31 Best Pop Songs With Violins

“Come on Eileen” by Dexy Midnight Runners

Song Year: 1982

It’s hard to find just one genre for this particular pop song. It has some indie vibes, alternative aspects, and an Irish-pop influence. “Come on Eileen” is a folk song with all the elements to make that work. The violin is what sells it in the end. You’ll enjoy this song if you’ve never had a chance to hear it. 

“Alejandro” by Lady Gaga

Song Year: 2009

Lady Gaga is known for singing some exciting music. She likes to take a lot of creative twists and turns with her lyrics, her musical background, her costumes, and her entire stage persona.

Adding an electric violin isn’t the most innovative thing on her resume, but it’s one of the things that makes “Alejandro” an intense song.

“Closing Time” by Leonard Cohen

Song Year: 1992

Most people have probably heard “Closing Time” by Leonard Cohen, one of two songs that made him incredibly popular.

It’s a great song for anyone looking forward to their shift's last moments. The moment you can walk out that door and enjoy your evening is extraordinary. Plus, the violin in this song gives it a comforting folk feel.

“Fairytale” by Alexander Rybak

Song Year: 2008

Alexander Rybak is an incredibly skilled violinist and vocalist. “Fairytale” is arguably one of his most famous songs and one that helped him break into the pop scene.

“Fairytale” is fairly violin-heavy, which should be no surprise considering an excellent violinist wrote it.

“Hurricane” by Bob Dylan

Song Year: 1976

It’s hard to go wrong with Bob Dylan. He’s always got something creative, especially in violin or fiddle-centric music.

“Hurricane” is one of his more popular violin-heavy songs and one that’s great to listen to no matter what mood you find yourself in.

“Stay: by Dave Matthews Band

Song Year: 1998

Dave Matthews Band ended up on this list more than once because of that awesome violin player we mentioned earlier.

“Stay” is a bit of a strange song, with a talk of frying eggs on the sidewalk just for fun, but it’s also classic Dave Matthews in many ways.

“Thoughts and Prayers” by Raconteurs

Song Year: 2019

The Raconteurs have been around the block a time or two, and they produced something unique with “Thoughts and Prayers.”

The violin is an exciting choice but lends itself to the song's heart. Give it a listen and see what you think!

“Wasted Days” by John Mellencamp with Bruce Springsteen

Song Year: 2022

Combining two of the most famous rock/pop artists of the last 30 years is almost a guaranteed recipe for success. It has more folk feel than other Springsteen songs, falling more into the Mellencamp camp. Either way, the violin background is outstanding.

“Lily of Casablanca” by Theo Katzman

Song Year: 2020

Jeremy Kittel on violin for this Theo Katzman song is pure brilliance. It doesn’t overpower the rest of the instrumental moments, but it stands out to let you know it’s there.

Katzman delivers a certain level of musical genius unmatched by other modern artists. His lyrics are interesting, his songs are catchy, and he likes incorporating the violin.

“The Devil Went Down To Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band

Song Year: 1979

Finally, we come to The Charlie Daniels Band, who produced one of the most popular violin-centric songs in the history of violin-centric songs.

This song tells the story of a young man making a deal with the devil in exchange for a violin competition. Surprisingly enough, the devil loses, and the boy gets to keep his soul.

You won’t get tired of the multiple violin solos in this song.

Top Pop Songs With Violins, Final Thoughts

Some of the most exciting pop songs have a violin somewhere in the musical tapestry. They aren’t always the most popular, but they’re always an outstanding addition to your music playlist.

What do you think of these pop songs with violins featured on this list? Did we leave any out? Make sure to let us know in the comments below!