The arrival of January often brings a sense of renewal, a time to reflect and look ahead. Whether capturing the chill of winter or the hope of a fresh start, these songs embody the spirit of the month. On this page, you’ll find a list of songs that explore the emotions and themes tied to January, covering a variety of genres.
Be sure to listen to the Songs About January Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Awesome Songs About January
1. “January” – Pilot
Lyric Sample: “January, sick and tired, you’ve been hanging on me.”
Pilot’s 1975 hit captures the post-holiday blues with a blend of upbeat pop melodies and a sense of melancholy, making it a perfect reflection of January’s contrasting feelings.
2. “January Hymn” – The Decemberists
Lyric Sample: “On a winter’s Sunday I go, to clear away the snow, and green the ground below.”
The Decemberists’ “January Hymn” captures the cold, reflective nature of January. Its delicate instrumentation and introspective lyrics perfectly encapsulate the quiet of the first month of the year.
3. “January Wedding” – The Avett Brothers
Lyric Sample: “It was a January wedding, and the first day of my life.”
This heartwarming folk song by The Avett Brothers celebrates new beginnings. “January Wedding” beautifully symbolizes the hope and promise that January, the first month, can bring.
4. “Winter Winds” – Mumford & Sons
Lyric Sample: “As the winter winds litter London with lonely hearts, oh, the warmth in your eyes swept me into your arms.”
Mumford & Sons’ “Winter Winds” captures the contrasting emotions that come with winter—the coldness of the season and the warmth of love. The song’s powerful lyrics explore themes of doubt, love, and the passage of time, while the imagery of winter winds and loneliness fits perfectly with the reflective, often bittersweet mood of January.
5. “January Stars” – Sting
Lyric Sample: “If January stars came true, and as I gaze at winter stars, the second house conjunct with Mars.”
Sting’s “January Stars” explores the tension between hope and skepticism, reflecting on the idea of fate and prophecy. The song delves into longing and uncertainty, using the imagery of January stars and astrological signs to express the uncertainty of whether love and promises will come to fruition.
6. “Back to December” – Taylor Swift
Lyric Sample: “Maybe this is wishful thinkin’, probably mindless dreamin’, but if we loved again, I swear I’d love you right.”
This emotional ballad by Taylor Swift reflects on regret and longing for a lost love, perfectly capturing the reflective mood often felt in December and into January as the year starts anew.
7. “June in January” – Bing Crosby
Lyric Sample: “It’s June in January, because I’m in love.”
Bing Crosby’s “June in January” is a classic love song that celebrates the warmth and joy of love, even in the coldest months. The lyrics express the euphoria of being in love, making it feel like the warmth of June has arrived early, even in the heart of winter.
8. “A Long December” – Counting Crows
Lyric Sample: “It’s been a long December, and there’s reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.”
Counting Crows’ “A Long December” resonates with those reflecting on the past year. The song’s melancholic tone and hopeful message about the future are fitting for the fresh start January brings.
9. “New Year’s Day” – U2
Lyric Sample: “I will begin again, and it’s New Year’s Day.”
U2’s anthem for new beginnings, “New Year’s Day,” resonates with the sense of a fresh start that January embodies. The song’s optimistic energy aligns perfectly with the anticipation that comes with the new year.
10. “Winter Song” – Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson
Lyric Sample: “This is my winter song to you, the storm is coming soon, it rolls in from the sea.”
“Winter Song” brings a sense of warmth and solace in the midst of winter’s cold, making it ideal for the reflective and often quiet nature of January.
11. “River” – Joni Mitchell
Lyric Sample: “I wish I had a river I could skate away on.”
Joni Mitchell’s “River” is a contemplative song about wanting to escape the pain of the past year and start fresh. Its melancholy mood and longing for change make it an ideal soundtrack for the feelings that accompany January.
Why Songs About January Resonate
Songs about January often tap into feelings of reflection, longing, and renewal. Whether capturing the quiet stillness of winter or the hope for new beginnings, these songs convey emotions that resonate strongly during the first month of the year.
January is a time to reflect on the past and look ahead, making it a powerful subject for music.
Conclusion
The songs listed above capture the emotions and themes tied to January—from the chill of winter and the introspection that comes with it to the hope for new beginnings and the fresh start the month brings. These tracks provide a fitting soundtrack for the start of the year, reflecting the range of feelings experienced as we begin anew.
If you’re interested in exploring more songs about different months, check out our Songs with Months in the Title article, where we dive into music inspired by each month of the year.
