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

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From existential musings to swaggering bravado, the songs in this collection examine desire, conflict, and the search for meaning through some of the most defining moments in rock, pop, and soul history.

# 10 – What Is Life – George Harrison

George Harrison - All Things Must Pass [LP] (Vinyl/LP)

Since so many legendary classic songs utilize the word what in the title, we wanted to open up this list with a special one. In fact, we could have actually closed this one because it’s just so good. This is easily one of George Harrison’s greatest solo releases. “What Is Life” was recorded during the sessions for All Things Must Pass and released in the United States as the album’s second single on February 15, 1971. The song, which Harrison originally intended for Billy Preston, featured an expansive production driven by Phil Spector’s signature Wall of Sound technique. Recorded in London in 1970, the track included contributions from an ensemble of musicians including Eric Clapton, members of Badfinger, and musicians from Delaney & Bonnie’s touring band.

Read More: Top 10 George Harrison Songs

# 9 – What’s Up? – 4 Non Blondes

Released in 1993, “What’s Up?” became the defining song for 4 Non Blondes, propelling the band to international fame with a single that captured a sense of generational frustration and longing. Written by lead vocalist Linda Perry, the final version was recorded at The Plant in Sausalito, California, after Perry rejected an earlier studio version and pushed to recut the song closer to her original vision. David Tickle received the production and mixing credit. The result was an anthem that resonated worldwide, reaching number one in numerous countries and becoming one of the most recognizable alternative rock songs of the decade.

While “What’s Up?” was 4 Non Blondes’ only major hit, Linda Perry went on to become one of the most influential producers and songwriters of her generation. She later wrote or produced major records for artists including Pink, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, and others. Her work on Aguilera’s Stripped, particularly “Beautiful,” helped establish Perry as a major behind-the-scenes force in modern pop and rock music.

Read More: Top 10 4 Non Blondes Songs

# 8 – What Do You Do for Money Honey – AC/DC

“What Do You Do for Money Honey” was recorded by AC/DC for their seminal album Back in Black, released on July 25, 1980. The album marked the band’s first full-length release following the death of Bon Scott and introduced Brian Johnson as the new lead vocalist. The track was recorded between April and May 1980 at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, with production handled by Robert John “Mutt” Lange. The lineup featured Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, Phil Rudd on drums, and Johnson on vocals. The album was mixed at Electric Lady Studios in New York City. Back in Black went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time.

# 7 – What I Like About You – The Romantics

The Romantics captured the essence of power pop with “What I Like About You,” a high-energy anthem that became one of the defining tracks of the early 1980s. I mean, how many times did you see this video on MTV in the early ’80s, especially during those first two years? Released as a single in December 1979 and included on the band’s self-titled 1980 debut album, the song was recorded at Coconuts Recording Studio in Miami and produced by Pete Solley. Featuring a raw garage-rock intensity, it combined infectious hooks, a driving rhythm, and an exuberant lead vocal from drummer Jimmy Marinos.

Read More: Top 10 Songs From The Romantics

# 6 – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2

U2 crafted one of their most spiritually resonant and enduring anthems with “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” a track that captured both the band’s evolving sound and their lyrical depth. Recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, the song was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno for The Joshua Tree, released on March 9, 1987. The recording process saw the band experimenting with gospel-inspired vocal arrangements while maintaining the atmospheric textures that had become a hallmark of their collaboration with Eno and Lanois.

The song stood apart from much of their previous work by embracing a looser, more organic structure, driven by a hypnotic rhythm from drummer Larry Mullen Jr. and Adam Clayton’s understated bass line. The Edge’s shimmering guitar work, combined with Bono’s impassioned vocal delivery, reinforced the song’s introspective yet anthemic quality. Upon release, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” became one of U2’s most successful singles, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 5 – (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding – Brinsley Schwarz

Nick Lowe wrote “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” and recorded it in 1974 with his band Brinsley Schwarz for The New Favourites of… Brinsley Schwarz. Produced by Dave Edmunds, the original recording paired the song’s plea for peace and compassion with the energy of the British pub-rock scene. The song later gained far wider recognition through Elvis Costello and the Attractions, whose version became closely associated with Costello’s catalog. Lowe continued performing the song throughout his solo career.

# 4 – What The World Needs Now Is Love – Jackie DeShannon

Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love” became one of the most enduring pop songs of the 1960s, delivering a message of unity and compassion against the backdrop of a turbulent era. Jackie DeShannon recorded the song at Bell Sound Studios in New York City on March 23, 1965, with Bacharach and David producing. With its sophisticated orchestration, elegant melody, and direct yet profound lyrics, the song reflected Bacharach and David’s signature approach to songwriting. DeShannon’s warm and expressive vocal delivery carried the song’s plea for universal love and helped take the single into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10.

Read More: Top 20 Burt Bacharach Songs

# 3 – What’s Your Name – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “What’s Your Name” captured the excess and chaos of life on the road, blending Southern rock swagger with a narrative drawn directly from the band’s own experiences. Released in 1977 on Street Survivors, the song chronicled the debauchery of a touring musician’s life, from hotel-room escapades to run-ins with the police, all set against a backdrop of bluesy guitar licks and honky-tonk piano. Produced by Tom Dowd, the track was recorded during the Street Survivors sessions and featured Ronnie Van Zant on vocals, Allen Collins and Gary Rossington on guitars, Leon Wilkeson on bass, Billy Powell on piano, and Artimus Pyle on drums. The album became one of Skynyrd’s most famous releases, not only for its music but also because the plane crash that killed Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines occurred just days after the album was released.

# 2 – You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” blended rock, gospel, and orchestral elements into one of the band’s most ambitious compositions. Recorded at Olympic Sound Studios in London, the song was produced by Jimmy Miller and featured the London Bach Choir on its famous opening. Mick Jagger handled the lead vocal while Keith Richards played guitar, and Jimmy Miller played drums on the recording. Al Kooper played piano, organ, and French horn, adding a stately quality to the song’s grand arrangement. Released as the B-side to “Honky Tonk Women” in 1969, the track also appeared on Let It Bleed, an album that reflected both the turbulence of the late ’60s and the band’s transition after the departure of Brian Jones.

# 1 – What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” was recorded in 1970 at Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit and released as a single in January 1971. Written by Gaye, Al Cleveland, and Renaldo “Obie” Benson of the Four Tops, the song diverged from Motown’s traditional focus on love and romance, addressing social and political unrest with a level of depth and urgency rarely heard in mainstream soul music. The track was produced by Gaye himself, marking his shift toward greater artistic independence. The instrumentation featured members of Motown’s in-house band, the Funk Brothers, with James Jamerson delivering one of his most revered bass performances. Saxophonist Eli Fontaine’s improvisational introduction became one of the song’s defining elements, adding a mournful yet elegant quality to its opening moments.

Read More: Top 10 Marvin Gaye Songs