humorous tale of complicated family relationships. |
| Waitin' on a Sunny Day |
Bruce Springsteen |
The Rising |
2002 |
A hopeful narrative during difficult times, waiting for brighter days. |
| Sweet Home Alabama |
Lynyrd Skynyrd |
Second Helping |
1974 |
A tribute to Southern pride amid cultural tensions. |
| Black Betty |
Ram Jam |
Ram Jam |
1977 |
An energetic tale about a woman named Black Betty and her struggles. |
| Goodbye to You |
Scandal |
War & Peace |
1982 |
A reflection on the end of a relationship and moving on. |
| I Don't Want to Talk About It |
Rod Stewart |
Every Picture Tells a Story |
1971 |
A confession of sorrow after a painful breakup. |
| Good Times Bad Times |
Led Zeppelin |
Led Zeppelin |
1969 |
A story of life's ups and downs as experienced by young love. |
| How Do You Sleep? |
John Lennon |
Imagine |
1971 |
A confrontational song addressing a former friend and collaborator. |
| Somebody's Watching Me |
Rockwell |
Somebody's Watching Me |
1984 |
A narrative of paranoia and being constantly observed. |
| Sunny Afternoon |
The Kinks |
Face to Face |
1966 |
A witty tale about wealth, leisure, and the burdens that come with them. |
| Chasing Cars |
Snow Patrol |
Eyes Open |
2006 |
A romantic yearning and desire to stay with a loved one in the moment. |
| Only the Good Die Young |
Billy Joel |
The Stranger |
1977 |
A young man's persuasive plea to a girl to defy her strict upbringing. |
| Yellow Ledbetter |
Pearl Jam |
Lost Dogs |
2003 |
A story implied through cryptic lyrics about a letter not received. |
| Black Water |
The Doobie Brothers |
Toulouse Street |
1974 |
A tale of longing to return home to a familiar place. |
| The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald |
Gordon Lightfoot |
Summertime Dream |
1976 |
A recount of the tragic sinking of a freighter in Lake Superior. |
| A Horse with No Name |
America |
America |
1972 |
A reflective journey through a hot desert landscape. |
| It's My Life |
Bon Jovi |
Crush |
2000 |
An anthem about living life on one's own terms. |
| Take It Easy |
Eagles |
Eagles |
1972 |
An uplifting story about enjoying life's journey. |
| Old Town Road |
Lil Nas X |
7 |
2019 |
A cross-genre anthem about cowboy culture and living freely. |
| Don't Stop Believin' |
Journey |
Escape |
1981 |
A story of hope and perseverance through life's challenges. |
| Time of the Season |
The Zombies |
Odyssey and Oracle |
1968 |
A narrative reflecting the emotional times of youth and love. |
| Buffalo Soldier |
Bob Marley |
Confrontation |
1983 |
A story of African American soldiers fighting for freedom in the U.S. |
| The Boxer |
Simon & Garfunkel |
Bridge Over Troubled Water |
1970 |
A narrative of struggle and resilience in life. |
| Island in the Sun |
Weezer |
Weezer (Blue Album) |
2001 |
A carefree narrative about finding happiness in paradise. |
| Fighting for My Life |
Mikky Ekko |
Time |
2014 |
A struggle for survival after heartbreak. |
| Mr. Bojangles |
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band |
Will the Circle Be Unbroken |
1972 |
A reflective story about an encounter with a street performer. |
| Good Old Days |
Macklemore featuring Kesha |
Gemini |
2017 |
A nostalgic look back at youth and meaningful moments. |
| Your Song |
Elton John |
Elton John |
1970 |
A heartfelt declaration of love and admiration. |
| Raspberry Beret |
Prince |
Around the World in a Day |
1985 |
A story of young love inspired by a girl's fashion choice. |
| Carolina in My Mind |
James Taylor |
James Taylor |
1968 |
A longing for home and memories tied to a specific place. |
| Everybody Wants to Rule the World |
Tears for Fears |
Songs from the Big Chair |
1985 |
A reflection on power and the human experience. |
| Baker Street |
Gerry Rafferty |
City to City |
1978 |
A narrative about life in the city and searching for meaning. |
| Badlands |
Bruce Springsteen |
Darkness on the Edge of Town |
1978 |
A story of rebellion and aspiration against hard times. |
| Little Red Corvette |
Prince |
1999 |
A metaphorical tale about a fleeting romance. |
NaN |
| Goodbye Yellow Brick Road |
Elton John |
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road |
1973 |
A man's search for a more authentic life after fame. |
| I Wanna Be Your Dog |
The Stooges |
The Stooges |
1969 |
A bold statement about longing for connection and submission. |
| We Are Family |
Sister Sledge |
We Are Family |
1979 |
A celebratory anthem of familial bonds and community. |
| City of New Orleans |
Steve Goodman |
Steve Goodman |
1971 |
A narrative about the journey of a train and the people it sees. |
| Forever Young |
Bob Dylan |
Planet Waves |
1974 |
A heartfelt wish for a loved one to stay safe and young. |
| Take It to the Limit |
Eagles |
One of These Nights |
1975 |
A yearning for love and the consequences of pushing limits. |
| Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow |
The Shirelles |
Sha La La |
1960 |
A woman's longing for reassurance in love. |
| Mack the Knife |
Bobby Darin |
Bobby Darin at the Copa |
1959 |
A jazzy narrative about a charming criminal. |
| Good Day Sunshine |
The Beatles |
Revolver |
1966 |
A light-hearted song celebrating the joy of a sunny day. |
| Strange Mercy |
Sufjan Stevens |
Strange Mercy |
2011 |
A narrative about the complexities of human relationships. |
| Wonderful Tonight |
Eric Clapton |
Slowhand |
1977 |
A romantic depiction of an evening spent with a loved one. |
| All Along the Watchtower |
Bob Dylan |
John Wesley Harding |
1967 |
A mysterious tale of impending change and urgency. |
| Woody Guthrie's This Land Is Your Land |
Woody Guthrie |
Dust Bowl Ballads |
1945 |
An anthem celebrating America's landscapes and inclusivity. |
| Jungleland |
Bruce Springsteen |
Born to Run |
1975 |
An epic story of youth, love, and the harsh realities of urban life. |
| Behind Closed Doors |
Charlie Rich |
Behind Closed Doors |
1973 |
A look at the hidden struggles of a couple's relationship. |
| 38 Special 'Hold On Loosely' |
38 Special |
Wild-Eyed Southern Boys |
1981 |
A narrative on maintaining relationships without suffocating. |
| I Want You Back |
The Jackson 5 |
Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 |
1969 |
A plea for love from someone who regrets a breakup. |
| In the Ghetto |
Elvis Presley |
From Elvis in Memphis |
1969 |
A poignant tale of life and hardship in urban America. |
| We're Not Gonna Take It |
Twisted Sister |
Stay Hungry |
1984 |
An anthem of rebellion and standing against control. |
| Summer In The City |
The Lovin' Spoonful |
Hums of the Lovin' Spoonful |
1966 |
A story capturing the heat and rhythms of summer. |
| Murder in the City |
The Avett Brothers |
Emotionalism |
2007 |
A narrative about life choices and the importance of love. |