10 Underrated Songs With The Word 'Life' In The Title

10 Best Songs With The Word 'Life' In The Title

Feature Photo: Brandon Nagy / Shutterstock.com

When composing articles that focus on songs featuring a particular word in the title, we often face the challenge of selecting only 10 from potentially hundreds or even thousands of well-known classic songs. Of course, there’s always a handful of songs that are simply legendary and expected to appear on these lists. Here lies a quandary: if we only choose the 10 most popular songs that everyone assumes will be on the list, it gets a bit boring. Most classic rock fans—who make up the majority of this site’s audience—are already well aware of these songs and know everything about them. So, what’s the point of showcasing or presenting material that’s been written about extensively and is already so familiar?

If we were reading such a list, it would likely feel dull to us. That’s why we’re mixing things up a bit and starting to include lesser-known tunes for a couple of reasons. First, we think it will be more entertaining. Second, it aligns with the core purpose of this website: introducing people to music. While a younger audience frequents this site, for whom many classic rock songs are new, there’s also a significant number of older readers who know this music well. So, let’s shift gears and highlight some younger artists or lesser-known songs to showcase their work. This approach allows us to turn people onto music they may not know, may not have paid much attention to, or perhaps have forgotten about.

For example, Evanescence is a very popular band with a younger audience but may not be as well known to older listeners. That’s why we opened this list with them—because it sets the stage for an exciting mix. From there, it’s all about fun and discovery. What would you contribute? What bands or songs do you think people should know about that deserve to be shared? Let us know!

# 10 – Bring Me To Life – Evanescence

“Bring Me to Life,” the lead single from Evanescence’s 2003 debut album Fallen, is a groundbreaking nu-metal track blending haunting piano melodies, powerful guitars, and symphonic elements. The song was written by Amy Lee, Ben Moody, and David Hodges, inspired by a personal moment of awakening during a difficult time in Lee’s life. Recorded primarily at Ocean Studios in Burbank, California, with strings added in Seattle and Los Angeles, the track was produced by Dave Fortman and features a guest vocal performance by Paul McCoy of 12 Stones, a label-mandated addition to ensure commercial viability.

The lyrics capture themes of emotional numbness and yearning for rebirth, with lines like “Wake me up inside” and “Save me from the nothing I’ve become” resonating deeply with audiences. The song’s raw vulnerability and layered production set a standard for the band’s signature sound. Charting at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in multiple countries, “Bring Me to Life” earned Evanescence the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance and cemented their place in early 2000s rock history.

As the opening entry on this list, “Bring Me to Life” establishes the emotive power of songs featuring the word “life,” using its dark yet redemptive lyrics to explore themes of personal awakening and transformation. Its dynamic arrangement and dramatic delivery continue to make it one of Evanescence’s most iconic tracks.

Read More: Top 10 Evanescence Songs

# 9 – Life’s What You Make It – Talk Talk

Most Talk Talk fans would have thought we would have picked “It’s My Life” as a representative song for the band Talk Talk. But remember, this article is all about the most underrated songs, and this one fits much better. “Life’s What You Make It,” released as the lead single from Talk Talk’s 1985 album The Colour of Spring, is a quintessential art rock track recorded at RAK Studios in London under the meticulous production of Tim Friese-Greene. The song features Mark Hollis on lead vocals and piano, with contributions from Paul Webb on backing vocals, Lee Harris on drums, Martin Ditcham on percussion, David Rhodes on guitar, and Friese-Greene playing organ and Mellotron. Conceived as a late addition to satisfy management’s demand for a hit, its drum pattern—loosely inspired by Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill”—and Rhodes’s striking guitar hook elevated it to standout status.

The lyrics revolve around a simple yet profound mantra: “Life’s what you make it, celebrate it,” emphasizing personal agency and acceptance of life’s fleeting moments. The evocative lines, “Yesterday’s faded, nothing can change it,” offer a reflective take on the inevitability of time, while encouraging a focus on the present. Musically, the interplay between Hollis’s plaintive piano, rhythmic complexity, and layers of atmospheric instrumentation underscores the lyrical themes of resilience and celebration.

Charting at number 16 in the UK and finding success across multiple international markets, “Life’s What You Make It” is a powerful follow-up to Evanescence’s introspective “Bring Me to Life,” offering a contrasting perspective on life’s challenges. Talk Talk’s masterpiece continues to resonate with audiences, blending artful simplicity with a message of hope and determination.

Read More: Top 10 Talk Talk Songs

# 8 – Life Is Sweet – Maria McKee

“Life Is Sweet,” the title track from Maria McKee’s third studio album, released in 1996, is a poignant exploration of resilience, vulnerability, and the bittersweet nature of life. Recorded with a raw, emotionally charged approach, the album was produced by McKee and Bruce Brody, who also contributed piano, Hammond organ, and synthesizers. The track features Ric Kavin on drums, David Nolte on bass and guitar, and Martin Tillman orchestrating lush string arrangements. The song’s minimalist yet evocative production enhances McKee’s powerful vocal delivery and the poetic, introspective lyrics.

The lyrics tell empathetic stories of individuals facing struggles, from a girl haunted by inner voices to a boy seeking solace from rejection. With the refrain, “Life is sweet, bittersweet,” McKee underscores the complexities of human experience, blending sorrow and hope. The song’s structure balances stark verses with a sweeping, cathartic chorus, highlighting her ability to connect personal narratives to universal emotions.

# 7 – Life is Good – Flogging Molly

“Life Is Good,” the title track from Flogging Molly’s sixth studio album released on June 2, 2017, is a rousing blend of Celtic punk and reflective lyricism. Recorded in Ireland with producer Joe Chiccarelli, the album marked a transitional moment for the band, introducing new drummer Mike Alonso and featuring the final contributions of banjo player Bob Schmidt. The track also includes guest musicians Keith Douglas and Brad Magers of Mariachi El Bronx, whose trumpet arrangements add a vibrant texture to the song’s dynamic sound.

The song’s lyrics juxtapose life’s hardships with an enduring optimism, as frontman Dave King sings of resilience in the face of struggles: “Life is everything we loathe, it’s so unkind.” The poignant verses balance melancholy and hope, underscored by King’s raw vocal delivery and Bridget Reagan’s evocative fiddle playing. Musically, the track builds layers of accordion, mandolin, and spirited guitars, capturing the band’s signature blend of folk and punk.

Read More: Top 10 Flogging Molly Songs

# 6 – Night Life – Joe Bonamassa

Rooted in the rich tradition of the blues, “Night Life” from Joe Bonamassa’s Black Rock album pairs the guitarist with the legendary B.B. King for a soulful exploration of late-night longing and resilience. Released on March 23, 2010, and recorded at Black Rock Studios in Santorini, Greece, the track exemplifies a cross-generational celebration of the blues. Produced by Kevin Shirley, the song brings together an exceptional lineup, including Rick Melick on keyboards, Carmine Rojas on bass, Bogie Bowles on drums, and brass contributions from Lee Thornburg, alongside Manolis Karadinis’ Greek bouzouki, which adds an unexpected Mediterranean flair.

The duet breathes new life into Willie Nelson’s classic, with King’s unmistakable guitar work and Bonamassa’s fiery, emotive style complementing each other seamlessly. Lyrically, the song reflects a world of heartache and perseverance, as the refrain, “The night life ain’t no good life, but it is my life,” encapsulates the bittersweet essence of the blues. The dynamic interplay between the two guitarists elevates the track into a poignant narrative of shared musical passion.

Read More: Top 10 Joe Bonamassa Songs

# 5 – Life’s A Gas – Ramones

“Life’s A Gas,” written by Joey Ramone, appears on ¡Adios Amigos!, the Ramones’ fourteenth and final studio album, released on July 18, 1995, through Radioactive Records. Recorded at Baby Monster Studios in New York City and produced by longtime collaborator Daniel Rey, the album features Joey Ramone on lead vocals, Johnny Ramone on guitars, Marky Ramone on drums, and C.J. Ramone on bass, with the latter contributing additional vocals on other tracks. The song is a melancholic yet optimistic farewell, encapsulating the band’s ethos as they prepared to disband following the album’s release and subsequent tour.

The lyrics of “Life’s A Gas” reflect a sense of acceptance and positivity in the face of inevitable endings, resonating with the bittersweet sentiment of a band nearing the conclusion of their storied career. Joey Ramone’s vocal delivery is understated, allowing the simple, repetitive lyrics to create an emotional resonance. The instrumental arrangement is equally unpretentious, with Johnny Ramone’s driving guitar lines and Marky Ramone’s steady drumming laying the foundation for the track’s contemplative tone. The song’s straightforward composition underscores its poignant message: life, while fleeting, is to be celebrated.

Read More: 11 Essential Ramones Songs

# 4 – This Is My Life – RTZ

“This Is My Life,” from RTZ’s debut album Return to Zero (1991), features the distinctive vocals of Brad Delp, paired with Barry Goudreau’s evocative guitar work. Recorded during a period of creative reinvention for the band members, the album marked a reunion of Delp and Goudreau, both formerly of Boston. Produced by the band and engineered to capture a mix of rock and melodic sensibilities. It sounds nothing like Boston, but the sound of Delp’s vocals and Goudreau’s guitars still made you feel good and of course yearning for more.

The song delves into themes of independence and self-assertion, as the protagonist addresses a controlling relationship with a tone that balances vulnerability and defiance. Delp’s soaring vocals deliver lines like “This is my life, and I know you want to run it for me,” with heartfelt intensity, while Goudreau’s guitar solos add depth and drama to the narrative. The rhythmic foundation provided by bassist Tim Archibald and drummer David Stefanelli keeps the track grounded, while Brian Maes’ keyboard contributions infuse it with melodic texture

# 3 – Life Is So Beautiful – The Smithereens

“Life Is So Beautiful,” a track from A Date with the Smithereens (1994), reflects the band’s introspective side amidst their signature power-pop style. Produced by Don Dixon and recorded in early 1993 following their departure from Capitol Records, the album was shaped by the lineup of the late Pat DiNizio on vocals and guitar, Jim Babjak on guitar, Dennis Diken on drums, and Mike Mesaros on bass. With poignant lyrics like “Life is so beautiful, now what do I do to save my soul?” the song delves into themes of regret and redemption, capturing a melancholic yet hopeful tone.

The song’s reflective mood is further emphasized by the instrumentation, blending understated guitar riffs and a steady rhythm section. Pat DiNizio’s evocative vocal delivery enhances the emotional resonance, as the lyrics paint a picture of personal struggle and the fragility of human connections. Its bittersweet undertone aligns seamlessly with the overarching themes of the album, which received mixed reviews but was noted for its moments of poetic depth.

Read More: Top 10 Smithereens Songs

# 2 – Life Is Calling – Beth Hart

Beth Hart’s “Life Is Calling,” from her introspective 2010 album My California, is a deeply moving piece that addresses themes of survival, loss, and the will to persevere. Co-written by Hart and producer Rune Westberg, the song is an emotional reflection on finding purpose and strength during life’s darkest moments. Recorded in Los Angeles, the track exemplifies the raw, stripped-down production that defined the album, with Hart’s piano and Westberg’s understated instrumentation highlighting the song’s deeply personal message.

Lyrically, “Life Is Calling” serves as an anthem for resilience, as Hart sings, “Make it matter, say it louder, stay alive another day.” The song has been interpreted as Hart’s way of confronting the emotional toll of witnessing loved ones battle illness and reflecting on her own struggles with trauma. The arrangement, featuring a gentle build of strings and piano, mirrors the ebb and flow of hope and despair, creating a powerful connection with listeners.

Unlike other songs on this list, such as the reflective melancholy of the Smithereens’ “Life Is So Beautiful,” Hart’s “Life Is Calling” channels a more urgent, defiant energy. This urgency is not only a testament to Hart’s vulnerability as a songwriter but also an example of her ability to inspire listeners to fight for meaning and hope, even in the face of profound challenges.

Read More: Top 10 Beth Hart Songs

# 1 – Love Of My Life – Gino Vannelli

“Love of My Life,” from Gino Vannelli’s 1976 album The Gist of the Gemini, showcases the artist’s extraordinary range and songwriting skill. Recorded at the renowned A&M Studios in Hollywood, California, the song features Gino’s commanding lead vocals supported by the lush instrumentation arranged by his brother Joe Vannelli. The track opens the album with a soulful, deeply personal tone, highlighted by contributions from a talented lineup, including Jay Graydon on guitar, Graham Lear on drums, and Joe Vannelli’s intricate string and brass arrangements. Produced by Gino and Joe Vannelli alongside legendary engineer Geoff Emerick, the album exemplifies the sophisticated fusion of jazz, rock, and soul that defined Vannelli’s work during this era.

I saw this album in a record store back in the mid-70s, and something about the cover said to me, “This probably sounds pretty good.” I instantly fell in love with the album and became a huge Gino Vannelli fan. I’m hoping that placing a song like this on this list for people who don’t know Gino Vannelli’s music will turn people on to this incredible artist.

Read More: Top 10 Gino Vannelli Songs