Punk rock love songs offer a unique twist to traditional romantic themes, blending raw energy and rebelliousness with expressions of affection. From New Found Glory to Yellowcard, we have compiled great examples of punk songs that include themes of love.
These songs often deliver love messages through a raw, unfiltered lens, celebrating the intensity of emotions while maintaining the punk ethos of non-conformity and individuality. Let’s explore best examples of punk rock love songs now:
New Found Glory – My Heart Will Go On (Céline Dion cover)
The first track came from New Found Glory as an example of punk rock love songs . New Found Glory’s cover of Céline Dion’s timeless ballad My Heart Will Go On was released as part of the From the Screen to Your Stereo album in 2000. The band infuses their pop-punk energy into the emotional classic from the movie Titanic, maintaining the original’s sentimentality while adding their distinctive spin.
With energetic guitar riffs and spirited vocals, the cover pays homage to the romantic anthem, offering a refreshing take that resonates with their punk-rock sound. Even though it is a cover song, it will be a good choice for your playlists!
Alex Lahey – Every Day’s the Weekend
The second song came from Alex Lahey. Alex Lahey’s Every Day’s the Weekend is a spirited track from her debut album I Love You Like a Brother, released in 2017. The song captures the essence of embracing a carefree and liberated mindset.
Lahey’s dynamic vocals and catchy guitar-driven melodies underscore the song’s theme of relishing life’s simple pleasures and the liberating feeling of every day being an opportunity for enjoyment and fun. It is remembered with this chorus:
Let’s just do this
Every day’s the weekend
Doesn’t matter what they say
Every day’s the weekend
Don’t know, don’t care
Every day’s the weekend
The Wonder Years – Flowers Where Your Face Should Be
Another example of punk rock love songs is Flowers Where Your Face Should Be. Flowers Where Your Face Should Be is a compelling track by The Wonder Years from their album Sister Cities, released in 2018. The song delves into themes of loss and remembrance, portraying the struggle of coping with the absence of a loved one.
Through poignant lyrics and emotive instrumentals, the band conveys a heartfelt narrative, contemplating the void left behind and the memories that persist in the wake of loss.
The Undertones – Teenage Kicks
Teenage Kicks by The Undertones is a seminal punk rock anthem released in 1978. The track captures the spirit of youthful exuberance and rebellion with its high-energy tempo and spirited guitar riffs.
Widely regarded as a classic in the punk genre, the song’s raw energy and catchy melody encapsulate the intensity and thrill of adolescence, becoming an iconic representation of punk’s enduring legacy. This beloved song starts with these lyrics:
Are teenage dreams so hard to beat?
Everytime she walks down the street
Another girl in the neighborhood
Wish she was mine, she looks so good
5 Seconds of Summer – She Looks So Perfect
This track should be on the our list of punk rock love songs. She Looks So Perfect by 5 Seconds of Summer is an infectious pop-rock track from their self-titled debut album released in 2014. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus capture the excitement and infatuation of young love.
With its vibrant melodies and relatable lyrics, the track celebrates the thrill of newfound attraction and the allure of a perfect romantic partner.
Dead Milkmen – Punk Rock Girl
If you have not heard this song before, we can suggest it now. Punk Rock Girl by Dead Milkmen is a humorous and offbeat punk track from their album Beelzebubba, released in 1988. The song playfully narrates a quirky love story between a punk enthusiast and a free-spirited girl, blending witty lyrics with an upbeat rhythm and infectious melodies.
With its whimsical charm, the track became a cult favorite, known for its unconventional narrative and catchy hooks.
Man Overboard – I Like You
Man Overboard’s I Like You is a vibrant pop-punk anthem from their album Heart Attack, released in 2013. The song captures the thrill and excitement of new romantic feelings. With upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies, the band expresses the jubilant emotions of infatuation and the nervousness that accompanies revealing newfound affection.
The Get Up Kids – I’ll Catch You
We should add this song into the list of punk rock love songs . I’ll Catch You is a heartfelt track by The Get Up Kids from their album Something to Write Home About, released in 1999. The song embodies themes of loyalty and unwavering support within a relationship.
With heartfelt lyrics and melodic arrangements, the band communicates a profound sense of commitment and reassurance, promising to be a constant source of comfort and reliability for a loved one.
Something Corporate – Punk Rock Princess
Punk Rock Princess by Something Corporate is a vibrant pop-rock anthem that resonates with youthful exuberance and romantic yearning. Released as part of the album Leaving Through the Window in 2002, the track combines catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, encapsulating the longing for a love interest who embodies the spirited essence of a rebellious princess within the punk rock scene.
It starts with these lyrics:
Maybe when the room is empty
Maybe when the bottle’s full
Maybe when the door gets broke down, love can break in
And maybe when I’m done with thinking
Maybe you can think me whole
Maybe when I’m done with endings, this can begin
Yungblud – Cotton Candy
Among punk rock love songs, Cotton Candy should be announced. Cotton Candy by Yungblud is a pulsating and playful pop-rock track from the album Weird! released in 2020. The song captivates listeners with its lively beats and cheeky lyrics that celebrate the excitement and thrill of a new romantic relationship.
Yungblud’s dynamic vocals and infectious energy evoke the sugary-sweet rush of infatuation and the irresistible appeal of a newfound crush.
Motion City Soundtrack – The Future Freaks Me Out
Motion City Soundtrack’s ‘The Future Freaks Me Out’ is a high-energy anthem from their album ‘I Am the Movie,’ released in 2003. Known for their infectious pop-punk sound, the band infuses this track with catchy melodies and witty lyrics. The song captures the apprehension and uncertainty about the future, blending it with a sense of excitement and adventure.
With its upbeat tempo and relatable themes, ‘The Future Freaks Me Out’ resonates with audiences, offering a blend of introspection and youthful exuberance that defines Motion City Soundtrack’s music.
The Starting Line – The Best of Me
We can remember this track when we consider punk rock love songs. The Best of Me by The Starting Line is an emotive pop-punk ballad from their album Say It Like You Mean It, released in 2002. The song resonates with heartfelt lyrics and melodic harmonies, reflecting on personal growth and the bittersweet memories tied to past relationships.
With its introspective tone, the track explores themes of introspection and nostalgia, reminiscing about cherished moments and self-discovery. Here is the iconic chorus of it:
Tell me what you thought about when you were gone
And so alone
The worst is over
You can have the best of me
We got older
But we’re still young
We never grew out of this feeling that we won’t give up
We the Kings – Check Yes Juliet (Run Baby Run)
Check Yes Juliet (Run Baby Run) by We the Kings is an anthemic pop-punk track from their self-titled debut album released in 2007. The song exudes youthful energy, narrating a story of young love and adventurous rebellion reminiscent of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet.
With its catchy hooks and spirited melodies, the track encapsulates the thrill and urgency of a secret romance, evoking feelings of excitement and defiance.
No Doubt – Bathwater
No Doubt’s ‘Bathwater’ is a vibrant track from their album ‘Return of Saturn,’ released in 2000. The song encapsulates the band’s signature ska and pop-rock fusion, offering a blend of catchy rhythms and Gwen Stefani’s dynamic vocals. ‘Bathwater’ narrates a tale of emotional vulnerability and longing within a relationship, portraying the complexity of romantic connections.
With its infectious melody and introspective lyrics, the song resonates with listeners, showcasing No Doubt’s ability to craft energetic tunes layered with heartfelt emotions. You should also look out the music video of this track on Youtube now.
Yellowcard – Ocean Avenue
The last example of punk rock love songs is Ocean Avenue. Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard is an emotionally resonant pop-punk anthem from their album of the same name, released in 2003. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and melodic guitar riffs evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for lost youth.
With its anthemic quality and earnest sentiment, Ocean Avenue captures the sentimentality and yearning for carefree moments and the memories associated with them. Here is the beginning of this track:
There’s a place of Ocean Avenue
Where I used to sit and talk with you
We were both 16 and it felt so right
Sleepin’ all day stayin’ up all night
Stayin’ up all night