As someone who’s lived through countless Mondays, celebrated numerous Fridays, and experienced the full spectrum of emotions that each day of the week can bring, I’ve always been fascinated by how music captures the essence of time passing. From the Monday blues to the Friday night fever, songwriters have a knack for distilling the unique character of each day into catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 20 songs that not only mention days of the week but seem to understand them on a deeply personal level – just like you and me.
Contents
- 1. “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night” by Carrie Underwood
- 2. “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5
- 3. “Manic Monday” by The Bangles
- 4. “Tuesday Afternoon” by The Moody Blues
- 5. “Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon” by Queen
- 6. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2
- 7. “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” by Katy Perry
- 8. “Saturday Love” by Cherrelle and Alexander O’Neal
- 9. “Finally Friday” by George Jones
- 10. “Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles
- 11. “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” by Simon & Garfunkel
- 12. “Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones
- 13. “Monday, Monday” by The Mamas & the Papas
- 14. “Saturday Nights” by Khalid
- 15. “Sunday Kind of Love” by Etta James
- 16. “Thursday” by Pet Shop Boys
- 17. “Working For The Weekend” by Loverboy
- 18. “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” by Elton John
- 19. “Tuesday” by ILoveMakonnen featuring Drake
- 20. “Friday I’m In Love” by The Cure
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night” by Carrie Underwood
“Waiting All Day For Sunday Night” is a high-energy anthem performed by Carrie Underwood, featuring Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. This song was created specifically for NBC’s Sunday Night Football, premiering during the 2019 season. The lyrics celebrate the excitement and anticipation of Sunday night football games, highlighting the return of the NFL season and the thrill of primetime matchups. The song’s chorus captures the essence of the event with lines like “Waiting all day for Sunday night” and “Sunday Night Football’s kicking into high gear” .
2. “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5
“Sunday Morning” is a smooth, soulful track by Maroon 5 from their debut album Songs About Jane (2002). The song features a laid-back vibe, with lyrics that describe the comfort and intimacy of a lazy Sunday morning spent with a loved one. Adam Levine’s vocals, combined with the band’s mellow instrumentation, create a relaxing atmosphere. The chorus, “Sunday morning, rain is falling,” evokes a sense of tranquility and the simple pleasures of spending time together on a quiet Sunday .
3. “Manic Monday” by The Bangles
“Manic Monday” is a pop rock song by The Bangles, written by Prince under the pseudonym “Christopher.” Released in 1986 as the lead single from their second album Different Light, the song narrates the hectic and stressful start of a workweek. The protagonist laments having to leave her relaxing Sunday behind and face the chaos of Monday morning. The catchy chorus, “It’s just another manic Monday, I wish it were Sunday,” resonates with many who dread the end of the weekend. The song became a significant hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
4. “Tuesday Afternoon” by The Moody Blues
“Tuesday Afternoon,” also known as “Forever Afternoon (Tuesday?)”, is a song by The Moody Blues from their 1967 album Days of Future Passed. Written by Justin Hayward, the song reflects a contemplative and philosophical mood, inspired by a peaceful Tuesday afternoon spent in Lypiatt Park, England. The track features lush orchestration and the distinctive sound of the Mellotron, creating a dreamy, introspective atmosphere. The lyrics, “Tuesday afternoon, I’m just beginning to see, now I’m on my way,” convey a sense of personal discovery and tranquility. The song is often regarded as one of the Moody Blues’ finest works.
5. “Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon” by Queen
“Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon” is a whimsical and playful track from Queen’s 1975 album A Night at the Opera. Written by Freddie Mercury, this short song (just over a minute long) encapsulates the leisurely activities of a Sunday afternoon. Mercury’s vocals are recorded through a tin-can, giving them a vintage, old-timey feel reminiscent of music hall performances. The lyrics humorously list various activities throughout the week, culminating in a lazy Sunday. The song features a bouncy rhythm provided by John Deacon and Roger Taylor, with dainty piano fills and a key change leading into Brian May’s guitar solos. Despite its brevity, the song is charming and showcases Queen’s attention to detail and musical versatility.
6. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2
“Sunday Bloody Sunday” is a powerful and politically charged song by U2, released in 1983 as the opening track of their album War. The song addresses the tragic events of January 30, 1972, known as Bloody Sunday, when British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civil rights protesters in Northern Ireland, killing 14. The song’s militaristic drumbeat and poignant lyrics express the horror and futility of violence, making a strong anti-war statement. It remains one of U2’s most iconic songs, often performed at their concerts with a message of peace and unity. The song’s impact was significant, helping to establish U2’s reputation as a socially conscious band.
7. “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” by Katy Perry
“Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” is a fun and energetic pop song by Katy Perry from her 2010 album Teenage Dream. The song recounts a wild and carefree Friday night filled with partying, dancing, and various misadventures. The lyrics humorously describe the aftermath of the night, including waking up with a stranger and dealing with the consequences of a wild party. The catchy chorus and upbeat tempo make it a perfect anthem for celebrating the end of the workweek and the start of the weekend. The song’s music video, featuring cameos from various celebrities, further emphasizes its playful and exuberant nature.
8. “Saturday Love” by Cherrelle and Alexander O’Neal
“Saturday Love” is a classic R&B duet by Cherrelle and Alexander O’Neal, released in 1985. The song is about a romantic relationship that is rekindled every Saturday, highlighting the anticipation and excitement of spending time together on the weekend. The smooth vocals of Cherrelle and O’Neal, combined with the song’s catchy melody and soulful production, create a timeless love song that has remained popular over the years. The lyrics reflect the longing and joy of reuniting with a loved one, making it a perfect addition to any playlist celebrating the days of the week.
9. “Finally Friday” by George Jones
“Finally Friday” is a lively country song by George Jones, released in 1992. Written by Bobby Boyd, Warren Haynes, DeWayne Mize, and Dennis Robbins, the song captures the excitement and relief of the end of the workweek. The lyrics depict a man ready to let loose and enjoy the weekend, with lines like “It’s finally Friday, I’m free again / I got my motor running for a wild weekend” emphasizing the joy of escaping the weekday grind. The upbeat tempo and Jones’ spirited delivery make it an anthem for anyone looking forward to Friday and the freedom it brings.
10. “Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles
“Eight Days a Week” is a classic pop song by The Beatles, featured on their 1964 album Beatles for Sale. Written primarily by Paul McCartney with contributions from John Lennon, the song is a joyful expression of love and devotion. The title reflects the idea of loving someone so much that seven days a week aren’t enough. The catchy chorus and harmonized vocals, along with the upbeat rhythm, make it one of The Beatles’ most enduring hits. The song’s innovative fade-in intro was a unique feature at the time, showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment with new sounds.
11. “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” by Simon & Garfunkel
“Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” is a contemplative folk song by Simon & Garfunkel, from their 1964 debut album of the same name. Written by Paul Simon, the song tells the story of a man who has committed a crime and is reflecting on his actions in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The lyrics convey a sense of regret and introspection, with the quiet, acoustic arrangement enhancing the song’s melancholic mood. The gentle harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel add emotional depth to this poignant narrative, making it a standout track on their debut album.
12. “Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones
“Ruby Tuesday” is a melancholic yet beautiful song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1967 as a double A-side single with “Let’s Spend the Night Together.” Written by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, the song is about a free-spirited woman named Ruby Tuesday who cannot be tied down. The lyrics, “Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday / Who could hang a name on you? / When you change with every new day / Still I’m gonna miss you,” reflect the transient nature of her character. The song features a distinctive melody played on the recorder and a rich orchestration that complements Jagger’s wistful vocals. “Ruby Tuesday” became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
13. “Monday, Monday” by The Mamas & the Papas
“Monday, Monday” is a 1966 song written by John Phillips and recorded by The Mamas & the Papas for their album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. The song features Denny Doherty on lead vocals and was the group’s only number-one hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics express the singer’s discontent with Mondays, as it was the day their lover left them. The song’s structure includes a notable pregnant pause before the coda, which modulates up a semitone, adding to its distinctive sound. The track won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1967 and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
14. “Saturday Nights” by Khalid
“Saturday Nights” is a soulful R&B track by Khalid, featured on his 2018 EP Suncity. The song tells the story of a woman who works a tough job and faces neglect from her parents, finding solace in the love and understanding of the narrator. The lyrics highlight themes of struggle, neglect, and the comfort of genuine affection. The song was later released as a remix featuring Kane Brown, which reached number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The emotional depth and relatable narrative make it a standout track in Khalid’s discography.
15. “Sunday Kind of Love” by Etta James
“Sunday Kind of Love” is a classic song performed by Etta James, included in her 1960 album At Last!. The song, originally composed in 1946, has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Etta James’ rendition is particularly celebrated for its soulful delivery and emotional depth. The lyrics describe a longing for a love that endures beyond the fleeting excitement of Saturday night, seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection that lasts. This track is often regarded as a timeless anthem for those yearning for lasting romance.
16. “Thursday” by Pet Shop Boys
“Thursday” is an electronic pop song by Pet Shop Boys, featuring British rapper Example, from their 2013 album Electric. The song explores the dynamics of a relationship on the brink, with the narrator pleading for their lover to stay for the weekend. The lyrics reflect the uncertainty and emotional complexity of love, with a chorus that emphasizes the progression of days from Thursday to Sunday. The track combines Pet Shop Boys’ signature electronic sound with Example’s rap verse, creating a modern and engaging narrative about love and commitment.
17. “Working For The Weekend” by Loverboy
Released in 1981 as the lead single from Loverboy’s album “Get Lucky,” “Working For The Weekend” became an anthem for the working class. The song originated when guitarist Paul Dean noticed how deserted his area was on a Wednesday afternoon, realizing everyone was at work and waiting for the weekend.
The track’s upbeat rock sound and relatable lyrics about anticipating weekend freedom resonated widely, reaching #29 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Rock Top Tracks chart. Its enduring popularity led to it being ranked #100 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Songs of the 80s.”
18. “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” by Elton John
This energetic rock song was released in 1973 as the lead single from Elton John’s album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”. With its aggressive piano riffs and Bernie Taupin’s vivid lyrics about youthful rebellion, the song paints a picture of rowdy Saturday night activities.
“Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” achieved significant success, reaching #7 in the UK and #12 in the US. Its enduring popularity has made it a staple of Elton John’s live performances and a classic rock radio favorite.
19. “Tuesday” by ILoveMakonnen featuring Drake
Released in 2014, “Tuesday” was ILoveMakonnen’s debut single and featured a remix with Drake. The song’s unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic elements, along with its unconventional focus on partying on a Tuesday, quickly gained attention.
The track became a breakthrough hit, reaching platinum status and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Its music video has garnered over 200 million views on YouTube, solidifying its place in pop culture.
20. “Friday I’m In Love” by The Cure
Released in 1992 as the second single from The Cure’s album “Wish,” “Friday I’m In Love” stands out as an uncharacteristically upbeat and poppy song in the band’s catalog. Robert Smith described it as “a throw your hands in the air, let’s get happy kind of record.”
The song became a worldwide hit, reaching #6 in the UK and #18 in the US. Its music video, directed by Tim Pope, features the band performing amidst changing backdrops and props, paying homage to silent film pioneers. The video won the award for European Viewer’s Choice for Best Music Video at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards.
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 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.