Best Songs About Waiting
This musical playlist features the best songs about waiting, a part of life that can be difficult and frustrating, but also emotionally fulfilling when it comes to love and seeing our dreams come true.
The following songs capture the spirit of waiting in their lyrics. Give them a listen. They may just help you face the challenges of waiting as you journey through life.
15 Best Songs About Waiting
There are many great songs about waiting. Some of the most popular include:
1.) Anticipation by Carly Simon
Anticipation by Carly Simon is about the excitement and anxiety of waiting for something good to happen. The lyrics capture the feeling of being on the edge of your seat, wondering what the future holds.
The song is also about the power of anticipation to make the moment even more special when it finally arrives.
The 1971 hit song was released as the lead single from Simon’s album of the same name. It was a commercial success, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, and Aretha Franklin.
2.) The Waiting by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty’s “The Waiting” is about the universal experience of waiting for something, whether it’s a new love, a new job, or a new beginning. The lyrics capture the frustration, anxiety, and hope that comes with waiting, and they speak to anyone who has ever felt like they’re stuck in a holding pattern.
Despite the serious subject matter, “The Waiting” is a catchy and upbeat song that will get you moving. The tempo and the melody are infectious, and the guitar solo is one of the most iconic in rock history.
3.) Patience by Guns N’ Roses
“Patience” by Guns N’ Roses was released at a time when the music industry was looking for something new.
The early 1990s saw the rise of grunge and alternative rock, and “Patience” was a breath of fresh air for many listeners. The song’s acoustic sound and Axl Rose’s heartfelt lyrics were a welcome change from the over-the-top metal that was popular at the time.
The song connects with listeners on an emotional level. “Patience” is a song about love, loss, and hope. It’s a song that people can relate to, and it’s a song that makes them feel something.
Classic rock songs about waiting
4.) Waiting for the Sun by The Doors
Jim Morrison’s song “Waiting for the Sun” is a complex and multi-layered work that can be interpreted in many different ways.
Some see it as a song about the conflict in Vietnam as it was released in 1968 and the lyrics reflect the chaos and uncertainty of the time.
Others see it as a more general meditation on the human condition, a metaphor for the journey of life, with the sun representing enlightenment or salvation.
Either way, the lyrics speak to the challenges and obstacles that we all face on our journey, as well as the hope that we can overcome them and find our way to the light.
5.) Waiting on a Friend by The Rolling Stones
This 1981 hit song is a departure from the Rolling Stone’s usual sound.
“Waiting on a Friend” is a slow, acoustic ballad, which is quite different from the band’s usual hard rock sound. This change in sound helped the song to stand out from the rest of the music of the era.
“Waiting on a Friend” is a song about the importance of friendship and the power of human connection. This positive message resonates with listeners at a time when the world is facing many challenges.
6.) Waiting for a Girl Like You by Foreigner
1981’s “Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in the United States and many other countries.
The song’s message of hope and optimism resonates with people then and now. The song was released during a time of economic recession and political turmoil, and its message of finding love and happiness in a world that seems to be falling apart is very appealing.
Lou Gramm’s soaring vocals and the song’s lush soundscape make this song one of the most popular of the 1980s. And the song is still a favorite today, as it continues to inspire and uplift listeners around the world.
7.) Crying, Waiting, Hoping by Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly’s classic rock and roll song “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” has been covered by many artists over the years.
It is a song about unrequited love, and it speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak. Everyone has experienced this at some point in their lives, and the song’s simple and direct lyrics capture the pain and longing that comes with it.
More great songs about waiting
8.) Wait by the River by Lord Huron
“Wait by the River” is a beautiful and haunting song by Lord Huron from the band’s 2018 album Vide Noir. It is a slow-burning ballad with a dark and atmospheric sound that will stay with you long after you hear it.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who is waiting for his lover to return, but she never does. It’s a song about love, loss, and the power of hope.
The song is full of longing and regret, and it builds to a powerful climax using simple but effective instrumentation. The acoustic guitar provides the foundation, and the strings and piano add depth and texture. The vocals are clear and emotive, and they perfectly capture the song’s mood.
9.) Waiting in Vain by Bob Marley
“Waiting in Vain” is one of Bob Marley’s most popular songs (released in 1977) and is considered to be one of the greatest reggae songs of all time. The song has been covered by many artists, including Eric Clapton, The Pretenders, and No Doubt.
This soulful reggae ballad is heartfelt and honest. It tells the story of a man who is waiting for a woman who has left him, but he is waiting in vain as she has no intention of returning.
“Waiting in Vain” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising Marley’s passionate and expressive vocals and the song’s production.
10.) Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
“Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper is a love song about the power of love to overcome obstacles.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of two people who are drawn to each other even though they are from different worlds. Lauper describes how she is “caught up in circles” and “confusion is nothing new,” but she knows that she can find her way if she is with the person she loves. The song ends with the singer promising to be there for her loved one, no matter what.
The song is written by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman, and was released in 1983. It became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in the United States and many other countries. The song has been covered by many artists, including Stevie Wonder, Madonna, and Prince. The timeless classic continues to resonate with people of all ages today.
Pop songs about waiting
11.) Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer
“Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer is a song about the feeling of helplessness and frustration that many people feel in the face of the world’s problems.
The song’s lyrics describe how the singer and his friends are “waiting on the world to change” but they feel like they are “stuck in the same place.” They are tired of the society’s ills, but they don’t know what to do to make things better.
“Waiting on the World to Change” is a powerful song that speaks to the frustration and helplessness that many people feel. It is a call to action, urging people to stand up and make a difference. The song is a reminder that we all have the power to change the world, and it is a call to use our power for good.
12.) I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons
“I Will Wait” is a beautiful and moving song by the English folk rock band Mumford & Sons. The 2012 release is the lead single from their second studio album, Babel.
It is a love song about a man who is willing to wait for the woman he loves, even if it takes a long time. The song is about patience, hope, and the power of love.
“I Will Wait” was a commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It was also a critical success, with many critics praising the song’s lyrics, melody, and production.
13.) Waiting for a Star to Fall by Boy Meets Girl
“Waiting for a Star to Fall” by Boy Meets Girl has a positive message. It’s about hoping for something better and believing in the power of dreams.
This is something that kids can relate to, especially as they’re growing up and trying to figure out their place in the world.
The song is catchy and nostalgic with an instantly memorable chorus that many parents and older siblings have enjoyed since its 1988 release.
14.) Waiting for Love by Avicii
“Waiting for Love” by Avicii is a song with a message of hope and love.
This house song features a melodic drop that gives the song a more emotional and uplifting feel, which is in line with the song’s lyrics about finding love and happiness.
Simon Aldred’s (of Cherry Ghost) vocals are soulful and passionate, and they add a lot of depth and emotion to the song. His voice is a perfect match for the song’s positive message.
Overall, “Waiting for Love” is a unique and special song with a lush and atmospheric soundscape. Its powerful climax and dramatic drop will stay with you long after you hear it.
Thank you for reading about these songs about waiting. They all deal with the different aspects of waiting, from the frustration of waiting to the hope of what is to come. But they all offer us something in common: a sense of community. When we listen to these songs, we know that we are not alone in our waiting.
Here are more great playlists to check out:
By Greg Johnson | Published 4/19/2023
