When you sing, you put your whole heart into the song. Singing isn’t something your body does on its own; it takes some effort and, for some, even courage.
Through music, you can convey emotions that are hard to express otherwise.
The bond it creates between you and the listener is truly unique. People sing lullabies to soothe their children, and they use songs to express their love to their partners. Your voice is the instrument of your deepest feelings.
In this playlist, we’ve compiled a list of 20 songs all about singing.
Contents
- 20 Songs About Singing
- 1. I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony) by The New Seekers
- 2. “I Write the Songs” by Barry Manilow
- 3. “I’m a Song (Sing Me)” by Neil Sedaka
- 4. “Music Is Healing” by Florida Georgia Line
- 5. “Song of the Heart” by Prince
- 6. “A Song For You” by Carpenters
- 7. “Sing Your Life” by Morrissey
- 8. “You Got Me Singing” by Leonard Cohen
- 9. “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna
- 10. “Don’t Take Away the Music” by Tavares
- 11. “Country On The Radio” by Blake Shelton
- 12. “You Sang to Me” by Marc Anthony
- 13. “Sing” by Carpenters
- 14. “I’ve Got the Music in Me” by The Kiki Dee Band
- 15. “Daddy Sang Bass” by Johnny Cash
- 16. “Singin’ In the Rain” by Gene Kelly
- 17. “Mouthwash” by Kate Nash
- 18. “Riptide” by Vance Joy
- 19. “Your Song” by Elton John
- 20. “A Song Can’t Fix Everything” by Sunny Sweeney
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
- Listen on Other Music Streaming Platforms
20 Songs About Singing
1. I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony) by The New Seekers
“I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)” originally started as “True Love and Apple Pie” by British songwriters Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, and it was first sung by Susan Shirley.
The lyrics express a desire to create a better world filled with love, unity, and peace. The singer envisions building a world where people live together harmoniously. He imagines growing apple trees, keeping honey bees, and having snow white turtle doves in this world.
Most of all, he wants to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony, symbolizing unity and togetherness with the lyrics, “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.”
2. “I Write the Songs” by Barry Manilow
“I Write the Songs” is a popular song written by Bruce Johnston in 1975 and later released on his album “Going Public” in 1977. It gained widespread recognition when Barry Manilow’s version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1976, following two weeks atop the Billboard adult contemporary chart in December 1975.
The song’s lyrics convey a powerful message, with the narrator proclaiming that he has been alive forever and takes credit for creating the very first song.
He claims to be the essence of music itself, responsible for crafting both the words and melodies that make up songs, including those that “make the whole world sing.”
The narrator identifies himself as music personified, stating, “I am music, and I write the songs.”
3. “I’m a Song (Sing Me)” by Neil Sedaka
“I’m a Song (Sing Me)” by Neil Sedaka express the longing of a song to be sung and appreciated, with lines like “For someone to come and sing me” and “But nobody wants to sing me.”
The song talks about having music to share, but feeling ignored and unnoticed by others. It wants someone to come and sing it, to bring it to life.
The song has a rhyme that it’s been holding onto for a while, but no one seems interested in singing it. It yearns to show the world that it’s still relevant and can touch people’s hearts like it used to.
The song pleads to be sung with lines such as “Let me show the world that I’m not through” and “Somebody’s got to sing me.” It mentions bringing sunshine and delivering a message through its lyrics, emphasizing the importance of singing it.
4. “Music Is Healing” by Florida Georgia Line
“Music Is Healing” by Florida Georgia Line convey a message of hope and healing through the power of singing and music.
The singer reflects on the challenges and hardships people face in life, including dealing with personal demons and loss. He expresses a desire to write the perfect song that can bring comfort and positivity to those who listen.
In the lines “If I could sing the perfect words/And chage the world from hurt to hurt/We’re all feeling/Stop the bleeding,” the singer wonders if he could sing the perfect words to soothe the soul and mend emotional wounds.
In the end, the song encourages belief in love as the answer to life’s struggles and underscores the therapeutic nature of singing and music.
5. “Song of the Heart” by Prince
“The Song of the Heart” is a song written and performed by Prince for the 2006 film “Happy Feet.” The lyrics of the song convey a message of unity and celebration of music and individuality, with lines like “And wave your flag because everybody plays a part” and “I’ll let you if you let me sing the song of my heart.”
Prince encourages people to embrace their unique qualities and not judge others based on their differences, all while singing the song of their heart.
In the lyrics, he praises the penguin character, ‘Guin, who put songs in their hearts, symbolizing the power of music to bring joy and connection.
6. “A Song For You” by Carpenters
“A Song for You” is a heartfelt song from the Carpenters’ fourth studio album, released in 1972. The lyrics reflect the singer’s journey through life and their deep emotions for someone special.
The song is sung in a personal and intimate manner, with lines like “I’ve been so many places in my life and time, I’ve sung a lot of songs” highlighting the singer’s musical experiences.
The lyrics talk about the singer’s experiences and how they’ve been through many places and sung numerous songs in front of large audiences.
Despite all the fame and performances, the singer now finds themselves alone, singing this song for the person they care about. It’s a poignant reminder that even amidst the grandeur of their career, singing remains a deeply personal and heartfelt act.
7. “Sing Your Life” by Morrissey
“Sing Your Life” is a single by English singer-songwriter Morrissey, released in April 1991 as the second single from his album “Kill Uncle.”
The song’s lyrics encourage people to express themselves through singing about the things they love and the things they loathe, as Morrissey sings, “Sing your life, the things that you love, and the things you loathe.”
In the song, Morrissey emphasizes the idea that anyone can come up with rhyming words, but he urges listeners to step up to the microphone and sing their own life experiences, preferences, and emotions, with lines like, “Walk right up to the microphone and name all the things you love.” It’s an invitation to be genuine and unapologetic about what one feels and believes in.
8. “You Got Me Singing” by Leonard Cohen
“You Got Me Singing” is a song from the collaborative studio album “You Got Me Singing” by American singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer and her father, Jack Palmer. The album was released on July 15, 2016, under Amanda Palmer’s label, 8 ft.
The lyrics of the song convey a sense of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. With lines like “You got me singing, even though the news is bad,” the song emphasizes the power of music to provide solace and inspiration even during challenging times. The repeated refrain “You got me singing” signifies the enduring strength of song and love in the singer’s life.
9. “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna
“Don’t Stop the Music” is a song by Rihanna from her 2007 album “Good Girl Gone Bad.” The song emphasize the desire to keep the music playing and the enjoyment of a night out on the town, with lines like “Please don’t stop the music, music, music” echoing the sentiment of not wanting the music to end.
In the lyrics, Rihanna expresses her desire for the music to continue and the fun to go on, singing, “I wanna take you away, let’s escape into the music.”
She describes meeting someone unexpectedly and feeling a strong attraction while singing, “Do you know what you started? I just came here to party.” The lyrics suggest a passionate and private connection on the dance floor, with the music serving as the backdrop to their singing and chemistry.
10. “Don’t Take Away the Music” by Tavares
“Don’t Take Away the Music” is a hit song by the R&B/disco group Tavares, released in the fall of 1976. The song expresses a deep emotional connection to music and how it serves as a source of comfort and solace.
The singer conveys that music is the only thing they have left, their “piece of the rock,” after someone important has left their life. The lyrics, including lines like “You were my song” and “My heart would sing,” highlight how music was always a part of their existence, like a constant companion or a song in their heart.
However, with the departure of that special person, life has become devoid of its melody, leaving the singer feeling empty and lonely.
11. “Country On The Radio” by Blake Shelton
“Country On The Radio” by Blake Shelton express a love for the classic themes found in country songs, with lines like “Heard ’em singing ’bout it a million times.”
Despite the repetition, the singer doesn’t mind because as long as there’s a small town and a Saturday night, with blue jean-clad folks under the full moonlight, and the sound of country music playing, it feels like a great time.
The lyrics also mention the idea that there will always be people from big towns looking down on small-town life, but the singer believes they’d come around if they experienced it.
12. “You Sang to Me” by Marc Anthony
“You Sang to Me” is a song by Marc Anthony from his 1999 self-titled album. The song is a mid-tempo pop and romantic ballad with elements of Latin, R&B, and adult contemporary genres.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who didn’t realize the true feelings of his life partner until it was too late, with lines like “Yeah, you sang to me,” highlighting the significance of singing in their connection.
Throughout the song, the singer talks about how the person he loves had been in front of him all along, but he didn’t see it until now, singing, “All the while you were in front of me, I never realized.” Now, he longs to hear her voice and see the truth in her eyes.
13. “Sing” by Carpenters
“Sing” is a song that was written by Joe Raposo in 1971 for the children’s television show Sesame Street, where it became its signature song. The song gained popularity in 1973 when it was performed by the Carpenters, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The lyrics, which go like “Sing, sing a song, Sing out loud, Sing out strong,” encourage people to sing a song, sing out loud and strong, and focus on positive things rather than the negative.
The lyrics of “Sing” promote singing as a way to express happiness and joy, with lines like “Sing of good things not bad, Sing of happy not sad.”
It emphasizes the simplicity of singing as something that can last throughout one’s life and suggests that you shouldn’t worry if your singing isn’t deemed good enough by others; just sing for the joy of it, as stated in the lines, “Don’t worry that it’s not, Good enough for anyone, Else to hear, Just sing, sing a song.”
14. “I’ve Got the Music in Me” by The Kiki Dee Band
“I’ve Got the Music in Me” by The Kiki Dee Band express a positive and confident outlook on life. The singer conveys that he has no troubles or foolish dreams that can bring him down. He feels fearless and assured, believing he can overcome any obstacles that come his way.
The lyrics emphasize resilience and a determination to face life head-on, singing with confidence, “Gonna fly like a bird on the wing, Hold on to your hat, honey, Sing, sing, sing, sing.” The repeated phrase “I got the music in me” suggests a deep connection to music as a source of inspiration and strength.
15. “Daddy Sang Bass” by Johnny Cash
“Daddy Sang Bass” is a song written by Carl Perkins and recorded by Johnny Cash in November 1968. The song reflects on the memories of the singer’s childhood and family. The lyrics describe a time when the family faced hardships and poverty but found solace in coming together to sing as a family.
The chorus, which includes the lines “Daddy sang bass, mama sang tenor, Me and little brother would join right in there,” highlights the unity and togetherness of the family through singing. The act of singing together is portrayed as a source of comfort and a way to ease troubled souls.
16. “Singin’ In the Rain” by Gene Kelly
“Singin’ in the Rain” is a timeless song with lyrics by Arthur Freed and music by Nacio Herb Brown. It was first introduced on Broadway in 1929 by Doris Eaton Travis in The Hollywood Music Box Revue.
However, it gained widespread popularity when Cliff Edwards and the Brox Sisters performed it in The Hollywood Revue of 1929.
The lyrics, including lines like “I’m singing in the rain, just singin’ in the rain,” convey a joyful and carefree spirit, with the singer expressing their happiness despite the stormy weather. They sing about laughing at dark clouds, feeling the sun in their heart, and being ready for love.
The song encourages everyone to embrace the rain with a smile on their face and walk down the lane while singing and dancing in the rain.
17. “Mouthwash” by Kate Nash
“Mouthwash” is a song by Kate Nash released on 1 October 2007 as her third single, from her debut studio album, “Made of Bricks.” The song is described by Nash as a “protest song” and features lyrics that touch upon themes of self-identity and the challenges of youth.
In the lyrics, Kate Nash talks about her physical appearance, including freckles, occasional spots, and the fact that not all of her skin is visible.
She also delves into her thoughts, describing her mind as constantly repeating the same old lines and her brain as burdened by analytical thoughts that can be overwhelming.
Amidst it all, the line “I’m singing “oh oh” on a Friday night” expresses a desire for things to be alright, even in the face of life’s complexities and challenges.
18. “Riptide” by Vance Joy
“Riptide” is a song by Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy. It was released as a track on his debut EP “God Loves You When You’re Dancing” in 2013 and later featured on his debut studio album “Dream Your Life Away” in 2014. The song was written by Vance Joy and produced by him along with drummer Edwin White.
The lyrics of “Riptide” tell a story of fear and attraction. The singer expresses his fears, including being scared of dentists, the dark, and starting conversations, as well as his fear of pretty girls. He mentions how his friends envy someone, possibly a girl, who is like a magician’s assistant in their dreams.
The song describes a lady running down to the riptide, being taken away to the dark side, and the singer wanting to be her “left-hand man,” expressing his love in the lines “I love you when you’re singing that song/And I got a lump in my throat/’Cause you’re gonna sing the words wrong.”
19. “Your Song” by Elton John
“Your Song” is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and performed by Elton John. It marked John’s first international Top 10 chart single. The lyrics convey the romantic feelings of a simple person who lacks wealth but wants to express his love through singing.
In the lyrics, the singer mentions that he may not have much money, but if he did, he would buy a big house for his loved one. He humorously contemplates being a sculptor or a maker of potions, highlighting his modest talents. However, he expresses that his true gift is his song, which he dedicates to his beloved, singing, “My gift is my song, and this one’s for you.”
The song continues with the singer acknowledging that his song may be simple, but it’s a heartfelt expression of his love, singing, “And you can tell everybody this is your song.” He hopes that his loved one doesn’t mind that he’s put his feelings into words through this song.
20. “A Song Can’t Fix Everything” by Sunny Sweeney
“A Song Can’t Fix Everything” explores the power of a song to provide solace and comfort in difficult times.
The lyrics mention how a song can’t bring the singer’s mother back to life, but for a brief three minutes, it can make it feel like she’s present in the room. Similarly, it can’t turn back time to high school, but it can evoke the nostalgia of those days spent under the small-town moon.
In the lines “That song kept me on the road for a solid year/It’s the last song that I sing every night/I know a song can’t fix everything/But for a moment, it makes us all feel alright,” the singer acknowledges that while a song can’t fix everything or solve all problems, it has the power to momentarily lift spirits and provide a sense of peace and connection.
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.
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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.