20 Songs About Waiting

Exploring the theme of waiting in music, this article delves into 20 songs where artists express the complexity of anticipation and longing. From the patience in waiting for love to the poignance of awaiting change, these tracks span genres and decades, illustrating the universal experience of waiting through their lyrics and melodies.

1. “Patience” by Guns N’ Roses

“Patience” by Guns N’ Roses stands out as a poignant anthem about the trials of waiting for love, wrapped in a surprisingly gentle acoustic melody. The song’s soft tunes and earnest lyrics effectively underscore the theme of patience, portraying the emotional landscape of longing with a rare tenderness not often associated with the band’s harder rock reputation.

2. “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum

“Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum captures the intense emotion of longing and desperation for someone’s presence in the stark loneliness of nighttime. This song dives deep into the emotional depth of wanting, marked by its powerful chorus and raw, heartfelt lyrics that resonate with anyone who’s ever felt that urgent need for connection in the quiet hours.

3. “I’d Wait A Million Years” by Grass Roots

“I’d Wait A Million Years” by Grass Roots expresses the boundless devotion one is willing to endure for love, highlighted through its energetic delivery and heartfelt lyrics. The song vividly illustrates the concept of time in the context of love, suggesting that no amount of waiting is too long when it comes to being with the one you love.

4. “In The Waiting Line” by Zero 7

“In The Waiting Line” by Zero 7 offers a downtempo, reflective take on the passage of time and introspection that often accompanies periods of waiting. This track delves into the contemplative state brought on by waiting, accompanied by a smooth, chill-out vibe that perfectly captures the mood of reflection and the slow, relentless march of time.

5. “Sister Christian” by Night Ranger

“Sister Christian” by Night Ranger delves into the anticipation and anxieties of coming of age, encapsulated in its iconic chorus. The song’s powerful blend of rock elements with a poignant narrative captures the essence of growing up and the passage of time, making it a timeless anthem for those standing on the brink of adulthood.

6. “The Waiting” by Tom Petty

“The Waiting” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers encapsulates the sentiment that waiting is indeed “the hardest part,” melding classic rock rhythms with profound lyrics on anticipation. The song strikes a chord with its candid exploration of the tension and heartache that accompany waiting, underscored by Petty’s unforgettable chorus and vibrant guitar work.

7. “Waiting On The World To Change” by John Mayer

“Waiting On The World To Change” by John Mayer presents an optimistic view on patience and hope for societal change, complemented by his signature soft rock style. The song captures the sentiment of a generation poised for progress, yet feeling powerless in the face of larger societal issues, and wraps it in Mayer’s smooth vocal delivery and melody.

8. “You Can’t Hurry Love” by Phil Collins

“You Can’t Hurry Love” by Phil Collins delivers an uplifting message on the importance of patience in the quest for true love, backed by his energetic pop rendition. This track revisits the classic theme with Collins’ unique flair, reminding listeners that time plays a crucial role in finding genuine connections, all set to a catchy, upbeat rhythm.

9. “I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons

“I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons brings a folk rock interpretation to the theme of waiting for a loved one, characterized by dynamic banjo playing and passionate vocals. The song’s energetic rhythm and heartfelt lyrics showcase the band’s commitment to their signature sound while exploring the depths of loyalty and waiting in love.

10. “Waiting In Vain” by Bob Marley

“Waiting In Vain” by Bob Marley explores the reggae artist’s expression of unrequited love and the patience involved in waiting for someone who might not return one’s feelings. Through Marley’s soothing reggae rhythms and poignant lyrics, the song captures the heartache and hope of loving from afar, offering a soulful take on the agony and beauty of waiting for love.

11. “Wishin’ and Hopin’” by Dusty Springfield

“Wishin’ and Hopin’” by Dusty Springfield offers a 60s pop perspective on the anticipatory state of wishing and hoping for love to arrive. This track embodies the optimistic and sometimes naive longing characteristic of its era, highlighted by Springfield’s vibrant voice and the catchy, upbeat melody that captures the light-hearted yet earnest yearning for romance.

12. “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift

“You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift captures the essence of longing and waiting for someone who is with someone else, all set against the relatable backdrop of high school drama. Swift’s storytelling prowess shines through in this track, weaving a narrative of unrequited love with catchy melodies that resonate deeply with the experience of yearning for a connection just out of reach.

13. “I Can Wait Forever” by Simple Plan

“I Can Wait Forever” by Simple Plan delves into the pop punk perspective on waiting for someone you love, particularly in the context of a long-distance relationship. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and energetic delivery capture the angst and dedication of remaining true to someone who is far away, embodying the band’s knack for blending emotional depth with punk-inspired tunes.

14. “Waitin’ On a Woman” by Brad Paisley

“Waitin’ On a Woman” by Brad Paisley offers a country music take on the theme of waiting for a lover, incorporating a humorous twist on the concepts of patience and commitment. This song embodies the storytelling nature of country music, painting a lighthearted yet sincere picture of the timeless act of waiting for one’s partner, underscored by Paisley’s signature guitar licks and charming vocals.

15. “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx

“Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx stands as a quintessential power ballad, capturing deep emotional resonance with its theme of enduring love over distance. Marx’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s stirring piano arrangement evoke a sense of timeless loyalty and the profound commitment to wait for a loved one, no matter the obstacles.

16. “I’ll Be Waiting” by Adele

“I’ll Be Waiting” by Adele explores the soulful dimensions of waiting for someone to return, highlighted by the artist’s powerful vocals and the song’s deep emotional depth. Adele’s delivery brings a raw, heartfelt intensity to the experience of longing and redemption, showcasing her ability to blend soulful melodies with profoundly moving lyrics.

17. “Waiting On a Friend” by The Rolling Stones

“Waiting On a Friend” by The Rolling Stones takes a unique angle by focusing on waiting for a friend rather than a romantic partner, highlighted by the song’s laid-back vibe. This track emphasizes the value of friendship and loyalty, set to the Stones’ iconic rock sound but with a relaxed tempo that mirrors the ease and comfort of true companionship.

18. “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script

“The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script tells the story of going to extremes in waiting for love, combining keen storytelling with pop rock elements. The song’s poignant narrative of determination and hope, delivered through emotive vocals and compelling melodies, captures the essence of unwavering resolve to reunite with a lost love.

19. “Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones

“Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones offers a classic rock perspective on the theme of time and waiting, emphasizing the iconic nature of the song. With its memorable chorus and timeless sound, the track embodies the confidence and patience in knowing that time will eventually bring what one desires, captured through the Stones’ legendary rock n’ roll prowess.

20. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri portrays the idea of waiting a millennium for one’s true love, focusing on the song’s immense emotional appeal and lyrical beauty. This pop anthem of eternal love captivates with its heartfelt vocals and sweeping melodies, encapsulating the depth of commitment and the timeless nature of a love that feels it would wait a thousand years.