StrawPoll

The Most Famous Song Lyrics, Ranked

Choose the song lyrics you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:15
Song lyrics often capture the essence of emotions, moments, and stories, resonating with diverse audiences across the globe. They have the power to evoke memories, inspire creativity, or simply provide comfort. As new hits come and go, determining which lyrics hold a special place in the hearts of listeners can be both a challenging and a fascinating endeavor. This site offers a dynamic and interactive way for music enthusiasts to engage with and influence the ranking of famous song lyrics. By casting votes for the lines that strike a chord with them, users contribute to a continuous shaping of this list. This process not only highlights popular preferences but also reveals emerging trends in musical expression and audience resonance.

What Are the Most Famous Song Lyrics?

  1. 1
    25
    votes

    "Imagine" by John Lennon

    John Lennon
    This song has become an anthem for peace and unity, with its powerful lyrics and message of hope. It has been covered by numerous artists and is still relevant today.
    Imagine is a song by John Lennon that encourages listeners to imagine a world at peace, without division or borders, and without the restraints of greed, material possessions, or religion. It paints a picture of a utopian society filled with love, unity, and understanding.
    • Release date: October 11, 1971
    • Genre: Pop
    • Length: 3:07
    • Label: Apple
    • Writer(s): John Lennon
    "Imagine" by John Lennon in other rankings
  3. 2
    24
    votes
    "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
    Queen · Public domain

    "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

    This iconic song features an operatic style, with lyrics that are both mysterious and intriguing. It has become one of the most recognizable songs in history and is often played at major events.
    "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen in other rankings
  4. 3
    28
    votes

    "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin

    This classic rock anthem has become a staple of popular culture, with its mystical lyrics and soaring guitar solos. It has been covered by countless musicians and is often considered one of the greatest songs of all time.
    "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin in other rankings
  5. 4
    17
    votes
    "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan
    Columbia Records · Public domain

    "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan

    Bob Dylan
    This song marked a turning point in Dylan's career, with its poetic lyrics and powerful message. It has been covered by many artists and is often cited as one of the greatest songs of all time.
    Like a Rolling Stone is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released in 1965. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time and a defining moment in Dylan's career. The song features Dylan's signature poetic and thought-provoking lyrics combined with a powerful rock sound.
    • Release Date: 1965
    • Genre: Rock
    • Length: 6:09
    • Album: Highway 61 Revisited
    • Lyricist: Bob Dylan
  6. 5
    22
    votes

    "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana

    This song is widely considered one of the defining songs of the grunge era, with its angst-ridden lyrics and driving guitar riffs. It has become an anthem for disaffected youth and is still popular today.
    "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana in other rankings
  7. 6
    6
    votes

    "Hey Jude" by The Beatles

    The Beatles
    This song is one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in the Beatles' catalog, with its simple yet powerful message of love and hope. It has been covered by many artists and is often played at weddings and other celebrations.
    Hey Jude is a iconic song by The Beatles, released in 1968. It was written by Paul McCartney and is considered one of their most famous and successful tracks. With its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody, the song has become an anthem for perseverance and support during difficult times. Hey Jude is characterized by its beautiful piano accompaniment, soulful vocals, and a stunning outro that features the repeated refrain 'na na na na'. The track has a runtime of approximately 7 minutes and 11 seconds.
    • Release Date: 1968
    • Writer: Paul McCartney
    • Genre: Rock
    • Album: The Beatles (also known as the White Album)
    • Runtime: 7:11
    "Hey Jude" by The Beatles in other rankings
  8. 7
    18
    votes

    "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston

    This ballad is one of the most popular love songs of all time, with its soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics. It was originally written and performed by Dolly Parton, but Houston's version remains the most well-known.
    "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston in other rankings
  9. 8
    12
    votes

    "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

    This song has become an anthem for perseverance and hope, with its uplifting lyrics and catchy melody. It has been covered by many artists and is often played at sporting events and graduation ceremonies.
    "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey in other rankings
  10. 9
    14
    votes

    "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses

    This classic rock song features a memorable guitar riff and heartfelt lyrics about love and loss. It has become one of the most recognizable songs in history and is often played on classic rock radio stations.
    "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses in other rankings
  11. 10
    9
    votes

    "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson

    Michael Jackson
    This song is one of Jackson's most iconic hits, with its infectious beat and enigmatic lyrics. It has been covered by many artists and is often cited as one of the greatest pop songs of all time.
    Billie Jean is a song by Michael Jackson, released in 1982 as the second single from his legendary album Thriller. It is widely regarded as one of the most successful and iconic songs of all time, and it solidified Jackson's status as a global pop superstar. The song combines elements of pop, funk, and disco, with a captivating bassline and infectious rhythm. Lyrically, Billie Jean tells the story of a woman who claims that Jackson is the father of her child, leading to a tale of denial, suspicion, and personal struggle. The song's strong beats, catchy melody, and Jackson's captivating vocals contribute to its timeless appeal.
    • Album: Thriller
    • Release Date: January 2, 1983
    • Genre: Pop, Funk, Disco
    • Length: 4 minutes and 54 seconds
    • Songwriter(s): Michael Jackson
    "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson in other rankings

Missing your favorite song lyrics?

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Ranking factors for famous song lyrics

  1. Cultural impact
    Consider how much the lyrics have influenced or resonated with society, and if they have left a lasting impression on popular culture.
  2. Timelessness
    Evaluate if the lyrics remain relevant and relatable to various generations and continue to be appreciated over time.
  3. Emotional resonance
    Assess how deeply the lyrics connect with human emotions and experiences, such as love, loss, hope, or struggle.
  4. Originality and creativity
    Analyze the uniqueness of the words, phrases, and messages conveyed in the lyrics and their ability to stand out among other songs.
  5. Iconic phrases or lines
    Identify catchy or memorable lines that have become widely recognized or quoted, sometimes even becoming a part of everyday conversations.
  6. Universality
    Consider the ability of the lyrics to transcend geographical, cultural, or social boundaries and resonate with diverse audiences.
  7. Lyrical complexity and depth
    Evaluate the intricacy and thoughtfulness of the lyrics, their ability to tell a story, convey a message, or explore complex themes.
  8. Musical integration
    Assess how well the lyrics complement and enhance the overall musical composition and contribute to the success of the song.
  9. Recognition and awards
    Take into account any achievements or accolades the song or its lyrics may have received, such as a place on "best-ever" lists, Grammy Awards, or other music industry honors.
  10. Influence on other artists and music genres
    Examine the extent to which the lyrics have inspired other musicians, led to popular cover versions, or impacted the development of different music styles.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous song lyrics. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or lyric is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2361 views
  • 157 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each lyric once every 24 hours. The rank of each lyric is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most famous song lyrics

Music has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, with countless songs capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences. The lyrics of these songs have the power to move us, inspire us, and even define cultural movements. From love ballads to protest anthems, the world of music is full of iconic lyrics that have become ingrained in our collective consciousness. In this article, we explore some of the most famous song lyrics of all time, spanning genres and eras, and the stories behind the words that have resonated with so many of us.

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