10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Back’ In The Title

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The word “back” has fueled countless rock songs, many of which were written and released during the golden era of rock music in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. This was a time when rock and roll was at its creative peak, delivering some of the most iconic records and unforgettable songs. Nearly every track on this list is a timeless classic, from Aerosmith’s hard-hitting “Back in the Saddle,” which captures their gritty energy, to AC/DC’s anthem “Back in Black,” a tribute to their late frontman Bon Scott. CCR’s “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” brings whimsical imagery to life with its playful storytelling.

Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back in Town” embodies pure rock nostalgia, celebrating the return of wild days. Jethro Tull’s “Back-Door Angels” showcases their signature blend of folk and rock, and The J. Geils Band’s “Come Back” delivers on both catchy riffs and lyrical heartbreak. John Sebastian’s “Welcome Back” takes a more mellow approach as the beloved theme song for Welcome Back, Kotter, while The Beatles’ “Get Back” fittingly closes out the list, reminding us of their monumental impact on rock history. Together, these songs form a collection that represents some of the best of what rock music has to offer.

# 10 – Back On My Feet Again – The Babys

“Back On My Feet Again” kicks off this list as the first song, setting the tone with its powerful message of resilience and renewal. Released in January 1980 as part of The Babys album Union Jacks, the song marks the band’s final Top 40 hit, peaking at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was written by lead vocalist John Waite alongside Dominic Bugatti and Frank Musker, with Keith Olsen serving as the producer. Recorded in 1979, the track is a dynamic example of power pop that merges catchy melodies with emotionally charged lyrics.

Read More: Top 10 Songs By The Babys

# 9 – Welcome Back – John Sebastian 

The second song on this list, “Welcome Back” by John Sebastian, was the theme song for the hit 1970s TV show Welcome Back, Kotter. Released in 1976, the song quickly became a sensation, rising to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the adult contemporary charts. Written specifically for the show, the song captured the sentiment of returning to familiar places and faces, much like the main character Gabe Kotter returning to his old high school as a teacher. John Sebastian, known for his work with The Lovin’ Spoonful, was tasked with creating a catchy, relatable song, and “Welcome Back” became an instant classic.

Read More: Top 10 John Sebastian Songs

# 8 – Come Back – The J. Geils Band

“Come Back,” the lead single from The J. Geils Band’s 1980 album Love Stinks, represents a dynamic blend of rock, new wave, and dance influences that captured the band’s evolving sound. Released in January 1980, the song quickly made its mark on the charts, peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending five weeks in the Top 40. It also performed well in Canada, reaching number 19. Produced by Seth Justman and recorded at Long View Farm Studios in Massachusetts in 1979, the track showcases the energy and charisma that defined the J. Geils Band’s late ’70s and early ’80s success.

Read More: 10 J. Geils Band Songs Fans Love

# 7 – Back-Door Angels – Jethro Tull

“Back-Door Angels,” from Jethro Tull’s 1974 album War Child, is a complex and imaginative track that embodies the band’s signature blend of progressive rock and folk influences. Written by Ian Anderson, the song delves into themes of mysticism, faith, and perception, all wrapped in the band’s unmistakable instrumental creativity. The album War Child marked a crucial moment for Jethro Tull, as the band navigated the aftermath of the mixed reception to A Passion Play. This seventh studio album represented a return to shorter, more accessible songs, but “Back-Door Angels” still retains the depth and intricacy that fans had come to expect.

Read More: 10 Most Underrated Jethro Tull Songs

# 6 – Lookin’ Out My Back Door – Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Lookin’ Out My Back Door” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, released on the 1970 album Cosmo’s Factory, stands as one of the band’s most whimsical and enduring tracks. Written by lead vocalist and guitarist John Fogerty, the song showcases the band’s ability to blend upbeat country rhythms with surreal, vivid imagery. The track reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100, held back from the top spot by Diana Ross’s rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Notably, this song gave CCR their only number-one spot on the Cash Box Top 100.

Read More: Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Best Song On Each Studio Album

# 5 – Back Door Man – The Doors

“Back Door Man,” one of The Doors‘ standout blues tracks, was featured on their 1967 self-titled debut album. The song, originally written by Willie Dixon and made famous by blues legend Howlin’ Wolf, was reinterpreted by The Doors with their signature dark, sensual edge. Jim Morrison’s intense vocals and the band’s electrifying arrangement turned this blues standard into something far more menacing and provocative, making it an essential part of The Doors‘ catalog.

Read More: The Doors Most Underrated Songs

# 4 – The Boys Are Back In Town – Thin Lizzy

The Boys Are Back in Town is not just a classic rock anthem; it’s a song that vividly captures the essence of friendship, rebellion, and the thrill of returning to familiar grounds after being away. Released in 1976 as the lead single from Jailbreak, Thin Lizzy’s biggest album, it quickly became the band’s signature song, climbing to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and solidifying their place in rock history. With its infectious energy and powerful dual-guitar harmonies, the song has remained timeless, continuing to resonate with audiences decades after its release.

Read More: Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 3 – Back In The Saddle – Aerosmith

“Back in the Saddle” is one of Aerosmith’s most powerful and iconic songs, setting the tone as the opening track for their 1976 album Rocks. Written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, the song marked a turning point for Aerosmith’s sound, embracing a hard-hitting blend of hard rock and proto-heavy metal. Although it only peaked at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100, its legacy has grown significantly over time, solidifying it as one of the band’s most well-known tracks and a mainstay in their live performances. The song’s gritty themes and aggressive energy showcase Aerosmith’s unapologetic approach to rock during the height of their success in the 1970s.

Read More: Joe Perry of Aerosmith Interview: 13 Albums That Changed My Life

# 2 – Back In Black – AC/DC

“Back in Black” is one of the most iconic rock anthems ever created, serving as both a powerful tribute to AC/DC’s former lead singer Bon Scott and a declaration of the band’s perseverance. Released in 1980 as part of their Back in Black album, this track is notable for its unmistakable guitar riff and hard-hitting lyrics. The song was written shortly after Scott’s sudden death in February of that year, with Brian Johnson stepping in as the new lead vocalist. Despite its somber context, “Back in Black” pulses with defiant energy, celebrating survival and triumph amidst adversity.

Read More: Chris Slade: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 1 – Get Back – The Beatles

“Get Back” stands as the closing track on this list, providing a fitting end with its energetic and infectious rhythm. Written by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership, the song was released as a single in April 1969, featuring Billy Preston on electric piano, a rare instance of a non-Beatle being credited alongside the band. This track, recorded during the infamous “Let It Be” sessions, is a product of the band’s final chapter together and is renowned for its raw, live-sounding arrangement, reminiscent of the original “back to basics” ethos of rock and roll that The Beatles sought to rediscover during this period.

Read More: Beatles Albums In Order Of Original UK And US Studio Issues

Updated October 14, 2025

10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Back’ In The Title article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2025