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

“Why Can’t We Be Friends” by War

Song year: 1975

War’s funky, group sing-along “Why Can’t We Be Friends” was a big hit in the 70s, capturing a light social commentary and wrapping it up with a jubilant bow.

“Why Can’t We Be Friends” has become a staple of feel-good funk, so much so that even NASA has used the song in their relations with Russian cosmonauts.

“Didn’t I” by Darondo

Song year: 1972

Darondo’s “Didn’t I” didn’t receive much attention upon its initial release in the San Francisco area during the 70s. Darondo would host cable access television shows and play guitar on a cruise ship until a British disc jockey helped bring Darondo to mainstream prominence.

With the soothing soul of “Didn’t I,” it’s hard to imagine it took us this long to answer.

“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” by The Rolling Stones

Song year: 1971

The Rolling Stones, with their trademark swagger, are waiting for you to answer the door on “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking.”

The song is one of many classic tunes from the Stones’ string of hit albums in the 70s and highlights everything the band does well. This is one knock everyone should answer.

“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” by D’Angelo

Song year: 2000

With its steamy music video, D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” became a hit on MTV and thrust the singer into the spotlight as a sexual icon.

Though his work as a multi-instrumentalist and singer in the neo-soul movement was pioneering, D’Angelo would retreat from the spotlight for years to avoid typecasting. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” remains a celebrated hit of the 00s.

“Do You Want to Dance?” by Bobby Freeman

Song year: 1958

Who wouldn’t want to dance after hearing Bobby Freeman’s infectious “Do You Want to Dance?” This ode to cutting a rug would become a rock and roll standard, with numerous covers across the years, from rock and soul groups alike, hitting the top of the charts.

“What Would You Do?” by City High

Song year: 1999

City High’s socially conscious “What Would You Do?” was an anomaly in telling the story of impoverished single parents while still hitting the charts in 2001.

Through different points of view, City High tells a story of parents struggling to get by, and their catchy chorus asks the empathetic question to the listener while begging to be sung along.

“Can I Kick It?” by A Tribe Called Quest

Song year: 1990

One of the best parts of A Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick It?” is that a group answers back the question in the affirmative.

This call and response makes the track, already familiar-sounding because of its Lou Reed sample, sound warm and inviting. The result is a hip-hop classic.

“Do Ya Wanna Taste It” by Wig Wam

Song year: 2010

Thirty years after glam metal’s heyday, Norway’s Wig Wam created a by-the-book rendering of the genre with “Do Ya Wanna Taste It?”

A decade after the song was released, a placement in HBO’s Peacemaker brought the Norwegian group to mainstream audiences.

“Do You Love Me” by The Contours

Song year: 1962

A precursor to style Berry Gordy would adopt of mixing pop, rock, and r&b, The Contours’ “Do You Love Me” can be seen as a prototype for the Motown Sound.

Unfortunately, The Contours would never have another hit as big as “Do You Love Me,” though the song would top the charts a second time in the 80s.

“Do You Believe in Magic?” by The Lovin’ Spoonful

Song year: 1965

The sunnier side of 60s pop is on full display with The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Do You Believe in Magic?” The song would be a hit a decade later for teen idol Shaun Cassidy, speaking to the indelible quality of the song’s wide-eyed innocence.

“Believe” by Cher

Song year: 1998

Cher introduced the general public to auto-tune in a big way with her smash hit “Believe.” Coming back to the massive success of “Believe” after three decades in the entertainment industry cemented Cher’s status as a 20th-century icon.

With this fist-pumping dance floor anthem, Cher tapped into the anxiety of the post-breakup psyche. The result was clubs across the floor littered in newly liberated sweat and tears.