10 Best Rock Songs With The Word "Go" In The Title

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The word “go” has been a staple in rock and pop music for decades, evoking themes of departure, movement, and independence. In crafting this list of the best rock songs with “go” in the title, we aimed to showcase a diverse range of artists across different genres, blending the classic rock world with the soulful sounds of Motown. From iconic breakup anthems to songs that inspire freedom, these tracks capture various emotions and stories that have resonated with listeners for generations.

# 10 – Baby Please Don’t Go – Them

“Baby Please Don’t Go” kicks off our list of the best rock songs with the word “Go” in the title, and it’s an essential track that bridges the blues and rock worlds. Originally a traditional blues song first popularized by Big Joe Williams in 1935, it became one of the most covered and influential blues standards, adapted by various artists over the decades. Them’s 1964 rendition, led by a young Van Morrison, turned the track into a rock anthem that defined the genre for years to come. Recorded in London at Decca Studios, this version featured Van Morrison on vocals and possibly Jimmy Page on rhythm guitar, contributing to its raw, gritty sound. The band’s intense arrangement, incorporating the urgency of Morrison’s vocals with a driving beat, exemplified the transition of blues into the electric rock landscape of the 1960s.

Read More: Our 10 Favorite Van Morrison Songs

# 9 – Let’s Go – The Cars

“Let’s Go” by The Cars is an iconic track that perfectly encapsulates the energetic and carefree spirit of late 1970s new wave rock. Released as the debut single from Candy-O in 1979, the song was written by frontman Ric Ocasek and featured lead vocals by bassist Benjamin Orr. The song became an immediate hit, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving chart success internationally, establishing itself as one of the band’s most recognizable tracks. Notably, “Let’s Go” was also the 100th video to be played on the first day of MTV’s broadcast in 1981, cementing its place in pop culture.

# 8 – Where Did Our Love Go – The Supremes

Released in 1964, this song marked the Supremes’ first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing their status as Motown’s leading act. Written by the powerhouse songwriting and production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song features Diana Ross’s distinctively breathy vocals, paired with a simple yet unforgettable melody. The song stayed at the top of the charts for two weeks and ignited a string of five consecutive number-one hits for the group.

Read More: Top 10 Supremes Songs

# 7 – Going To A G0-G0 – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

The song “Going To A Go-Go” serves as the title track to Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ Going To A Go-Go, which featured a range of successful hits. Released as a single in 1965, this upbeat track quickly became a party anthem, climbing the charts to reach number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the R&B chart. It was recorded at the famous Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit, with Smokey Robinson leading on vocals, supported by the signature harmonies of The Miracles.

# 6 – Let’s Go Crazy – Prince

“Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince was released in 1984 as part of his groundbreaking Purple Rain album and soundtrack. The song serves as both the album’s and the film’s opening track, setting the tone for the electrifying energy and spiritual depth that would characterize the rest of Purple Rain. It became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying Prince’s place in music history. The song also topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Dance Club Play charts, making it one of Prince’s most commercially successful tracks.

Read More: Top 25 Prince Songs

# 5 – Letting Go – Paul McCartney & Wings

This one was always one of my favorites by McCartney.”Letting Go” is one of the standout tracks from Paul McCartney & Wings’ 1975 album Venus and Mars. Credited to both Paul and Linda McCartney, the song captures a deep emotional expression, reflecting the struggles and tensions that come with love and attachment. Released as a single in October 1975, it reached number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number 41 in the UK. Despite not breaking into the top tiers of the charts, the song remains a powerful piece within McCartney’s catalog, recognized for its soulful delivery and introspective lyrics.

# 4 – The Show Must Go On – Leo Sayer / Three Dog Night

“The Show Must Go On” is a 1973 song co-written by Leo Sayer and David Courtney. First recorded by Sayer for his debut album Silverbird, it became a defining early hit for him in the United Kingdom, reaching number two on the charts in early 1974. The song’s theme uses a circus metaphor to convey the struggles of life, where the character of a clown puts on a show despite internal turmoil. Sayer’s emotional delivery was visually enhanced by his live performances, during which he appeared dressed as a pierrot clown, adding a layer of theatricality and melancholy to the song.

# 3 – Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac

“Go Your Own Way” was released as the first single from Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours in December 1976, a song that has since become one of the band’s signature hits. Written by guitarist and vocalist Lindsey Buckingham, the song reflected his personal turmoil, particularly the breakdown of his relationship with fellow bandmate Stevie Nicks. This theme of emotional conflict, a prominent feature of many songs on Rumours, resonates through both the lyrics and the raw energy of the music. Despite its deeply personal nature, “Go Your Own Way” struck a chord with audiences and became the band’s first top ten hit in the United States, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 2 – As Tears Go By – The Rolling Stones

“As Tears Go By” was first recorded by Marianne Faithfull in 1964 before The Rolling Stones released their own version, which became a major hit in the United States. Written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and their manager Andrew Loog Oldham, the song marked a significant departure from the Stones’ typical rock sound, showcasing a more melodic and reflective style. Initially, the song was seen as something outside of the Stones’ rougher image, but it quickly became a staple in their catalog, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 1 – Go Now – The Moody Blues

“Go Now” was originally written by Larry Banks and Milton Bennett and first recorded by Bessie Banks in 1964. However, it was the Moody Blues’ version that turned the song into a hit later that year. The track became their first major success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in January 1965 and marking the band as a rising force in British rock. Featuring lead vocals from Denny Laine, “Go Now” encapsulated the blues-influenced rock sound that characterized the Moody Blues’ early years before they transitioned into their progressive rock phase in the late 1960s.