Steel is a super important material for building and making things. We use it in our cars, buildings, fridges, washing machines, ships, and even surgical tools. The cool thing is, steel can be recycled many times without losing its qualities.
But guess what? Steel is not just about construction and engineering. It’s also a theme in music. People use the word “steel” to talk about someone’s determination or focus.
If you have a “heart of steel,” it means you can handle tough situations without getting too emotional. Some see it as a sign of strength, while others might think it makes a person seem cold.
Here, we’ve put together a list of 16 songs that talk about steel.
Contents
- 1. “Songs of Steel” by Stormwitch
- 2. “Heart of Steel” by A Flock of Seagulls
- 3. “Steel Claw” by Tina Turner
- 4. “Heart of Steel” by Lykke Li
- 5. “Steel Bars” by Michael Bolton
- 6. “Steel and Glass” by John Lennon
- 7. “Magnet And Steel” by Walter Egan
- 8. “Steel Town” by Airbourne
- 9. “Gates of Steel” by Devo
- 10. “The Hardest Part” by Blondie
- 11. “I’m Not Made of Steel” by Michael Bolton
- 12. “Waiting For the Snow” by Of Monsters and Men
- 13. “Steel Guitar and a Glass of Wine” by Paul Anka
- 14. “Steel Rail Blues” by Jim Croce
- 15. “Freezing Steel” by Cat Stevens
- 16. “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Songs of Steel” by Stormwitch
The song “Songs of Steel” by Stormwitch is a heavy metal track that seems to talk about personal growth and strength. The lyrics tell a story of moving from a tough situation to finding inner power and purpose through music, represented as the “Songs of Steel.”
When the song mentions “Songs of Steel,” it links the music to the resilience associated with steel, known for its toughness and ability to withstand pressure. It symbolizes how music can help someone face challenges and discover a new sense of purpose. Stormwitch sings:
“Songs of steel, in the nights you feel insanity
Songs of steel, you are searching for the door
Songs of steel, now the wind brings you this melody
Songs of steel, you are different than before”
2. “Heart of Steel” by A Flock of Seagulls
“Heart of Steel” by A Flock of Seagulls talks about being strong and resilient. The song compares having a “heart of steel” to a “heart of stone,” suggesting a mix of toughness and hardness.
The song explores the idea of the power to transform situations, as expressed in the lines “You can turn water into wine” and the potential to turn paradise into hell with the mentioned “heart of steel.”
The song highlights how a “heart of steel” can resist and endure challenges. There’s a connection between the strength of a “heart of steel” and the vulnerability of a “heart of glass” that can break.
3. “Steel Claw” by Tina Turner
“Steel Claw” by Tina Turner is a song that delves into the themes of power, politics, and personal struggles. Released as part of her 1984 album “Private Dancer,” the song presents a critical view of a world where luxury and power coexist with a darker reality.
In the song, the term “steel claw” is used metaphorically, representing a force or system that controls and restricts people. Tina Turner sings:
“Cold law, steel claw
Try to get on board, you find the lock is on the door
Well, I say, no way, no way!
Don’t try to get out or there’ll be hell to pay”
4. “Heart of Steel” by Lykke Li
“Heart of Steel” by Lykke Li is a song that revolves around the fear of loneliness and the desire for love, as well as the internal struggle with a heart that seems invincible. In the lyrics, the singer addresses their own heart, imploring it not to silence the song that brings healing.
“Oh, heart of steel, don’t kill thy song
That sings so we can heal the harm inside”
The metaphor of a “heart of steel” is used to convey the toughness and resilience of the heart, suggesting that it has the power to endure and withstand emotional challenges.
The plea to not kill the song implies a desire to maintain a sense of vulnerability and openness, despite the perceived strength of the heart.
5. “Steel Bars” by Michael Bolton
“Steel Bars” by Michael Bolton is a strong and emotional song that explores the feeling of being trapped in a relationship. Released in 1991, Bolton uses the metaphor of “steel bars” to symbolize the emotional barriers and constraints that hold him captive in this poignant track.
The lyrics describe the struggle of trying to escape the grip of a profound connection. Bolton conveys the feeling of being ensnared, with lines like “Steel bars, wrapped all around me” and “I’ve been your prisoner since the day you found me.” These words highlight how the emotional ties are like unyielding steel, making it hard to escape.
6. “Steel and Glass” by John Lennon
“Steel and Glass” is a song by John Lennon from his 1974 album Walls and Bridges. It’s a dark folk song that some believe is a criticism of Lennon’s former manager, Allen Klein. Others argue that Lennon may be addressing himself, similar to the Beatles’ “Nowhere Man.”
The lyrics begin by introducing the song as a story about someone, and the first verse describes a person with a tan from Los Angeles, a New York walk and talk, and a troubled childhood. The chorus repeats the phrase “Steel and glass,” creating a sense of cold and hardness.
7. “Magnet And Steel” by Walter Egan
“Magnet and Steel” by Walter Egan is a classic rock song released in 1978. Walter Egan, an American musician, gained recognition for this hit single, which achieved gold status. The track is part of his album “Not Shy,” and it was produced by Lindsey Buckingham and Richard Dashut, notable for their work with Fleetwood Mac.
The song is known for its catchy melody and romantic lyrics. The title, “Magnet and Steel,” metaphorically represents the dynamic between two people, with one being the magnetic force and the other as solid as steel. Egan sings:
“With you, I’m not shy to show the way I feel
With you, I might try my secrets to reveal
For you are a magnet, and I am steel”
8. “Steel Town” by Airbourne
“Steel Town” by Airbourne is a rock anthem that pays homage to the blue-collar spirit of working-class communities, particularly those centered around the steel industry. The song captures the essence of life in a steel town, where hard work, resilience, and a tight-knit community define the way of life.
In the lyrics, the singer proudly declares their dedication to a life of labor and sacrifice, using phrases like “I work for a livin'” and “spend my whole life giving.” The reference to scars and burns reflects the physical toll of working in an industrial setting.
The repeated mention of “Steel town” reinforces the theme, creating a strong sense of identity and pride in the industrial heritage of the hometown.
9. “Gates of Steel” by Devo
“Gates of Steel” by Devo is a song that encapsulates the band’s signature blend of punk rock and new wave sounds. Released on their 1980 album “Freedom of Choice,” the song delves into themes of human existence, societal constraints, and the struggle to maintain individuality in a mechanized world.
The lyrics repeatedly reference the idea of twisting away the gates of steel, emphasizing the desire to break free from constraints. Lines such as “Twist away the gates of steel” and “A man is real, not made of steel” highlight the contrast between humanity and the cold, unfeeling nature often associated with steel.
These phrases underscore the band’s exploration of human authenticity and the struggle against mechanization or societal pressures that threaten individuality.
10. “The Hardest Part” by Blondie
This 1979 song is the second single from their album “Eat to the Beat.” Written by Deborah Harry and Chris Stein, it’s a lively new wave track that tells the story of an armored car robbery.
The lyrics vividly describe the challenges faced by the armored guards, focusing on the driver behind the wheel of the massive vehicle. The recurring theme of steel adds a tough and resilient element to the narrative.
In one part of the song, it mentions “Twenty-five tons of hardened steel,” emphasizing the sheer strength of the armored car. The lyrics also refer to the driver as the “big man of steel behind the steering wheel,” highlighting the toughness and responsibility of the person in control.
11. “I’m Not Made of Steel” by Michael Bolton
“I’m Not Made of Steel” by Michael Bolton is a heartfelt ballad that explores the vulnerability and humanity inherent in every individual. Released as part of his album “Only a Woman Like You” in 2002, the song reflects on the challenges and limitations faced by the singer, emphasizing the idea that despite external appearances, he is not invulnerable.
The lyrics of the song repeatedly assert the refrain, “I’m not made of steel,” underscoring the theme of fragility and the inability to be impervious to life’s hardships.
Bolton uses the metaphor of steel to convey the idea that, despite any perceived strength, everyone has their breaking points and emotions. He sings:
“I’m not made of steel
I’m not made of stone
I can’t be anything more than I’m made of
Move heaven and earth on my own”
12. “Waiting For the Snow” by Of Monsters and Men
In “Waiting For the Snow,” the lyrics use steel to symbolize the inability to withstand or support challenging circumstances.
The phrase “This steel can’t carry me now that things are rough” implies that even the metaphorical strength of steel has its limits, paralleling the idea that sometimes even the strongest individuals or structures can falter under pressure.
13. “Steel Guitar and a Glass of Wine” by Paul Anka
In “Steel Guitar and a Glass of Wine,” Paul Anka uses the combination of a steel guitar and a glass of wine to evoke a sense of melancholic reflection.
The steel guitar, a musical instrument associated with emotional melodies, underscores the depth of the singer’s heartbreak.
The juxtaposition of “steel” with the fragility of love and the comforting act of having a glass of wine highlights the emotional complexities of the song’s narrative.
14. “Steel Rail Blues” by Jim Croce
Jim Croce’s “Steel Rail Blues” captures the excitement and anticipation of a journey home, underscored by the mention of a “big steel rail.”
The steel rail here symbolizes the physical path leading to a loved one, representing the solidity and reliability of the train tracks. The use of “steel” emphasizes the durability of the rail and the idea of forging a connection between distant places.
15. “Freezing Steel” by Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens’ “Freezing Steel” uses the imagery of a house made of freezing steel to symbolize a place of discomfort and detachment.
As he expresses his desire to escape this cold environment, the concept of “freezing steel” becomes a metaphor for alienation and a lack of emotional warmth.
The song emphasizes the human need for connection and warmth, juxtaposing it with the rigidity of steel.
16. “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” cleverly employs the phrase “steel horse” to refer to a motorcycle, blending the ruggedness of steel with the freedom of riding.
The song likens the rockstar lifestyle to that of a cowboy, riding a metaphorical steel horse through the challenges and rewards of fame.
The reference to “steel horse” adds a touch of modernity to the cowboy image, linking two distinct yet iconic symbols.
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.