31 Best Pop Songs With Violins

“Firework” by Katy Perry

Song Year: 2010

“Firework” is one of the most modern pop songs with violins on this list, and that’s because it features violin in a way that very few songs do. It’s incredibly sound-forward and adds intensity to a song that already carries a lot of weight and power.

“Maggie May” by Rod Stewart

Song Year: 1971

One of the most well-known intros of all time shows up on the mandolin in this Rod Stewart song from 1971. Adding a violin as the song progresses helps make the string-heavy sound of this particular jam feel more like a folk song than a pop/rock song. “Maggie May” is an excellent example of blending strings to create an incredible sound.

“Baba O'Riley” by The Who

Song Year: 1971

The Who is known for incredible rock ballads. “Baba O’Riley” is arguably one of their most famous songs and one of the most potent young-person rock ballads ever produced.

People of all ages can relate to the song's message, but young folks in particular, find it incredibly relevant.

“Our Song” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2006

Taylor Swift is known now for her angsty pop/indie/alternative albums. But she came into the music scene as a young, innocent country/pop star with upbeat songs and lots of glitter in her stage costumes.

The violin in “Our Song” is probably more in line with fiddle music, but it still lends a necessary twang to make this a real pep anthem.

“Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin

Song Year: 1975

“Kashmir” is one of those songs that most people say they know, even if they’re not the biggest Led Zeppelin fans in the world.

One of the most popular performances of “Kashmir” features the violin genius of Waeil Abu Bakr, an exceptional violinist who makes the song his own with epic violin solos. Give it a listen; you won’t regret it.

“All Of Me” by John Legend

Song Year: 2013

“All Of Me” is a sweet love song that John Legend penned for his wife, Chrissy Teigan. The song features Legend’s signature vibrato and impressive range, singing about how desperately he loves his wife. 

It also has a beautiful violin backup track that makes the song a great one to dedicate to that special someone in your own life.

“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

Song Year: 2011

Christina Perri is a famous modern artist who is well-known for writing heartfelt tunes that usually have a twinge of heartbreak in them.

She’s also down to use a violin whenever possible, and it helps songs like “A Thousand Years” land as an epic love story. Check it out to hear how beautifully the violinist communicates this lovely message.

“Epistle to Dippy” by Donovan

Song Year: 1966

If you’ve never heard “Epistle to Dippy,” don’t feel bad. You might not understand what it’s all about, but that’s ok! However, you should do yourself a favor and give it a listen.

Not every song has to have a deep, readily understandable meaning. You'll be in good shape if you have good vocals, a solid instrumental backdrop, and some sick violin strings.

“Young at Heart” by The Bluebells

Song Year: 2019

Being young is a special kind of experience; it only lasts for a while and often flies by too fast. But there’s a part of being young that you can hold on to if you don’t take yourself too seriously.

The Bluebells talk a lot about that in “Young at Heart.” With the help of a beautiful violin background track, this song is incredible.

“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay

Song Year: 2008

Coldplay penned this song as a musical interpretation of King Louis XVI’s observations on the French Revolution before he, unfortunately, was executed. It’s a unique writing style that not many pop artists would dare venture into.

“Viva La Vida” is a little more of a jam than what Coldplay usually puts out. There’s a great beat, an anthem-like vibe, and an epic violin to bring it all together.