As someone who has always found a peculiar charm in the middle of the week, Thursday holds a special place in my heart. It’s the day that teeters on the edge of the weekend, offering a glimmer of hope and anticipation. Unlike the frantic energy of Monday or the relaxed vibe of Friday, Thursday embodies a unique blend of productivity and promise.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that many artists share this sentiment, capturing the essence of Thursday through their music.
In this playlist, I’ll take you on a journey through 14 songs that celebrate, lament, and explore the nuances of this often-overlooked day.
Contents
- 1. “Thursday” by The Weeknd
- 2. “Some Birds Blue” by Terence Trent D’Arby
- 3. “Thursday” by Jim Croce
- 4. “Thursday in the Danger Room” by Run The Jewels ft. Kamasi Washington
- 5. “I Lost Thursday” by They Might Be Giants
- 6. “Jersey Thursday” by Donovan
- 7. “Thursday” by Jess Glynne
- 8. “Thursday’s Child” by David Bowie
- 9. “Thursday” by Morphine
- 10. “Like A Summer Thursday” by Townes Van Zandt
- 11. “Sweet Thursday” by Pizzicato Five
- 12. “Thursday” by Pet Shop Boys
- 13. “Sweet Thursday” by Johnny Mathis
- 14. “(Thursday) Here’s Why I Did Not Go To Work Today” by Harry Nilsson
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Thursday” by The Weeknd
“Thursday” is the titular track from The Weeknd’s second mixtape, Thursday, released in 2011. The song delves into the themes of emotional detachment, substance use, and complex relationships. The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, uses Thursday as a metaphorical day when he allows himself to indulge in hedonistic pleasures with a girl, Valerie. The lyrics emphasize that their encounters are confined to Thursdays, highlighting a pattern of emotional distance and transient connections. The song’s repetitive nature underscores the cyclical and almost ritualistic nature of these encounters, making Thursday a significant day in the narrative of the mixtape.
2. “Some Birds Blue” by Terence Trent D’Arby
“Some Birds Blue” by Terence Trent D’Arby (now known as Sananda Maitreya) is a soulful track from his 1995 album Vibrator. The song is less directly about Thursday itself and more about the melancholic feelings and reflections that can occur on any given day, including Thursday. D’Arby’s evocative lyrics and emotive vocal delivery paint a picture of longing and introspection. The song’s title metaphorically suggests a sense of sadness or melancholy, akin to the “blues,” which can be felt on a Thursday as the week winds down and one reflects on personal experiences and emotions.
3. “Thursday” by Jim Croce
Jim Croce’s “Thursday” is a lesser-known track that showcases his signature storytelling style. The song narrates the events of a particular Thursday, capturing the simplicity and beauty of everyday life. Croce’s warm, folksy voice and acoustic guitar work create an intimate atmosphere, making listeners feel as though they are experiencing the day alongside him. The song reflects on the small, often overlooked moments that make up our lives, imbuing Thursday with a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the mundane.
4. “Thursday in the Danger Room” by Run The Jewels ft. Kamasi Washington
“Thursday in the Danger Room” is a poignant track from Run The Jewels’ album Run The Jewels 3, featuring saxophonist Kamasi Washington. The song is a tribute to lost friends and deals with themes of grief, loss, and the struggle to find meaning in the face of tragedy. Killer Mike and El-P, the duo behind Run The Jewels, use Thursday as a symbolic day to reflect on their departed friends, making it a day of remembrance and emotional reckoning. Kamasi Washington’s haunting saxophone adds a layer of depth and sorrow to the track, making it a powerful and moving piece of music.
5. “I Lost Thursday” by They Might Be Giants
“I Lost Thursday” is a track from They Might Be Giants’ 2021 album BOOK. The song, sung by John Flansburgh, captures the surreal experience of losing track of time, a theme that resonates strongly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lyrics describe the disorienting feeling of misplacing an entire day, reflecting a broader sense of temporal confusion and existential contemplation. Musically, the song features a bassline recorded by John Linnell, contributing to its “pushy fusion sound” reminiscent of the band’s earlier work on their 1988 album Lincoln.
6. “Jersey Thursday” by Donovan
“Jersey Thursday” is a song by Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan, released in 1965 on his album Fairytale. The song is characterized by its poetic and melancholic lyrics, which tell a story of longing and reflection. The gentle acoustic arrangement complements Donovan’s introspective vocal delivery, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The song’s title suggests a specific day of the week, but the themes of yearning and introspection are universally relatable.
7. “Thursday” by Jess Glynne
“Thursday” is a single by English singer-songwriter Jess Glynne from her 2018 album Always In Between. Co-written with Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac, the song is a heartfelt ballad about self-acceptance and authenticity. Glynne sings about the pressures of fame and the importance of embracing one’s true self, even in the face of societal expectations. The song’s title refers to a specific day when Glynne chooses to forgo makeup, symbolizing her desire to feel beautiful and confident in her natural state. The track received praise for its emotional depth and Glynne’s expressive vocal performance.
8. “Thursday’s Child” by David Bowie
“Thursday’s Child” is a song by David Bowie from his 1999 album Hours. Written by Bowie and Reeves Gabrels, the song explores themes of regret, hope, and introspection. Inspired by the biography of actress Eartha Kitt, the lyrics reflect on life’s choices and the longing for fulfillment. The song’s melancholic tone is complemented by its lush, electronic production, creating a contemplative atmosphere. “Thursday’s Child” was released as the lead single from the album and was accompanied by a surreal music video directed by Walter Stern, which depicts Bowie reflecting on his past.
9. “Thursday” by Morphine
“Thursday” is a track from Morphine’s 1993 album Cure for Pain. The song tells the story of a clandestine affair, with the narrator meeting his lover every Thursday afternoon for beers, a game of pool, and secret rendezvous at the Wagon Wheel motel. The lyrics convey a sense of tension and danger, as the narrator is constantly on edge, fearing discovery by the woman’s violent and jealous husband. The song’s dark and moody atmosphere is enhanced by Morphine’s unique “low rock” sound, characterized by Mark Sandman’s deep vocals, Dana Colley’s baritone saxophone, and the minimalist instrumentation. The repetitive mention of Thursday underscores the routine yet risky nature of their meetings.
10. “Like A Summer Thursday” by Townes Van Zandt
“Like A Summer Thursday” is a song by Townes Van Zandt from his 1969 album Our Mother the Mountain. The song is a melancholic ballad that captures the fleeting and bittersweet nature of a summer romance. Van Zandt’s poetic lyrics and gentle acoustic guitar create a wistful atmosphere, as he reflects on a love that was as transient and beautiful as a summer Thursday. The imagery of the song evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss, with Van Zandt’s emotive voice conveying the pain of a love that has come and gone like a warm summer day.
11. “Sweet Thursday” by Pizzicato Five
“Sweet Thursday” is a track by the Japanese pop band Pizzicato Five, featured on their 1995 album The Sound of Music. The song is a playful and upbeat tune that captures the whimsical and carefree spirit of a Thursday afternoon. The lyrics, sung in Japanese, describe a romantic encounter on a windy Thursday in May, with the couple exchanging words and sharing a kiss a week later. The song’s bossa nova influence and catchy melody create a lighthearted and joyful vibe, making it a sweet and charming addition to any Thursday-themed playlist.
12. “Thursday” by Pet Shop Boys
“Thursday” is a single from Pet Shop Boys’ 2013 album Electric, featuring British rapper Example. The song is an upbeat electronic pop track that explores the anticipation and excitement of an upcoming weekend. The lyrics depict a narrator trying to convince their lover to stay for an extended weekend, starting from Thursday night.
The song’s structure includes verses sung by Neil Tennant, with Chris Lowe providing backing vocals, and a rap verse by Example. The chorus emphasizes the progression of days: “Thursday then Friday, It’s soon gonna be the weekend”. Example’s verse adds depth to the narrative, touching on themes of regret and self-reflection.
Produced by Stuart Price, the song showcases Pet Shop Boys’ signature synth-pop sound while incorporating contemporary electronic dance elements. The collaboration with Example came about when producer Stuart Price, who was working on Example’s album, suggested him for the guest verse.
13. “Sweet Thursday” by Johnny Mathis
“Sweet Thursday” is a romantic ballad performed by the legendary crooner Johnny Mathis. The song paints a picture of a significant Thursday when the narrator meets their love interest. Mathis’s smooth, emotive vocals bring warmth and tenderness to the lyrics.
The song begins by setting the scene: “It was on a sweet Thursday / Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday all had passed / Came the day I’d waited for at last”. This establishes Thursday as a pivotal day in the singer’s life, marking the beginning of a love story.
Mathis’s interpretation imbues the song with a sense of destiny and romance, suggesting that this particular Thursday was divinely ordained for the lovers to meet. The lyrics describe the immediate connection between the two, with lines like “And you were there, with love to spare”, emphasizing the instant spark between them.
14. “(Thursday) Here’s Why I Did Not Go To Work Today” by Harry Nilsson
This humorous track by Harry Nilsson offers a lighthearted take on skipping work, using Thursday as the perfect excuse. The song is characteristic of Nilsson’s wit and playful approach to songwriting.
In the lyrics, Nilsson describes Thursday as a “crazy, lazy day,” suggesting it’s an ideal time to play hooky from work. He contrasts Thursday with other days of the week, implying that while he’d be willing to work on other days, Thursday is special and deserves to be enjoyed.
The song’s tone is whimsical and relatable, tapping into the universal desire to escape the mundane routine of work. Nilsson’s distinctive vocal style and clever wordplay are on full display, making the song both entertaining and subtly subversive.
This track showcases Nilsson’s ability to blend humor with social commentary, using the concept of Thursday as a symbol for breaking free from societal expectations and embracing spontaneity.
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.