Time is one of the most universal and profound themes in music. Whether it’s about the past, the present, or the future, songs about time can evoke nostalgia, hope, regret, or anticipation. Time can also be a metaphor for life, love, or death. In this article, we’ll explore 25 timeless songs about time that will make you think about your own relationship with this mysterious and inevitable force.

Time by Pink Floyd (1973)

One of the most iconic songs from Pink Floyd’s masterpiece album The Dark Side of the Moon, Time, is a haunting and philosophical reflection on the passage of time and the meaning of life. The song features ticking clocks, chimes, and alarms that create a sense of urgency and anxiety. The lyrics contrast the wasted youth and the disillusioned adulthood of the narrator, who realises that “the time is gone, the song is over” and that he has to “make his home“.

2. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper (1984)

A classic ballad that has been covered by many artists, Time After Time is a tender and heartfelt song about a lasting love that transcends time and distance. The song was inspired by Cyndi Lauper’s relationship with her then-boyfriend, who moved to another country. The chorus expresses her promise to be there for him “time after time”, even if he feels lost or lonely.

3. Yesterday by The Beatles (1965)

Yesterday, one of the most popular and influential songs of all time is a melancholic and nostalgic song about a broken relationship that can’t be fixed. The song was written by Paul McCartney, who claimed that he dreamt of the melody one night. The lyrics describe his longing for “yesterday” when everything was easy and happy before his lover left him.

4. If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher (1989)

A powerful and emotional song that showcases Cher’s vocal range and charisma, If I Could Turn Back Time is a song about regret and redemption. The song was written by Diane Warren, who said that she wanted to write a song that Cher could relate to. The lyrics express Cher’s wish to turn back time and undo her mistakes that hurt her lover.

5. Clocks by Coldplay (2002)

A catchy and hypnotic song that features a distinctive piano riff and a soaring chorus, Clocks is a song about the pressure and confusion of modern life. The song was written by Chris Martin, who said that he came up with the piano part in a studio after dreaming of it. The lyrics use metaphors of clocks, lights, and colours to convey the sense of urgency and chaos that the narrator feels.

6. Seasons Change by Exposé (1987)

A dance-pop hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1988, Seasons Change is a song about the changing nature of love and time. The song was written by Lewis Martineé, who said that he wanted to write a song that reflected his own experience of losing his girlfriend to another man. The lyrics compare love to the seasons and express the hope that “seasons change” and that love will come back.

7. Time Is on My Side by The Rolling Stones (1964)

A rock and roll classic that was originally recorded by soul singer Irma Thomas, Time Is on My Side is a song about confidence and patience in love. The song was written by Jerry Ragovoy, who said that he wanted to write a song that had a positive message. The lyrics assert that “time is on my side” and that the narrator’s lover will eventually come back to him.

8. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day (1997)

A popular acoustic ballad that has been used for many graduation ceremonies and farewell scenes in movies and TV shows, Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) is a song about moving on and making the best of life. The song was written by Billie Joe Armstrong, who said that he wrote it after his girlfriend moved to Ecuador. The lyrics are ironic and sarcastic, as they say, “good riddance” to the past while wishing someone “the time of your life“.

9. Times Like These by Foo Fighters (2002)

A hard rock anthem that has become one of Foo Fighters’ signature songs, Times Like These is a song about resilience and hope in the face of adversity. The song was written by Dave Grohl, who said that he wrote it during a difficult period in his life when he was unsure about the future of the band and his personal relationships. The lyrics are optimistic and defiant; as they say “it’s times like these you learn to live again”. The song also reflects on the importance of friendship and compassion, as Grohl said that he missed his bandmates and appreciated them more after a temporary hiatus. The song has been used in various contexts, such as political campaigns, charity events, and presidential inaugurations, to convey a message of solidarity and strength. The song also resonates with listeners who are going through their own challenges and changes in life.

10. Time Warp by Richard O’Brien, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, and Charles Gray (1973)

A cult classic that originated from the musical The Rocky Horror Show, Time Warp is a song that invites listeners to do a dance that involves jumping, stepping, and pelvic thrusting. The song is performed by the characters Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, and the Criminologist, who are part of a bizarre and twisted world where time travel and transvestism are common. The song is a parody of sci-fi and horror genres and a celebration of eccentricity and freedom.

11. Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce (1972)

A folk rock song that became a posthumous hit for Jim Croce after his tragic death in a plane crash, Time in a Bottle is a song that expresses his desire to save time and spend it with his loved ones. The song was written for his son, A.J., who was born shortly before he recorded it. The lyrics use metaphors of bottles, dreams, and wishes to convey his longing for more time.

12. Times Like These by Foo Fighters (2002)

A hard rock anthem that has become one of Foo Fighters’ signature songs, Times Like These is a song about resilience and hope in the face of adversity. The song was written by Dave Grohl, who said that he wrote it during a difficult period in his life when he was unsure about the future of the band and his personal relationships. The lyrics are optimistic and defiant, as they say, “it’s times like these you learn to live again“.

13. Time of the Season by The Zombies (1968)

A psychedelic pop song that became a hit in 1969, two years after it was recorded, Time of the Season is a song that captures the mood and spirit of the late 1960s. The song was written by Rod Argent, who said that he wanted to write a song that reflected the social changes and sexual liberation of the time. The lyrics use the phrase “time of the season” to refer to both the spring season and the era of love and peace.

14. Time Is Running Out by Muse (2003)

An alternative rock song that features a driving bass line and an explosive chorus, Time Is Running Out is a song about paranoia and desperation in a doomed relationship. The song was written by Matt Bellamy, who said that he was inspired by spy movies and conspiracy theories. The lyrics use imagery of bombs, traps, and lies to convey the sense of danger and urgency that the narrator feels.

15. A Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon & Garfunkel (1966)

A folk rock song that was later covered by The Bangles for the movie Less Than Zero, A Hazy Shade of Winter is a song that contrasts the bleakness of winter with the optimism of spring. The song was written by Paul Simon, who said that he wanted to write a song that reflected his dissatisfaction with his career and life at the time. The lyrics use metaphors of seasons, colours, and flowers to convey his mood and outlook.

16. Time Changes Everything by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys (1940)

A country swing song that became a standard in the genre, Time Changes Everything is a song about the healing power of time after a heartbreak. The song was written by Tommy Duncan, who was the lead singer of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. The lyrics tell the story of a man who was left by his lover but who eventually moved on and found happiness with someone else.

17. Back in Time by Huey Lewis and the News (1985)

A pop rock song that was featured in the movie Back to the Future, Back in Time is a song that references the plot and characters of the film. The song was written by Huey Lewis, who also performed another song for the movie, The Power of Love. The lyrics mention Marty McFly, Doc Brown, Biff Tannen, and other elements from the movie.

18. No Time by The Guess Who (1969)

A rock song that became a hit in both Canada and the US, No Time is a song about breaking up and moving on. The song was written by Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings, who were members of The Guess Who. The lyrics are blunt and bitter, as they say, “no time left for you” to their former lover.

19. As Time Goes By by Do (2002)

A romantic and nostalgic song that was released as the lead single from Do’s debut album Do, As Time Goes By, is a song that covers the classic tune from the 1942 film Casablanca. The song features vocals by Do and production by Jochem Fluitsma and Eric van Tijn. The lyrics are sentimental and timeless, as they express the enduring love and devotion between two lovers who have faced many challenges and changes. The song also reflects on the importance of memories and moments; as they say “the fundamental things apply, as time goes by”. The song has been used in various contexts, such as weddings, anniversaries, and tributes, to convey a message of love and loyalty. The song also resonates with listeners who are in love or who have loved someone in the past.

20. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey (1981)

A rock song that has become an anthem for many generations, Don’t Stop Believin’ is a song about optimism and perseverance in the face of challenges and uncertainty. The song was written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain, who were members of Journey. The lyrics tell the story of two strangers who meet in a city and embark on a journey together, hoping to find their dreams.

21. Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (1987)

A pop song that was featured in the movie Dirty Dancing, Time of My Life is a song about love and passion that transcends social boundaries and expectations. The song was written by Franke Previte, John DeNicola, and Donald Markowitz, who won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The lyrics express the gratitude and joy that the lovers feel for having each other and having the time of their lives.

22. Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman (1996)

A classical crossover song that became a worldwide hit, Time to Say Goodbye is a song about parting ways with a loved one. The song was originally written by Francesco Sartori and Lucio Quarantotto for Andrea Bocelli, who sang it as a solo under the title Con te partirò (With You I Will Leave). Later, it was re-recorded as a duet with Sarah Brightman, who added English lyrics to the chorus. The lyrics are poetic and poignant, as they say, “time to say goodbye” to the places and memories that they shared.

23. Time by Hootie & the Blowfish (1995)

Time is a rock song that was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It is a song about the importance of living in the present and not worrying about the past or the future. The song was written by Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Jim Sonefeld, and Dean Felber, who were members of Hootie & the Blowfish. The lyrics are introspective and philosophical, as they ask, “Why does it always seem to be me looking at you, you looking at me?”

24. Time Is Love by Josh Turner (2012)

A country song that was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance, Time Is Love, is a song about prioritising love over work and other distractions. The song was written by Tom Shapiro, Tony Martin, and Mark Nesler. The lyrics are simple and sincere, as they say, “time is love, gotta run” to his lover.

25. Time Flies by Porcupine Tree (2009)

A progressive rock song that was inspired by Pink Floyd’s Time, Time Flies is a song about the realization of how fast time flies and how life changes over the years. The song was written by Steven Wilson, who was the lead singer and songwriter of Porcupine Tree. The lyrics are nostalgic and reflective, as they recall “the day we left school” and “the day I met you“.

These are just some of the many songs about time that have made an impact on the culture and the listeners. Time is a constant and universal theme that can inspire, challenge, or comfort us. Whether we are looking back, living in the moment, or dreaming of the future, songs about time can help us reflect and relate to our own experiences and emotions. Time is also a precious and limited resource that we should cherish and use wisely. As the saying goes, time waits for no one. So let’s make the most of it while we can. And let’s enjoy these timeless songs about time that will make us think.