37 Songs That Everyone Knows – Old & New

“Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake

Song year: 2016

“Can’t Stop The Feeling!” is a single by pop sensation Justin Timberlake, a former member of boy band N*Sync.

They released the song as the title track for the 2006 Dreamworks film Trolls.

It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as an immediate number-one hit, which only a rare handful of songs achieve.

Because of Timberlake’s fame and the popularity of Trolls, this song is a favorite for adults and children alike. Even as the song gains in age, the film is available to stream for children, so the song will remain popular with younger demographics.

“The Impression That I Get” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Song year: 1997

You may not know the name of this song or the band, but we guarantee that if you were to go listen to the tune, you’d find that you already know it!

In fact, if you play it for anybody at all, you will probably see that they, too, know the song.

It is a catchy, late-90s ska-punk hit that topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. “The Impression That I Get” was so insanely popular that it remains well-known to this day.

“Livin’ On a Prayer” by Bon Jovi

Song year: 1986

Not only is “Livin’ On a Prayer” catchy, but it is also a timeless rock classic.

The song’s popularity has endured for more than three decades. It is still a feature hit at karaoke nights, and you can hear it playing in bars, grocery stores, or anywhere you happen to be.

Considered Bon Jovi’s most popular song, “Livin’ On a Prayer” has been downloaded more than 3 million times, and the music video has over 775 million views.

“Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus

Song year: 2000

This turn of the century pop-punk hit speaks to teenagers everywhere, which may explain why it is a song everyone knows.

Brendon B. Brown, the vocalist/guitarist for Wheatus, revealed that he wrote the song about his experience as an outsider as a teenager into rock ‘n roll music and alternative styles.

We can all relate to being branded as “outsiders” and facing rejection because we may be different from our peers.

Perhaps this is why people still know and jam out to “Teenage Dirtbag.”

“I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Panic! At The Disco

Song year: 2006

Known for their long song titles, Panic! At The Disco took the pop/punk/emo scene by storm in the early 2000s. Their album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, is filled with catchy, bouncy hits.

Although the “emo” or “scene” fashion has developed into something else entirely, the music lives on. There isn’t a person on this planet who has not heard “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.”

This song describes the experience of observing a wedding where one spouse is unfaithful, and the venue staff is gossipping about the couple. The slightly-controversial lyrics (which include profanity) can often be heard at parties or playing from any teenager’s bedroom.

“Wonderwall” by Oasis

Song year: 1995

We can attribute the popularity of the song “Wonderwall” to both its success and its existence as a running joke.

The song itself has become a sort of teenage trope, being named the song of choice for moody teenage boys to play to impress love-sick teen girls. These kids may favor it because of its emotional nature or because it is simple to play.

At one point, even rapper Jay-Z had his audience members sing “Wonderwall” during his performances – although he did this in jest because of a feud between Jay-Z and the Gallaghers.

“Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X (Ft. Billy Ray Cyrus)

Song year: 2018

Lil Nas X is an American rapper who recently rocketed into fame. People know him thanks to his involvement in both rap and country music and for being openly gay.

“Old Town Road” was released in 2018, with a remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus being released in 2019. Both versions are popular, but the later version helped Lil Nas X gain notoriety.

“Old Town Road” is a favorite for people of all ages. It was incredibly popular with children, although Lil Nas X has repeatedly explained that his music is not necessarily ideal for kids.

“Hey Jude” by The Beatles

Song year: 1968

For a song that is more than fifty years old, “Hey Jude” has a certain timeless element.

Although, we could say the same for almost any of The Beatles’ discography. The band’s rush of fame in the ’60s, known as “Beatle Mania,” persists to this day.

The Beatles turned out an impressive catalog of over 200 songs, so it’s hard to pick the most well-known. However, “Hey Jude” is often touted as the most popular Beatles song of all time, and it would be difficult to find someone who does not know this song.

“Hot in Herre” by Nelly

Song year: 2002

In true early-2000s hip-hop fashion, “Hot in Herre” was released and became an immediate craze.

Because of its suggestive lyrics and catchy tune, “Hot in Herre” spread like wildfire.

The music video, which features cameos by famous NFL players and actors, continues to receive large numbers of views to this day!

“Gangnam Style” by PSY

Song year: 2012

“Gangnam Style” is perhaps a surprising pick for this list. Nobody expected a music video from South Korea to blow up and reach number two on the Hot 100 charts in the United States.

As of November 2021, the video has received more than 4.2 billion views on YouTube, which makes it the 11th most-viewed video of all time.

Something about this song’s catchiness and upbeat tune makes it globally popular and well-loved.

“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen

Song year: 1984

This song by Leonard Cohen is just one of those songs. We all know it, but we aren’t sure where we heard it.

It is frequently used in movies and TV shows, including Shrek in 2001.

It has been covered multiple times, with Cohen’s blessing. The most popular recording is the version by Jeff Buckley, although Rufus Wainwright also offers a beloved cover.

“Total Eclipse of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

Song year: 1983

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” is a long song that reaches almost seven minutes on the album version (though the single is only four and a half). Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer behind the ballad, sold more than six million copies of the single worldwide.

The cinematic music video continues to get views online despite its age.

Interestingly, songwriter Jim Steinman originally wrote “Total Eclipse of the Heart” to be a vampire love story!

“Jolene” by Dolly Parton

Song year: 1973

Written and performed by Dolly Parton, “Jolene” is the story of a marriage in trouble when a red-headed seductress tries to move in on the husband.

Dolly Parton confirmed that she based the song on the true events of a bank clerk flirting with her husband.

Although Dolly Parton claims that because of the pain behind the song, she doesn’t like to sing it often, fans everywhere sure do. Everyone knows the song “Jolene.”

Best Songs That Everyone Knows, Final Thoughts

There are lots of songs that everyone knows, either old or new. We hope you enjoyed reviewing 37 of them listed above. How many do you know by heart? While songs that everyone seems to know may seem overplayed or cliche, there is value in them. We use music to form connections, and these terrific songs serve to bring us all closer together!