37 Best Songs About Men, Being A Man & All Things Masculinity
Contents
“What Makes a Good Man” by The Heavy
Song Year: 2012
“What Makes A Good Man” was the lead single off their 3rd album, The Glorious Dead. The song contains hard rock elements: a simple high-hat intro, a strutting riff, and lead Kelvin Swaby’s voiced scowls.
The song title alone is enough to get you thinking about what makes a good man.
“Man of the Year” by Leroy Sanchez
Song Year: 2017
Spanish-English songwriter Leroy Sanchez did wonders with his breakout single “Man Of The Year.” Unlike his other song covers, Sanchez’s writing was on test with this song, and he didn’t disappoint.
This song is about doing everything to please your dear one.
“Grown Men Don’t Cry” by Tim McGraw
Song Year: 2001
One common misconception against men is the belief that if they show emotion, they are incapable of facing adversity head-on. In other words, crying is regarded as a “weak man’s behavior.”
However, men also have emotions; they avoid displaying them in public. Often, men suppress their feelings, and Tim McGraw demonstrates it well in “Grown Men Don’t Cry.”
“Measure of a Man” by Jack Ingram
Song Year: 2007
Father-son relationships are often not the best. “Measure Of A Man” by Jack Ingram is one of the best songs about masculinity and how strained these relationships can get.
The lyrics are about a son who leaves his home to explore the outside world. After becoming a dad, the son only reaches out to mend the relationship with his father.
“Coward of the County” by Kenny Rogers
Song Year: 1979
If you think of Country music, there’s one name that cannot be left out: Kenny Rogers. Rogers dominated the country and pop charts in the 70s and 80s.
“Coward of the County” is centered on masculinity and being a man as it talks about a father advising his son to always retreat from trouble. As he ages, the son realizes that he must stand up for himself.
“Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure
Song Year: 1980
“Boys Don’t Cry” is one of the most memorable compositions by the U.K. band, The Cure. Despite being a rock band, their music’s influence on pop is hard to miss.
The song tells a tale of a man who attempts to get back to his lover and overshadow his emotions. Like “Grown Men Don’t Cry,” this song emboldens men not shy from expressing their feelings.
“Mean Man” by W.A.S.P
Song Year: 1989
“Mean Man” by W.A.S.P is another track about men that portrays them as douchebags. The lyrics are about a child whose parents abandon him to fend for himself.
As the kid grows up, he grows to obey no rules. This track should make your playlist if you’re a heavy metal rock fan.
“Whatta Man” by Salt N Pepa ft. En Vogue
Song Year: 1993
Salt N Pepa and En Vogue were huge artists on the R&B and rap scene in the 90s. They teamed up to create a song about good men.
The lyrics highlight the qualities girls look for in men. These qualities include loyalty, physical appearance, and humor. The tune is a welcome change from the songs that paint guys in a bad picture.
“Typical Male” by Tina Turner
Song Year: 1986
One of the biggest names in R&B in the 80s, Tina Turner’s “Typical Male,” is a song about seduction. Turner tries convincing her lawyer to fall for her with her looks.
The lyrics show that she’s confident that the lawyer will fall for her because he’s a typical male. This song garnered substantial commercial success, peaking at number two on the U.S. Billboard Top 100.
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
Song Year: 1988
Undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians ever, M.J. went deep with his track “Man In The Mirror.” The song tells us that change must begin from within ourselves.
The man should self-reflect to find out what he needs to change. It’s the perfect track for any man who wants to turn over a new leaf.
“It’s a Man’s World” by James Brown
Song Year: 1966
“It’s A Man’s World” by James Brown is a song that highlights the epitome of male chauvinism. The lyrics are centered on Brown’s affirmation that men created everything good.
Nonetheless, it’s important to note that the singer recognizes that all that man has achieved could’ve been impossible without women.
“Little Lion Man” by Mumford & Sons
Song Year: 2009
Occasionally, we are our own harshest critics. In “Little Lion Man,” Mumford & Sons educates us on how this emotion could affect our psyche and spirit.
The song’s message is incorporated in its title. “Lion” alludes to the innate bravery a man is expected to possess, while “little man” alludes to how tiny one might feel if faced with anxiety or self-doubt.
“With Arms Wide Open” by Creed
Song Year: 2000
This tune celebrates the life-altering effects of fatherhood and talks about a man who finds out that his woman is pregnant. He’s overwhelmed by the weight of the news and the privilege of becoming a father.
In a letter to his unborn baby, the singer expresses his excitement about sharing the world with his offspring.
Top Songs About Men, Final Thoughts
Different men have different appearances and personalities. Here are the best songs about men that characterize them as attractive, douchebags, and everything in between. Hopefully, you’ll find a song or two to add to your playlist.
