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

Feature Photo: Greg Rakozy

These ten rock songs tap into the intricate workings of the mind, each offering a unique perspective on life’s struggles and reflections. Steely Dan’s “Time Out of Mind” captures the dangerous allure of temptation, while Billy J. Kramer’s “The Grass Won’t Pay You No Mind” drifts into the peacefulness of love’s quiet moments. Ringo Starr’s “Memphis in Your Mind” is a nostalgic ride through rock and roll history, and George Harrison’s “Got My Mind Set on You” brims with focused determination. John Lennon’s “Mind Games” speaks to the desire for unity and peace, contrasting with the heartbreaking introspection of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind.”

Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” finds solace in the familiar streets of home, while Kansas’s “What’s on My Mind” contemplates personal growth and self-discovery. Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” explores the destructive power of doubt in relationships. Boston’s “Peace of Mind” concludes the list by urging a break from societal competition to find personal clarity. Together, these songs create a powerful reflection on the complexities of the mind, showing how rock music can express everything from conflict to inner calm.

# 10 – Time Out Of Mind – Steely Dan

Kicking off the list is Steely Dan’s “Time Out of Mind,” a track from their 1980 album Gaucho. It’s an intriguing opener, known for its upbeat sound yet deeply layered meaning, making it the perfect song to dive into the complexities of the word “mind.” Released during a tumultuous time for the band, the song’s sunny jazz-rock vibe contrasts sharply with its underlying theme of addiction and longing for escape. Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the song subtly references heroin use, using coded language like “chase the dragon” to speak about the pursuit of elusive highs.

# 9 – The Grass Won’t Pay You No Mind – Billy J. Kramer

The Best Of Billy J Kramer With The Dakotas

Billy J. Kramer’s rendition of “And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind” brings a unique charm to a song originally penned by Neil Diamond. The song, written in 1969 and first recorded by Diamond on his Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show album, showcases his poetic talent with lyrics that evoke a peaceful, pastoral romance. Neil Diamond’s original version also gained further attention when it was featured on his renowned Hot August Night live album. While Diamond’s version was a minor hit in Australia, the song found new life in other hands, including Mark Lindsay’s hit version in 1970 and, of course, Billy J. Kramer’s heartfelt single release in 1971. Kramer’s cover was issued as a non-album single primarily for the European market, adding a British pop flavor to Diamond’s folksy Americana tone.

# 8 – Memphis In Your Mind – Ringo Starr

Released on Ringo Rama, Ringo Starr’s thirteenth studio album in 2003, “Memphis in Your Mind” is a lively homage to the city known for shaping rock and roll. The song draws on the rich history of Memphis, home to Sun Records and icons like Elvis Presley, blending Starr’s charm with an infectious rockabilly sound. The album was recorded at Rocca Bella, Starr’s studio in London, and Mark Hudson’s Whatinthewhatthe? Studios in Los Angeles. Alongside Starr, the song features notable musicians such as David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, and Timothy B. Schmit, creating a robust musical foundation for the track. Production was led by Starr, Hudson, and Gary Nicholson, continuing the successful collaboration they had developed on previous albums.

Read More: Top 10 Ringo Starr Songs

# 7 – Got My Mind Set On You – George Harrison

George Harrison’s 1987 hit “Got My Mind Set on You” is one of the most enduring tracks from his solo career and a standout on Cloud Nine. Originally written by Rudy Clark and first recorded by James Ray in 1962, Harrison’s version transformed the song into a lively, infectious anthem of perseverance. Produced by Harrison alongside Jeff Lynne, the track was recorded at Friar Park Studios, Harrison’s home studio in Oxfordshire, with sessions running from January to August 1987. The lineup of musicians contributing to the song included Jim Keltner on drums, Jim Horn on saxophone, Ray Cooper on percussion, and Lynne himself on bass and keyboards. The strong production quality and Lynne’s polished touch helped rejuvenate Harrison’s sound, bringing the former Beatle back to the top of the charts.

Read More: Top 10 George Harrison Songs

# 6 – Mind Games – John Lennon

John Lennon’s “Mind Games,” the lead single from his 1973 album of the same name, is a quintessential track from his post-Beatles solo career. Released on October 29, 1973, in the U.S. and a few weeks later in the U.K., “Mind Games” reflects Lennon’s continued commitment to promoting peace, unity, and personal transformation during a turbulent period in his life. The track peaked at number 18 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the Cashbox Top 100, while in the U.K. it reached number 26. Although it did not achieve the same chart-topping success as some of Lennon’s earlier solo works, “Mind Games” remains a significant song in his catalog, embodying both his philosophical musings and his personal struggles.

# 5 – If You Could Read My Mind – Gordon Lightfoot

Released in 1970, “If You Could Read My Mind” is one of Gordon Lightfoot’s most celebrated songs, both commercially and critically. Written during a period of personal turmoil, the song reflects Lightfoot’s emotional state as he was going through a divorce. Its deeply introspective lyrics and haunting melody have resonated with audiences for decades, helping it reach number one on the Canadian Singles Chart and number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Lenny Waronker and Joe Wissert, the track was recorded at Sunwest Recording Studios in Los Angeles, with strings arranged by Nick DeCaro. The delicate string arrangements and Lightfoot’s acoustic guitar create a rich, melancholy atmosphere that perfectly matches the song’s themes of loss, reflection, and the irrevocable end of a relationship.

# 4 – New York State Of Mind – Billy Joel

“New York State of Mind,” featured on Billy Joel’s 1976 album Turnstiles, is one of the artist’s most beloved tracks, despite never being released as a single. Written upon Joel’s return to New York after a brief period living in Los Angeles, the song captures the deep emotional connection the singer has with his hometown. Recorded at Columbia Recording Studios in New York City, the track features Billy Joel on piano and vocals, Richie Cannata on saxophone, Liberty DeVitto on drums, and Doug Stegmeyer on bass, with orchestral arrangements by Ken Ascher. The song’s blend of jazz, pop, and blues perfectly mirrors the complexity of New York City itself, making it an anthem for those who feel a deep bond with the city’s vibrant and often chaotic energy.

Read More: Top 10 Billy Joel Songs

# 3 – What’s On My Mind – Kansas

“What’s on My Mind,” written by Kansas guitarist and primary songwriter Kerry Livgren, has always been one of our favorite songs from the band’s 1976 album Leftoverture. Although it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as the album’s lead single “Carry On Wayward Son,” it still holds a special place in Kansas’s catalog. Recorded at Studio in the Country in Bogalusa, Louisiana, and produced by Jeff Glixman, the track captures the band’s unique fusion of progressive rock and melodic hooks. The song was released as a single in May 1977, reaching number 87 on the Cash Box Top 100 and number 89 in Canada. While it didn’t chart on the Billboard Hot 100, its significance as the first song written for Leftoverture laid the groundwork for the rest of the album’s iconic tracks.

# 2 – Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley

“Suspicious Minds” is one of the most iconic songs of Elvis Presley’s career, marking his triumphant return to the top of the charts in 1969. Written by Mark James and originally recorded by him in 1968, the song did not achieve commercial success until Elvis took it to new heights. Produced by Chips Moman and recorded at American Sound Studio in Memphis, “Suspicious Minds” was released on August 26, 1969, and quickly climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It became Presley’s eighteenth and final number-one single, a defining moment in his comeback era after the ’68 Comeback Special. The song’s blend of rock, country, and soul, combined with Elvis’s emotionally charged performance, made it an enduring classic.

# 1 – Peace Of Mind – Boston

“Peace of Mind” by Boston, featured on their 1976 self-titled debut album, delivers a message that goes beyond the typical rock anthem. Written by Tom Scholz, the song is about stepping away from the pressures of corporate ambition and choosing a path of inner peace and contentment. While many songs of the era focused on rebellion or romantic themes, “Peace of Mind” taps into a more introspective narrative. It reflects Scholz’s personal experiences working at Polaroid, where he found himself disillusioned with the idea of climbing the corporate ladder. The song’s lyrics, “People livin’ in competition, all I want is to have my peace of mind” invite listeners to consider what really matters in life.