It is our underpaid therapist, our universal religion, our imagination and hope. Music is life with so many stories to tell. We were all born with a beat to our hearts and we have created beautiful symphonies, electric guitars, and the Macarena. We are all connected by music. It is not even the songs that make us a bundle of emotion, it’s the music video we play in our heads while staring out the car window. But not all songs are a heart break recap. They convince us we can dance. They led us to that concert that was life-changing. They build us up. They break us down. History has searched for words to explain our thoughts, but I believe they are best told with a melody. Somehow the best music lyrics sum up questions or feelings we have stretched out for years in just a few short minutes.
Sputnik Music created a list of the top 100 song lyrics of all time. So we don’t get “lost in the music,” we will talk the top 10 and their makers and why these lyrics are so iconic.
10. Artist: Frank Sinatra
Song: My Way
“For what is a man? What has he got? If not himself – Then he has naught. To say the things he truly feels, and not the words of one who kneels.”
So it may sound a little Shakespeare, but Frank Sinatra seemed to make the best sense of being true to you. Let authentic words be the same authentic actions. Not everyone is going to like it, heck, some folks don’t even like chocolate.
9. Artist: Crosby, Stills, and Nash
Song: Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
“Fear is the lock and laughter the key to your heart.”
Bringing some Woodstock to the countdown, this song was release in 1969. The apprehension and rocky decision of whether or not to save a relationship can be so difficult, especially when love isn’t the problem.
8. Artist: Semisonic
Song: Album
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
Ready, set, go. The optimism to the unknown is beautifully depicted in this song. It is a belief in a new way of thinking and looking at the world a little differently. If you lose something you cherished, an opportunity, a love, a life, then that fresh start might bring you more than you ever thought you could have. So look out for those new beginnings because they may first appear as scary and painful.
7. Artist: Fleetwood Mac
Song: Oh Well
“Don’t ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to.”
Everyone has their shortcomings and if we honestly acknowledged each others, well then, oh wait, we already do that. If you want brutal honesty, you just might get it. People love this song because it’s about focusing less on superficial flaws and more on your inner promise.
6. Artist: Bob Dylan
Song: It’s Alright, Ma
“Bent out of shape from society’s pliers, cares not to come up any higher, but rather get you down in the hole that he’s in.”
Misery loves company. This song spoke from a misfit’s perspective. It dares to speak about some of the evil in the world and ugliness of society. Unfortunately, some people will bring you down with their misfortune before they ever see you succeed. It is like their way of justifying their own misery. Do not become one of these people. Focus on the things in life you love, not the things in life you hate. Hatred is ghastly quality. It will ruin you.
5. Artist: Bo Diddley; Creedance Clearwater Revival; Eric Clapton
Song: Before You Accuse Me
“Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself.”
There is a story behind every person. They all have reasons for why they are the way that they are and the things that they do. Some of those things might not make the least bit of sense, but who are we to judge.
4. Artist: John Cougar Mellencamp
Song: Minutes To Memories
“An honest man’s pillow is his peace of mind.”
A clear conscience is the freeing of worry, of guilt, of disappointment. This song really puts your mind at easy. Allow forgiveness in your life. No matter how tough situations get, just be real and be true.
3. Artist: The Beatles
Song: All You Need Is Love
“All you need is love, love. Love is all you need.”
So lyrically simple, but never better put. Love is the most amazing thing in the world. It brings us security and comfort, yet, it is never guaranteed, and it does not owe us anything. That is why when we get it, we know how lucky we are and hold on to it for dear life.
2. Artist: Bob Dylan
Song: Blowin’ In The Wind
“How many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry? Yes, and how many deaths will it take ’til he knows that too many people have died?”
Just like the wind, enlightenment and knowledge can be right in front of us, yet we cannot see it. Maybe we choose to just over look it or turn our heads to the troubles around us. It’s easier that way. We often think we cannot make a difference, but listen to Gandi and Bob Dylan.
1. Artist: Neil Young
Song: My My, Hey Hey
“It’s better to burn out, than to fade away.”
Number one is making a statement. Bold beats boring! Take chances. They may be mistakes, they may be miracles, but they are actions and that speaks louder than any song.
If a song is able to relate to you, then it has served its purpose. You can be 60-year old linguistics professor at Harvard and still find something to relate to in a Celine Dion ballad because the feelings are so universal. It is humbling isn’t it? No matter who you are, music can reduce you to My Heart Will Go On mush. Somehow when we listen to a great song, we can tune out the world. So crank it up, jam out, belt it like you are Mariah Carey, but most of all, love the music.
About the Author
Emily holds a B.S in Biology from Southern Illinois University. In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, cooking, and traveling. In the future, she would love to find a leadership role in a career that allows her to travel the world. One day, she hopes to be able to say, "Sorry I can't make it next weekend. I have to go Venice for work."