29 Best Songs With Similes In Them
Similes have long been a powerful tool songwriters use to create vivid imagery and bring up deep emotions in listeners. These comparisons can transform ordinary lyrics into emotional and memorable masterpieces. In this article, we'll dive into the best songs with similes in them.
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“Stitches” by Shawn Mendes
Sing Year: 2015
Stitches by Shawn Mendes is a captivating song that powerfully employs similes as an essential aspect of its lyrics, making it among the most memorable pop hits in recent years.
Released as part of his debut studio album, “Handwritten,” in 2015, this catchy tune discusses love and heartbreak through vivid metaphors and comparisons.
Stitches delve into themes such as missing someone despite the hurt they cause. One poignant simile describes being drawn irresistibly towards this person like a moth is attracted to flames: “Just like a moth drawn to a flame.” This emotional depth is characteristic of many songs from Mendes' music catalog.
“Roar” by Katy Perry
Sing Year: 2013
Katy Perry's empowering anthem, “Roar,” showcases the art of using similes to express emotions and convey a powerful message. Laced with vivid imagery and comparisons that evoke feelings of resilience, courage, and triumph over adversity, the song has become a fan-favorite due to its inspiring lyrics.
“Roar” pairs catchy tunes with memorable lines such as “I got the eye of the tiger” or “Float like a butterfly.” These phrases enrich the listener's experience while underlining how personal growth can come through perseverance during life's trials.
“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
Sing Year: 2017
Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran is a prime example of clever similes in modern music. Released on January 6, 2017, it was among the double lead singles from his third studio album and quickly became an international hit.
Combining memorable lyrics, pop-infused rhythms, and captivating storytelling helped propel Shape Of You toward incredible success. It was undeniably the biggest track of 2017, garnering worldwide recognition for its expressive language and innovative sound.
“Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
Sing Year: 1987
Guns N' Roses' “Sweet Child of Mine” is an iconic rock song released in 1987. Despite some controversial interpretations over the years, the powerful lyrics and emotional guitar riff made it a classic love song.
In fact, “Sweet Child of Mine” is Guns N' Roses' biggest hit and still ranks high on various charts. It ranked seventh on VH1's “100 Greatest Songs of the '80s,” cementing its status as a classic track from that era.
“Like a Stone” by Audioslave
Sing Year: 2002
“Like a Stone” by Audioslave is an iconic song that has been available for over 20 years. The lyrics are rich in metaphors and similes, making it among the best songs with similes in them.
The lyrics of “Like a Stone” focus on waiting for death personified, sitting like a stone as your time runs out. This theme resonates deeply with many people and adds to the song's emotional impact.
“California Love” by Tupac Shakur (Featuring Dr. Dre)
Sing Year: 1995
“California Love” is among the most iconic songs from the gangsta rap and west-coast hip hop genre, produced by Dr. Dre and featuring Tupac Shakur. The song celebrates the California lifestyle that was popular in the 1990s, which included lowriders, palm trees, sunshine, and parties.
A fun fact about “California Love” is that it heavily samples Joe Cocker's song “Woman to Woman,” specifically his use of a talkbox harmonica sound effect.
“Believer” by Imagine Dragons (Featuring Lil Wayne)
Sing Year: 2017
“Believer” by Imagine Dragons, featuring Lil Wayne, is among the popular songs with similes. This incredible song was released on February 1, 2017, through Interscope Records and quickly became a big hit in the United States. It landed fifth in America's best-selling songs that year.
In 2019, Imagine Dragons released a remix version of “Believer,” featuring Lil Wayne himself! The remix received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans and critics alike, with many calling it hot and excellent.
“Just Like Fire” by Pink
Sing Year: 2016
“Just Like Fire” is a popular song by American singer Pink, recorded for the soundtrack of “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” a film from 2016. The lyrics of this song contain a powerful simile where Pink compares her inner strength with “just like fire.”
The figurative language in Pink's lyrics highlights the importance of believing in oneself and not being controlled by society's expectations.
“Not Afraid” by Eminem
Sing Year: 2010
“Not Afraid” by Eminem is a powerful song about resilience, self-improvement, and facing fears.
Eminem's lyrics are raw and honest, urging listeners to take charge of their lives and make bold personal changes. He speaks openly about his struggles with addiction and how he overcame them, encouraging others to do the same.
“Not Afraid” has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide since its release. It was ranked as one of Rolling Stone's best songs of 2010 and has become an anthem for anyone struggling to overcome obstacles or find their way in life.
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Sing Year: 1989
“Like a Prayer” is on the list of the most iconic songs from Madonna's career.
The album was dedicated to Madonna's mother, who died when she was six. It wasn't just any dedication – it played an essential role in shaping the record's overall sound.
One interesting fact about this hit single is that it was initially released as part of advertising for Pepsi before being released as a standalone single.
