85 Songs About History (Pop, Rap & More)
Contents
I. R&B Songs About History
1. At Last by Etta James
The song is about a woman who has finally found her true love after a lifetime of searching. She is overjoyed and grateful to have found him, and she promises to love him forever.
2. Killing Me Softly With His Song by Fugees
The song is about a woman who is in love with a man who does not love her back. She is trying to figure out why he does not love her and she comes to the conclusion that it is because she is not good enough for him. She is sad and frustrated because she loves him so much and she does not know how to make him love her back.
3. Say My Name by Destiny’s Child
The song is about a woman who is in a relationship with a man who is cheating on her. She is trying to get him to say her name so she knows that he is thinking about her and not the other woman.
4. Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay is a song by Otis Redding. It was released in 1968, and is about a man who is sitting on a dock, watching the tide roll away.
5. Any Time, Any Place by Janet Jackson
The song is about a woman who is in love with a man who is in a relationship with someone else. She is willing to do anything to be with him, including waiting for him to leave his current partner.
6. Respect by Aretha Franklin
The song Respect by Aretha Franklin is about a woman demanding respect from her man. She is tired of being treated like a doormat and wants him to show her some respect. She sings about how she has given him everything and how she deserves to be treated better. The song is a powerful anthem for women everywhere who feel like they are not being respected.
7. A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
The song is about how things are going to get better for the narrator. He has been through a lot of hard times, but he knows that things will eventually get better.
8. Waterfalls by TLC
Waterfalls is a song about a young woman’s descent into drug dealing and the dangers that come with it. The song is narrated by her mother, who pleads with her to stop before she gets in too deep.
9. Untitled (How Does It Feel) by D’Angelo
The song is about a man who is trying to seduce a woman. He is telling her how good it will feel if she lets him touch her.
10. What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
The song is about peace and love and the problems that come with them. Gaye is asking what’s going on with the world and why there is so much hate. He wonders why we can’t all just get along and live in peace.
11. How Will I Know by Whitney Houston
The song is about a woman who is wondering if the man she is interested in is interested in her. She is worried that she will never know for sure and wonders how she will know if he feels the same way.
12. End Of The Road by Boyz II Men
The song is about a relationship that has ended and the singer is trying to come to terms with it. He is looking back on all the happy times they had together and wondering what went wrong.
13. I’ll Be There by The Jackson 5
The song is about a lover who is willing to do anything for their partner. They will be there for them no matter what.
II. Latest Songs About History
1. Old Town Road by Lil Nas X
“Old Town Road” is a song by American rapper Lil Nas X. The song became a viral sensation on the social media app TikTok in early 2019. The song is based on the Nine Inch Nails song “34 Ghosts IV”, and the melody is similar to the country song “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus. Lil Nas X released the song independently on December 3, 2018, and it peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in April 2019. The song was remixed with vocals from Cyrus, and the remix peaked at number one on the Hot 100, making Lil Nas X the first artist to top the chart with a song that was not originally released to radio.
2. The Berserker at Stamford Bridge by Amon Amarth
The song tells the story of the Battle of Stamford Bridge, which took place in England in 1066. The song describes the battle from the perspective of the Viking warriors who fought in it.
3. Don’t Drink the Water by Dave Matthews Band
The song is about a man who is warning people not to drink the water because it is full of poison. He is telling them to beware of the government because they are the ones who are poisoning the water.
4. Spanish Bombs by The Clash
The song is about the Spanish Civil War and the international brigades who fought against the fascists.
5. Belfast Child by Simple Minds
The song is about the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
6. History by One Direction
The song is about a break-up and how the person regrets not being able to fix things. They think about all of the happy moments they shared together and how they will never be able to experience those again.
7. Buffalo Soldier by Bob Marley and the Wailers
“Buffalo Soldier” is a song by Bob Marley and the Wailers. The song is about the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of African American soldiers who served in the United States Army during the Indian Wars. The song was released as a single in 1983, and was later included on the album Confrontation.
8. A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song by Sam Cooke, released in December 1964 on RCA Victor. Written in response to the Civil Rights Movement, it has been referred to as “a declaration of hope and faith in the future”.[1] The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
9. The Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton
“The Battle of New Orleans” is a song written by Jimmy Driftwood. The song tells the story of the Battle of New Orleans, which took place during the War of 1812. The song was originally recorded by American folk singer Johnny Horton in 1959. The song was a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and the Grateful Dead.
10. Buffalo Soldier by Bob Marley and the Wailers
“Buffalo Soldier” is a song by Bob Marley and the Wailers. The song is about the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of African American soldiers who served in the United States Army during the Indian Wars. The song was released as a single in 1983, and was later included on the album Confrontation.
III. Rock Songs About History
1. Dallas 1 PM by Saxon
The song is about a man who is on death row in Dallas, Texas. He is scheduled to be executed at 1 PM. The song is told from the perspective of the man, who is reflecting on his life and how he got to this point.
2. Enola Gay by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
The song is about the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima during World War II.
3. Mr. Custer by Larry Verne
The song tells the story of the Battle of the Little Bighorn from the perspective of George Armstrong Custer. Custer is portrayed as a bumbling fool who is out of his depth and completely overwhelmed by the Native American forces arrayed against him. The song is humorous in tone and Custer’s eventual demise is treated as a comical relief.
4. Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden
The song is about the Native Americans’ displacement by the white settlers. The Native Americans are fighting back, but they are outnumbered and outgunned.
5. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
The song is about the Troubles in Northern Ireland, specifically the Bloody Sunday incident where British soldiers shot and killed unarmed protesters. The song is critical of the British government and calls for peace in Northern Ireland.
6. Radio Bikini by The Vaccines
The song is about a place called Radio Bikini where the US government tested nuclear bombs in the 1940s. The song is about the people who lived there and how their lives were affected by the tests.
7. Genocide by Thin Lizzy
The song is about the Irish genocide.
8. The Palace of Versailles by Al Stewart
The Palace of Versailles by Al Stewart is a song about the famous palace in France. The song tells the story of the palace and its history. It also describes the beauty of the palace and its gardens.
9. Zombie by The Cranberries
The song is about a person who is struggling to deal with the loss of a loved one. The person is trying to find a way to cope with the pain and grief.
10. Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden
The song is about the Native Americans’ displacement by the white settlers. The Native Americans are fighting back, but they are outnumbered and outgunned.
IV. Rap Songs About History
1. History of Rap by Jimmy Fallon
The song ‘History of Rap’ by Jimmy Fallon is a medley of some of the most popular rap songs from the past few decades. Fallon rap along with some of the biggest names in the genre, including Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z. The song highlights the evolution of rap, starting with the old-school style of the 1980s and moving through the gangsta rap of the 1990s and the more pop-friendly sound of the 2000s.
2. Changes by Tupac Shakur
“Changes” is a song by American rapper Tupac Shakur, which was recorded in 1992 and released as a single in 1998. The song addresses the issue of racism in America, and Shakur’s hope for a future where people of all races can live together in peace.
3. Fight The Power by Public Enemy
The song is about fighting against discrimination and racism.
4. Ghetto Gospel by Tupac Shakur
The song is about the struggles of living in the ghetto, and how religion can provide hope and guidance through difficult times. Tupac Shakur was raised in the ghetto and experienced firsthand the violence and poverty that can plague these communities. He uses his own life experiences to illustrate how religion can help people find strength and hope, even in the darkest of circumstances.
5. Mind Playing Tricks on Me by Geto Boys
The song is about the speaker’s paranoia and how it causes him to see and believe things that are not really there. He talks about how his mind plays tricks on him, making him think that people are out to get him and that they are talking about him behind his back. He is afraid of going crazy and losing control, but he knows that he can’t keep living like this.
6. Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur
The song is a tribute to Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur. He talks about how she was a strong black woman who raised him by herself and how she always put her children first. He talks about how she was always there for him, even when he was in trouble. He talks about how she is the reason he is the man he is today and how he will always love her.
7. The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
“The Message” is a song by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The song is a warning to young people about the dangers of living in an inner city. The song is considered one of the first rap songs to deal with social issues.
8. Keep Ya Head Up by Tupac Shakur
The song is about keeping your head up through tough times. No matter what happens, you have to keep going.
9. m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar, MC Eiht
The song is about Kendrick Lamar’s hometown of Compton, and how it has affected him both negatively and positively. He talks about the violence and crime that he has seen growing up, but also how it has made him the person he is today.
10. All Black Everything by Lupe Fiasco
The song is about the struggles of being a black man in America. Lupe Fiasco raps about how he is proud of his blackness and how he will never give up on his people. He also talks about the issues that black people face such as racism, police brutality, and poverty.
11. So Many Tears by Tupac Shakur
The song is about the struggles that Tupac faced in his life. He talks about how he has been through so much pain and suffering, and how he has shed so many tears. He also talks about how he is not giving up, and how he is going to keep fighting.
12. Children’s Story by Slick Rick
The song is about a young man who turns to a life of crime after being neglected by his parents. He eventually becomes a successful gangster, but is ultimately killed in a drive-by shooting.
13. Hit ‘Em Up by Tupac Shakur
In “Hit ‘Em Up,” Tupac Shakur takes aim at his rivals, specifically Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records. Over a menacing beat, he boasts about sleeping with Biggie’s wife and promises to “fuck up” anyone who tries to stop him. The song is considered one of the most scathing diss tracks in Hip Hop history.
14. All Eyez on Me by Tupac Shakur
“All Eyez on Me” is a song by American rapper Tupac Shakur. It was released on February 13, 1996, as the lead single from his fourth studio album of the same name. The song features guest vocals from American rapper Big Syke. Production for the song was handled by QDIII and Johnny “J” Jackson.
15. Hypnotize by The Notorious B.I.G.
The song is about Biggie’s willingness to do whatever it takes to get ahead in the game, even if it means hypnotizing people with his music. He’s not afraid to take risks and he’s always looking for new ways to get ahead.
16. California Love by Tupac Shakur
“California Love” is a song by Tupac Shakur, featuring Roger Troutman. The song was released as a single on December 28, 1995, and was later included on Tupac’s 1996 album All Eyez on Me. The song became one of Tupac’s signature songs and was his biggest hit at the time of his death, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
17. N.Y. State of Mind by Nas
The song is about Nas’ experience growing up in New York City and the harsh realities of life in the inner city. He talks about the struggles of living in poverty and the violence that he has witnessed. Despite all of the negativity, Nas still loves his city and the people in it.
18. Changes by Tupac Shakur
“Changes” is a song by American rapper Tupac Shakur, which was recorded in 1992 and released as a single in 1998. The song addresses the issue of racism in America, and Shakur’s hope for a future where people of all races can live together in peace.
19. Ghetto Gospel by Tupac Shakur
The song is about the struggles of living in the ghetto, and how religion can provide hope and guidance through difficult times. Tupac Shakur was raised in the ghetto and experienced firsthand the violence and poverty that can plague these communities. He uses his own life experiences to illustrate how religion can help people find strength and hope, even in the darkest of circumstances.
20. Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur
The song is a tribute to Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur. He talks about how she was a strong black woman who raised him by herself and how she always put her children first. He talks about how she was always there for him, even when he was in trouble. He talks about how she is the reason he is the man he is today and how he will always love her.
21. The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
“The Message” is a song by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The song is a warning to young people about the dangers of living in an inner city. The song is considered one of the first rap songs to deal with social issues.
22. Keep Ya Head Up by Tupac Shakur
The song is about keeping your head up through tough times. No matter what happens, you have to keep going.
23. So Many Tears by Tupac Shakur
The song is about the struggles that Tupac faced in his life. He talks about how he has been through so much pain and suffering, and how he has shed so many tears. He also talks about how he is not giving up, and how he is going to keep fighting.
24. Hit ‘Em Up by Tupac Shakur
In “Hit ‘Em Up,” Tupac Shakur takes aim at his rivals, specifically Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records. Over a menacing beat, he boasts about sleeping with Biggie’s wife and promises to “fuck up” anyone who tries to stop him. The song is considered one of the most scathing diss tracks in Hip Hop history.
25. All Eyez on Me by Tupac Shakur
“All Eyez on Me” is a song by American rapper Tupac Shakur. It was released on February 13, 1996, as the lead single from his fourth studio album of the same name. The song features guest vocals from American rapper Big Syke. Production for the song was handled by QDIII and Johnny “J” Jackson.
26. California Love by Tupac Shakur
“California Love” is a song by Tupac Shakur, featuring Roger Troutman. The song was released as a single on December 28, 1995, and was later included on Tupac’s 1996 album All Eyez on Me. The song became one of Tupac’s signature songs and was his biggest hit at the time of his death, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
27. m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar, MC Eiht
The song is about Kendrick Lamar’s hometown of Compton, and how it has affected him both negatively and positively. He talks about the violence and crime that he has seen growing up, but also how it has made him the person he is today.
V. Pop Songs About History
1. History by One Direction
The song is about a break-up and how the person regrets not being able to fix things. They think about all of the happy moments they shared together and how they will never be able to experience those again.
2. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
The song is about the band’s namesake, Alex Harvey. He was a Scottish musician who was known for his wild stage presence and showmanship. He was also known for his work with the band, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. The song talks about how he was a true rock star and how he is missed by the band and fans.
3. We Didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel
The song is a list of events, people, and things that have been in the news since Joel was born in 1949.
4. John Lee Hooker by John Lee Hooker
The song is a tribute to the legendary bluesman John Lee Hooker, and it talks about his life and how he influenced the blues.
5. Tom Robinson Band by Tom Robinson Band
The song is about the singer’s experience with racism and discrimination. He talks about how he was treated differently because of the color of his skin, and how he was made to feel like an outsider in his own country. He also talks about how he was able to overcome these obstacles and become successful in spite of the odds.
6. John Lennon by John Lennon
John Lennon by John Lennon is a song about the life and times of the former Beatle. It chronicles his childhood in Liverpool, his time with the Beatles, his solo career, and his life with wife Yoko Ono. The song is a tribute to Lennon’s life and legacy, and includes footage of him throughout his life.
7. David Lee Roth by David Lee Roth
The song is about David Lee Roth, the former lead singer of the band Van Halen. He is known for his outrageous behavior and his unique style of singing. The song is a tribute to him and his career.
8. Bruce Springsteen by Bruce Springsteen
The song is about the singer’s love for Bruce Springsteen and how he has inspired him.
9. Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival
The song is about rich kids who never have to work for anything and always get what they want. They never have to worry about money or the draft, unlike the poor kids who have to work hard and worry about being drafted into the Vietnam War.
10. James Taylor by James Taylor
The song is about the singer’s life and career. He talks about how he started out playing music and how he has been successful. He also talks about how he is thankful for his fans and how they have helped him through his career.
11. Rosa Lee Carson by Moonshine Kate, Fiddlin’ John Carson
Rosa Lee Carson is a song about a woman who is in love with a man who is not interested in her. She is trying to make him see that she is the one for him, but he is not interested.
12. Tom Robinson Band by Tom Robinson Band
The song is about the singer’s experience with racism and discrimination. He talks about how he was treated differently because of the color of his skin, and how he was made to feel like an outsider in his own country. He also talks about how he was able to overcome these obstacles and become successful in spite of the odds.
13. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
The song is about the band’s namesake, Alex Harvey. He was a Scottish musician who was known for his wild stage presence and showmanship. He was also known for his work with the band, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. The song talks about how he was a true rock star and how he is missed by the band and fans.
14. Bruce Springsteen by Bruce Springsteen
The song is about the singer’s love for Bruce Springsteen and how he has inspired him.
15. Rosa Lee Carson by Moonshine Kate, Fiddlin’ John Carson
Rosa Lee Carson is a song about a woman who is in love with a man who is not interested in her. She is trying to make him see that she is the one for him, but he is not interested.
16. John Lennon by John Lennon
John Lennon by John Lennon is a song about the life and times of the former Beatle. It chronicles his childhood in Liverpool, his time with the Beatles, his solo career, and his life with wife Yoko Ono. The song is a tribute to Lennon’s life and legacy, and includes footage of him throughout his life.
17. James Taylor by James Taylor
The song is about the singer’s life and career. He talks about how he started out playing music and how he has been successful. He also talks about how he is thankful for his fans and how they have helped him through his career.
18. David Lee Roth by David Lee Roth
The song is about David Lee Roth, the former lead singer of the band Van Halen. He is known for his outrageous behavior and his unique style of singing. The song is a tribute to him and his career.
19. John Lee Hooker by John Lee Hooker
The song is a tribute to the legendary bluesman John Lee Hooker, and it talks about his life and how he influenced the blues.
VI. Country Songs About History
1. The Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton
“The Battle of New Orleans” is a song written by Jimmy Driftwood. The song tells the story of the Battle of New Orleans, which took place during the War of 1812. The song was originally recorded by American folk singer Johnny Horton in 1959. The song was a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and the Grateful Dead.
2. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan
The song is about how the world is constantly changing and how people need to change with it. Dylan sings about how the old ways of doing things are no longer effective and how people need to adapt to the new ways. He also talks about how the future is always unknown and how people need to be prepared for it.
3. The Weight by The Band
The Weight is a song written by Robbie Robertson and originally performed by The Band in 1968. The song is about a traveler who arrives in a small town and is asked to stay with a family there. The traveler is then asked to do various tasks for the family, including carrying their groceries and picking up their laundry. As the traveler does these things, he thinks about the people he has left behind and the things he has left undone. The song is about the choices we make in life and how they can weigh us down.
4. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down by The Band
The song is about the American Civil War and is told from the perspective of a Confederate soldier. It talks about the hardships of war and the feeling of defeat when the South lost.
5. Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan
The song is about a rich girl who has lost her way in life and is now a “rolling stone.” The song is a message to her that she can’t keep living like this.
6. The Ballad of Davy Crockett by Fess Parker
The song is about the life of Davy Crockett, a famous American frontiersman. It tells the story of his life, from his childhood in Tennessee to his death at the Alamo.
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