Time is a theme that transcends genres, offering profound reflections on life, love, and the moments that shape us. Musicians across decades have explored this concept, creating unforgettable tracks that connect with listeners on an emotional level. On this page you’ll find a great list of songs about time, each telling its unique story through powerful lyrics and melodies.
Be sure to check out the Songs About Time Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs About Time
1. “Cat’s in the Cradle” – Harry Chapin
Lyric Sample: “The cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon, little boy blue and the man in the moon.”
This classic song tells the tale of a father and son whose lives never quite align due to time and priorities. Its poignant message about missed moments and regret resonates deeply with listeners.
“Cat’s in the Cradle” can also be found on the Best Songs with Animals in the Title list!
2. “Young and Beautiful” – Lana Del Rey
Lyric Sample: “Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?”
Lana Del Rey captures the fleeting nature of youth and beauty in this haunting ballad. The song’s raw vulnerability and introspective lyrics explore how love withstands the test of time.
3. “Time in a Bottle” – Jim Croce
Lyric Sample: “If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I’d like to do…”
Jim Croce’s timeless hit expresses the desire to cherish every precious moment with a loved one. Its poetic lyrics and delicate melody make it a heartfelt ode to the value of time.
4. “Stop This Train” – John Mayer
Lyric Sample: “Stop this train, I want to get off and go home again.”
John Mayer reflects on the inevitability of growing older and the desire to pause life’s progression. This introspective track combines emotional lyrics with a soothing acoustic melody.
5. “Vienna” – Billy Joel
Lyric Sample: “Slow down, you crazy child, you’re so ambitious for a juvenile.”
From his award-winning album The Stranger, Billy Joel encourages listeners to embrace life’s pace and not rush through meaningful experiences. The song’s timeless wisdom and gentle piano arrangement make it a standout anthem.
6. “Time Is on My Side” – The Rolling Stones
Lyric Sample: “Time is on my side, yes, it is.”
The Rolling Stones deliver a message of patience and confidence in this iconic track. Its enduring appeal lies in its empowering lyrics and bluesy charm.
7. “7 Years” – Lukas Graham
Lyric Sample: “Once I was seven years old, my mama told me, ‘Go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely.’”
This autobiographical ballad takes listeners through different stages of life, reflecting on choices and milestones. Its relatable storytelling and heartfelt delivery strike a chord with audiences.
Find “7 Years” and other great tunes on the Best Songs with Numbers in the Title list!
8. “Time Stand Still” – Rush
Lyric Sample: “Time stand still, I’m not looking back but I want to look around me now.”
Rush’s anthem explores the yearning to pause time and savor life’s fleeting moments. The song’s dynamic instrumentation and introspective lyrics create a powerful experience.
9. “In My Life” – The Beatles
Lyric Sample: “There are places I’ll remember all my life, though some have changed.”
The Beatles offer a nostalgic reflection on cherished memories and the passage of time. Its simple yet profound lyrics resonate with listeners of all generations.
10. “Out of Time” – the Weeknd
Lyric Sample: “Say I love you, girl, but I’m out of time.”
This emotional ballad from the Weeknd explores regret and missed opportunities in love. The smooth vocals and haunting melody enhance its heartfelt message.
Check out our “Timeless” Lyrics Meaning article, which covers another popular the Weeknd song with “time” in the title.
11. “Forever Young” – Rod Stewart
Lyric Sample: “May you stay forever young.”
Rod Stewart’s hopeful ballad celebrates youth and the enduring spirit of life. Its universal message of love and blessings makes it a timeless favorite.
Check out our full “Forever Young” Song Meaning article!
12. “The Times They Are A-Changin’” – Bob Dylan
Lyric Sample: “Come gather ’round, people, wherever you roam.”
Bob Dylan’s iconic protest song captures the spirit of social change and the inevitability of progress. Its timeless relevance continues to inspire and empower listeners.
13. “The Living Years” – Mike + The Mechanics
Lyric Sample: “Say it loud, say it clear, you can listen as well as you hear.”
This poignant song emphasizes the importance of communication and appreciating loved ones while they’re still here. Its heartfelt lyrics and emotional melody resonate deeply.
14. “Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper
Lyric Sample: “If you’re lost, you can look, and you will find me, time after time.”
This iconic ballad celebrates unwavering love and loyalty through the test of time. Cyndi Lauper’s heartfelt vocals and timeless melody have made it a beloved classic.
15. “Clock Strikes” – One OK Rock
Lyric Sample: “Believe that time is always forever, and I’ll always be here.”
One OK Rock’s “Clock Strikes” explores the resilience of time and its perpetual nature. The song captures the struggle between hope and despair, encouraging listeners to hold on to the belief that time, no matter the circumstances, is constant and enduring.
16. “Yesterday’s Gone” – Chad Michael Stewart
Lyric Sample: “I loved you all the summer through, I thought I’d found my dream in you.”
“Yesterday’s Gone” reflects on a love that was once vibrant but has now faded with time. The song captures the sorrow of lost love, filled with nostalgia for a relationship that, though meaningful, is now part of the past.
17. “Yesterday” – The Beatles
Lyric Sample: “Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away.”
A timeless ballad, “Yesterday” mourns the loss of simpler times and cherished relationships. Its universal appeal and elegant simplicity make it one of The Beatles’ most iconic songs.
18. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day
Lyric Sample: “It’s something unpredictable, but in the end, it’s right.”
Green Day’s acoustic hit reflects on the unpredictable journey of life and its pivotal moments. Its heartfelt message has made it a popular choice for celebrations and goodbyes alike.
19. “When You Were Young” – The Killers
Lyric Sample: “He doesn’t look a thing like Jesus, but he talks like a gentleman.”
This anthem contrasts youthful dreams with the realities of growing older. Its driving beat and poignant lyrics highlight the tension between idealism and experience.
20. “Life Goes On” – BTS
Lyric Sample: “Like an echo in the forest, the day will come back around.”
BTS delivers a soothing and hopeful track about enduring life’s hardships and finding strength in continuity. Its comforting lyrics and mellow vibe offer reassurance and resilience.
21. “Memory” – Sugarcult
Lyric Sample: “This may never start; we could fall apart.”
Sugarcult’s track explores the fleeting nature of moments and the memories they leave behind. Its nostalgic tone and melodic rock energy make it a relatable anthem for reflecting on past connections.
22. “Time” – Pink Floyd
Lyric Sample: “And you run, and you run to catch up with the sun, but it’s sinking.”
Pink Floyd’s progressive masterpiece delves into the relentless march of time and its impact on life’s priorities. Its powerful lyrics and intricate instrumentation create an unforgettable listening experience.
23. “100 Years” – Five for Fighting
Lyric Sample: “I’m 15 for a moment, caught in between 10 and 20.”
This poignant song chronicles life’s stages, urging listeners to savor every fleeting moment. Its emotional lyrics and tender piano melody resonate with audiences of all ages.
Find “100 Years” and other fantastic songs on the Best Songs with Numbers in the Title list!
24. “Time Will Fly” – Sam Tompkins
Lyric Sample: “Time will fly, run away from you, and it’s alright, it’s what you’re made to do.”
Sam Tompkins’ “Time Will Fly” is an introspective anthem about growth, challenges, and the passage of time. The song explores the emotional ups and downs of life, from heartbreak to triumph, and reminds listeners that even through the struggles, time continues to shape who we become.
25. “Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac
Lyric Sample: “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing ’cause I built my life around you.”
Fleetwood Mac’s classic track contemplates change, growth, and the passage of time. Its raw emotion and haunting melody make it an enduring favorite for introspective moments.
You can learn more about this classic in our “Landslide” lyrics breakdown.
26. “Always Remember Us This Way” – Lady Gaga
Lyric Sample: “Lovers in the night, poets tryin’ to write.”
This emotional ballad captures the beauty of a love that remains timeless in memory. Lady Gaga’s powerful delivery and heartfelt lyrics make it an unforgettable track about lasting bonds.
27. “Forever Young” – Alphaville
Lyric Sample: “Forever young, I want to be forever young.”
Alphaville’s synth-pop anthem embodies the desire for eternal youth and vitality. Its uplifting lyrics and dreamy melody resonate across generations.
28. “Turn! Turn! Turn!” – The Byrds
Lyric Sample: “To everything (turn, turn, turn), there is a season.”
The Byrds adapt Ecclesiastes’ timeless message about life’s cycles into a harmonious folk-rock classic. Its universal theme of change and renewal continues to inspire listeners.
29. “Young Forever” – Jay-Z ft. Mr. Hudson
Lyric Sample: “Forever young, I wanna be forever young, do you really want to live forever?”
“Young Forever” is an anthem celebrating the desire to stay young and live life to the fullest. With its uplifting beat and introspective lyrics, it explores the tension between the fleeting nature of time and the yearning to preserve youth and vitality forever.
30. “Time” – NF
Lyric Sample: “Even if we both break down tonight, and you say you hate me, and we go to bed angry.”
NF’s introspective track explores the complexities of relationships and the healing power of time. Its raw emotion and relatable lyrics create a deeply personal listening experience.
31. “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” – Chicago
Lyric Sample: “Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?”
Chicago blends jazz and rock in this philosophical track questioning the importance of time. Its playful yet thought-provoking lyrics encourage listeners to focus on life’s meaningful moments.
What Makes Songs About Time Special?
Songs about time often evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of life’s precious moments and the fleeting nature of existence. These tracks resonate with listeners by connecting universal themes like love, growth, and change.
Whether reflecting on the past or anticipating the future, songs about time remain timeless in their appeal.
Conclusion
Time is a powerful muse for music, offering endless possibilities for storytelling and emotional connection. The songs on this list reflect the many facets of time, from its ability to heal to its relentless march forward. Add these tracks to your playlist and experience the profound impact of music inspired by time.
If you want to hear more songs that explore somewhat similar themes, check out our Songs About Friendship, Songs About Ghosts, and Songs About Hiking pages.
