10 Best Songs That Feature The Word 'End' In The Title

Feature Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Whether it’s the end of a relationship, the end of innocence, or even the end of the world itself, the word “end” has provided a rich well of inspiration for artists to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. This list delves into ten remarkable tracks that feature the word “end” in their titles, showcasing the diverse ways this theme has been interpreted. From heartbreak to apocalyptic visions, each of these songs offers a unique perspective, demonstrating how the idea of an “end” is often just the beginning of an unforgettable musical journey.

As these ten songs prove, “endings” in music are anything but final. They evoke emotions, spark introspection, and offer catharsis, demonstrating the profound impact that a single word can have when wielded by masterful songwriters. This list celebrates the many ways artists have transformed the concept of an “end” into timeless music that continues to inspire and move us.

# 10 – In The End – Linkin Park

“In the End” by Linkin Park is a defining track that not only solidified the band’s place in nu-metal history but also became one of their most iconic songs. Released in 2000 on their debut album, Hybrid Theory, the song was recorded at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California, and was produced by the band’s frequent collaborator Don Gilmore. Featuring Mike Shinoda’s introspective rapping seamlessly intertwined with Chester Bennington’s soaring, emotionally charged vocals, the track exemplifies the duality that became the band’s hallmark.

Read More: Top 10 Linkin Park Songs

# 9 – Till The End Of The Days – The Kinks

“Till the End of the Day” by The Kinks captures the uncontainable energy and optimism of 1960s rock, firmly placing it as one of the band’s most spirited anthems. Released in 1965 on The Kink Kontroversy, the track was recorded at Pye Studios in London and produced by the legendary Shel Talmy, who also worked with The Who and other major British Invasion bands. The song is a quintessential example of The Kinks’ raw yet infectious style, driven by Ray Davies’ vibrant songwriting and the band’s pioneering use of power chords.

# 8 – Dance Me to the End of Love – Leonard Cohen

“Dance Me to the End of Love,” from Leonard Cohen’s 1984 album Various Positions, is a masterful blend of poetic lyricism and hauntingly beautiful melodies. Recorded at Quadrasonic Sound Studios in New York City and produced by John Lissauer, the song exemplifies Cohen’s unparalleled ability to weave profound themes into music that resonates deeply with listeners. Drawing on elements of Greek folk music, the track features a lilting rhythm propelled by mandolins and violins, evoking both passion and melancholy.

Musically, the song’s arrangement captures an old-world charm that complements Cohen’s baritone vocals and introspective delivery. The lyrics, inspired by the harrowing imagery of Holocaust string quartets forced to play as fellow prisoners marched to their deaths, juxtapose themes of love, mortality, and perseverance. Lines such as “Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin” and “Dance me to the end of love” suggest both a celebration of intimacy and a poignant acknowledgment of life’s fragility. The subtle yet evocative instrumentation underscores the tension between joy and sorrow, a hallmark of Cohen’s artistry.

# 7 – The End – Diane Birch

Diane Birch’s “The End” offers an ethereal, introspective listening experience, marked by her powerful vocals and lush instrumentation. Released in 2017, the song beautifully exemplifies Birch’s ability to merge haunting melodies with deeply personal themes. Recorded with a sense of intimacy that resonates throughout, the track showcases a rich string arrangement that envelops Birch’s soulful voice, creating an atmospheric, almost hypnotic soundscape.

# 6 – Till The World Ends – Three Dog Night

Three Dog Night’s “Till The World Ends,” released as a single in 1975, is a soaring anthem that encapsulates the band’s signature ability to merge dynamic vocals with lush instrumentation. Written by Dave Loggins, the song carries an emotional depth complemented by the group’s distinct harmonies. Produced by Jimmy Ienner, known for his work with artists like Grand Funk Railroad and The Raspberries, “Till The World Ends” stands as one of the band’s final significant releases during their initial run before disbanding in 1976.

# 5 – Childhood’s End – Sammy Hagar & The Circle

“Childhood’s End,” a powerful track from Sammy Hagar & The Circle’s 2022 album Crazy Times, is a reflection on life’s inevitable transitions and the challenges of maturity. The song was recorded at RCA Studio A in Nashville, Tennessee, under the production of Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb. Known for his raw, authentic approach to recording, Cobb captured the band’s dynamic interplay and brought a stripped-down intensity to the track. The band lineup includes Sammy Hagar on vocals, Michael Anthony on bass and backing vocals, Jason Bonham on drums, and Vic Johnson on guitar, all delivering a cohesive performance that bridges hard rock energy with introspective lyricism.

# 4 – The Dark End of the Street – James Carr

“The Dark End of the Street,” recorded by soul icon James Carr in 1966, stands as a timeless exploration of forbidden love and heartbreak. Written by the celebrated songwriting duo Dan Penn and Chips Moman, the track was recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, a hub for soul music’s evolution. Penn’s evocative lyrics and Moman’s poignant melody combined with Carr’s deeply expressive voice to create a track that has resonated for generations. The song was released as a single on the Goldwax label and later became a hallmark of Carr’s debut album, You Got My Mind Messed Up.

# 3 – Loose Ends – Bruce Springsteen

Originally recorded during sessions for The River in 1979 but left unreleased until its inclusion on the 1998 box set Tracks, the song reflects Springsteen’s meticulous attention to detail and his willingness to set aside even exceptional work if it didn’t align with the overall vision of an album.

# 2 – Waiting For The End Of The World – Elvis Costello

“Waiting for the End of the World,” a wry and edgy track from Elvis Costello’s debut album, My Aim Is True, perfectly encapsulates his knack for razor-sharp storytelling and biting social commentary. Recorded in 1976 at Pathway Studios in London, this song features Costello on vocals and guitar, with backing instrumentation provided by the American band Clover. Produced by Nick Lowe, the track is a shining example of Costello’s early punk-meets-new-wave style, blending frenetic rhythms with lyrics steeped in dark humor and observational wit. Its layered arrangement, highlighted by Costello’s urgent delivery and Clover’s tight musicianship, creates a sound both timeless and distinctly rooted in the late 1970s.

# 1 – End Of The Night – The Doors

Yes, I know you were expecting the final song on this list to be The Doors’ legendary musical piece “The End.” We’ve all seen the effect it had in the movie Apocalypse Now and how it’s become such an enduring classic. And that’s pretty much the point—everyone knows this song, everyone knows The Doors song “The End,” so why do the same thing everybody else does and put that one at the end? Interestingly, on the same album where the classic song was released, there is another track with the word “end” in it. That’s the one we’ve chosen to showcase here as the final track on our list of the top 10 songs with the word “end” in the title.

Read More: The Doors Most Underrated Songs

Updated November 22, 2025

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One Response

Baybluesman December 19, 2024

A few others entered my psyche while reading this article, that IMO, are worthy on an expanded list:

“It’s The End Of The World As We Know It” – R.E.M.
“The End” – The Beatles
“The End Of The innocence” – Don Henley
“Because We’ve Ended as Lovers” – Jeff Beck
“The End Of The World” – Several versions; John Mellencamp, The Carpenters, Skeeter Davis