Top 100 Best Acoustic Guitar Songs Of All Time

What are the best acoustic guitar songs of all time?

As guitar players or just music lovers, you know that there are some songs that are just better suited for acoustic guitars.

Whether it’s the simplicity of the melody or the way the song is arranged, these tunes just sound better played on an acoustic guitar.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best acoustic guitar songs of all time in terms of how well it was received by the public, song complexity, and longevity.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, or simply somebody that enjoys good music, we’re sure you’ll find something new and inspiring on this list!

Top 100 Best Acoustic Guitar Songs Of All Time

The perfect song, with the right lyrics, tempo, and a well-composed melody will have anybody singing every time they here it.

I want to say, though, that this list is not in order by any means, a song that is in the 100th spot is not any worse nor better than the song in the 1st spot.

They’re all unique and remarkable in their own way, so with that being said, let’s start!

100. “Where’s My Love” by SYML

“Does she know that we bleed the same? Don’t wanna cry but I break that way”

SYML is a Seattle-based artist and songwriter who released his first full-length debut album on May 3, 2019.

His song “Where’s My Love” is a beautifully written ballad about a broken relationship.

The lyrics are written in a very emotive way, and the song will definitely tug at your heartstrings.

The guitar playing is also very beautiful and will make you want to grab your own instrument and play along.

If you’re looking for an emotionally charged song to add to your repertoire, this is the one.

99. “Stop Your Tears” by Aldous Harding

“I will never marry my love, I will die waiting for the bells. Death, come pull me underwater. I have nothing left to fear from hell”

“Stop Your Tears” is a song by Aldous Harding about a person who is in a difficult situation and is trying to find a way to cope.

The lyrics talk about how the person is feeling and how they are trying to find a way to deal with the pain that they are experiencing.

It’s haunting and beautiful, and it speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever been in a difficult situation.

98. “Patience” by Guns N’ Roses

“Said “woman take it slow, and it’ll work itself out fine”. All we need is just a little patience”

The song “Patience” by Guns N’ Roses is a song about the wait for something to happen.

The lyrics talk about how the person is waiting and how they are hoping that it happens soon, they talk about how they are trying to be patient, but it is hard to do.

97. “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley & The Wailers

“Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom? ‘Cause all I ever have Redemption songs”

This song is about the journey to redemption.

The lyrics talk about how no matter what happens, redemption is possible as long as you keep moving forward.

It’s a powerful message that can give hope to anyone who is struggling.

96. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan

“How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man? How many seas must a white dove sail before she sleeps in the sand?”

“Blowin’ in the Wind” is a song written by Bob Dylan in 1962.

It has been interpreted as a protest song and poses a series of rhetorical questions about peace, war, and freedom.

The song was written during the early months of the American Civil Rights Movement.

95. “Big In Japan” by Ane Brun

“I will wait here for my man tonight. It’s easy when you’re big in Japan”

Ane Brun is a Norwegian singer/songwriter whose song “Big in Japan” was released in 2008.

This song in particular can have many meanings, but it’s whole central focus is around Japan, and how the girl is experiencing a comeback on the road again, and that she will let things happen while they can.

In other words, she isn’t rushing into the future and will wait for “her man” tonight.

94. “Moonlight Motel” by Bruce Springsteen

“Well then, it’s bills and kids and kids and bills, and the ringing of the bell. Across the valley floor through the dusty screen door of the Moonlight Motel”

Bruce Springsteen is an American singer-songwriter and musician who has achieved international fame.

“Moonlight Motel” is a haunting ballad about lonely fond remembering!

The songwriter/singer is out at this lonely all-but-deserted motel remembering a lover, having a toast and drinking remembering her.

The song is full of nostalgia, and its melody is absolutely heartbreaking, so if you’re looking for a song to make you feel all the feels, then look no further.

93. “Crosses” by José González

“Don’t you know that I’ll be around to guide you? Through your weakest moments to leave them behind you”

José González is a singer-songwriter from Sweden.

His song “Crosses” has been featured in several television shows and commercials, and has been covered by several other artists.

Both the lyrics and the melody are hauntingly beautiful.

92. “Life by the drop” by Stevie Ray Vaughan

“You’re livin’ out dreams of you on top, my mind is achin’ oh lord it won’t stop. That’s how it happened livin’ life by the drop”

The song “Life by the Drop” by Stevie Ray Vaughan is about a person who is living life to the fullest and not taking anything for granted.

The lyrics talk about how life can be taken away at any moment, so it’s important to make the most of every day.

91. “Broken Wings” by JW Roy

“With broken wings, a heart of gold, my love for you that’s a long, long endless road. Am I coming home?”

This song’s lyrics are very powerful and the melody is absolutely beautiful.

When it comes to the meaning and message that he’s trying to share, it’s very dependent on the listener and your own interpretation.

For example, I think that it’s a song about overcoming tragedy, finding hope again, healing and moving on.

90. “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s

“Hey there, Delilah what’s it like in New York City? I’m a thousand miles away but, girl, tonight you look so pretty”

The song “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s is about a guy who is in love with a girl named Delilah.

He is trying to figure out how to tell her how he feels, and he wants her to stay with him forever.

89. “Shallow” by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

“I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in. I’ll never meet the ground. Crash through the surface, where they can’t hurt us. We’re far from the shallow now”

88. “I Melt with You” by Daulton Hopkins

“Moving forward using all my breath. Making love to you was never second best”

87. “I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie

“Love of mine, someday you will die. But I’ll be close behind, I’ll follow you into the dark”

86. “When The Stars Go Blue” by Ryan Adams

“Where do you go when you’re lonely, where do you go when you’re blue. Where do you go when you’re lonely, I’ll follow you when the stars go blue”

85. “Halo” by Lotte Kestner

“You’re everything I need and more. It’s written all over your face, baby, I can see your halo. Pray it won’t fade away”

84. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton

“Jolene, I’m begging of you please don’t take my man”

83. “my dear” by SOLOMON

“I’ve been racking my brains. I don’t even know what words are left to say to you, my dear”

82. “Let Her Go” by Passenger

“Well, you only need the light when it’s burning low. Only miss the sun when it starts to snow, only know you love her when you let her go”

81. “Angie” by Bert Jansch

80. “Where Do You Go To” by Peter Sarstedt

“But where do you go to, my lovely. When you’re alone in your bed? Tell me the thoughts that surround you, I want to look inside your head, yes, I do”

79. “Stronger Than” by Gabe Bondoc

“Is it my fault I can’t speak or that my body becomes weak, or that I can hardly move at the very thought of you”

78. “Paper Thin” by Lianne La Havas

“Paper-thin, God only knows the pain you’re in, but the future’s bright. You’ve got God on your side, He’s listening”

77. “Que Lloro” by Sin Bandera

“Que lloro por ti, que lloro sin ti, que ya lo entendí, que no eres para mí. Y lloro”

76. “Promise” by Ben Howard

“And promise me this, you’ll wait for me only, scared of the lonely arms”

75. “Tú de Qué Vas” by Franco De Vita

“Si te he dado todo lo que tengo, hasta quedar en deuda conmigo mismo, y todavía preguntas si te quiero. Tú de qué vas?”

74. “Mientes” by Camila

“Mientes! Me haces daño y luego te arrepientes, ya no tiene caso que lo intentes”

73. “Tanto la Queria” by Andy & Lucas

“Tanto la quería, tanto que yo, por ella moría, eso bien lo sabe Dios. Ella es la reina de mi inspiración, por la que yo sufro la musa de mi amor”

72. “Rosas” by La Oreja de Van Gogh

“Por eso esperaba con la carita empapada a que llegaras con rosas, con mil rosas para mí. Porque ya sabes que me encantan esas cosas que no importa si es muy tonto, soy así”

71. “No One” by Alicia Keys

“I just want you close, where you can stay forever. You can be sure, that it will only get better”

70. “Cigarette Daydreams” by Cage The Elephant

“Cigarette daydream, you were only seventeen. Soft speak with a mean streak nearly brought me to my knees”

69. “Be Good or Be Gone” by Fionn Regan

“If you happen to read this, Rose was born. Child actor-ess, on the fifth day of the snow.”

68. “Romeo and Juliet” by Dire Straits

“A lovestruck Romeo sings the streets of serenade, laying everybody low with a love song that he made”

67. “Dueles” by Jesse & Joy

“Hoy se cumple un mes que ya no me ves. Te fuiste, nada más, quisiste renunciar a quererme. Y cómo dueles”

66. “Chan Chan” by Buena Vista Social Club

“Cuando Juanica y Chan Chan, en el mar cernían arena, como sacudía el jibe, a Chan Chan le daba pena”

65. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen

“This thing called love I must get ’round to it. I ain’t ready. Crazy little thing called love”

64. “Good Riddance” by Green Day

“It’s something unpredictable. But in the end, it’s right, I hope you had the time of your life”

63. “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes

“This is the first day of my life, swear I was born right in the doorway. I went out in the rain, suddenly everything changed, they’re spreading blankets on the beach”

62. “Green Eyes” by Coldplay

“Honey, you are a rock upon which I stand. And I come here to talk, I hope you understand”

61. “Sweet Creature” by Harry Styles

“Sweet creature, had another talk about where it’s going wrong. But we’re still young, we don’t know where we’re going. But we know where we belong”

60. “Behind Blue Eyes” by The Who

“No one knows what it’s like, to be the bad man, to be the sad man behind blue eyes”

59. “1979” by Freedom Fry

“Shakedown 1979, cool kids never have the time. On a live wire right up off the street, you and I should meet”

58. “I love you” by Billie Eilish

“Maybe won’t you take it back? Say you were tryna make me laugh, and nothin’ has to change today”

57. “Easy Tiger” by Billy Raffoul

“Easy, tiger, don’t you cry. People gonna love you, then they’re gonna leave you”

56. “Photograph” by Nickelback

“Look at this photograph. Every time I do, it makes me laugh”

55. “Bonfire Heart” by James Blunt

“Days like these lead to, nights like this lead to. Love like ours, you light the spark in my bonfire heart”

54. “favorite crime” by Olivia Rodrigo

“That sinking feeling that you get when you say something you’ll regret. ‘Cause, you were jealous of some stranger that she met when you were gone. You feel insane ’cause love is pain”

53. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Kina Grannis

“Wise men say, only fools rush in. But I can’t help falling in love with you”

52. “Happy Girl” by Jensen McRae

“Sit down, got something to say, though, I don’t know if I should”

51. “Amsterdam” by Wild Rivers

“It was always Amsterdam where we would put the distance to an end. We had a plan, gonna lay it out on a queen-sized bed”

50. “Everlong” by Foo Fighters

“The only thing I’ll ever ask of you, you’ve got to promise not to stop when I say when. She sang”

49. “San Luis” by Gregory Alan Isakov

“I’m a ghost of you, you’re a ghost of me. A bird’s eye view of San Luis”

48. “For Me, For Her, For You” by John Adams

“I wish I could love you like I’m supposed to. It could be easy if I could split my heart right into three. For you, for her, for me”

47. “Glitter & Gold” by Barns Courtney

“I am flesh and I am bone. Rise up, ting ting, like glitter and gold.”

46. “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

“Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies, fully loaded we got snacks and supplies”

45. “Honey” by Dana Williams

“‘Cause I can be my own worst enemy and I can see the road ahead of me is paved in honey”

44. “Acoustic” by Billy Raffoul

“We don’t have to scream out to prove it, we could keep it all acoustic”

43. “Lego House” by Hearts & Colors

“I’m gonna pick up the pieces, and build a Lego house. When things go wrong we can knock it down”

42. “Slow It Down” by The Lumineers

“Slow it down, Angie come back to bed. Rest your arms, and rest your legs”

41. “Hold” by Dustin Tebbutt

“I have openеd my heart so many times, you have a hold of it now. I need you to brеathe new life into me, you have a hold of it now”

40. “Blood Drive” by Joshua Burnside

“Firework night, coffee or wine. In paper cups, when the power cut”

39. “Mystery of Love” by Sufjan Stevens

“Oh, to see without my eyes, the first time that you kissed me. Boundless by the time I cried, I built your walls around me”

38. “Night Moves” by Bob Seger

“Workin’ on our night moves, tryin’ to make some front page drive-in news”

37. “Blackbird” by The Beatles

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly, all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise”

36. “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran

“We keep this love in a photograph, we made these memories for ourselves, where our eyes are never closing, hearts are never broken, and time’s forever frozen, still”

35. “Blue Canyon” by Elena Loper

“Warm winds and curling oak trees scattered in a golden field”

34. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

“I took my love, I took it down, I climbed a mountain and I turned around, and I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills. ‘Til the landslide brought me down”

33. “A Horse With No Name” by America

“I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name, it felt good to be out of the rain”

32. “Something In The Way” by Nirvana

“Underneath the bridge, tarp has sprung a leak, and the animals I’ve trapped, have all become my pets”

31. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

“You got a fast car, I want a ticket to anywhere. Maybe we make a deal, maybe together we can get somewhere”

30. “After You Left” by Josh Northwood

“After you left, I couldn’t disguise the pain written on my face. I shut my eyes and all I can see is you closing your suitcase”

29. “Like Real People Do” by Hozier

“I will not ask you where you came from, I will not ask you, neither should you”

28. “Sharp Edges” by Linkin Park

“Sharp edges have consequences, I guess that I had to find out for myself”

27. “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes

“She never mentions the word “addiction”, in certain company, yeah, she’ll tell you she’s an orphan after you meet her family.”

26. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

“Well, you done done me in, you bet I felt it, I tried to be chill, but you’re so hot that I melted, I fell right through the cracks. Now I’m trying to get back”

25. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash

“I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel, I focus on the pain, the only thing that’s real”

24. “More Than Words” by Extreme

“What would you do, if my heart was torn in two, more than words to show you feel, that your love for me is real”

23. “Wanted Dead Or Alive” by Bon Jovi

“I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse, I ride, I’m wanted dead or alive. Wanted dead or alive!”

22. “Free Fallin’ ” by Tom Petty

“And I’m free, free fallin’. Yeah I’m free, free fallin'”

21. “Wonderwall” by Oasis

“Today is gonna be the day that they’re gonna throw it back to you.”

20. “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson

“Can’t you see that it’s just rainin’? Ain’t no need to go outside”

“Banana Pancakes” is about Jack and his lover enjoying a rainy day inside by being relaxed and eating banana pancakes.

The guy is in a relationship with a girl, and he is trying to impress her with his cooking skills.

He’s making a point that they should just enjoy their time together and forget about everything else that’s happening at the moment, and that “there ain’t no need to go outside.”

19. “Welcome Home, Son” by Radical Face

“Sheets are swaying from an old clothesline. Like a row of captured ghosts over old dead grass. Is never much but we made the most”

Welcome Home, Son” is a song by the American indie-folk band Radical Face.

The song was released on October 9, 2007, as the lead single from their second studio album Ghost.

The artist has said in not so many words, that the meaning behind the lyrics is personal to him and he really didn’t worry about whether the fans understood.

For a lot of people, though, it’s about a father who is welcoming his son home from either war or a very long departure.

18. “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Someone told me long ago. There’s a calm before the storm. I know, it’s been coming for some time”

This song was written by John Fogerty and released as a single in 1971 from the album Pendulum (1970).

It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the U.S and became one of the band’s most successful songs.

Written by John Fogerty, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” is a ballad about love and heartbreak.

The song has been interpreted in a variety of ways, with some believing that it is about the Vietnam War, with the “rain” being a metaphor for bombs falling from the sky.

17. “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor

“When you’re down and troubled. And you need a helping hand. And nothing, oh, nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me”

James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend” is a classic song that never fails to make people feel good.

The song is about how a friend can be there for you when you need them, and how they can help you through tough times.

It is also a reminder that no matter what happens in life, you always have someone who loves and supports you.

16. “We’re Going To Be Friends” by The White Stripes

“Fall is here, hear the yell. Back to school, ring the bell. Brand new shoes, walking blues. Climb the fence, books, and pens”

When The White Stripes released their third album White Blood Cells, fans were surprised by how different and less garage rock-sounding “We’re Going To Be Friends” was.

Despite the song’s simple formation, there are many interpretations and discussions of the song’s lyrics.

Among one of the many interpretations, there is the possibility of the song possibly commentating on the three phases of life: birth, adulthood, death.

15. “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M

“Oh, life is bigger. It’s bigger than you. And you are not me. The lengths that I will go to. The distance in your eyes. Oh no, I’ve said too much. I set it up”

“Losing My Religion” is a song by the rock band R.E.M.

It was released as the first single from their 1991 album Out of Time.

The song became a hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.

When it comes to lyrics, this song is about the doubts that the singer has about his faith.

He’s not sure if he believes in God or not, and he’s struggling to keep his faith.

The lyrics are open to interpretation, but it seems like the singer is questioning whether there is a point to religion if it doesn’t make people happy.

14. “Hotel California” by Eagles

“On a dark desert highway. Cool wind in my hair, warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air”

“Hotel California” is a song by the Eagles, released in 1976.

The song is about a hotel in California that is a place of temptation and addiction and about a person who goes to the hotel, checks in, and never leaves.

13. “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin

“There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold. And she’s buying a stairway to heaven”

“Stairway to Heaven” is a song by the English rock band Led Zeppelin, released in November 1971.

The song is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.

It has a very haunting and ethereal quality to it, and it has been widely praised by music critics over the years.

While there are many interpretations of the meaning of this song, one interpretation is that it is about a journey to heaven.

Another interpretation is that it is about a man who is going through a difficult time in his life and is looking for salvation.

The lyrics talk about how the man has been searching for an answer and how he has found it in the form of the stairway to heaven.

12. “To Whom It May Concern” by The Civil Wars

“Why are you so far from me? In my arms is where you ought to be.”

This song is part of Barton Hollow, a studio album by The Civil Wars.

“To Whom It May Concern” is an open letter written to the person you’re meant for.

It starts by expressing how much it hurts not having met them yet but also being able to picture romantic moments in your imagination only makes this feeling worse.

This leads to wishing they were real so that said person and the writer of the letter could fall in love!

11. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan

“Mama, take this badge off of me. I can’t use it anymore. It’s gettin’ dark, too dark to see. I feel like I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door”

This song is about a man who is on his death bed and is waiting to go to heaven.

He is looking back on his life and all of the things he has done wrong.

He regrets not spending more time with his family and friends, wishes he had done more to help others, and also hopes that he will be able to find peace in heaven.

10. “Lua” by Bright Eyes

“I know that it is freezing. But I think we have to walk. I keep waving at the taxis. They keep turning their lights off”

The song “Lua” by Bright Eyes is a haunting ballad with lyrics that are both beautiful and sad.

It tells the story of a young couple who are struggling to make it work, and the singer seems to be urging the other person to leave before things get too complicated and painful.

It’s a song that can make you feel all kinds of emotions, and it’s definitely worth a listen.

9. “Favourite Ex” by Maisie Peters

“It was open and closing. And hopelessly hoping for sure. We were here, we were ghosting”

In this song, Masie Peters talks about some of her past relationships and connections that she once had.

There’s one particular one that she keeps reminiscing over all the good times and also bad times that they experienced and thinks that that one ex might have been the best one.

Hence, the title of the song is “Favourite Ex”, because she’s been with others, but not a single relationship felt as strong as theirs.

8. “Stitches” by Shawn Mendes

“You watch me bleed until I can’t breathe. I’m shaking, falling onto my knees. And now that I’m without your kisses. I’ll be needing stitches”

I really like this song! It’s so catchy and the lyrics are really relatable.

The song is about how someone broke the singer’s heart and he’s trying to mend it back together.

I think the song is about how we all go through tough times, but we have to keep going and try to fix things.

7. “Shouldn’t Matter But It Does” by John Mayer

“Should’ve been open, should’ve done more, should’ve learned a lesson from the year before”

The song “Shouldn’t Matter But It Does” by John Mayer is a song about the struggles that he has had with his relationships.

In its lyrics, he mentions how he feels like he shouldn’t have to work so hard to make a relationship work, but he does because it matters to him.

6. “I’m with You” by Vance Joy

“To know that I’m with you. There’s nothing I can do”

The song “I’m with You” by Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy was released in February 2018 just one week before his second studio album Nation of Two.

When it comes to the meaning of the lyrics, it is about a girl that he spent the day with on a trip to Australia and they just hung out together while watching storms roll in from across open land.

5. “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

“Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone. It’s not warm when she’s away”

“Ain’t No Sunshine” is one of those songs that just gets under your skin.

It’s a sad, beautiful song about the end of a relationship, and it’s sung from the point of view of the person who is being left.

Withers’ voice is soulful and emotive, and the lyrics are simple but effective.

The song has been covered by many artists, but nobody does it quite like Bill Withers; this is a classic that deserves to be heard by everyone.

4. “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel

“Hello, darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again”

“The Sound of Silence” is a song by Simon & Garfunkel and it was written in the early 1960s and released on the album “The Graduate”.

A later version of the song, with additional lyrics, became a hit in 1966.

The song is about the loss of communication and connection between people and the lyrics are written from the perspective of someone who is tired of the noise and commotion of the city, and longs for the peace and quiet of the countryside.

At the time it was released, it was also interpreted as a commentary on the Vietnam War and the social and political unrest of the 1960s.

3. “Dust in The Wind” by Kansas

“I close my eyes. Only for a moment and the moment’s gone. All my dreams. Pass before my eyes, a curiosity”

“Dust in the Wind” by Kansas is a song about the inevitability of death.

The lyrics talk about how everything in life is temporary and that eventually, everything will be dust in the wind.

The song is a reminder that we should live our lives to the fullest because we never know when our time will come, that life is precious and that we should not take it for granted.

2. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

“Would you know my name? If I saw you in heaven”

“Tears in Heaven” is a song written by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings about the death of his son, Conor.

Clapton wrote the song four months after Conor’s death, and the song was first released on the album Unplugged in 1992.

The song is about the pain and grief that Clapton felt after losing his son and the lyrics are written from the perspective of a father who is grieving for his child.

It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won three Grammy Awards for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

1. “Between the Bars” by Elliott Smith

“Drink up baby, look at the stars. I’ll kiss you again, between the bars”

Elliott Smith was a master of sad songs and in this track, this can easily be heard.

“Between the Bars” is one of his most well-known and heartbreaking tracks and it was released on his album “Elliott Smith”.

The song was written about imprisonment and the feeling of being trapped and encapsulated the feeling of loneliness and isolation.