January means winter cold and fresh starts, which gives songwriters plenty to work with. Surprisingly, there aren’t a ton of songs specifically about the month, but there are some good ones.
Be sure to listen to the Songs About January Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs About January
1. “The New Year” – Parachute
Lyric Sample: “Counting down to zero just to start again, oh what a way to start the new year.”
Parachute’s song is about dealing with relationship problems as the new year starts. It’s about hating the situation and hoping that the fresh start of January might make things better.
2. “January Hymn” – The Decemberists
Lyric Sample: “On a winter’s Sunday I go, to clear away the snow, and green the ground below.”
“January Hymn” is about clearing snow on a Sunday and thinking back on winters from childhood. It’s nostalgic and a bit melancholic, with some regret about things left unsaid.
Related: Best Songs About Winter
3. “January Wedding” – The Avett Brothers
Lyric Sample: “It was a January wedding, and the first day of my life.”
This folk song is about getting married in January and finding someone who makes life better. It’s about having gratitude for love and how the right person helps you see beauty when things feel dark.
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’ 2009 track is about doubting whether a relationship was real love or just fear of being alone during a cold London winter.
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 sings about checking his horoscope and hoping an ex will come back, but not really believing it will happen. He’s skeptical about astrology but still can’t help watching for signs.
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.”
In “Back to December,” Swift apologizes for how she treated someone in a past relationship. She wants to go back and make things right.
7. “June in January” – Bing Crosby
Lyric Sample: “It’s June in January, because I’m in love.”
Crosby’s classic is about the way being in love makes cold January feel like warm June. Even when it’s freezing and the trees are bare, love makes everything feel like spring.
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.”
This Counting Crows’ hit looks back on a difficult year and hopes the next one will be better. It’s about the transition from December to January.
Related: Songs About December
9. “New Year’s Day” – U2
Lyric Sample: “I will begin again, and it’s New Year’s Day.”
This 1983 rock song is about wanting to be with someone on New Year’s Day. It also has political undertones about conflict and change, with the message that nothing really changes just because it’s a new year.
10. “Darkest Hour” – Arlo Guthrie
Lyric Sample: “It’s the tenth of January and I still ain’t had no sleep.”
This 1970s song tells the story of a mysterious January nighttime encounter. There’s a bandit, a tower with sleeping guards, and a forbidden romance plays out.
11. “Fire in the Belly” – Van Morrison
Lyric Sample: “Gotta get through January.”
This 1997 track is about being in love with someone and having to endure the cold months before spring arrives. The fire and passion contrast with having to wait out the winter months.
Conclusion
From fresh starts to cold mornings to looking back at the year that just ended, these songs cover the many sides of January.
Check out more of our Songs About the Months of the Year lists!
