19 Rock Songs With Mandolin

“Rag Mama Rag” by The Band

Song Year: 1969

One takeaway I get when listening to The Band’s “Rag Mama Rag” is how its roots rock blends the style of folk, blues, and ragtime music perfectly to create a hectic yet catchy tune about a guy trying to get his girl back home. 

Although The Band didn’t think this song was revolutionary while writing and recording it, it’s become a fan favorite among avid music lovers.

“Human Wheels” by John Mellencamp

Song Year: 1993

A core motif of this song revolves around the circle of life, comparing life and time to a spinning wheel. It’s a simple yet effective message that resonates with many people dealing with loss.

John Mellencamp’s inspiration for this rock song’s lyrics comes from a poem written by songwriter George Green after his grandfather’s passing.

“Friend of the Devil” by Grateful Dead

Song Year: 1970

The contrast between the upbeat tempo and lyrics about being stuck in a life of crime makes “Friend of the Devil” one of the catchiest rock songs with mandolin music. The narrator wants a normal life, but he’s in too deep with his past mistakes.

Many artists have made covers of this classic song over the years, including Lyle Lovett, Mumford & Sons, and Counting Crows.

“Ho Hey” by The Lumineers

Song Year: 2012

When listening to this song, you can’t help but smile and bop your head along with its beat. It has a simple melody about unrequited feelings of love, but it has plenty of heart. Even its title draws your attention as if it’s shouting at you.

It ranked in the top ten of Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative chart and topped a few international charts.

“Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.

Song Year: 1991

Deemed one of the most iconic songs of the 1900s, it has an iconic usage of the mandolin that helped it rank fourth on Billboard‘s Hot 100 for about four months.

Despite its title, the song’s lyrics are more related to the fear and frustration of losing control, especially when seeking love.

“St. Teresa” by Joan Osborne

Song Year: 1995

This song is about a woman who Joan Osborne once knew, struggling to find work because of drug addiction and making the best of her situation as she pushes forward.

Osborne grew up in a Catholic home, so it’s no wonder she chose a religious title for her song representing someone she revered.

“Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” by Blue Rodeo

Song Year: 1993

Blue Rodeo’s “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” is your staple song about the end of a loveless relationship and the lingering feeling of being alone. The mandolin gives it an upbeat tempo that contrasts the bittersweet country-style lyrics. It’s one of Blue Rodeo’s standout singles showcased on their Five Days in July album.

“Maggie May” by Rod Stewart

Song Year: 1971

“Maggie May” is one of Rod Stewart‘s most personal songs based on events in his life. The lyrics reflect the narrator’s conflicting feelings about having a sexual relationship with an older woman, an experience Stewart shared a decade before writing this song.

“Locust Street” by The Black Crowes

Song Year: 2008

Chris Robinson’s vocals and Luther Dickinson’s mandolin performance keep me returning to this track whenever I browse my playlist.

A central theme of this song revolves around the struggles of life and how it isn’t always easy to bounce back. It also gives me a nostalgic feeling as I look back on my dreams.

Top Songs With Mandolin, Final Thoughts

As you can see, many iconic rock songs with mandolin instrumentation have resonated with avid music lovers for several decades.

This versatile instrument helps artists give their songs extra substance when blending the sounds of different fusion genres as they develop a signature style.

We hope you enjoyed our selection of songs and helped you discover your new favorites.