35 Best Songs About Beginnings
Songs about beginnings are often fresh, optimistic, and upbeat. Whether it’s recovering from a breakup or excitement about starting something new, these songs make it easy to focus on the things to come.
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“Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1969
Few things symbolize new beginnings more than the sunrise, and that’s on full display in this classic pop-rock hit from the legendary Beatles. Inspired by long, dreary winters in England, the lyrics celebrate the arrival of spring.
It’s also one of the band’s top songs, itself no small feat given their volume of hits. If you’re looking for a great song about beginnings, start here.
“Closing Time” by Semisonic
Song Year: 1998
Semisonic’s breakout hit “Closing Time” is best known as the anthem of bars when it’s time to send people home. It’s also remarkably effective because of its lyrical focus on heading someplace new.
On a thematic level, this song also reminds people that sometimes you have to finish one thing before you can start another properly. Whether that’s downing a drink or quitting a job, sometimes you have to close one door before you can open another.
“New Morning” by Bob Dylan
Song Year: 1970
As if the name didn’t make it obvious enough, this country-rock tune from one of the most celebrated songwriters in history is a cheerful tribute to beginnings and relationships. The lyrics follow the simple storytelling style of the genre, emphasizing a progression of time and new activities that fit the song's theme.
“New Morning” is also the title track for its album, Dylan’s eleventh studio album (out of nearly four times that many throughout his career).
“Pack It Up” by Pretenders
Song Year: 1981
An indie-rock song from the start of an amazing decade, “Pack It Up” is about moving on and not worrying about people who aren’t worth your time. A central theme of the song is carrying what you can but leaving behind anything you can’t so that it doesn’t burden you as you move on.
Beginnings often work best when you start with the freshest slate you can. It’s not always fun or easy, but holding on to too many things can drag you down.
“Today My Life Begins” by Bruno Mars
Song Year: 2010
Songs about beginnings are rarely subtle with their titles, and this hit from Bruno Mars is no exception. It’s also the title track for its album, emphasizing its importance to Mars.
As you might expect, the lyrics here focus on beginnings, leaving the past behind, and moving forward to enjoy life.
“Up&Up” by Coldplay
Song Year: 2015
“Up&Up” may be newer than some other songs on this list, but that’s hardly a bad thing considering the theme. This pop-rock song features a fast tempo to reinforce the uplifting lyrics, making for comfortable and easy listening whenever you need support.
The video version is well worth a watch, as it won MTV’s award for best visual effects. Great videos can elevate a song to new heights, and that’s on full display here.
“Starts with Goodbye” by Carrie Underwood
Song Year: 2005
A notable song from acclaimed performer Carrie Underwood’s debut studio album, “Starts With Goodbye” is about moving on and how things can start when other things end. That’s a common refrain about songs in beginnings, as few things start in isolation from other events.
The entire album is one of the highest-selling country releases of all time, so it’s worth listening to the entire thing for additional insights into Underwood’s views and personality when she sings this song.
“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
Song Year: 1972
Easily one of the most recognizable songs about beginnings, this is the title track from one of Nash’s 1972 albums and part of his first release through the record label Epic. It’s also highly iconic in popular culture, with many people able to recognize the start of the song even if they can’t repeat the whole thing.
“Begin” by Shallou
Song Year: 2017
Although not as well-known as some of the other songs on this list, Shallou’s “Begin” is an excellent song in its own right. It also departs from the usual pop and country genres to focus on a more dance and electronic style.
“Break Free” by Ariana Grande
Song Year: 2014
A collaboration with Zedd, “Break Free” is an upbeat electro-synth-pop song and well up the list of Grande’s many hits. At a little more than four minutes, it’s a bit longer than many of the other songs on this list, but its fast tempo means the lyrics pack in more than you might expect.
High-speed tracks work well with songs about beginnings, especially if you’re looking for some energy, so this is a great song to put on our list.
“New Rules” by Dua Lipa
Song Year: 2017
As its name suggests, “New Rules” is a song about setting down boundaries when starting a new relationship. It also touches on a crucial part of beginnings, though: starting with no rules for yourself isn’t necessarily a good idea.
Beginnings often come with a sense of freedom, but establishing boundaries is a great way to help maintain a good balance in things.
“Brand New Day” by Neil Patrick Harris
Song Year: 2008
Released as part of the comedic superhero series Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, “Brand New Day” is a song about beginnings that comes from the perspective of a villainous character. That’s a sharp departure from most songs in this genre but shows how flexible the theme can be if you apply a little creativity.
The actual lyrics are a close match for most other songs about beginnings, touching on things like moving on and celebrating opportunities. However, the context of the lyrics creates the complexity and earns this song a spot on our list.
