10 Best Songs With Sports Themes In The Title

Feature Photo: Adam McCullough-Shutterstock.com

This was an interesting list to compile because, upon closer examination, many of the songs on this list are actually not about sports, but rather utilize sports themes in their titles, which is why they qualify. Rock and roll music, pop lyricists, and everyone involved in creating music are always looking for unique avenues to explore in their lyrics. Sports, along with the themes behind sports like winning and losing, have long been a common practice. Here are ten that we believe are particularly unique in their use of sports themes. Sometimes, they are actually about sports, like Queen’s “Bicycle Race”—although the contestants in that race might fall into some other categories, if you know what I mean. (Although I wish I could have joined them on that.) But here we go!

# 10 – Games People Play – The Alan Parsons Project

Some may argue that this is not really about sports, but of course, there are many ways to define the term, and we actually think that this does fit. “Games People Play,” released in 1980 as the second single from The Turn of a Friendly Card, is one of the most recognizable tracks by The Alan Parsons Project. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and produced by Alan Parsons, the song showcases the band’s signature blend of progressive rock and pop sensibilities. Featuring vocals by Lenny Zakatek and instrumentation by Eric Woolfson on keyboards, Ian Bairnson on guitar, David Paton on bass, and Stuart Elliott on drums, the track achieves a layered, polished sound that encapsulates the Project’s meticulous production style. The intricate arrangements reflect Parsons’ background as an audio engineer, notably on albums like Abbey Road by The Beatles and The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd.

Read More: Top 10 Alan Parsons Project Songs

# 9 – The Winner Takes It All – ABBA

Released in 1980 as the lead single from ABBA’s album Super Trouper, “The Winner Takes It All” is one of the group’s most emotionally charged and iconic songs. Recorded at Polar Music Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, the track was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with Agnetha Fältskog delivering a heartfelt vocal performance that has resonated with audiences for decades. The minimalist production emphasizes a piano-driven arrangement, complemented by subtle strings and harmonies, showcasing the band’s ability to convey raw emotion through carefully crafted simplicity. The song was a commercial triumph, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

Read More: Top 10 ABBA Songs

# 8 – Bicycle Race – Queen

Released in 1978 as a double A-side single with “Fat Bottomed Girls,” Queen’s “Bicycle Race” remains one of the band’s most eccentric and imaginative tracks. Featured on the album Jazz, the song was recorded at Super Bear Studios in Berre-les-Alpes, France, with production by the band and Roy Thomas Baker. Written by Freddie Mercury, the song features his playful and dynamic vocal delivery, Brian May’s signature guitar flourishes, Roger Taylor’s lively drumming, and John Deacon’s rhythmic bass work. Its unconventional structure and lyrical wit highlight Queen’s experimental approach to rock music.

# 7 – Beautiful Loser – Bob Seger

Released in 1975 as the title track of Bob Seger’s album Beautiful Loser, this introspective rock ballad captures the complexities of ambition, compromise, and self-reflection. Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, with additional sessions at Nimbus Nine Studios in Toronto, the song was produced by Bob Seger and Punch Andrews. Featuring Seger’s heartfelt vocals and a backing band that included the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, the track’s minimalist arrangement combines acoustic guitar, bass, keyboards, and subtle percussion to create an emotionally resonant soundscape..

Read More: Top 20 Bob Seger Songs

# 6 – Winner Takes It All – Sammy Hagar

“Winner Takes It All” was recorded by Sammy Hagar in 1987 for the soundtrack to the Sylvester Stallone film Over the Top. The track was written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock, with production handled by Moroder, who was also the film’s musical director. Recorded at Oasis Recording Studios in Los Angeles, the song features Sammy Hagar on vocals and famed guitarist Edward Van Halen playing bass—a role reversal for the Van Halen bandmates. The drumming was performed by Denny Carmassi, Hagar’s longtime collaborator. “Winner Takes It All” was released by CBS Records and issued as a single, reaching No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 5 – Surfin’ U.S.A. – The Beach Boys

Released in 1963 as the title track of their second studio album, “Surfin’ U.S.A.” cemented The Beach Boys as icons of the California sound. Written by Brian Wilson, with a melody adapted from Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen,” the song was recorded at Western Studios in Hollywood and produced by Nick Venet. Featuring Wilson’s soaring falsetto harmonies, Mike Love’s lead vocals, and the band’s signature blend of surf rock instrumentation, the track captures the carefree spirit of the early 1960s beach culture.

Read More: Top 10 Beach Boys Songs

# 4 – Winning – Santana

Released in 1981 as a single from Santana’s Zebop! album, “Winning” is a triumphant anthem of resilience and determination. Written by Russ Ballard and recorded at The Automatt in San Francisco, the track was produced by Carlos Santana and Bill Szymczyk. The song features Santana’s signature guitar work, complemented by Alex Ligertwood’s soaring vocals, Graham Lear’s dynamic drumming, and Chris Solberg’s rhythmic guitar. The lush production and spirited performance reflect Santana’s ability to merge rock, pop, and Latin influences into a cohesive and uplifting sound. “Winning” was a great commercial success, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has since become one of Santana’s most beloved tracks from the early 1980s.

# 3 – We Are the Champions – Queen

News Of The World [2011 Remastered Version] By Queen (2011-06-27)

Released in 1977 as part of a double A-side single with “We Will Rock You” from the album News of the World, “We Are the Champions” is one of Queen’s most iconic and enduring anthems. Written by Freddie Mercury and recorded at Basing Street Studios in London, the song was produced by the band and Mike Stone. The track combines rock and classical elements into a triumphant, theatrical masterpiece, featuring Mercury’s soaring vocal performance, Brian May’s emotive guitar work, Roger Taylor’s dramatic drumming, and John Deacon’s solid basslines. The song was a global success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

Read More: Top 10 Queen Songs

# 2 – Centerfield – John Fogerty

Released in 1985 as the title track of John Fogerty’s third solo album, Centerfield, this song is a celebration of baseball and Americana. Recorded at The Plant Studios in Sausalito, California, and produced by Fogerty himself, the track features him playing all instruments, showcasing his multi-instrumental talent and meticulous attention to detail. The rhythmic hand-claps, organ riffs, and twangy guitar work create a sound that perfectly captures the nostalgic feel of a sunny day at the ballpark.

# 1 -The Boxer – Simon & Garfunkel

Released in 1969 as a single and later featured on Simon & Garfunkel’s album Bridge Over Troubled Water, “The Boxer” is a poignant and intricately crafted folk-rock masterpiece. Written by Paul Simon and recorded at multiple locations, including Columbia Studios in New York City and Nashville, the song features contributions from legendary session musicians, including Fred Carter Jr. on guitar, Hal Blaine on drums, and Joe Osborn on bass. The track’s sweeping production was overseen by Simon, Art Garfunkel, and producer Roy Halee, resulting in a rich, layered sound that highlights the duo’s harmonies and Simon’s evocative storytelling.

Read More: Top 10 Simon & Garfunkel Songs