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

“Is This It” by The Strokes

Song year: 2001

The tradition of cooly disaffected New York rock was revived in the early 21st century when The Strokes became one of the leading forces of the garage rock revival.

Though many of their peers took a decidedly raucous approach, The Strokes kept things understated with their subtly slackerish “Is This It.” Their album of the same name would kick off a renaissance of New York cool for a new generation.

“How Soon Is Now?” by The Smiths

Song year: 1984

Menacing guitars in The Smith’s “How Soon Is Now?” punctuate a tale of shyness and a longing to belong. A favorite of Smiths’ fans, the song has had a considerably long life in the public consciousness.

The creepy quality of “How Soon Is Now?” has made it a popular choice for film and television, most notably in the 90s movie The Craft and the 00s TV show Charmed.

“Can I Sit Next to You Girl” by AC/DC

Song year: 1974

“Can I Sit Next to You Girl” was AC/DC’s introduction to the world, and though they would go on to much greater success in the coming decade, this 1974 single served as a first course for the band’s brand of rowdy rock.

“Can I Sit Next to You Girl” asks a question many of us have asked on school buses across the country, lending this song a universal quality.

“Is This Love” by Whitesnake

Song year: 1987

Whitesnake’s “Is This Love” was written for Tina Turner, and after listening to this power ballad, it’s no surprise. The verses have a subdued but propulsive rhythm much like Turner’s best 80s work, and the chorus explodes into an anthemic sing-along.

Fortunately, Whitesnake held on to “Is This Love,” and along with “Here I Go Again,” it became the one-two punch that would send their career into the stratosphere.

“Where Did You Sleep Last Night” by Nirvana

Song year: 1994

Nirvana’s chilling take on the Leadbelly folk song “In the Pines” became the stunning finale of the band’s Unplugged session for MTV as “Where Did You Sleep Last Night.”

The vocal performance by Kurt Cobain is powerful and raw, adding a rock flourish to a folk tune that others have covered countless times.

“Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz

Song year: 1993

Lenny Kravitz synthesized Jimi Hendrix and Grand Funk Railroad into his own brand of nostalgia-flavored rock and roll in the 90s. No song in his repertoire better represents his mission statement than “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

With blaring guitars and a crack rhythm section, Kravitz’s titular question sounds so classic that you’d almost swear this song was a cover of a forgotten classic. Instead, it became a modern one.

“Are You Lonesome Tonight?” by Elvis

Song year: 1960

Generations of lovesick souls have swayed along to Elvis’ “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” which The King recorded after his stint in the US Army.

Though “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” had been recorded several times since 1927, Elvis’ take became the definitive version, welcoming the Army veteran back into the limelight. With the outsized legend of Presley, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” has become part of the pop music canon.

“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” by The Shirelles

Song year: 1960

The Shirelles were the first black girl group to have a number-one single in the US with the Carole King penned “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”

That fact alone makes this track historic, but its fantastic writing and performance spawned several songs written in response and dozens of covers. King even recorded a version on her hit record Tapestry.

“What Is Love” by Haddaway

Song year: 1993

Thanks partially to a prominent role in the “Roxbury Guys” sketch on Saturday Night Live, German Eurodance artist Haddaway’s “What Is Love” became one of the biggest dance tracks of the 90s.

“What Is Love” wasn’t just a hit in the US as it became a number one hit in thirteen European countries and placed near the top of the charts in many others. The song helped introduce European pop to a whole new audience.

“Drive” by The Cars

Song year: 1984

Though they started as a nervy rock outfit, by the time The Cars recorded “Drive,” they had grown into full-fledged pop balladeers. The song’s vulnerability echoes teens everywhere as they ask their crush how they’re getting home.

With layers of synthesizers and vocal harmonies piled upon their ride home offer, The Cars scored the biggest hit of their career while giving the alternative kids a song to slow dance to.

“Work Bitch” by Britney Spears

Song year: 2013

Britney might be free now, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to do. Spears makes it clear in “Work Bitch” that anyone looking to experience the trappings of fame and fortune has but one thing to do: work.

As a call to all the hustlers and hard workers, “Work Bitch” is a siren call. Britney Spears might be synonymous with the party culture of the 00s, but here we see the drive and desire of a champion of capitalism with the questions posed to listeners.

Top Songs That Ask a Question in the Title, Final Thoughts

Maybe asking the question isn’t always about finding the answer. Sometimes the journey is just as important – especially when it has a great beat and melody!

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best songs that ask a question in the title or lyrics.