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

Feature Photo: Joost Evers / Anefo, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/nl/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons

The word “want” conveys longing, ambition, and vulnerability, making it a compelling centerpiece for songwriting. From timeless classics to genre-defining hits, these songs showcase how the idea of wanting can take many forms, from romantic yearning to introspective questioning to societal commentary. Here are ten of the best songs with the word “want” in their titles, each offering its unique perspective on human desire.

# 10 – So You Want To Be A Rock ‘N’ Roll Star – The Byrds

Released in January 1967 as the lead single from their fourth album, Younger Than Yesterday, this satirical anthem offers a biting commentary on the commercialism of the music industry during the 1960s. Written by Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, the song features McGuinn’s signature jangly Rickenbacker guitar riff and Hillman’s propulsive bassline, complemented by brass from South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela. Recorded in late 1966 at Columbia Studios in Hollywood, California, and produced by Gary Usher, the track showcases The Byrds’ evolution from their folk-rock roots into a more experimental and biting musical direction. Critically acclaimed upon release, “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘N’ Roll Star” charted modestly, peaking at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Read More: 10 Best Byrds Songs

# 9 – Do You Want To Know A Secret – Billy J Kramer

The timeless charm of “Do You Want to Know a Secret” by Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas lies in its roots as a Lennon-McCartney composition. Written primarily by John Lennon and included on The Beatles’ debut album, Please Please Me, the song found new life in Kramer’s hands. Recorded at EMI Studios in London on March 21, 1963, and produced by George Martin, the track showcases the collaborative magic that defined much of the early British Invasion. Billy J. Kramer’s version was released as a single later that year, solidifying his place as a key interpreter of Lennon-McCartney compositions. This rendition became a commercial success, peaking at number one on the UK Singles Chart and reaching the Top 10 on the U.S. Charts.
Read More: Billy J. Kramer: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 8 – Want Ads – Honey Cone

The Honey Cone’s “Want Ads” is a spirited anthem of empowerment that blends soulful melodies with relatable storytelling. Recorded in 1971 at Holland-Dozier-Holland’s Invictus Records in Detroit, the track features a captivating vocal performance by lead singer Edna Wright, supported by Carolyn Willis and Shelly Clark. Produced by Greg Perry and released as a single from their album Sweet Replies, “Want Ads” skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.

# 7 – Don’t You Want Me – The Human League

Released in November 1981 as the fourth single from Dare, “Don’t You Want Me” became The Human League’s signature track, epitomizing the synth-pop revolution of the early 1980s. Written by band members Philip Oakey, Jo Callis, and Philip Adrian Wright, and produced by Martin Rushent, the song was recorded at Genetic Studios in Berkshire, England. With its infectious melody and compelling duet format, the track transformed from a potential album filler to a chart-dominating anthem, achieving international success, including a five-week stint at the top of the UK Singles Chart and a number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in 1982.
Read More: Top 10 Human League Songs

# 6 – I Want You – Elvis Costello

“I Want You,” from Elvis Costello’s 1986 album Blood & Chocolate, is one of his most haunting and emotionally raw compositions. The track was recorded at Olympic Studios in London with Costello and the Attractions, featuring Costello on lead vocals and guitar, Steve Nieve on keyboards, Bruce Thomas on bass, and Pete Thomas on drums. Produced by Nick Lowe and Colin Fairley, the album saw Costello revisit the raw, visceral energy of his earlier work, with “I Want You” among its most intense and enigmatic tracks.
Read More: 25 Essential Elvis Costello Songs And Fan Favorites

# 5 – Give The People What They Want – The Kinks

Released as part of Give the People What They Want in 1981, “Give the People What They Want” exemplifies The Kinks’ knack for merging social commentary with biting rock ‘n’ roll. Recorded at Konk Studios in London and produced by lead vocalist and guitarist Ray Davies, the song reflects the band’s distinct ability to capture societal discontent through clever lyrics and infectious melodies. The album marked The Kinks’ transition into the 1980s with a harder-edged sound while maintaining their penchant for incisive storytelling.
Read More: Dave Davies of The Kinks: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 4 -The Ocean Doesn’t Want Me – Tom Waits

Few artists could conjure an atmosphere as haunting and introspective as Tom Waits achieves in “The Ocean Doesn’t Want Me,” a track from his 1992 album Bone Machine. Recorded at Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Cotati, California, Bone Machine features Waits’ signature experimental approach, with its raw, sparse arrangements accentuating the song’s somber, surreal tone. Produced by Waits and his wife Kathleen Brennan, the album and this track, in particular, delve into existential themes with unflinching honesty, marking a pivotal moment in Waits’ career.
Read More: Top 10 Tom Waits Songs 1980s

# 3 – I Want It All – Queen

Queen’s “I Want It All,” released as the lead single from their 1989 album The Miracle, stands as a testament to the band’s unwavering ambition and unparalleled ability to fuse hard rock with anthemic grandeur. Recorded in 1988 at Olympic Studios and Mountain Studios, the song was a collective effort, with credits shared among all four band members—Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor, but its genesis originated with Brian May. May crafted the song’s riff-driven energy and empowering lyrics, inspired by his then-wife Anita Dobson’s catchphrase.
Read More: Brian May of Queen: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 2 – I Wouldn’t Want To Be Like You – The Alan Parsons Project

“I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You,” a standout track from I Robot (1977), captures the sleek sophistication of The Alan Parsons Project at the height of their progressive rock experimentation. Written by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson, the song blends a funky, groove-driven rhythm with pointed lyrical themes of individuality and disdain for conformity. Lenny Zakatek delivers a soulful and biting lead vocal performance, marking his first collaboration with the group. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, the track is a testament to Parsons’ expertise as a producer and Woolfson’s knack for crafting incisive, thought-provoking lyrics. Upon release, “I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You” achieved commercial success, peaking at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Read More: Top 10 Alan Parsons Project Songs

# 1 – I Want To Hold Your Hand – The Beatles

“I Want to Hold Your Hand,” released in 1963, is one of The Beatles’ most iconic songs, capturing the infectious energy of the early British Invasion. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song marked a significant milestone in the band’s career as their first U.S. number-one single, helping to ignite Beatlemania across the Atlantic. Recorded on October 17, 1963, at Abbey Road Studios, the track was produced by the legendary George Martin. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” was a phenomenon. It became the band’s first song to top the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., spending seven weeks at number one and selling over a million copies in less than three weeks.
Read More: Complete List Of The Beatles Songs From A to Z

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