45 Songs About Culture (Pop, Rap & More)

Foundations of Music

45 Songs About Culture (Pop, Rap & More)

I. Pop Songs About Culture

1. The Boy With the Thorn In His Side by The Smiths

Artist: The Smiths
Album: The Queen Is Dead
Year: 1986

The song is about a boy who is misunderstood and ridiculed by others. He has a thorn in his side that represents the pain and suffering he endures. Despite all the negativity directed towards him, he still tries to remain positive and hopeful.

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2. The Wanderer by Dion DiMucci

Artist: Dion DiMucci
Album: Runaround Sue
Year: 1961

The song is about a man who is a wanderer and has no home. He has been everywhere and seen everything. He is tired of moving around and wants to find a place to settle down.

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II. Country Songs About Culture

1. The Weight by The Band

Artist: The Band
Album:
Year:

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.

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2. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: The Times They Are a-Changin’
Year: 1964

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.

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3. Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
Year: 1963

The song is a protest against the American government and its policies. It is a call for change and an end to the violence and injustice that Dylan sees around him. The song is also a plea for peace and understanding, and a hope that someday the world will be a better place.

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4. Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: Highway 61 Revisited
Year: 1965

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.

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5. The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: The Times They Are a-Changin’
Year: 1964

The song is about the death of Hattie Carroll, a black maid who was killed by a wealthy white man. The song highlights the inequality of the justice system, as the man who killed her was only sentenced to six months in jail.

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III. Rock Songs About Culture

1. Karma Chameleon by Culture Club

Artist: Culture Club
Album: Colour by Numbers
Year: 1983

The song is about a person who is a “karma chameleon”, meaning they change their behavior based on the situation they’re in. The song talks about how this person is never really themselves, and how they’re always trying to please others.

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2. Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Album:
Year:

The song is about a woman named Mary who is proud of her life working on a riverboat. She talks about how she has seen many things in her life and how she is not afraid to work hard.

3. Born in the U.S.A by Bruce Springsteen

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Live 1975–85
Year: 1986

This song is about the struggles of the American working class. The narrator is a Vietnam veteran who is struggling to find work and support his family. The song criticizes the government’s treatment of veterans and the working class.

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4. The Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Philadelphia: Music From the Motion Picture
Year: 1993

The song is about the struggles of life in the city, and how even though things are tough, there is still hope.

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5. The Rising by Bruce Springsteen

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album:
Year: 2010

“The Rising” is a song by Bruce Springsteen from his 2002 album of the same name, written about the September 11 attacks. The song was a hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2002.

6. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Neil Young

Artist: Neil Young
Album: The Times
Year: 2020

The song is about how the world is constantly changing and how people need to change with it. It also talks about how the past will never be the same and how people need to accept that.

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7. Somebody to Love by Jefferson Airplane

Artist: Jefferson Airplane
Album: Surrealistic Pillow
Year: 1967

The song is about a person who is looking for love and has not been able to find it. They are looking for someone to love them unconditionally and make them feel complete.

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8. Do You Really Want to Hurt Me by Culture Club

Artist: Culture Club
Album: Kissing to Be Clever
Year: 1982

The song is about a relationship that is falling apart. The singer is asking the person they are with if they really want to hurt them. The song talks about how the singer is feeling pain and how they are trying to hold on to the relationship.

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9. Cult of Personality by Living Colour

Artist: Living Colour
Album: Vivid
Year: 1988

“Cult of Personality” is a song by Living Colour. The song was released in 1988 as the lead single from the band’s debut album, Vivid. The song peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1989. The song is about the rise and fall of a cult leader.

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IV. Rap Songs About Culture

1. All Eyes On Me by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album:
Year:

The song is about Tupac’s rise to fame and how everyone is now watching him. He talks about how he’s not perfect, but he’s still successful. He also talks about how he’s been through a lot in his life, but he’s still standing.

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2. Changes by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: Greatest Hits
Year:

“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.

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3. Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album:
Year:

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.

4. Keep Ya Head Up by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.
Year: 1993

The song is about keeping your head up through tough times. No matter what happens, you have to keep going.

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5. Life Goes On by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: All Eyez on Me
Year: 1996

The song is about how life goes on no matter what happens. No matter how bad things get, life always goes on.

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6. Thugz Mansion by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album:
Year:

The song is about Tupac’s vision of a safe haven for gang members and other young people who are struggling. He talks about how he wants to provide a place where they can feel loved and protected, and how he believes that this is the only way to end the cycle of violence.

7. What’z Ya Phone # by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: All Eyez on Me
Year: 1996

The song is about a man who is trying to get the phone number of a woman he is interested in. He starts by asking her what her name is, and then proceeds to ask for her phone number. The woman seems to be hesitant to give her number to the man, but eventually relents and gives it to him.

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V. R&B Songs About Culture

1. We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa

Artist: U.S.A. for Africa
Album: We Are the World
Year: 1985

The song “We Are the World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and performed by a supergroup of American artists in 1985. The song was written in response to the famine in Ethiopia and it raised over $63 million for relief efforts. The song became an international hit and won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

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2. Black Man by Stevie Wonder

Artist: Stevie Wonder
Album: Songs in the Key of Life
Year: 1976

“Black Man” is a song by Stevie Wonder, released in 1970 on the album Signed, Sealed & Delivered. The song is a call for African-American unity, and pride in black history and culture. It also contains a message of hope for the future, with Wonder urging black people to “keep on walkin’, keep on talkin’, ’cause we’re gonna make it.”

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3. A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

Artist: Sam Cooke
Album: Ain’t That Good News
Year: 1964

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.

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4. The Wanderer by Dion DiMucci

Artist: Dion DiMucci
Album: Runaround Sue
Year: 1961

The song is about a man who is a wanderer and has no home. He has been everywhere and seen everything. He is tired of moving around and wants to find a place to settle down.

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5. The Black National Anthem by Melba Moore

Artist: Melba Moore
Album: Soul Exposed
Year: 1990

The song is a tribute to the African American national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. It is a call to unity and pride in the black community, and a declaration of the strength and beauty of black people.

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6. Culture by Kendrick Lamar

Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Album: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
Year: 2022

Kendrick Lamar’s “Culture” is a song about the rapper’s love for his hometown of Compton and its impact on his life. The song features a sample of the track “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.

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7. Lift Every Voice and Sing by J. Rosamond Johnson, James Weldon Johnson

Artist: J. Rosamond Johnson, James Weldon Johnson
Album:
Year:

This song is about lifting up your voice and singing for freedom. It is a call to action for all people to stand up and fight for what is right. The lyrics are empowering and inspire people to come together and fight for equality.

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8. Brown Skin by India.Arie

Artist: India.Arie
Album: Acoustic Soul
Year: 2001

The song is about a black woman’s love for her skin color and how she is proud to be black. The lyrics talk about how she is beautiful in her own skin and how she does not need to change herself for anyone.

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VI. Christian Songs About Culture

1. What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Artist: Louis Armstrong
Album:
Year:

The song What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong is a feel-good song about how great the world is. Armstrong’s vocals are smooth and comforting, making the listener feel at ease. The lyrics talk about all the wonderful things in the world, from the beauty of nature to the happiness of children. It’s a simple song, but it’s one that always makes people feel good.

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2. He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands by Mahalia Jackson

Artist: Mahalia Jackson
Album:
Year:

The song is about how God has everything under control and how we should put our trust in him.

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3. Amazing Grace by Il Divo

Artist: Il Divo
Album: The Promise
Year: 2008

Il Divo is a classical crossover group that formed in 2003. The group has released eight albums, with their first album, “Il Divo,” being the most successful. “Amazing Grace” is a song off of their first album. The song is a cover of the traditional Christian hymn of the same name. The song is sung in English, Spanish, and Latin.

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4. I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe

Artist: MercyMe
Album: The Worship Project
Year: 1999

The song is about a person imagining what it will be like to be in heaven. The person imagines being in a beautiful place with no more pain or suffering. They imagine being reunited with loved ones who have died and being able to worship God freely. The song is a reminder that even though we don’t know what heaven will be like, we can trust that it will be better than anything we can imagine.

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5. In Christ Alone by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend

Artist: Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
Album: Here I Am to Worship
Year: 2003

The song is about the beauty and wonder of Jesus Christ, and how He is the only one who can provide hope and salvation. The lyrics express the deep love and admiration the artist has for Christ, and how He is the only one who can provide true peace and happiness.

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6. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman, Steve Angrisano

Artist: Matt Redman, Steve Angrisano
Album: Spirit & Song: Disc M
Year: 2013

The song is a worship song about giving thanks to God for all the reasons He blesses us. It starts with the reasons we have to bless the Lord, such as His love, His faithfulness, and His mercy. Then it talks about how we should bless the Lord even when we don’t feel like it, because He is worthy of our praise. The chorus is a declaration that we will bless the Lord always, no matter what.

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7. How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin

Artist: Chris Tomlin
Album: Arriving
Year: 2004

The song is a worship song that talks about how great God is. It talks about how God is above everything and how He is the one who created everything.

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8. Bryan and Katie Torwalt by Jesus Culture

Artist: Jesus Culture
Album: Church Volume Two (Live)
Year: 2020

The song is about two people who are in love and who are also very spiritual. They are both very committed to their relationship and to their faith. They are both very passionate about what they believe in and they are both very supportive of each other.

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9. Kim Walker-Smith by Kim Walker-Smith

Artist: Kim Walker-Smith
Album: Church Volume Two (Live)
Year: 2020

The song is about the artist’s faith and how it has helped her through tough times. She talks about how she has been able to find strength in God and how He has always been there for her.

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10. Jesus Culture by Jesus Culture

Artist: Jesus Culture
Album: Church Volume Two (Live)
Year: 2020

The song ‘Jesus Culture’ by Jesus Culture is a praise and worship song that extols the virtues of Jesus Christ and His teachings. The lyrics talk about how Jesus is the only way to true happiness and peace, and how His love is unending. The song is a reminder to always keep Jesus at the forefront of our lives, no matter what else is going on around us.

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VII. Latest Songs About Culture

1. Culture by Umu Obiligbo

Artist: Umu Obiligbo
Album: Culture
Year: 2019

This song is about Igbo culture and how it is passed down from generation to generation. It is a traditional song that is sung in Igbo language.

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2. What The Price by Migos

Artist: Migos
Album: Culture
Year: 2017

The song is about the high cost of living and the luxurious lifestyle that the Migos enjoy. They rap about their expensive cars, clothes, and jewelry, and how they are able to afford it all.

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3. The Heart Part 5 by Kendrick Lamar

Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Album: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
Year: 2022

The song is about a relationship that is falling apart. Kendrick Lamar is trying to save the relationship, but he knows that it is doomed.

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4. Cultural Vibes by Kcee

Artist: Kcee
Album: Cultural Vibes
Year: 2021

“Cultural Vibes” is a song by Nigerian singer-songwriter Kcee. The song was released on May 5, 2017, through his YouTube channel. The song is a mix of Afrobeat and hip hop, and talks about the importance of culture and tradition.

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5. Culture by Kendrick Lamar

Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Album: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
Year: 2022

Kendrick Lamar’s “Culture” is a song about the rapper’s love for his hometown of Compton and its impact on his life. The song features a sample of the track “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.

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