10 Best Songs With The Word ‘Take’ In The Title

When it comes to rock music, songs with the word “Take” in the title often carry an element of urgency, introspection, or adventure. For this list of the best rock songs with “Take” in the title, we wanted to go beyond simply highlighting the most popular hits. Sure, you’ll find a few well-loved classics that have stood the test of time, but we also made sure to include some deeper cuts and lesser-known gems. The goal was to create a mix that keeps things interesting—some tracks will be instantly familiar, others might jog a memory or two, and a few might even be new discoveries for readers. After all, it’s this variety that makes exploring music so exciting.

# 10 – Take Me Down – The Pretty Reckless

“Take Me Down” opens this new list as the first song to explore the theme of ‘take’ in rock music, and it sets the tone perfectly with its blend of gritty storytelling and powerful instrumentation. Released as the lead single from Who You Selling For in 2016, the track not only showcases The Pretty Reckless’s signature hard-hitting style but also achieved commercial success, topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart. This accomplishment marked the band’s fourth number-one single on this chart, solidifying their status as a dominant force in modern rock, especially among female-fronted acts.
Read More: Top 10 The Pretty Reckless Songs

# 9 – Take Your Whiskey Home – Van Halen

“Take Your Whiskey Home” kicks off this new list as the second entry exploring the theme of ‘take’ in rock music, showcasing Van Halen’s bluesy and raw energy from their third studio album, Women and Children First, released on March 26, 1980. Produced by Ted Templeman and engineered by Donn Landee at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, California, the track encapsulates the band’s heavier and more mature sound, signaling their shift toward deeper and grittier themes compared to their earlier, more carefree works. This song, while not released as a single, remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with their sound.
Read More: Van Halen’s Best Song On Each Of Their Studio Albums

# 8 – Take Off – Bob and Doug McKenzie

“Take Off” is a humorous classic from the fictional Canadian duo Bob and Doug McKenzie, characters created by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas on SCTV. Released as part of their 1981 comedy album, The Great White North, the song features none other than Geddy Lee of Rush, adding a layer of authenticity and rock credibility to the comedic track. It’s a playful, tongue-in-cheek anthem that not only became a hit single but also cemented the McKenzie brothers’ legacy as icons of Canadian humor.

# 7 – Take It With Me – Tom Waits

“Take It With Me” is a poignant and introspective track from Tom Waits’ critically acclaimed 1999 album, Mule Variations. Known for his ability to blend the strange and familiar, Waits presents this song as a soulful, intimate ballad that draws listeners into a reflective state. The album, released by ANTI- Records and produced by Waits and his long-time collaborator and wife, Kathleen Brennan, showcases the distinct, gravelly voice and atmospheric storytelling that have become Waits’ trademark. The track stands out as a moment of tenderness in an album that otherwise traverses the rougher edges of blues and folk.
Read More: Tom Waits’ Best Song From Each Of His Studio Albums

# 6 – Take It Easy On Me (from Time Exposure) – The Little River Band

“Take It Easy on Me” is a heartfelt ballad by the Australian soft rock band Little River Band, featured on their 1981 album, Time Exposure. Written by band member Graham Goble, the song showcases the band’s knack for combining emotive storytelling with soft rock melodies. Released as the second single from the album in December 1981, the track became a significant hit, reaching No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 14 on the Adult Contemporary chart, marking the band’s sixth and final top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success cemented Little River Band’s status as one of the leading soft rock bands of the early 1980s.
Read More: Top 10 Little River Band Songs

# 5 – Take Your Time – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Read More: Top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Songs

# 4 – Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money

Released in August 1986 as the lead single from Money’s album Can’t Hold Back, the song marked a turning point in his career, revitalizing his presence in the rock scene after a period of decline. The track, featuring the uncredited vocals of the legendary Ronnie Spector, famously interpolates The Ronettes’ 1963 classic “Be My Baby.” Written by Mike Leeson, Peter Vale, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector, and Jeff Barry, the song soared to number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Album Rock Tracks chart, becoming Money’s biggest chart success.
Read More: Top 10 Eddie Money Songs

# 3 –Take Me For a Little While – Jimmy Page & David Coverdale

“Take Me for a Little While” is one of the standout tracks from the collaborative album Coverdale–Page, released in 1993. The project brought together former Whitesnake vocalist David Coverdale and legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, a pairing that generated considerable excitement among rock fans. This song highlights the chemistry between the two musicians, blending Coverdale’s soulful vocal delivery with Page’s iconic guitar work. Co-produced by Mike Fraser alongside Coverdale and Page, the album was recorded across several renowned studios, including Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver and Criteria Studios in Miami, with additional sessions at Abbey Road Studios in London and Coverdale’s home studio in Nevada.
Read More: David Coverdale: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 2 – Take Me To The Pilot – Elton John

 

“Take Me to the Pilot” is Elton John rocking the roof off the house. The track is supported by Dee Murray on bass and Nigel Olsson on drums, forming the rhythm section that became an integral part of John’s early sound. The song’s arrangement highlights the interplay between John’s piano and the rhythm section, creating a lively, upbeat feel that contrasts with the lyrics’ ambiguity. The song’s structure, with its recurring chorus and powerful instrumental sections, makes it a staple in John’s live performances, where he often enhances the energy with extended piano solos. It is featured on various live albums, including 17-11-70 and Live in Australia, where John’s virtuosity is on full display.
Read More: Top 10 Elton John Songs

# 1 – Take It Easy – The Eagles

“Take It Easy” was the debut single from The Eagles, released on May 1, 1972. Written by Jackson Browne and Eagles band member Glenn Frey, the song became a defining anthem of Southern California’s 1970s sound. It was recorded at Olympic Studios in London with renowned producer Glyn Johns, and it also served as the opening track on the Eagles’ self-titled debut album. Peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Take It Easy” quickly became a signature song for the band and has remained a classic rock staple, often featured in their live performances and compilation albums. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognizes it as one of the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
Read More: 10 Most Underrated Eagles Songs

Updated February, 2026

10 Best Songs With The Word ‘Take’ In The Title article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2026