10 Best Songs About Memories

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This list of songs about memories was not easy to compile. For many of us, memories can be very painful, even if they are filled with wonderful experiences. In fact, it’s the joyful times that are often the most difficult to relive because they’re long gone and will never return. It’s the sad memories that make us appreciate that we are still alive and moving forward. In the end, as I have gotten older, I have turned to my memories much less often and instead focus on the present, prioritizing the time I have left now more than ever. I would much rather spend my time thinking about my kids’ future and, even more simply, the next great slice of pizza or a wonderful cup of coffee that I am about to experience. Keeping it simple makes life a little less stressful and much happier.

# 10 – I Will Remember You – Sarah McLachlan

We open up this list of songs about memories with a very sentimental piece by Sarah McLachlan. As much as this is one about looking back, it’s also a song about moving forward while not letting the past hold you back. And for me, that’s the best type of song about memories.

# 9 – Superstar – The Carpenters

This list may be too tough to get through because some of the songs I am thinking about are so beautiful yet simply crushing. Luther Vandross recorded a wonderful version of this song, but for me, the Gold standard will always be the Carpenters’ recording.

# 8 – Papa – Paul Anka

I remember my parents always talking about this song when I was younger. When I lost my father about ten years ago, this song really hit home. Paul Anka may be the king of writing songs about memories with such classics as “Times Of Your Life,” and of course “My Way.” But this one, I think is his most tender.

# 7 – I Wanna Go Back – Eddie Money

Okay, after that last one, it’s time for something a little lighter and more rocking. The late Eddie Money to the rescue.

# 6 – Melody for a Memory – Hall and Oates

This one is a gem. We all know the big hits from Hall & Oates, yet this one was a real sleeper. The song was released on their also underrated album Along The Red Ledge. This was between the early-to-mid-70s hits and their blockbuster decade of hits in the 1980s. This is a great rocking ballad filled with soulful singing, iconic harmonies, and some great guitar playing.

# 5 – Only A Memory – The Smithereens

Ask any real rock and roll fan who grew up in the 70s and 80s to name one of their favorite bands that should have been much better than they ever were, and I guarantee that many woudl pick this band. It’s been almost ten years since we lost Pat DiNizio. That man could write great songs. He is missed.

# 4 – Mainstreet – Bob Seger

Before Bob Seger sings one word in this song, you already know it’s a song about the past just based on the sound of that guitar in the introduction. This album was Seger’s Born To Run.

# 3 – Those Were The Days – Mary Hopkin

Was there ever a song total and chorus that said this one was more about looking back than any other song in history? Probably not. Mary Hopkin hit a grand slam with this one. Released on Apple Records in 1968 and produced by Paul McCartney, this song reached number one worldwide.

# 2 – Memory Motel – The Rolling Stones

Mick Jagger paints such a vivid story with his vocal performance on this Rolling Stones classic cut. The song was released in 1975 on their Black And Blue album. Nicky Hopkins piano playing set the tone for one of the Stones’ most sentimental recordings of their career.

# 1 – Backstreets – Bruce Springsteen

I get chills every time I hear the opening piano chords on this, my favorite Bruce Springsteen song of all time. This song brings me back to my youth more than any other song. I dont think I’m alone on that. From the Born To Run album, which I believe is by far one of the greatest albums of the 1970s.

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