10 Best Songs Named After Streets

Feature Photo: Cristian H. Gomez Licensed from Shutterstock

As a rock and roll fan, there are times when you’re walking down the street and you look up at the street sign, and it hits you that you’re walking along the sidewalk of an avenue or street that has been memorialized in a classic song for many years. When I first visited London and walked down Baker Street, I couldn’t stop hearing Gerry Rafferty’s phenomenal work. Of course, growing up in New York City, Broadway to me is just another street, but to others it’s a very special place the first time they visit. These are streets that are legendary.

Choosing the 10 best songs named after specific streets was a daunting task, especially given how many iconic tracks have drawn inspiration from real locations. Streets often serve as powerful symbols or settings, providing the backdrop for personal storytelling or cultural reflections. Narrowing the list down to just 10 required leaving out several notable songs, such as “Ventura Highway” by America, “Electric Avenue” by Eddy Grant, “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” by Bruce Springsteen, and “Kings Road” by Tom Petty. Tracks like “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen and “Funky Broadway” by Wilson Pickett are equally deserving of recognition but didn’t make the final cut.

The 10 songs that we ultimately selected for this list reflect a diverse range of genres, styles, and themes. From the reflective “Positively 4th Street” by Bob Dylan to the jazzy sophistication of George Benson’s “On Broadway,” and the nostalgic “Penny Lane” by The Beatles, these tracks stand out for their ability to transform specific locations into timeless works of art.

# 10 – “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” – Simon & Garfunkel

“The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1966, is a lighthearted ode to slowing down and embracing the simple joys of life. Featured on their Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme album, the track was recorded at Columbia Studio A in New York City under the guidance of producer Bob Johnston. The song’s whimsical, acoustic arrangement features Paul Simon on guitar and vocals, Art Garfunkel’s signature harmonies, and subtle bass contributions from Joe Osborn.

Read More: Top 10 Simon & Garfunkel Songs

# 9 – “Positively 4th Street” – Bob Dylan

Read More: Best Bob Dylan Songs of the 1960’s

# 8 – Does This Bus Stop At 82nd Street? – Bruce Springsteen

“Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street?” by Bruce Springsteen, released in 1973 on his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., is a vivid, freewheeling narrative that captures the bustling energy of city life. Recorded at 914 Sound Studios in Blauvelt, New York, and produced by Mike Appel and Jim Cretecos, the track features Springsteen’s rapid-fire lyrics, acoustic guitar, and a stripped-down arrangement, which defines the first album from the Boss.

Read More: Complete List Of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band Members

# 7 – Moon Over Bourbon Street – Sting

“Moon Over Bourbon Street,” released in 1985 as part of Sting’s debut solo album The Dream of the Blue Turtles, is a haunting, jazz-infused track inspired by Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire. Recorded at Blue Wave Studios in Barbados and produced by Sting and Pete Smith, the song’s moody arrangement features Branford Marsalis on clarinet, Kenny Kirkland on piano, and Darryl Jones on bass, blending elements of jazz and blues to evoke the dark allure of New Orleans.

Read More: Top 10 Sting Songs

# 6 – Tobacco Road – David Lee Roth

Few songs have enjoyed the longevity and adaptability of “Tobacco Road,” originally written by John D. Loudermilk in 1960. Over the decades, this gritty tale of struggle and survival has been reinterpreted by countless artists across genres, from the swampy rock of The Nashville Teens in 1964 to Edgar Winter’s soulful, jazz-infused rendition in the early 1970s. Each version has brought something unique to the track, reflecting its universal appeal and the ability to resonate with listeners in wildly different contexts. However, for this list, we’re spotlighting David Lee Roth’s electrifying take, a bold reimagining from his 1986 Eat ‘Em and Smile album.

Roth’s version of “Tobacco Road” captures the high-octane energy and flamboyance that defined his solo career. Backed by virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Gregg Bissonette, Roth’s rendition transforms the song into a swaggering rock anthem. Recorded at The Power Station in New York and produced by Ted Templeman, the track explodes with technical precision and showmanship, elevating the narrative of humble beginnings into a theatrical celebration of resilience. Roth’s larger-than-life persona infuses the song with a cheeky bravado that contrasts with the grittier, more earnest interpretations by earlier artists.

Read More: Top 10 David Lee Roth Songs

# 5 – Across 110th Street – Bobby Womack

When Bobby Womack penned “Across 110th Street” in 1972, he created a gritty, soulful portrait of urban life that remains as evocative today as it was when it first hit the airwaves. Written alongside J.J. Johnson for the soundtrack of the film Across 110th Street, the song captures the struggles and aspirations of those living in Harlem, particularly the challenges of crossing figurative and literal boundaries. Recorded at United Artists Recording Studios and produced by Johnson, the track features Womack’s emotive vocals and raw, funk-infused instrumentation, setting the tone for one of the most iconic pieces of music to emerge from the blaxploitation era.

The song’s cinematic origins elevated it beyond its role in the film, earning a life of its own as an anthem of resilience and survival. Over the years, it has been celebrated for its powerful storytelling and has found renewed relevance through its inclusion in movies like Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown. While other street-themed songs on this list may celebrate escapism or nostalgia, “Across 110th Street” is unapologetically rooted in the grit and struggle of urban reality, offering an unflinching look at survival against the odds.

Read More: Top 10 Bobby Womack Songs

# 4 – 157 Riverside Avenue  – Reo Speedwagon

“157 Riverside Avenue,” the electrifying track from REO Speedwagon’s 1971 self-titled debut album, captures the raw energy and blues-rock roots of the band’s early years. Recorded at Columbia Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Paul Leka, the song became a live performance staple for the band, with its dynamic interplay and extended improvisations. Named after the address of a house the band rented while recording in Westport, Connecticut, the song offers a playful and spirited reflection on their experiences during that time.

Read More: Top 10 REO Speedwagon Songs

# 3 – Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty

Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street,” released in 1978 on his album City to City, is a timeless classic that blends introspective lyrics with a rich, unforgettable melody. Recorded at Chipping Norton Recording Studios in Oxfordshire and produced by Hugh Murphy, the track features one of the most iconic saxophone solos in rock history, performed by Raphael Ravenscroft. Rafferty’s smooth vocals and introspective songwriting are complemented by a polished arrangement that includes Hugh Burns’ soaring guitar work and a lush rhythm section, creating a track that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Read More: David Lee Roth Covers Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street”

# 2 – On Broadway – George Benson

“On Broadway,” originally written by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil, has been an enduring standard since it was first recorded by The Cookies in 1962. The Drifters popularized it in 1963, infusing the song with a blend of soul and R&B that reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. While The Drifters’ version is iconic, the track has been reinterpreted by numerous artists, with each bringing their own unique flair. Among these, George Benson’s 1978 rendition stands out as a definitive cover, transforming the track into a jazz-funk masterpiece. Benson’s version, recorded live for his album Weekend in L.A., reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance.

Read More: Top 10 George Benson Songs

# 1 – Penny Lane – The Beatles 

Few songs capture the magic of everyday life with the vivid detail and charm of The Beatles’ “Penny Lane.” Released as a double A-side single with “Strawberry Fields Forever” in 1967, the track was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and produced by George Martin. Written primarily by Paul McCartney, with contributions from John Lennon, “Penny Lane” is a nostalgic ode to the street in Liverpool where McCartney and Lennon spent much of their youth. Its vibrant orchestration features a piccolo trumpet solo performed by David Mason, lush piano lines, and harmonious vocals, epitomizing The Beatles’ innovative sound during the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band era.

Read More: Top 10 Beatles Songs 1967-1968

Updated May 10, 2025

10 Best Songs Named After Streets article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025