20 Songs About Curiosity

As someone who has always been driven by an insatiable curiosity, I can attest to the power of curiosity to inspire, motivate and transform. Curiosity is the spark that ignites our imagination, propels us to explore the unknown, and fuels our desire to learn and grow. It’s the force that compels us to ask questions, seek answers, and push the boundaries of what we know.

Music has a unique way of capturing the essence of human experiences and emotions, and curiosity is no exception. Over the years, countless artists have written songs that explore the themes of curiosity, wonder, and the thirst for knowledge. From the whimsical and playful to the profound and introspective, these songs tap into the universal human experience of being curious.

In this playlist, I’ve curated a list of 20 songs that, in my opinion, beautifully capture the spirit of curiosity. These songs come from a wide range of genres and eras, but they all share a common thread – they inspire us to look at the world with fresh eyes, to ask questions, and to never stop learning.

1. “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & The News

“The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & The News is a classic rock song that explores the transformative and sometimes unpredictable nature of love. Written for the 1985 film Back to the Future, the song became a major hit, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics describe love as a “curious thing” that can evoke a wide range of emotions, from making a man weep to making another sing. It highlights love’s ability to change people and situations, metaphorically stating it can “change a hawk to a little white dove” and emphasizing its strength and richness.

2. “Curiosity” by Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Curiosity” delves into the theme of unrequited love and the persistent allure of someone who is not good for you. The song, featured on her album Kiss, juxtaposes upbeat electronic sounds with lyrics that express a longing and obsession driven by curiosity. Jepsen sings about the struggle of being drawn to someone despite knowing they might cause heartache, with the repeated refrain that “curiosity will never let me go.” The song captures the tension between desire and rationality, portraying curiosity as an irresistible force.

3. “All That I Can Say” by Mary J. Blige

Produced by Lauryn Hill, “All That I Can Say” is a soulful track from Mary J. Blige’s album Mary. The song expresses deep affection and the difficulty of articulating profound emotions. Blige sings about the wonder and miracle of love, emphasizing a mutual need and security in the relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of contentment and fulfillment, with the repeated acknowledgment that sometimes words are insufficient to describe the depth of feeling. This song captures the essence of love’s simplicity and complexity, reflecting on the power of being present in a loving relationship.

4. “Similar Features” by Melissa Etheridge

“Similar Features” by Melissa Etheridge is a song about the complexities of relationships, particularly the feelings of jealousy and inadequacy that can arise when comparing oneself to others. The lyrics describe a scenario where the singer addresses a lover’s wandering eye, noting that the other person has “similar features with longer hair.” Etheridge explores themes of curiosity and insecurity, questioning whether the attraction was genuine or merely superficial. The song uses vivid imagery and emotional depth to convey the pain and introspection involved in navigating love and desire.

5. “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson

“Upside Down” by Jack Johnson is a song that embodies the spirit of curiosity and the joy of exploring the unknown. Originally written for the children’s movie Curious George, the song encourages listeners to maintain an open mind and embrace new possibilities. The lyrics emphasize the importance of questioning what is deemed impossible and finding beauty in the unexpected. Johnson’s soothing voice and the song’s upbeat melody create a sense of optimism and wonder, urging listeners to look at the world from a different perspective and to never let others dictate their potential.

6. “Do Me a Favour” by Arctic Monkeys

“Do Me a Favour” by Arctic Monkeys explores the emotional turmoil and curiosity that arise during the end of a relationship. The song delves into themes of rejection, heartbreak, and the complexity of human emotions. The lyrics portray a narrative of a breakup, capturing the protagonist’s internal conflict and the curiosity about what went wrong. The song’s raw emotion is conveyed through its vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, reflecting on how curiosity can become a burden when dealing with unresolved feelings and unanswered questions.

7. “New” by No Doubt

“New” by No Doubt is a song that captures the excitement and curiosity associated with new experiences and changes. Written for the Go soundtrack and later included on the album Return of Saturn, the song marks a stylistic shift for the band, moving towards a new wave-influenced sound. The lyrics and energetic beat convey a sense of anticipation and eagerness to embrace the unknown. The song’s exploration of new beginnings and the curiosity they inspire is mirrored in its innovative musical style, making it a standout track in No Doubt’s discography.

8. “Mama Yo Can’t Go” by Gloria Estefan

“Mama Yo Can’t Go” by Gloria Estefan touches on the theme of curiosity in the context of longing and nostalgia. The song reflects on the singer’s emotional connection to a place she cannot return to, expressing a “sad curiosity” about what has changed there. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning and the internal conflict between the desire to revisit the past and the acceptance of present circumstances. Estefan’s powerful vocals and the song’s poignant message highlight the emotional weight of curiosity when it is tied to memories and the passage of time.

9. “Wonderful Life” by Zendaya

“Wonderful Life,” performed by Zendaya for the Smallfoot soundtrack, is a song that celebrates curiosity and the joy of discovery. The lyrics encourage listeners to look beyond the surface and explore the mysteries of the world. It emphasizes that life is full of wonder when approached with an open and inquisitive mind. The song suggests that being curious is a natural and positive trait, urging people to search every corner and explore all possibilities. The uplifting melody and Zendaya’s engaging performance make it an inspiring anthem about embracing curiosity and the beauty of the unknown.

10. “Guilt” by Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull’s “Guilt” explores the theme of curiosity through the lens of introspection and emotional complexity. The song delves into feelings of guilt and the paradox of feeling remorseful despite not having done anything wrong. Faithfull’s lyrics convey a sense of being like a curious child, always seeking more and questioning the world around her. This curiosity is portrayed as insatiable, driving the desire to understand and experience more, even as it leads to feelings of guilt and unease. The song’s introspective nature highlights how curiosity can lead to both self-discovery and internal conflict.

11. “Aquarium” by Mac Miller

“Aquarium” by Mac Miller is a contemplative track that reflects on the complexities of life and the curiosity about existence. The song features introspective lyrics that ponder the significance of one’s actions and the mysteries of the universe. Mac Miller uses vivid imagery to describe his thoughts and dreams, exploring themes of identity and purpose. The song suggests a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world and one’s place within it, encouraging listeners to think deeply about the broader questions in life. This reflective approach makes “Aquarium” a profound exploration of curiosity and self-awareness.

12. “Vision of Nowness” by The Go-Go’s

“Vision of Nowness” by The Go-Go’s is a song that captures the essence of curiosity through its exploration of perception and reality. The lyrics discuss the idea of being an admired yet untouchable reflection, suggesting a curiosity about how others perceive us and the world. The song emphasizes the complexity of understanding the world and oneself, portraying curiosity as a driving force behind this quest for knowledge. The Go-Go’s use a blend of introspective and enigmatic lyrics to convey the idea that curiosity is an integral part of navigating the complexities of life and identity.

13. “Soulless Creatures” by Aurora

“Soulless Creatures” by Aurora is a deeply introspective song that explores the complexities of human emotions and the quest for meaning and connection in a fragmented world. The lyrics reflect on the emptiness that arises from concealing love, using imagery such as an “endless, empty heart” and a “seed within the dark” to convey this sense of longing. The song captures the human desire for emotional fulfillment and connection, with Aurora’s ethereal voice amplifying the emotional depth of the lyrics. Themes of resilience and hope are also present, suggesting that despite the presence of “soulless creatures” and “fearsome hearts,” there is an enduring possibility of renewal and connection. This song serves as a poignant reminder of the coexistence of beauty and pain within the human experience, urging listeners to embrace both light and dark aspects of their emotional landscapes.

14. “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas

“Dust in the Wind” by Kansas is a classic rock ballad that contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the insignificance of human endeavors. The song’s lyrics express a sense of existential curiosity, pondering the meaning of life and the impermanence of dreams and ambitions. Through haunting melodies and minimalistic lyrics, the song conveys a sobering message about the inevitability of death and the transient nature of human existence. The imagery of being “dust in the wind” emphasizes the idea that all achievements and material possessions ultimately fade away, leaving listeners to reflect on the deeper meaning of life and their place in the universe.

15. “Break My Heart” by Hey Violet

“Break My Heart” by Hey Violet is a song that explores the curiosity and vulnerability associated with love and heartbreak. The track marks a sonic departure for the band, incorporating more synth-based sounds and experimenting with new musical elements. The lyrics delve into the emotional turmoil of being drawn to someone who might cause pain, capturing the tension between desire and self-preservation. The song’s energetic beat and catchy hooks highlight the complexity of romantic curiosity, as the protagonist grapples with the risk of having their heart broken while being irresistibly drawn to the allure of love.

16. “You’re an Original” by Sheryl Crow

“You’re an Original” by Sheryl Crow is a song that critiques the superficiality and fleeting nature of fame and individuality in the entertainment industry. The lyrics tell the story of a girl who believes she is unique, only to be revealed as one of many similar figures in the Hollywood scene. The song uses a sarcastic tone to explore the curiosity about one’s identity and the desire to stand out in a world where originality is often overshadowed by imitation. Through its catchy melody and clever lyrics, “You’re an Original” highlights the tension between self-perception and external validation, encouraging listeners to question the authenticity of their uniqueness in a world full of imitators.

17. “I Am Curious” by Dusty Springfield

“I Am Curious” by Dusty Springfield is a song that delves into the themes of desire and the quest for understanding in relationships. The lyrics express a longing to know the motives of another person, reflecting a deep curiosity about intentions and emotions. Springfield’s portrayal of curiosity is intertwined with themes of idealism and passion, as she describes herself as “delirious from wanting” and living life with “wild intensity.” The song captures the essence of curiosity as both a personal and relational exploration, highlighting the tension between desire and the need for clarity in intimate connections.

18. “Paprika Plains” by Joni Mitchell

“Paprika Plains” by Joni Mitchell is an expansive and ambitious piece that explores the interplay between memory, imagination, and reality. The song flows between past and present, childhood and adulthood, and touches on themes of innocence, despair, and the destruction of nature. Mitchell uses vivid imagery to evoke the vastness of the Canadian landscape and the plight of Indigenous peoples. The song’s structure, featuring a lengthy instrumental passage, allows listeners to immerse themselves in its narrative. “Paprika Plains” is a reflection on the curiosity of understanding one’s past and the impact of human actions on the natural world, highlighting Mitchell’s ability to weave complex themes into her music.

19. “It’s Not That Serious” by Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez’s “It’s Not That Serious” is a track that addresses the theme of curiosity in the context of casual relationships. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of nonchalance and detachment, as Lopez reflects on a relationship that was driven more by curiosity than genuine love. She questions the intentions of her partner and emphasizes that the connection was never meant to be serious. The song captures the essence of curiosity as a fleeting interest, highlighting the distinction between genuine emotional investment and mere intrigue.

20. “Wonderland” by Taylor Swift

“Wonderland” by Taylor Swift is a song inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, using the metaphor of a fantastical world to explore the complexities of love and relationships. The lyrics describe a journey into a chaotic and enchanting realm, symbolizing the allure and unpredictability of romance. Swift uses imagery such as “rabbit hole” and “Cheshire cat smile” to convey the sense of being lost in a whirlwind of emotions and choices. The song reflects on the curiosity and excitement of new love, as well as the potential for confusion and heartbreak. “Wonderland” captures the duality of curiosity as both a source of wonder and a path to potential madness.

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.