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For this list, we’ve selected ten artists who have crafted some of the most iconic and respected songs with the word “song” in the title, each one offering a unique take on the power of music. As we dove deeper, we encountered two giants, Led Zeppelin and Elton John, who have both contributed an impressive number of songs to this theme. Given the abundance of notable tracks from these legends, we made a special exception, allowing ourselves the freedom to include multiple entries from both artists. After all, when it comes to celebrating the best, it’s only right to give these icons their due.
# 10 – Escape (The Pina Colada Song) – Rupert Holmes
Opening this list of the 10 Best Songs with the Word ‘Song’ in the Title, “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes introduces a catchy blend of humor and romance. This is one of those songs that I remember back in the late seventies and early ’80s whenever it came on in the jukebox in the bars, everybody would be singing along, especially the line “making love at midnight,” or “I am into champagne.” Released in 1979 on his album Partners in Crime, this song became a surprise hit and a cultural staple, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 as the final U.S. number-one song of the decade. Written and performed by Holmes, it combines pop appeal with a narrative style that draws listeners into its story, making it a memorable entry into both the music charts and popular culture.
The song tells the story of a man feeling stagnant in his relationship, browsing personal ads in search of excitement and change. Through a witty twist, he unwittingly reconnects with his own partner, discovering that they share hidden desires they had never expressed to each other. The famous chorus, with its cheerful refrain about piña coladas and getting caught in the rain, adds a playful contrast to the story’s introspective undertone. Holmes’ lyrics capture the paradox of looking for something new only to find that the familiar may hold unexpected surprises, with the repeated refrain acting as both a rallying cry for escapism and a realization of what was there all along. This blend of humor, self-discovery, and musical charm makes it a fitting start to the list, celebrating the unexpected ways people connect.
Read More: Top 10 Rupert Holmes Songs
# 9 – Song Song Blue – Neil Diamond
Released in 1972 on Diamond’s album Moods, the song became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning two Grammy nominations. With its simple yet profound lyrics, “Song Sung Blue” captures the universal experience of facing difficult times and finding solace in music and resilience. Diamond drew inspiration from Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 21,” crafting a melody that feels both comforting and introspective. The song’s repeating refrain, “Song sung blue, everybody knows one,” highlights how sadness is a shared human experience.
Read More: 10 Most Underrated Neil Diamond Songs
# 8 – A Song For You – Leon Russell
Unfolding as a deeply personal ballad, “A Song for You” by Leon Russell stands out for its raw honesty and soulful intensity. First recorded in 1970 for Russell’s self-titled album Leon Russell, this song showcases his heartfelt lyrics and unique vocal delivery, quickly becoming a timeless piece that resonated across generations. , “A Song for You” has been widely covered by artists ranging from Ray Charles to Donny Hathaway, cementing its place in music history. Russell’s song reflects his gift for blending folk, rock, and soul into an introspective expression of love, loss, and redemption.
Read More: Top 10 Leon Russell Songs
# 7 – It’s The Same Old Song – The Four Tops
Read More: Top 10 Four Tops Songs
# 6 – Same Old Song And Dance – Aerosmith
Aerosmith’s “Same Old Song and Dance” brings a gritty rock edge to this list of songs with “song” in the title, adding an unmistakable swagger that captures the essence of the band’s raw energy. Released in 1974 on their album Get Your Wings, the track reflects the hard-hitting, blues-rock style that would become synonymous with Aerosmith’s early years. Written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, “Same Old Song and Dance” captures themes of excess and reckless abandon, with lyrics that speak to cycles of indulgence and consequence.
Recorded at the Record Plant Studios in New York City and produced by Jack Douglas, Get Your Wings showcased Aerosmith’s evolving sound, bringing more polish while retaining the grit of their self-titled debut. Tyler’s powerful vocals are matched by Perry’s blistering guitar riffs, with Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, and Joey Kramer laying down a solid, driving rhythm that grounds the song’s frenetic energy. The track’s brass section—courtesy of session players Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, and Stan Bronstein—adds a funky layer, giving “Same Old Song and Dance” a gritty, urban edge. This melding of blues, rock, and funk captures Aerosmith’s versatility and hints at the genre-blending style that would define their later work.
Read More: Aerosmith’s Best Song On Each Of Their Studio Albums
# 5 – Silly Love Songs – Paul McCartney & Wings
Read More: 10 Most Underrated Paul McCartney & Wings Songs
# 3 – The Song Is Over – The Who
“The Song Is Over” by The Who brings a reflective and somber tone to this list, capturing the moment of acceptance that follows intense emotional upheaval. Featured on their 1971 album Who’s Next, this track is a profound exploration of loss and moving on, written by Pete Townshend as part of his ambitious Lifehouse project, which ultimately transformed into Who’s Next.
Read More: The Who’s 10 Most Loved Songs
# 3 – Only A Northern Song – The Beatles
“Only a Northern Song” by The Beatles presents a satirical, psychedelic take on songwriting and the music industry, adding a unique flavor to this list of songs with “song” in the title. Written by George Harrison, the track was initially recorded during sessions for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band but ultimately released on the Yellow Submarine soundtrack in 1969. The song reflects Harrison’s growing disillusionment with the business side of music, especially with the royalty arrangements that benefited John Lennon and Paul McCartney disproportionately over Harrison’s compositions. It stands out in The Beatles’ catalog as a tongue-in-cheek critique of the industry wrapped in psychedelic, experimental soundscapes that mirror Harrison’s frustrations with the commodification of creativity.
Read More: Top 10 Beatles Love Songs
# 2 – Elton John – Border Song / Cage The Songbird / The Last Song / Love Song / Michelle’s Song / Sad Songs (Say So Much/ Someone’s Final Song / Song for Guy / Texan Love Song / This Song Has No Title / Your Song
Read More: Complete List Of Elton John Articles
# 1 – Led Zeppelin – The Song Remains The Same / The Rain Song/ Immigrant Song / The Lemon Song/ The Wanton Song/
Just as we explored Elton John’s catalog for songs with “song” in the title, Led Zeppelin also holds a unique place in this article with their powerful and evocative tracks. Known for their monumental influence on rock, blues, and even folk, Led Zeppelin’s body of work transcends typical genre boundaries. Here, we take a closer look at five of their songs that showcase their signature style, each contributing to the enduring mystique that surrounds the band.
“The Song Remains the Same” from Houses of the Holy (1973) stands as an anthem celebrating the unifying power of music. Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, the song begins with a dynamic instrumental intro that bursts into Page’s intricate guitar work and Plant’s soaring vocals. The track later lent its title to their 1976 concert film and soundtrack album, The Song Remains the Same, which captured the band’s explosive live performances and is now regarded as a classic in rock history.
“The Rain Song,” also from Houses of the Holy, reveals a softer side of Zeppelin. With lush, orchestral arrangements and Page’s delicate guitar tuning, the song is a ballad inspired by the changing seasons of life and love. It’s been said that the inspiration came from George Harrison, who noted that Zeppelin didn’t have any “ballads” in their catalog at the time.
“Immigrant Song” from Led Zeppelin III (1970) delivers a powerful punch with its Viking-inspired imagery and aggressive rhythm. Driven by John Bonham’s thunderous drumming and Plant’s iconic wails, the song encapsulates Led Zeppelin’s raw energy and was a hit, peaking at number sixteen on the Billboard Hot 100.
“The Lemon Song” from Led Zeppelin II (1969) dives deep into the blues, drawing on influences from artists like Howlin’ Wolf, whose song “Killing Floor” inspired parts of the track. With Robert Plant’s bluesy vocals, John Paul Jones’s prominent basslines, and Page’s blistering guitar, “The Lemon Song” showcases the band’s deep respect for American blues while giving it a bold, sensual twist.
Finally, “The Wanton Song” from Physical Graffiti (1975) adds a gritty, seductive edge to Zeppelin’s catalog. Anchored by a heavy, hypnotic riff from Page and Bonham’s relentless drumming, the track captures the primal essence of Zeppelin’s hard rock sound.
Read More: Led Zeppelin’s Best Song On Each Of Their Studio Albums