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The word “she” is one of the most popular and frequently used words in rock and roll music, and for good reason. Given that so many rock songs explore themes of relationships, love, and desire, it’s no surprise that artists often use “she” as a focal point in their lyrics. The exploration of gender, longing, heartache, and the enigmatic presence of a lover or muse are central to the genre. With this list, we celebrate the top ten songs that feature the word “she” in their title, showcasing the breadth and depth of rock music’s storytelling power.
We begin with Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” a jubilant and personal ode celebrating the birth of his daughter, demonstrating how the word “she” can be tied to joy and gratitude. The Crystals deliver a timeless classic with their rendition of “He’s a Rebel,” showing how early rock and roll embraced narratives of strength and independence. Elvis Costello’s version of “She,” originally by Charles Aznavour, highlights the vulnerability and beauty in relationships, while Bad Company’s “She Brings Me Love” captures the raw emotion and passion often associated with classic rock ballads.
Led Zeppelin gives us the lively “Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman),” a track that merges hard rock energy with witty commentary, while The Rolling Stones’ “She’s So Cold” showcases the band’s signature blend of irony and swagger as they tackle themes of emotional distance. David Bowie’s “She Shook Me Cold” dives into the darker, more surreal side of relationships, presenting a more experimental and avant-garde take on the word “she.”
Queen takes a softer, reflective approach with “She Makes Me (Stormtrooper in Stilettoes),” illustrating how the word “she” can also convey a sense of mystery and introspection. Hall & Oates deliver the soulful “She’s Gone,” a ballad steeped in heartache and regret, showing the pain of loss and separation. Lastly, Bruce Springsteen’s “She’s the One” captures the intensity and allure of love, combining his lyrical storytelling with his band’s energetic performance.
Closing out the list, we couldn’t choose just one song by The Beatles, given their numerous iconic tracks featuring the word “she.” We present a medley of their greatest: “She Said She Said,” “She’s Leaving Home,” “She Loves You,” “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window,” and “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” Together, these songs embody the full spectrum of emotions, stories, and styles that The Beatles mastered.
This list highlights how “she” has been a powerful tool in rock music, allowing artists to explore every facet of relationships, identity, and emotion. From joyful celebrations to heartbreak and longing, each song demonstrates the enduring and universal appeal of the word in music history.
# 10 – Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
Opening our list of the 10 best songs with the word “She” in the title, “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder serves as an iconic celebration of life, love, and fatherhood. Released on his landmark 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life, the song captures a deeply personal moment for Wonder, the birth of his daughter, Aisha Morris. The track combines emotional depth with musical brilliance, exemplifying how Stevie Wonder used his artistry to turn a simple, heartfelt event into a universal anthem of joy.
Recorded primarily at Crystal Sound Studios and The Record Plant in Hollywood, California, “Isn’t She Lovely” showcases Wonder’s unmatched talent as a multi-instrumentalist. He played nearly all the instruments himself, including the harmonica, bass synth, drums, and keyboards, which created the warm, soulful sound that defines the track. The song also includes real-life recordings, such as Aisha’s first cries after birth and a later recording of Wonder bathing her as a toddler, adding an authentic touch that blurs the line between life and music. Greg Phillinganes, a frequent collaborator of Wonder’s, contributed additional keyboard parts, enhancing the track’s lush arrangement.
Read More: Top 25 Stevie Wonder Songs
# 9 – She – Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello’s rendition of “She” initially written by Charles Aznavour and Herbert Kretzmer, is a captivating and emotive interpretation that breathes new life into this classic. Featured on the soundtrack of the 1999 film Notting Hill, Costello’s version brings an elegant, understated charm to the song, aligning perfectly with the romantic themes of the movie. Produced by Trevor Jones, the song not only marked a significant point in Costello’s career but also introduced a new generation to the timeless classic first popularized by Aznavour in the 1970s.
Read More: 25 Essential Elvis Costello Songs And Fan Favorites
# 8 – She Brings Me Love – Bad Company
“She Brings Me Love” by Bad Company appears on their fifth studio album, Desolation Angels, released on March 7, 1979. Written by Paul Rodgers, this heartfelt ballad showcases the band’s softer side, focusing on themes of love, intimacy, and devotion. The track highlights Rodgers’ ability to express vulnerability through music, with soulful vocals layered over the band’s gentle instrumentation. Recorded at Ridge Farm Studios in Dorking, Surrey, England, and produced by Bad Company alongside Chris Kimsey, the song captures a warm and introspective atmosphere, diverging from the band’s more hard-edged rock sound.
Read More: Simon Kirke Of Bad Company: 10 Albums That Changed My Life
# 7 – Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman) – Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin gave you no choice but to listen to this song if you were listening to it on the record, because it immediately started right on the next beat after “Whole Lotta Love” stopped. “Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman)” is a track from Led Zeppelin II, the band’s iconic 1969 album. Released as the B-side to “Whole Lotta Love” in the United States and as a single in Japan, the song showcases the band’s blues-rock roots with a touch of sarcasm in its storytelling. Recorded at several locations during Led Zeppelin’s intense touring schedule, including Olympic Studios and Morgan Studios in London, the track was produced by guitarist Jimmy Page, who took charge of shaping its sound alongside engineer Eddie Kramer.
Read More: Complete List Of Led Zeppelin Studio Albums And Songs
# 6 – She’s So Cold – The Rolling Stones
“She’s So Cold” is a track by The Rolling Stones from their Emotional Rescue album, released in September 1980. The song was also issued as the second single from the album, following the success of the title track. Recorded in Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, the song features a tight, groove-driven arrangement that highlights the band’s enduring ability to blend rock with a danceable rhythm—a hallmark of their late 70s and early 80s sound. It was produced by The Glimmer Twins (Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ pseudonym for their production partnership)
Read More: Our 10 Favorite Rolling Stones Songs Of The 1980s
# 5 – She Shook Me Cold – David Bowie
“She Shook Me Cold” is a track from David Bowie’s third studio album, The Man Who Sold the World, released in 1970. This album marked a shift in Bowie’s musical direction, moving towards a heavier and more rock-oriented sound, with clear influences from hard rock bands like Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Jeff Beck. The song showcases this evolution prominently, with guitarist Mick Ronson delivering a blistering solo that exemplifies the era’s heavy rock style. While Bowie is credited as the sole songwriter, bassist and producer Tony Visconti revealed that the track, like others on the album, was developed through improvised jam sessions with all band members contributing to its construction.
Read More: Complete List Of David Bowie Albums And Discography
# 4 – She Makes Me [Stormtrooper In Stilettos] – Queen
“She Makes Me (Stormtrooper in Stilettoes)” was issued on Sheer Heart Attack, released on November 8, 1974, through EMI Records in the UK and Elektra Records in the US. The album marked a shift for Queen, moving away from the progressive rock influences of their first two albums and incorporating more pop and hard rock elements that would become central to their signature sound. The song, written and sung by guitarist Brian May, showcases a softer, introspective side of Queen that contrasts sharply with the heavier tracks on the album.
Read More: Brian May of Queen: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
# 3 – She’s Gone – Hall & Oates
If you grew up in the seventies and listened to AM radio, then you know this was one of the most popular songs of the time. “She’s Gone” by Hall & Oates was featured on their 1973 album Abandoned Luncheonette. The track, written by Daryl Hall and John Oates, is one of the duo’s most enduring songs and has become a classic in the blue-eyed soul genre. Produced by the legendary Arif Mardin, the song was recorded on April 30, 1973, at Atlantic Recording Studios in New York City. Its fusion of soul, R&B, and the signature Philadelphia sound defined the era’s musical landscape and showcased Hall & Oates’ versatility as artists.
Read More: Top 10 Hall & Oates Songs
# 2 – She’s The One – Bruce Springsteen
“She’s the One” defined a modern twist on the old Bo Diddley beat. It was released on Bruce Springsteen’s iconic 1975 album Born to Run. The song embodies the raw energy and romanticism that characterize Springsteen’s early work, blending rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia with contemporary themes. It was recorded between April and June 1975 at 914 Sound Studios in Blauvelt, New York, and produced by Springsteen alongside his longtime collaborator, Jon Landau. This would become one of the live highlights of the 1978 Darkness tour. One of the greatest rock concerts I ever saw.
Read More: Top 10 Bruce Springsteen Songs Of The 1970s
# 1 – She Said She Said / She’s Leaving Home / She Loves You / She Came In Through The Bathroom Window / I Want You (She’s So Heavy) – The Beatles
To close our list of the 10 Best Songs With the Word ‘She’ in the Title, we’ve chosen not one but five iconic tracks by The Beatles. It came down to us just not being able to decide which one to pick. I mean, how can you pick one Beatles song over another Beatles song in a category like this? It just doesn’t make sense, so we decided to just include them all.
“She Said She Said”
Recorded on June 21, 1966, and appearing on Revolver, “She Said She Said” stands out for its psychedelic sound and introspective lyrics. Written primarily by John Lennon and inspired by an encounter with actor Peter Fonda, the song delves into themes of existentialism and altered consciousness. The recording took place at EMI Studios in London, with George Harrison contributing one of his most memorable guitar parts. Paul McCartney was notably absent from the bassline, which was instead played by Harrison. Produced by George Martin, the track showcases the band’s shift towards a more experimental and mature sound, moving away from the pop-oriented tunes of their earlier years.
Lyrically, Lennon reflects on the duality of perception, mirroring the surreal experience he had with Fonda. Lines such as “I know what it’s like to be dead” convey a sense of disconnection and introspection, aligning with the psychedelic movement of the 1960s. The song’s staccato rhythm and layered guitars create an atmosphere that feels both hypnotic and unsettling. Comparatively, it’s similar in its introspective tone to other songs on this list, such as Bruce Springsteen’s “She’s the One,” which also explores the complexity of relationships but in a more grounded manner.
“She’s Leaving Home”
From the groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), “She’s Leaving Home” showcases The Beatles’ ability to tell deeply emotional stories. Written by Paul McCartney, with contributions from John Lennon, the song was recorded at EMI Studios with the help of producer George Martin and arranger Mike Leander, who provided the lush orchestral backdrop. McCartney’s lyrics tell the poignant story of a young girl running away from home, highlighting the generational gap and the emotional disconnect between parents and children.
The arrangement, featuring a string ensemble and harp, evokes a sense of melancholy, emphasizing the heartbreak of both the parents and the daughter. It’s a rare track where none of the band members play their instruments, relying entirely on classical musicians. The song’s sorrowful narrative and orchestral arrangement offer a stark contrast to the upbeat rhythm and pop-centric style of earlier tracks like “She Loves You.” Lyrically, it delves into themes of independence and rebellion, making it an interesting comparison to Hall & Oates’ “She’s Gone,” which also deals with loss and emotional departure but from a lover’s perspective.
“She Loves You”
Perhaps one of the most iconic Beatles songs, “She Loves You” was recorded on July 1, 1963, at Abbey Road Studios and released as a single that same year. Written by Lennon and McCartney, the song became a defining moment in Beatlemania and British pop music history. Produced by George Martin, the track captures the infectious energy of early 1960s rock and roll, with its upbeat tempo and harmonized “Yeah, yeah, yeah” refrain. It became a massive hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and securing The Beatles’ status as pop icons.
Lyrically, the song is a straightforward narrative of a friend consoling another about his lover’s enduring affection. The jubilant delivery and vocal harmonies highlight The Beatles’ mastery of catchy melodies and simple yet effective storytelling. This track differs significantly from others on this list, like “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window,” which leans into surrealism and layered imagery. In its essence, “She Loves You” is an example of how the band could capture universal emotions within a pop framework, appealing to a wide audience while keeping the energy fresh and exciting.
“She Came In Through The Bathroom Window”
Appearing on Abbey Road (1969), “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window” is a testament to The Beatles’ creativity in song construction. Written primarily by McCartney and recorded in July 1969 at Abbey Road Studios, the track is part of the famous medley that closes side two of the album. It was produced by George Martin and features the classic lineup of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr playing together in perfect harmony.
The song’s lyrics are famously cryptic, supposedly inspired by a fan who broke into McCartney’s house. The surreal and whimsical storytelling style differs from the emotional directness seen in tracks like “She’s Leaving Home.” The bass and piano-driven groove give the song an almost playful feeling, contrasted by the underlying mystery of its narrative. The track’s structure also aligns with the shift towards more complex and studio-driven compositions that defined the later phase of The Beatles’ career. When compared to other songs on this list, it shares an experimental approach similar to David Bowie’s “She Shook Me Cold,” as both artists explore unexpected narratives through abstract and vivid imagery.
“I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”
The final track we explore, “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” is another song from Abbey Road, showcasing The Beatles’ progressive and heavy sound. Recorded between February and August 1969, it was written by Lennon, with McCartney contributing bass and backing vocals. The track represents one of the longest and most intense compositions the band recorded, clocking in at nearly eight minutes. It features a minimalistic lyrical approach, focusing on the repetitive phrase “I want you, I want you so bad,” which builds into a hypnotic and almost trance-like crescendo.
The song’s instrumental intensity, with its driving bassline and heavy guitar riff, offers a stark contrast to the orchestral and melodic arrangements found in “She’s Leaving Home.” The layered production and shifting dynamics exemplify The Beatles’ late-career experimentation and their embrace of both blues and progressive rock elements. The song’s brooding atmosphere and repetitive structure draw comparisons to Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” in terms of thematic obsession, but Wonder’s track celebrates joy, while “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” delves into desire and longing in a darker, more intense manner.
The choice to highlight these five Beatles songs as a collective entry perfectly illustrates the band’s ability to navigate diverse musical styles and lyrical themes. From the infectious joy of “She Loves You” to the dark intensity of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” each song captures a distinct facet of The Beatles’ unparalleled creativity. This versatility is why The Beatles have remained a monumental influence in music, making their songs an essential part of any list exploring tracks with the word ‘She’ in the title. By selecting five standout songs instead of one, we honor the vast scope of their catalog and the way they transformed the pop and rock landscape with their innovative sound.


































