Songs With Deep Meaning
Some songs are more fun and more superficial, while others have very deep meanings. Here are songs with deep meaning with the best examples from different genres:
Sia – Chandelier
After her debut album, Healing is Difficult, did not make an impactful statement about music industry trends or her own musical taste, Sia was fed up with touring, interviews and the business in general. But her second album Color the Small One and its single “Breathe Me” (which later made an appearance on an episode of Six Feet Under) propelled Sia back onto pop radar and her career thrived once again.
She relocated to New York, collaborating with choreographer and dancer Mikaela Heffington on videos and performances, before releasing her sixth studio album 1000 Forms of Fear (2014) with Chandelier and Elastic Heart as popular singles. Sia is signed with both Atlantic Records and Monkey Puzzle Records; Greg Kurstin produced Everyday Is Christmas, her 2017 holiday release that she co-wrote with him. Sia’s track is one of the most popular songs with deep meaning.
The Weeknd – Can’t Feel My Face
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, commonly referred to as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer-songwriter-record producer-actor known for his emotive musical production and artistic reinventions characterized by falsetto register. This work by The Weeknd is one of the first ones that come to mind among songs with deep meaning.
Lady Gaga – Poker Face
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, commonly referred to by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, dancer and designer best known for her dramatic image transformations and musical versatility. Gaga’s song called Poker Face is one of the most original songs with deep meaning.
Rob Fusari discovered her talent and signed her to Def Jam Records; however, shortly thereafter she decided to experiment by performing neo-burlesque shows and go-go dancing at gay clubs in New York.
In 2009, she released her debut album The Fame which blended uptempo synthetic dance music and theatrical performance into one album. Its three number-one singles “Poker Face,” “LoveGame,” and “Paparazzi” instantly established her as a household name. Born This Way was her follow up release and tackled themes of sexuality and religion while receiving critical acclaim – selling over 8 million copies worldwide.
Ariana Grande – no tears left to cry
Ariana Grande is an extremely diverse artist, seamlessly moving between pop, R&B, and soul music genres. Her four-octave light lyric soprano vocal range and ability to perform in the whistle register have earned critical acclaim; furthermore her signature vocal belting routines and energetic dance performances make her one of the most beloved live performers today.
Grande first rose to fame through her role on the Nickelodeon series Victorious and its spinoff Sam & Cat, where she played goofy singer-actress Cat Valentine. Grande went on to star in Broadway musical 13 before making her big screen debuts as both Cat Valentine in Zoolander 2 and Penny Pingleton from Hairspray Live! on NBC.
Grande is not only known for her acting career but is also an advocate for mental health awareness and body positivity. Using her platform as an actor to speak out against bullying and encourage self-love is just another part of Grande’s mission. Although it has such a name “no tears left to cry”, this unforgettable song is one of the most high-energy among songs with deep meaning.
Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks
After struggling to establish himself in the music industry, Ohio native Mark Foster relocated to LA and formed Foster the People with drummer Mark Pontius and bassist Cubbie Fink. After spending time writing commercial jingles for various advertising agencies, Foster the People released their debut album Torches in 2011.
Pumped Up Kicks was the breakout hit from their debut record and earned them a major-label contract, while Supermodel, their second album produced by Paul Epworth was then released the following year. This is a striking example for the songs with deep meaning.
The album featured a more mature sound and the hit single, “Imagination.” This introspective yet dreamy track celebrates both creativity and anxiety – two darker aspects of imagination which can sometimes hinder us. “Imagination” became a staple track within their ethereal indie pop sound.
Green Day – Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
After several more subdued album releases, Green Day unleashed their political punk rock opera American Idiot to great success, and has never looked back since.
Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt met as elementary school classmates in Crockett, California and quickly bonded over their mutual love of classic punk bands such as Ramones. By 1987 they had garnered enough momentum for local record label Lookout! to sign them.
Kerplunk followed in 1991 and its success led to international tours, as well as major label interest. “Welcome to Paradise”, originally recorded for Kerplunk but eventually included on Dookie, represents their experience of leaving their parents’ homes and finding their own path through life.
Among songs with deep meaning , it would be impossible not to mention this song by Green Day.
Harry Styles – As It Was
Harry Styles auditioned for The X Factor as a 16-year-old in 2010 by singing Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely”. While he did not advance further in the competition, judges Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell recall him along with competitors Niall Horan, Liam Payne Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik to form One Direction.
Harry has made his mark as an actress and movie star with roles in Dunkirk (2017) and My Policeman (2022). Additionally, appearances at high-profile concerts and brand endorsements add to his vast fortune. This successful song has one of the most emotional lyrics among songs with deep meaning.
Selena Gomez, Marshmello – Wolves
Selena Gomez returned with a bang in 2018, beginning the year by teaming up with EDM producer Marshmello on “Wolves,” an infectious dance track guaranteed to make you move even when winter chills your toes to their bones. Its haunting lyrics and broody beats are sure to keep you moving; lines like, “I’ve been down the darkest alleys / Saw the dark side of the moon” will remain stuck in your mind long after hearing this tune! Among songs with deep meaning , it would be impossible not to mention this song by Selena Gomez and Marshmello.
Ed Sheeran – The A Team
Ed Sheeran epitomizes modern musicianhood. Distinguished for his guitar playing and looping techniques as well as his soothing voice, Ed has won multiple awards, including a Grammy.
He began his musical career in London where he performed at various events and recorded EPs, reaching the top of iTunes charts and signing with Atlantic Records before eventually releasing his first major album + in 2011.
Since then, he has written songs for other artists and supported their tours, appearing in movies and TV shows alike. His most popular singles include Thinking Out Loud and Perfect; many consider him to be the top-selling UK male artist ever! It is considered as one of the songs with deep meaning.
Bobby McFerrin – Don’t Worry Be Happy
Bobby McFerrin first shot to international stardom with the 1988 megahit, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, reaching #1 on global pop charts worldwide. An adept vocal improviser using four-octave range to produce polyphonic overtone singing and vocal percussion techniques both solo and with accompanying instruments.
He has used this concept in various settings, from creating his ten-person vocal ensemble Voicestra to exploring world music with Circlesongs from 1997. Additionally, he conducted the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and has collaborated with artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Chick Corea.
McFerrin transforms concert halls into playgrounds during his solo concerts, turning audiences into his impromptu multi-groove chorus and exploring call and response techniques. His musical repertoire ranges from traditional jazz and contemporary pop, all the way through African and Middle Eastern themes. It can be listed as one of the songs with deep meaning .
