37 Songs That Everyone Knows – Old & New

“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley

Song year: 1987

This song was a number-one hit worldwide upon its release. Despite being over 30 years old, it continues to be in the minds and hearts of people everywhere.

Although not exactly the future that British singer/songwriter Rick Astley envisioned for one of his tunes, “Never Gonna Give You Up” has been immortalized by the popular internet meme “Rickrolling.” This term refers to when someone links an unsuspecting victim to audio or video of this song.

As a result, the lyrics are practically ingrained in our memories. Everyone knows this song, and most enjoy it, despite our groans after being Rickrolled for the fifth time this week.

“Macarena” by Los del Río

Song year: 1993

“Macarena” was a dance craze that swept the 90s. Everyone and their mother knows how to dance the Macarena.

The song was originally released in 1993 and then re-released in 1995. The 1995 version, “Bayside Boys Remix,” is the version you are probably familiar with as it contains lyrics in both Spanish and English.

“Macarena” is about a woman (named Macarena, after one of the band member’s daughters) and the excitement one feels when watching her dance.

The song spent sixty weeks on the Hot 100 charts, and for fifteen years (until Adele smashed that record), this was the longest any song spent on that chart.

“A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton

Song year: 2002

Vanessa Carlton, Pennsylvania-born singer-songwriter, came on the scene in the early 2000s with her epic hit, “A Thousand Miles.”

She later said that she wrote the song about a crush who was attending Julliard and is now a famous actor.

From the catchy piano intro to the lyrics, “A Thousand Miles” is one of those songs that gets in your head and stays there for years.

Although Carlton is considered by many to be a “one-hit wonder,” she has remained active writing and releasing music and has maintained a steady career.

Nothing tops the notoriety of “A Thousand Miles,” however.

“Love Shack” by The B-52’s

Song year: 1989

For a song as old as many millennials, “Love Shack” is an important piece of musical history.

The B-52s released this song in 1989 after their popularity had declined for a few years following the death of a band member. “Love Shack” was a comeback that put The B-52’s back on the map.

The song was about a Georgia cabin a band member lived in, in the ’70s. The cabin was where the band wrote another famous song – “Rock Lobster.” Sadly, the cabin burned down in 2004.

Although most people do not know the origin of “Love Shack,” they certainly know the tune and the words!

“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Song year: 1974

It’s a song that needs no introduction.

Start humming the opening guitar, and people all around you will perk up their ears. It’s a tune recognizable to all.

“Sweet Home Alabama” has a controversial message and has caused a rift between American southerners and northerners amidst racial tension. It answers two of Neil Young’s songs about the modern South.

However, despite the controversy, the song is notorious and will often be heard in bars and during karaoke.

“Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne

Song year: 2003

As a surprising addition to the list, “Stacy’s Mom” remains alive by millennials who blast the song for their friends and family out of nostalgia.

The song is a humorous tale of a teenaged boy who finds his girlfriend’s mother attractive. It suggests that the mother should choose him over being a single mother.

While the pop tune may be a little bit controversial, it is catchy and fun, with that typical early-2000s garage band sound.

Popular among millennial parents and on road trips, “Stacy’s Mom” is well-known by all.

“Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears

Song year: 1998

Britney Spears continues to be one of the most iconic and celebrated musicians in American pop music. The public has taken a vested interest in her personal life through hashtags like #FreeBritney (which finally occurred in October 2021) and by following her social media.

Nobody can forget the massive debut this megastar made in the late ’90s, however.

“…Baby One More Time” was a bouncy bubblegum pop hit that changed the lives of both Britney and “teeny boppers” everywhere.

The song was played continuously through the turn of the century and is still wildly popular today.

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

Song year: 1981

This ’80s hit from Journey’s Escape album is one of the most iconic songs of the twentieth century. Whether you love it or hate it, we guarantee that you would recognize it anywhere.

As a nostalgic song based on Journey keyboardist Johnathon Cain’s upbringing in Detroit and his determination to make something of himself, “Don’t Stop Believin’” is a staple in karaoke parlors everywhere.

There are at least 70 recorded cover versions of this song. Young or old, nearly everyone you encounter is familiar with it.

“Don’t Stop Believin’” is a hard one to beat as we kick off this list of songs that everyone knows.

“Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Song year: 1969

“Proud Mary” was released by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969, on their Born on the Bayou B-side.

The song is extremely popular still, even after more than fifty years. One of the most famous cover versions of this song was by Ike and Tina Turner in 1971. In fact, both the original version by CCR and the Tina Turner version are equally popular.

While it is a song that everyone knows, some people are familiar with one version over the other. There are slight differences in the lyrics, but both songs are terrific.

“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

Song year: 1969

As another 1969 hit, “Sweet Caroline” is one of the most well-known songs of all time.

Neil Diamond wrote the tune about his wife, who was actually named Martha. However, he could not rhyme her name into the song well enough and needed a three-syllable name. So, he chose Caroline.

There was also a rumor that it was about John F. Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline. Neil Diamond did confirm this in an interview. Perhaps the song drew inspiration from both the Kennedy family and from his wife.

“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers

Song year: 1988/1993

The Scottish band, The Proclaimers, released this song in the UK in 1988. It was very popular in the UK market and even reached number 1 in Australia.

It was released in the United States in 1993 after being used in the film Benny & Joon starring Johnny Depp. The music video for “I’m Gonna Be” contains scenes from the movie.

Because of its appearance in the film, the song reached the top 3 on the 1993 Billboard Hot 100 Chart in the United States.

It was also a prominent feature in the hit TV show, How I Met Your Mother, and as a result, became a frequent tune played on road trips.

“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

Song year: 2003

You’re singing it already, aren’t you?

“Mr. Brightside,” released as The Killers’ first single, was an instant hit. However, it gained even more popularity when they re-released it on their debut album in 2004.

Telling the story of a jealous ex-lover trying to move on but being drawn back by his obsession with his former partner’s love life, this song continues to draw accolades from all audiences.

It is an insanely catchy pop tune destined to go down as one of the best songs of this century.