55 Best Songs That Ask a Question in the Title or Lyrics

“Do I Wanna Know?” by Arctic Monkeys

Song year: 2013

The Arctic Monkeys, courtesy of their post-Britpop sound, make that ex you can’t shake sound downright dangerous on “Do I Wanna Know?” With a foot-stomping melody and a heavy blues guitar riff, the desperate feeling of carrying a torch never sounded so dark.

“Do I Wanna Know?” would become a hit single for the Arctic Monkeys on both sides of the Atlantic, and the video would earn the rare status of over a billion views on YouTube.

“Ever Fallen in Love (with Someone You Shouldn’t’ve?)” by Buzzcocks

Song year: 1978

One of the finest songs of early UK punk, the Buzzcocks’ “Ever Fallen In Love (with Someone You Shouldn’t’ve?),” asks a question most people can answer in the affirmative.

The Buzzcocks wrote catchy pop songs with the manic energy of punk. This nervy sound made their songs about love sound urgent, a quality befitting their youthfully raw perspectives on relationships.

“Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash

Song year: 1982

By the 80s, The Clash had branched out from their punk rock roots. After their reggae and dub influences infiltrated the double album London Calling, the band synthesized these elements into one sound on Combat Rock.

“Should I Stay or Should I Go” was one of The Clash’s least political songs, but their fiery punk spirit still gave it a swagger. Their question is vague but loaded with subtext, and like the best songs, it means different things to each listener. But it always rocks.

“What’s My Age Again?” by Blink-182

Song year: 1999

Blink-182 were the class clowns of 90s pop-punk, and nowhere is this more evident than on their single “What’s My Age Again?” Over a sparkling guitar riff, the band lays out the woes of an immature narrator navigating a love in a world that’s growing up around them.

“What’s My Age Again?” would become one of Blink-182’s biggest hits, proof that no one ever really wants to grow up.

“Life on Mars?” by David Bowie

Song year: 1971

Though it wouldn’t be a stretch coming from the musician that would become Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie’s “Life on Mars?” has nothing to do with outer space. The provocative title is an allusion to Bowie’s longing for escape.

David Bowie has become a cultural icon as a symbol of rebellion in the form of “otherness.” It’s no surprise then that “Life on Mars?” is considered one of his masterworks.

“Who Can It Be Now?” by Men At Work

Song year: 1981

Men At Work found themselves with a bigger hit in the US than their native Australia with the new-wave classic “Who Could It Be Now?” The song’s story of wanting to be left alone is instantly relatable, and the repetitive chorus quickly brands the lyrics to memory.

Thanks to its catchy saxophone riff and staccato rhythm guitar, the song would become synonymous with new-wave, ensuring that Men At Work would remain working for years to come.

“What’s Going on” by Marvin Gaye

Song year: 1971

When Marvin Gaye presented the finished recording of “What’s Going On” to Motown Records, label head Barry Gordy refused to release it. It wasn’t until Gaye refused to release any other music that “What’s Going on” was released.

It’s a good thing Gaye stood his ground. “What’s Going on” has become a protest anthem for multiple generations and an iconic portrait of 20th century America.

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice?” by The Beach Boys

Song year: 1966

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” signals the beginning of a new pop style as the opening track to The Beach Boys’ classic album, Pet Sounds. With its innocently posed question of love, the song’s sentiment is universal.

However, nothing was universal about recording “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson was innovating approaches to the recording studio. His creativity, coupled with perfectionism, changed pop musicians’ approach to composition and recording forever.

“Why Can’t I Be You?” by The Cure

Song year: 1987

Loving someone so much you wish you became them the subject of The Cure’s “Why Can’t I Be You?” Beneath its veneer of a love song, its sentiment is a rather creepy take on love. Given The Cure’s reputation as mopey goths, it’s no surprise they took such an approach.

“Why Can’t I Be You?” became one in a string of hist for The Cure and was part of the band’s transition from new wave pioneers to international pop stars.

“Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet

Song year: 2003

Aussie garage rockers Jet wanted to know only one thing on their 2003 single, “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” Judging by the resounding chart success of the song, it seems the answer was a yes.

Jet helped shape a garage rock revival at the turn of the 21st century with their rocking pick-up line anthem.

“Why Does It Always Rain on Me?” by Travis

Song year: 1999

Travis wrote a perfectly dreary tune for the Eeyore inside of all of us when they penned “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?”

Everyone can relate to feeling stuck under a rain cloud. But if it sounds anything like Travis’ Britpop style, it can’t be all that bad. The world agreed, making the song Travis’ first big breakthrough.