50 Most Memorable Song Lyrics of All Time

50 Most Memorable Song Lyrics of All Time

Originally Published by Shelmith on January 2023 and Updated by Purity M on February 2014

The seamless art of putting together instruments, poetry, and melodious vocals, in other words, music, is not only a form of entertainment but also a way of bringing people together. Popular and catchy tunes have stood the test of time remaining firmly in memory throughout several decades after their release. Some have been used as parodies and film tracks while others have multiple samples and covers.

In the current era of Gen Zs, social media platforms such as TikTok has had a massive impact on not just dance challenges but reviving old music. Put Your Held On My Shoulder by Paul Anka (1959), regained popularity after 4 decades through a trend on that very app.

Over the years these top fifty songs have had the most memorable lyrics of all time:

1. Hello by Adele (2015)

Hello, it’s me

Hello‘s popularity was based of its sad story line. It is also on the two saddest musical chords E minor and D minor.

2. Some Night by Fun (2013)

But I still wake up, I still see your ghost

Oh Lord, I’m still not sure what I stand for, oh-oh

(Oh-ooh-woah) what do I stand for?

(Oh-ooh-woah) what do I stand for?

Most nights, I don’t know anymore

Music critics applauded Some Nights for its enthusiastic lyrics and the vocals. 

3.  Suite & Tie by Justine Timberlake featuring Jay Z (2013)

I can’t wait ‘til I get you on the floor, good-looking

In an interview with Justine Timberlake, the artist revealed that Suite and Tie wasn’t inspired from something he could pinpoint. He just began writing and putting together random sounds in the studio. 

4. Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia (2012)

Don’t you worry don’t you worry child

See heavens got a plan for you

The song, written out of childhood life experience and a broken heart, still stands as the biggest hit single by Swedish House Mafia.

5. Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen (2012)

Hey, I just met

and this is crazy

but here’s my number

So call me maybe

Before producer Josh Ramsay added a pop touch to it, Call me Maybe was a folk song.

6. Rolling In The Deep by Adele (2011)

Adele Live 2016. Photo By Kristopher Harris – Wikimedia Commons

We could’ve had it all

Rolling in the deep

You had my heart inside of your hands

And you played it to the beat

After its release, Rolling in The Deep became the top crossover hit in the United States beating the 25-year record since 1985.

7. We Are Young by Fun ft. Janelle Monae (2011)

Tonight,

We are young

So let’s set the world on fire

We can burn Brighter than the sun

Though it wasn’t an instant hit, We Are Young  slowly topped the charts selling over three hundred thousand weekly digital sales for nearly two months. It beat the record that was once held by Rihanna’s Love the Way You Lie.

8. Party in the U.S.A by Miley Cyrus (2009)

Got my hands up

They’re playin’ my song

I know I’m gonna be okay

Yeah, It’s a Party in the U.S.A

Party in the U.S.A blew up because of its catchy tune and pop beats. Its video was a tribute to Miley’s favorite film Grease (1978).

9. Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Beyonce (2008)

All the single ladies (repeat seven times)

Put A Ring On It became an anthem for females around the world. It remains popular and is still used in weddings during the tossing of the bouquet.  

Read more on the most iconic songs by Beyonce on the website

10. Poker Face by Lady Gaga (2008)

Lady Gaga performing. Photo By Steve Baker – Wikimedia Commons

P-p-p-poker face

f-f-f*** her face

The 80’s inspired pop track incorporated a robotic tune with a warm chorus. Despite its similarity with Gaga’s Just Dance, Poker Face became successful topping American, Canadian and European charts.

11. Hustlin by Rick Ross (2006)

Every day I’m hustling (repeat seven times)

Ross was fresh in the music scene when he dropped Hustlin’, his first debut single. The track made him a hot commodity and was sought after by popular record labels Murder Inc. and Bad Boy Entertainment. He eventually signed a multi-million dollar deal with Def Jam Recordings.

12. Ridin’ by Chamillionaire (2006)

They see me rollin

They hatin

Patrollin and tryna catch me ridin’ dirty

Tryna catch me ridin’ dirty (repeat four times)

Ridin’ , a story line based of racism and police brutality, was named the number one selling ringtone in 2006.

13. My Humps by Black Eyed Peas (2005)

Black Eyed Peas. Photo by Craig ONeal – Wikimedia Commons

What you gonna do with all that junk?

All that junk inside your trunk

My Hump was listed amongst the 20 most annoying songs by the American magazine, Rolling Stone. Despite receiving negative critics for its sexual context, it became popular winning a grammy award for best performance and ranked position three in the Billboard Hot 100

14. 99 Problems by Jay Z (2004)

I got 99 problems but a b*tch aint one

The particular phrase was adopted during the 1996 performance of a Miami based American hip hop group known as 2 Live Crew. 

15. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day (2004)

My shadow’s the only one that walks beside me

Boulevard of Broken Dream remains the only song to win a Grammy and MTV Award for Record of the Year and Video of the Year. 

16. Into You by Fabolous ft Tamia (2003)

I think you’re truly something special

Just what my dreams are really made of

Fabolous’ sample of Into You originally featured Ashanti’s vocals but her record label didn’t allow her to shoot the commercial video. He reached out to Tamia who’s was behind the 1998 version of the song .

17. What Dreams Are Made of by Lizzie McGuire (2003)

Hey now, hey now,

This is what dreams are made of

What Dreams Are Made of  was performed by Hillary Duff as part of 2003 American teen comedy, Lizzie McGuire. The film won three awards on the year of its release.

18. Milkshake by Kelis (2003)

My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard

Milkshake became a fan favourite for females.  The extract above represented a feminine energy that stood out and attracted the male gender.

19. Step In The Name of Love by R. Kelly (2003)

Snap in the name of love, snap in the name of love

Clap in the name of love, clap in the name of love

Step in the name of love, step in the name of love

Groove in the name of love, groove in the name of love

The track became number one on the RnB/Hip Hop Chart after 43 weeks. It holds the record for the slowest song to top the American music chart.

20. A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton (2002)

Vanessa Carlton at The Roxy. Photo source Wikimedia Commons

Making my way downtown

Walking fast, faces pass and I’m,  home bound

Vanessa began writing A Thousand Miles five years before it was released. The song is based on a secret crush, one that she met when she turned seventeen.

21. Ignition (Remix) by R Kelly (2002)

It’s the remix to ignition

Hot and fresh out the kitchen

Aside from I Believe I can Fly and The World Greatest, Ignition is one of Kelly’s most well-known songs. In 2010, it made the cut for Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest songs of all time. 

22. The World’s Greatest by R. Kelly (2001)

I’m that star up in the sky

I’m that mountain peak up high

Hey I made it

I’m the world’s greatest

Though the song didn’t pick top in the American music charts, The World’s Greatest was well received in European countries such as U.K. and Netherlands.

23. Ms Jackson by Outkast (2000)

I’m sorry miss Jackson,

I am for real

Never meant to make your daughter cry

I apologize a trillion times

Ms Jackson was Andre 3000’s actual apology to the mother of his former lover, Erykah Badu

24. Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus (2000)

Cause I’m just a teenage dirtbag baby

Yeah I’m just a teenage dirtbag baby

Teenage Dirtbag was a song addressing the exclusion of the not-so-stereotypical teenager. Brendan, one of the band members, was an avid fan of Iron Maiden and Metallica music once associated with Satanic worship. He wrote the song to address his home community claiming he wouldn’t change despite their opinions.

25. Mambo No 5 (A little Bit of …) by Lou Bega (1999)

A little bit of Monica in my life

A little bit of Monica in my life

A little bit of Erica by my side

A little bit of Rita’s all I need

A little bit of Tina’s what I see

A little bit of Sandra in the sun

A little bit of Mary all night long

A little bit of Jessica, here I am

A little bit of you makes me your man

The original version of the song was done by a Cuban musician, Damaso Perez, in 1950 but it was Bega’s 1999 version that became a worldwide hit.

26. No Scrubs by TLC (1999)

TLC 2016. Photo By The Come Up Show – Wikimedia Common

No, I don’t want no scrub

A scrub is a guy that can’t get any love from me

The term scrub, referring to a broke man who hits on women, became commonly used after the song gained popularity. 

27. I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys (1999)

You are, my fire

The one, desire

Upon its release, I Want It That Way reached number one in more 20 countries and still remains the signature song to the Backstreet Boys band.

28. Ruff Ryder’s Anthem by DMX (1998)

Stop,

Drop,

shut’em down open up shop

Oh, No

That’s how Ruff Ryders roll

In a interview with GQ, DMX told the magazine that he did not want to record Ryder’s Anthem because it wasn’t hood enough. He didn’t like the repetitive beats and the lyrics were too simple.

However, the song took off and became a hit. The Hip Hop banger brought Swizz Beats into the limelight as a music producer the age of 18!

29. Barbie Girl by Aqua (1997)

I’m a barbie girl, in a barbie world

Life in plastic, it’s fantastic

You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere

Imagination, life is your creation

A song that definitely resonates with the ’90s kids, who are now full-grown adults. Aside from the lyrics, the barbie-doll inspired video is also quite unforgettable. The song’s views on YouTube currently stands at 1.15 billion.

30. Mmmbop by Hanson (1997)

Mmmbop, ba duba dop

Ba du bop, ba duba dop

Ba du bop, ba duba dop

Ba du, oh yeah

Mmmbop, ba duba dop

Ba du bop, ba du dop

Ba du bop, ba du dop

Ba du, yeah

According to the pop rock band, the Mmmbop  chorus was the background to different song, but its catchy rhythm stuck through leading them to breaking it into an individual song. 

31. My Heart Will Go On By Celine Dion (1997)

Celine Dion Live 2017. Photo source Wikimedia Commons

Near, Far,

 Wherever you are, I believe that the heart does go on

Once more you open the door

And you’re here in my heart

And my heart will go on and on

My Heart Will Go On became a classic after it was featured as the theme song to the Box Office movie, Titanic.

32. Wannabe by Spice Girls (1996)

If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends

The prosperity of the song earned Spice Girls the title of the most successful girl group of all time.

33. Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number by Aaliyah (1994)

Aaliyah Dana Haughton. Phot By MikaV- Wikimedia Commons

Age ain’t nothing but a number

Throwing down ain’t nothing but a thing

The American R&B song saw more success internationally compared to the U.S. It brewed controversy when a marriage certificate of Aaliyah and R Kelly surfaced showing proof of their illegal union. Aaliyah was 15 at the time she took the marital vows.

34. Juicy by Notorious B.I.G (1994)

It was all a dream

Juicy became Biggies most successful single and is ranked among the greatest hip Hop song of all time.

35. I Will Always Love You by Whitney (1992)

And I

Will always love you

Ooh I

Will always love you

I Will Always Love You was written by Dolly Parton and released in 1974 as a country song. It was Whitney’s recorded version for The Bodyguard, a 1992 film, that won numerous awards selling over 10 million copies in the U.S.

36. The Time of My Life by Bill Medley (1987)

Now, I’ve had the time of my life

 No, I never felt like this before

Yes, I swear it’s the truth

 And I owe it all to you

The American pop group Black Eyed Peas used the song chorus as part of the single The Time (Dirty Bit) from their sixth studio album, The Beginning.

37. I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston (1987)

Whitney Houston performing at Welcome Heroes. Photo By Novice –Wikimedia Commons

Oh, I wanna dance with somebody

I wanna feel the heat with somebody

Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody

With somebody who loves me

I Wanna Dance With Somebody was written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, the song writers behind Whitney’s other hit single, How Will I Know.

Click here to learn about the greatest black musicians of all time including Whitney.

38. Bad by Michael Jackson (1987)

You know I’m bad

I’m bad

You know it

Bad’s storyline was inspired by a newspaper article about a young boy from a poor background who ended up schooling in a private institution in Upstate New York.  

39. Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley (1987)

Never gonna give you up

Never gonna let you down

 Never gonna turn around and desert you

In 2007, the Never Gonna Give You Up regained popularity when it was used in an internet meme trend know as rickrolling.

40. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham! (1984)

Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael of Wham! Photo Source Wikimedia Commons

Wake me up, before you go go,

Don’t leave me hanging on like yo-yo

The song was inspired by a note Andrew left his parents. The note read “Wake me up up before you go”. Ridgeley, who had made a grammatical error, replaced ‘up up’ with ‘go go’. 

41. Karma Chameleon by Culture Club (1983)

Karma karma karma karma karma chameleon

You come and go, you come and go

Loving would be easy if your colours were like my dreams

Red, gold and green,

Red, gold and green

Culture Club was reluctant in recording Karma Chameleon as a single due to its country themed nature, a genre the group didn’t particularly do. 

42. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson (1983)

Billie Jean is not my lover

She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one

Michael nearly died after his Rolls Royce, which had caught fire, went almost unnoticed. He got so absorbed writing Billie Jean a passing motorcyclist was the one who raised the alarm on the fire.

43. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper (1983)

Oh, girls, they wanna have fun

Oh girls just wanna have fun

Lauper released a new reggae version of the song in 1994 named Hey Now (Girls Just Want To Have Fun)

44. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics (1983)

Sweet dreams are made of this

Who am I to disagree?

I travel the world and the seven seas

Everybody’s looking for something

Sweet Dreams gave the band a commercial breakthrough topping music charts in Europe, America and Australia.

45. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor (1982)

It’s the eye of the tiger

It’s the thrill of the fight

Eye of The Tiger was used as the theme song of the film, Rocky III. In 1982, it became the biggest hit song of the year.

See other best songs from the 80s here.

46. Rivers of Babylon by Boney M (1979)

By the rivers of Babylon

There we sat down

Yeah, we wept,

When we remembered Zion

The 1970 Berent Owe version of Rivers of Babylon was banned by the government of Jamaica for its potentially inflammatory reference to the Rastafarian community. 

47. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor (1978)

Gloria Gaynor Summer 2012. Photo by giorgioerriquez – Wikimedia Commons

At first, I was afraid, I was petrified

The song, which embodies female empowerment, was selected as part of the National Recording Registry for its cultural and artistic significance

48. M.C.A by Village People (1978)

It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A

Y.M.C.A was the only single released from the Village People’s third studio album, Cruisin’.

49. Mamma Mia by ABBA (1975)

Mamma Mia, here I go again

My my, how can I resist you

ABBA, a group of four, was composed of two married couples. Unfortunately, the fame and success of their music brought both relationships to an end.

50. Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley (1961)

Take my hand

Take my whole life too

For I can’t help

Falling in love with you

The initial lyrics of Can’t Help Falling In Love were written from a female perspective but were later altered to fit Elvis.

Top 10 Most Searched Lyrics of All Time

Ever find yourself humming a tune with no clue what the words are? You are not alone! Millions of people around the world turn to search engines, desperate to decipher those catchy lyrics bouncing around in their brain. Today, we unveil the top 10 most searched lyrics of all time, taking a lighthearted journey through the anthems that have captivated listeners across generations.

1. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen (1975)

This operatic rock masterpiece is a lyrical labyrinth. With its iconic opening lines, “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” and the operatic build-up to the legendary “Galileo!” and “Scaramouche!”, it’s no wonder even the most dedicated fans might need a refresher on Freddie Mercury’s epic storytelling. The song became the most streamed song from the 20th century after the release of the 2018 biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.

2. Hotel California – Eagles (1977)

Is it a metaphor for addiction or something more sinister? This cryptic song, fueled by lines like “We are all just prisoners here, of our own device” and “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave,” has sparked countless interpretations, keeping listeners coming back for more and searching for answers. The song’s enduring popularity is further cemented by its Grammy Award win for Record of the Year in 1978.

3. Lose Yourself – Eminem (2002)

This hip-hop masterpiece throws listeners into the pressure cooker of a rap battle, with Eminem spitting fire: “Palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy / There’s vomit on my sweater already, mom’s spaghetti.” With its rapid-fire rhymes and motivational message of “one shot, one opportunity,” it’s no wonder people want to understand every word. The song’s impact transcended the music world, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003 for its powerful portrayal of ambition and pressure.

4. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson (1983)

The moonwalk may be iconic, but the lyrics to this smooth pop track remain a mystery to some. Who is Billie Jean, and what does she want? The answer, it seems, lies in the power of the music, with Michael Jackson singing: “Billie Jean is not my lover / She’s just a girl the way I see her on the T.V. screen.” The song’s infectious groove and multiple Grammy Award wins, including Record of the Year and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1984, solidified its place as a pop culture phenomenon.

5. Jolene – Dolly Parton (1974)

This country ballad is a heartfelt plea to a woman named Jolene, begging her to stay away from the singer’s man. With lines like: “Jolene, Jolene, please don’t take my man / Don’t you take my man away,” and the raw emotion in Dolly’s voice, it’s no surprise this song remains a perennial favorite, with lyrics many want to learn and sing along to. The song’s enduring popularity even earned Parton a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1975.

6. American Pie – Don McLean (1971)

This cryptic folk song is a historical tapestry woven with references to American cultural icons and events. Lines like “The day the music died” and “A long, long time ago” paint a picture of a bygone era, while the song’s overall ambiguity keeps interpretations varied and listeners searching for meaning within its evocative imagery and nostalgic feel. While the song itself never won a Grammy, it has been recognized by the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress for its cultural significance.

7. I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys (1999)

This heartthrob anthem captures the longing and confusion of young love. The catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “Tell me why / Ain’t nothin’ but a heartache / Tell me why / Ain’t nothin’ but a mistake,” make it a karaoke staple, ensuring these lyrics remain ingrained in our collective memory. Released in 1999, the song propelled the Backstreet Boys to international superstardom and secured their place in the hearts of millions of fans.

8. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin (1971

This rock epic takes listeners on a mystical journey, filled with symbolism and open-ended questions. From the opening line, “There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold / And she’s buying a stairway to heaven,” to the guitar solo that transcends words, the song’s ambiguity keeps listeners wanting to decipher its secrets, searching for the meaning behind the epic soundscape. While never receiving a Grammy Award itself, the song has been consistently ranked on “greatest of all time” lists by various publications and music critics, solidifying its legendary status.

9. Love Story – Taylor Swift (2008)

This fairy tale-inspired song is a classic love ballad, detailing the ups and downs of a relationship. Its simple yet captivating lyrics, We were both young when I first saw you / I close my eyes and the flashback starts / I’m standing there on a balcony in summer and you / Are looking at me with your green eyes and the sky behind you” and “This love is difficult, but it’s real resonate with hopeless romantics everywhere, making them a popular choice for aspiring singers and songwriters who want to express their own love stories.

10. Toxic – Britney Spears (2003)

This dance-floor anthem is a powerful declaration of independence and self-worth. The catchy melody and clever wordplay, “Baby, kiss me deadly / If you can’t handle me at my worst, you don’t deserve me at my best,” make it a fun sing-along, even if some listeners might be surprised by its deeper meaning when they search for the lyrics and discover the song’s empowering message. Released in 2003, the song became a global phenomenon and secured Spears‘ position as a pop icon, solidifying her place in music history.

This list showcases the diverse range of songs that have captivated audiences and sparked curiosity. From timeless classics to modern hits, these lyrics continue to resonate with listeners across generations, proving the enduring power of music and the stories it tells.

Whether it’s the anthemic message of “I Want It That Way” or the introspective journey of “Stairway to Heaven,” these melodies and their accompanying words have a way of getting stuck in our heads and prompting us to delve deeper into their meaning and the emotions they evoke.