Songs are often about more than just surface-level lyrics. In fact, many times songs can be interpreted as metaphors for life. There are countless songs out there that can be seen as reflective of different aspects of life.
Here are 35 songs about life that everyone can relate to in one way or another.
Contents
- 1. “Beautiful Day” by U2
- 2. “Invisible” by Hunter Hayes
- 3. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
- 4. “True Colors” by Zedd & Kesha
- 5. “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
- 6. “Foreverglow” by Lindsey Stirling
- 7. “Imagine” by John Lennon
- 8. “One More Light” by Linkin Park
- 9. “Man In The Mirror” by Michael Jackson
- 10. “Don’t Panic” by Coldplay
- 11. “Time Of Our Lives” by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo
- 12. “Circle of Life” by Elton John
- 13. “Good Life” by G-Eazy featuring Kehlani
- 14. “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra
- 15. “Living in the Moment” by Jason Mraz
- 16. “7 Years” by Lukas Graham
- 17. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
- 18. “Life Changes” by Thomas Rhett
- 19. “Live Your Life” by T.I. featuring Rihanna
- 20. “How to Save a Life” by The Fray
- 21. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
- 22. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
- 23. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- 24. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
- 25. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
- 26. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
- 27. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
- 28. “Let It Be” by The Beatles
- 29. “Heroes” by David Bowie
- 30. “Firework” by Katy Perry
- 31. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- 32. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
- 33. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
- 34. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
- 35. “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw
- Final Thoughts
1. “Beautiful Day” by U2
First on the list is “Beautiful Day” by U2. This song is all about having a positive outlook on life, no matter what might be happening at the moment.
The lyrics talk about how even the smallest things can make life worth living. It’s a great reminder to always appreciate the good in life, no matter what else is going on.
2. “Invisible” by Hunter Hayes
If you’re trying to find your place in the world, this song is for you. “Invisible” by Hunter Hayes is all about feeling like you don’t belong or feeling like you’re not good enough.
But the lyrics remind us that we all have value and worth. No one is invisible, no matter what they’re going through.
3. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Journey has been pumping out hits for decades, and “Don’t Stop Believin'” is one of their most well-known songs. This tune is all about never giving up on your dreams. It has inspired people all over the world to chase after their goals and not let anything stand in their way.
4. “True Colors” by Zedd & Kesha
This next song is a little more upbeat, but it’s still about life. “True Colors” is a song about being yourself and not changing for anyone else.
It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and being true to who you are. It was released in 2015 and can be found in the album of the same title.
5. “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
“I Can See Clearly Now” is a song about having clarity in your life. This clarity can come from many different things, but it’s about finally seeing things clearly after a period of confusion. It was released in 1972 and can be found on the album of the same name.
6. “Foreverglow” by Lindsey Stirling
“Foreverglow” is a song about the beauty of life and how it can be fleeting. It’s about appreciating the good moments and holding on to them because they will eventually fade away. The song was released in 2019 and can be found on the album Artemis.
7. “Imagine” by John Lennon
Featured in the film Mr. Holland’s Opus, this song has been covered by many artists since its release in 1971. The lyrics ask the listener to imagine a world without possessions, religion, or division. Lennon claimed that the song was an attempt to promote world peace.
8. “One More Light” by Linkin Park
You might not think of Linkin Park when you think of life songs, but “One More Light” is a beautiful tribute to the late Chester Bennington.
The lyrics talk about how those we love never really leave us, even after they die. The album for this track debuted at number one in several countries and was a commercial success.
9. “Man In The Mirror” by Michael Jackson
Focusing more on self-improvement than world peace, “Man In The Mirror” is still an important song about life.
Jackson implores the listener to make a change in the world, starting with themselves. The song was included in Michael Jackson’s This Is It movie and was a huge hit in the United States.
10. “Don’t Panic” by Coldplay
Coldplay’s debut single is a reminder to not let the little things in life get to you. The lyrics talk about how everything will be okay in the end and that we should enjoy the journey.
The song was a commercial success and helped put Coldplay on the map. It was released in 2001 as part of the Parachutes album.
11. “Time Of Our Lives” by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo
“Time Of Our Lives” is a feel-good song about living life to the fullest and enjoying the moment. It was released in 2014 as part of the Globalization as well as Non-Fiction album.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number one in several countries. We only have one shot at this life, so we might as well make the most of it.
12. “Circle of Life” by Elton John
You might have heard this song in The Lion King, but it’s also a great life song. It talks about how everything is connected and how we’re all part of the same cycle. The lyrics are beautiful and the song has been covered by many artists over the years.
13. “Good Life” by G-Eazy featuring Kehlani
With lyrics like, “I’m living the good life / Got what I asked for / Living the good life / No complaints at all,” G-Eazy and Kehlani celebrate having everything they could ever want—and more—in this track.
The materialistic aspects of the good life are front and center, but ultimately, it’s a song about appreciating what you have, no matter how much or how little it may be.
14. “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s signature tune is all about taking the good with the bad. The lyrics touch on some of life’s biggest struggles—heartache, disappointment, and betrayal—but ultimately encourage listeners to keep their chins up and press onward. It’s a timeless message that continues to resonate, several years after the song was first released.
15. “Living in the Moment” by Jason Mraz
“Live in the moment / One day at a time,” Jason Mraz sings in this life-affirming tune. The lyrics urge listeners to slow down and enjoy the little things in life, rather than letting them pass by unnoticed.
It’s a message that resonates with many people who are caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was released in 2012 as part of the Love Is a Four Letter Word album.
16. “7 Years” by Lukas Graham
This very popular tune by Lukas Graham is a reflective look back at growing up, and all of the things that happen in life over the course of childhood to adulting years.
The lyrics touch on some universal themes—love, friendship, and family—and offer a unique perspective on growing up in today’s world.
17. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
If you have ever felt like you were on the verge of something great, then this song is definitely for you. Natasha Bedingfield’s hit tune is all about living life to the fullest and embracing everything that comes your way.
The lyrics encourage listeners to take chances and seize opportunities, rather than letting them pass by.
18. “Life Changes” by Thomas Rhett
“Life changes” by Thomas Rhett is a song about, well, change. The lyrics reflect on how much life can change in a short amount of time, and how those changes can sometimes be for the better.
It’s a relatable tune that many people can identify with, and it offers a hopeful message about moving forward despite life’s challenges.
19. “Live Your Life” by T.I. featuring Rihanna
Another song that will make you want to get up and dance, “Live Your Life” by T.I. and Rihanna is all about living in the moment and enjoying life to the fullest.
The lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their fears and inhibitions and just have fun. It’s a great tune to listen to when you need a little pick-me-up.
20. “How to Save a Life” by The Fray
Wrapping up the list is “How to Save a Life” by The Fray. This song is about loss and grief, and how those things can change our lives forever.
The lyrics offer a glimpse into the mind of someone who is struggling to cope with a major life change, and ultimately offer a message of hope and healing. It’s a powerful song that has resonated with many people who have experienced loss.
21. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day captures the reflection on life’s fleeting moments with a bittersweet tone, blending memories of joy and sorrow. It reminds listeners to cherish every experience, as they all contribute to the tapestry of one’s life story.
22. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor has become an anthem of resilience and empowerment, inspiring listeners to face life’s challenges with strength and determination. The song’s message underscores the ability to overcome adversity, no matter how daunting it may seem.
23. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong offers a serene reflection on the appreciation of life’s simple beauties, from the colors of the rainbow to the smiles of people passing by. The song’s message highlights the profound beauty present in the everyday, encouraging listeners to take a moment and observe the world’s wonders.
24. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers emphasizes the value of support and friendship, portraying the significance of having someone to lean on during difficult periods. This song underlines the innate human need for companionship and the strength found in unity and mutual aid.
25. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles is a gentle ode to optimism and renewal, symbolizing the arrival of better times as represented by the sun’s warmth. The song serves as a soothing reminder that, regardless of life’s hardships, hope and new beginnings are always on the horizon.
26. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack is a heartwarming encouragement to embrace hope and courage, urging listeners to seize life’s opportunities and dance through its challenges. The song’s message motivates individuals to live fully and fearlessly, taking chances that lead to richer experiences.
27. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus touches on the significance of perseverance and recognizing the value in life’s journey towards achievement. It conveys that overcoming obstacles and the growth that comes from the struggle are vital aspects of reaching one’s goals, emphasizing the importance of the journey itself.
28. “Let It Be” by The Beatles
“Let It Be” by The Beatles speaks to the solace found in acceptance and the resolution to let things unfold as they will. This classic song encourages listeners to find peace in the understanding that some aspects of life are beyond our control, reminding us of the wisdom in letting things be.
29. “Heroes” by David Bowie
“Heroes” by David Bowie serves as an inspiration for listeners to embrace their own potential to achieve greatness, even if it’s just for one day. Bowie’s anthem is a call to aspiration, urging individuals to realize their capacity to be heroes in their own lives and in the lives of others.
30. “Firework” by Katy Perry
“Firework” by Katy Perry is an uplifting anthem that encourages listeners to acknowledge their self-worth and to shine with the radiant confidence of fireworks. This song champions empowerment, motivating individuals to let their colors burst and to celebrate their unique brilliance.
31. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell is a soulful testament to determination and support, celebrating the lengths one would go to be there for someone they care deeply about. This classic duet epitomizes the power of commitment and loyalty in overcoming any obstacle.
32. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor is synonymous with motivation and the relentless determination needed to overcome challenges. Its driving beat and compelling lyrics have made it an iconic anthem for pushing through adversity and striving for success.
33. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King beautifully captures the essence of loyalty and support, emphasizing the importance of standing by those we care about through every trial life presents. This timeless track resonates with the unwavering bond of friendship and solidarity.
34. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban delivers a powerful message about the support and strength we find in others. This song speaks to the uplifting power of companionship and how it enables us to stand taller and face life’s challenges with newfound resilience.
35. “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw
“Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw encourages listeners to embrace the fullness of life, with an acute awareness of mortality and the precious nature of time. This song is a poignant reminder to seize the day and live each moment as if it were our last.
Final Thoughts
These 35 songs about life offer a candid look at some of the ups and downs we all experience. From love and loss to hope and healing, they cover a wide range of emotions and experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up or a good cry, there’s sure to be a tune on this list that resonates with you. So put on your headphones and take a listen. You might just find your new favorite song!