27 Most Popular Songs About Time Passing

Posted on by Daniel Reyes
songs about time passing

Time has always been a mystery to human beings since the beginning of our existence.

Scientists have dedicated their lives to discovering and understanding this physical phenomenon.

Meanwhile, artists inspired by his volatility and ephemerality have made it a recurring theme in his songs.

And life is nothing but time and the experiences and moments that we create as it passes by.

In this post, we’re bringing you a playlist with the 27 most popular songs about time passing:

1. “7 Years” by Lukas Graham

“Once I was seven years old, my mama told me: go make yourself some friends or you’ll be lonely.”

“7 Years” is a song that reflects on the span of a person’s life and all the memories that are created throughout it.

The lyrics follow a person from age 7 to 60 and look at both the good and bad moments that occur during those years.

Lukas Graham - 7 Years [Official Music Video]

It is nostalgic and sentimental, but also offers hope for the future in some ways.

It is a popular choice for both weddings, and funerals, and is also a great example of Lukas Graham’s songwriting ability.

The words are thoughtful and introspective, and one of the reasons why the song has been so widespread is that it resonates with people of all ages.

2. “Twenty One Pilots” by Stressed Out

“Stressed Out” is a song by the American musical duo Twenty One Pilots.

The song was released as the second single from their album Blurryface, on May 17, 2015.

“Stressed Out” peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it the band’s first highest-charting single.

twenty one pilots: Stressed Out [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

It also topped the charts in Australia and New Zealand and peaked within the top five of several other countries.

The song is about struggling with adulthood and wanting to go back to childhood when things were simpler.

Its lyrics explain how adult life is full of stress and responsibility, and how sometimes we just want to go back to being kids again.

3. “When We Were Young” by Adele

This song is about a person looking back on a past relationship and reflecting on the things that happened.

They’re remembering the good times they had and how things have changed since then.

Said person in the song is hoping to reconnect with their former partner and recapture the magic of their youth.

Adele - When We Were Young (Live at The Church Studios)

Additionally, Adele brights up the song with her beautiful voice, plus the lyrics are also very relatable and nostalgic.

It’s a song that will make you feel all sorts emotions and ponder the past through your memories.

4. “Yesterday” by The Beatles

“Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they’re here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday.”

The Beatles’ “Yesterday” is a song about loss, nostalgia, the passage of time, and the inevitability of change.

Yesterday (With Spoken Word Intro / Live From Studio 50, New York City / 1965)

Its lyrics speak to the idea that we can never go back to the past, and that our memories of happy times will eventually fade.

The track reflects on the fleeting nature of life and how time can change everything.

5. “Clocks” by Coldplay

“Clocks” by Coldplay is a song about confusion and missed opportunities that we never even notice we have.

The lyrics describe a situation where someone is trying to make sense of their life, but things just don’t seem to add up.

Its chorus repeats the phrase “you are” as a way of saying that despite all the chaos, the person in question is still the same.

Coldplay - Clocks (Official Video)

In the end, the track reassures the listener that everything will eventually make sense.

Coldplay released the tune in 2002 as part of their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head.

It was a commercial success, reaching number 9 on the UK Singles Chart and number 29 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Additionally, “Clocks” won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2004.

6. “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce

Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle” was released in April 1972.

It’s about Croce’s wish to have more time with his loved ones since he believes that it is never enough.

Jim Croce - Time in a bottle - 1973

The lyrics talk about how time seems to pass by too quickly and how he would like to be able to do more things with the people he appreciates the most.

It has been covered by many artists over the years, and although newer generations might not know much about it, at its peak, it was a very popular tune.

7. “In The End” by Linkin Park

“I tried so hard and got so far, but in the end, it doesn’t even matter”.

This song is about putting everything you have into something, only to have it fall apart without even giving you any rewards.

Despite this, the singer still tries to hold on and remember the good times.

In The End [Official HD Music Video] - Linkin Park

In the end, they come to realize that time is a precious thing that should be used wisely.

Also, the song could be interpreted as a message to never give up on yourself no matter how hard things get.

Even though the singer may have lost everything they worked for, they still believe that it was all worth it in the end because of what the experience meant to them.

8. “Remember The Time” by Michael Jackson

This song is about a couple’s happy times together, and how they desire to never forget them.

Its lyrics ask if the other person remembers all of the special moments they’ve spent together.

Michael Jackson - Remember The Time (Official Video)

It’s a lovely, emotional ballad that will touch many people who have loved and lost.

The music video was set in ancient Egypt, and Jackson performed several dance moves that were inspired by traditional Egyptian dances

9. “Fast” by Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan is singing about how fast life moves and the impossibility of controlling it.

It talks about how we try to hold on to good times, but eventually, they slip through our fingers.

Luke Bryan - Fast (Official Music Video)

The song reflects on how quickly things change, especially when we’re young and don’t realize that time is passing by so fast.

It’s a sad but ultimately hopeful song about how life is precious and we should cherish every moment.

10. “Time” by Pink Floyd

This song is from the album “Dark Side of the Moon” and is also another track that talks about the passing of time.

Its lyrics are about how time is always ticking away and how we never seem to have enough time.

Pink Floyd - Time (2011 Remastered)

They also speak about how our lives are getting shorter as we get older and how we sometimes wish we could go back to being young again.

Pink Floyd’s track is a classic example of a song that is both reflective and melancholic, with its slow tempo and lyrics that ponder the ephemeral nature of time.

11. “The Time Warp” by Richard O’Brien

The lyrics of “Time Warp” describe the feeling of being caught up in a moment and losing all sense of time.

It is about dancing and enjoying yourself so much that you forget everything else happening at the moment.

Time Warp - Richard O'Brien

At the same time, it talks about being open to new experiences and letting go of your inhibitions.

The tempo is upbeat and fun, and the lyrics reflect that in their own way; also they are meant to be enjoyed and not taken too seriously.

12. “Owl City” by Unbelievable

“Owl City” by Unbelievable is about time travel and experiencing different moments in time.

The lyrics suggest that the singer is transported to different moments in time, including the moment when they first experienced the “Time Warp.”

Owl City - Unbelievable ft. Hanson (Animated Main Video)

The song is ultimately about reliving those moments and enjoying them again.

Also, the lyrics mention doing the “Time Warp” again, which is a reference to the popular dance from the movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

13. “Back in Time” by Huey Lewis & The News

“Back in Time” by Huey Lewis and The News explores the idea of time travel and its potential consequences.

The lyrics warn against betting one’s future on a single event, as “lightning never strikes twice.”

Huey Lewis & The News - Back In Time

The song also contains a reference to the film Back to the Future, in which the protagonist travels back in time to save his future.

Huey Lewis and The News wrote “Back in Time” for the film Back to the Future Part III, which was released in 1990.

14. “Grew Up Slower” by Dylan Schneider

“Grew Up Slower” is about nostalgia and longing for simpler times that we once enjoyed in our lives.

The lyrics describe growing up in a small town, surrounded by natural beauty and good people.

Dylan Schneider - Grew up Slower (Official Audio)

There is a sense of innocence and simplicity in the song that is reminiscent of childhood.

The chorus talks about how someone can get caught up in the fast pace of life and “lose their mind”, but all they want is to go back to those carefree days.

In the end, the singer expresses their desire to return to the place (and person) they remember so fondly.

15. “A Hazy Shade Of Winter” by Simon and Garfunkel

The lyrics of “A Hazy Shade Of Winter” by Simon and Garfunkel paint a picture of a dreary winter day.

Its narrator is looking around at the barren landscape and feeling disappointed with what he sees.

He reflects on how things used to be better in the past, but he knows that he can’t go back to those times.

Simon & Garfunkel - A Hazy Shade Of Winter

Even though the present may not be ideal, he tells himself to hang onto his hope for the future.

The song could be interpreted as being about aging and how time changes everything.

The references to the Salvation Army band and the riverside could symbolize how youth and innocence eventually give way to experience and wisdom.

Also, the line “Simply pretend that you can build them again” could be understood as a message of resilience in the face of adversity.

No matter how bad things may seem, we always can start again and build something new.

16. “The Next Ten Minutes” by Jason Robert Brown

This song is about two people committing to spending ten minutes together, and then potentially more time if things go well.

Its lyrics express a desire for companionship and connection, with the hope that time spent together will lead to a deeper relationship.

The Next Ten Minutes

There is also a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability in the song, as the narrator knows that they are not always on time and that things can fall through.

However, they are willing to take the risk because being with the person they love is worth it.

Ultimately, the song is about committing to spending your life with someone, no matter what challenges come up.

17. “Eastside” by Benny Blanco, Halsey & Khalid  

“Eastside” is a song about young love and the innocence of youth.

Its lyrics describe a couple who meet on the Eastside of town and fall in love; they are carefree and happy, living in the moment and enjoying each other’s company.

However, as they get older, things change!

benny blanco, Halsey & Khalid – Eastside (official video)

They get jobs and bills to pay, and their relationship starts to become more serious.

Despite the challenges they face, the couple still loves each other and wants to be together.

The song is about holding onto that feeling of young love, even as life changes and becomes more complicated.

Furthermore, the lyrics suggest that no matter where life takes them, the couple will always have a special bond because of the love they share.

Overall is about never forgetting where you came from and the people who matter most to you.

It’s a reminder that young love is beautiful and worth fighting for.

18. “Good Old Days” by Macklemore ft. Kesha

Macklemore’s “Good Old Days” is a nostalgic song about the simplicity of youth and the memories we make during those carefree years.

The lines look back on Macklemore’s own life, from his early days as an aspiring musician to his current success, and express a longing for those simpler times.

Regardless of all that he has accomplished, Macklemore still feels a sense of loss for what he left behind when he grew up.

MACKLEMORE FEAT KESHA - GOOD OLD DAYS (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Many of us can relate to Macklemore’s sentiment in this song.

As we get older, we often look back on our childhood and teenage years with fondness, remembering the good times we had without worrying about the future.

We may not have realized it at the time, but those were the days when we were truly free.

Now, as adults, we may find ourselves bogged down by responsibility and stress, wishing we could go back to those carefree days.

19. “Through The Years” by Kenny Rogers

“Through The Years” by Kenny Rogers is a song about enduring love and commitment.

Kenny Rogers - Through The Years (Audio)

The lyrics talk about how the narrator has been with their partner through good times and bad, and how they have never doubted their relationship.

They express how grateful they are to be with their partner, and how they believe that their love will continue to grow stronger as time goes on.

20. “Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones’ “Time Is On My Side” is a song about patience and waiting for the one you love to come back to you.

Its lyrics talk about how time is on the side of the person who is waiting, and that eventually, their loved one will come back to them.

There is a sense of confidence in the lyrics as if the speaker knows that their love will come back to them in time.

The Rolling Stones - Time Is On My Side

This song could be seen as a message of hope for anyone who is going through a tough breakup or feeling lonely.

It reassures the listener that eventually things will work out and they will find happiness again.

Additionally, the lyrics can be interpreted as a statement about how powerful love can be.

Even though the speaker may be feeling pain now, they know that eventually love will win out and they will be reunited with their loved one.

21.  “Time is Running Out” by Muse

The lyrics to “Time is Running Out” by Muse are about a relationship that is not going well.

There is a person in the song feels like they are drowning and asphyxiating, and they want to break free from the spell that their partner has put them under.

Muse - Time Is Running Out (video)

They know that this relationship is not good for them, but they can’t seem to help themselves from being pulled back in.

In the end, the person in the song realizes that there is no hope for this relationship and that it is time to let go.

22. “Ever Changing Times” by Aretha Franklin

“Ever Changing Times” by Aretha Franklin is about how time never seems to stand still.

No matter what we do, time always keeps moving forward.

Franklin sings about how we are all caught in between the ever-changing present and our past memories of what used to be.

Even though things keep moving and changing, we still hold onto each other tightly because that is all we have in this world.

Aretha Franklin - Ever Changing Times (Official Music Video) ft. Michael McDonald

The lyrics also mention how clocks seem to be a symbol of time passing us by.

Clocks are always ticking away, reminding us that time is constantly moving forward whether we like it or not.

Ultimately, it is about how important it is to cherish the time we have with the people we love because it will eventually come to an end.

23. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart

This Rod Stewart song is a classic ballad with lyrics that reflect on the idea of staying young forever.

The first verse talks about how someone may roam down many roads in their life, but no matter where they go, they should always remember the good times and happiness from home.

Rod Stewart - Forever Young (Official Video)

As for the second verse, it encourages listeners to be kind and true to others because, in the end, that’s what matters in life.

The chorus of the song is a simple statement of support for whoever is listening, telling them that they will always stay young in their hearts.

24. “Sign of the Times ” by Harry Styles

“Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles is a song about hope in the face of adversity.

The lyrics encourage listeners to stay strong and fight even when things seem hopeless.

Harry Styles - Sign of the Times (Official Video)

They touch on the idea that we all have gone through tough times before and we will get through them again.

This song debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart and received positive reviews from multiple critics all over the world.

25. “Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner

“Waiting for a Girl Like You” is a song by the British rock band Foreigner.

It was released in 1981 as the fourth single from their album 4.

Foreigner - Waiting For A Girl Like You (Official Vinyl Video)

The track was written by band members Mick Jones and Lou Gramm and was a huge hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Its lyrics are about a man who has been waiting for the right woman to come into his life and build a relationship.

The song has been described as a “slow-burn ballad” and is one of Foreigner’s most popular songs.

26. “Good Morning” by Kanye West

“Good Morning” is the opening track from Kanye West’s album Graduation.

The song is built around a sample of “Walkin’ on the Moon” by The sequences.

It features a drum machine-backed Parkour, with additional keys and strings.

Kanye West - Good Morning

Musically, “Good Morning” is sparse and minimal, with a thumping bassline and layered keyboards.

Lyrically, it finds Kanye ruminating on his place in the world, and how he’s often misunderstood.

The result is a track that’s both upbeat and introspective, and it sets the tone for the rest of the album.

27. “Time (Clock of the Heart)” by Culture Club

This song is about a relationship that didn’t work out, and how time can be both precious and cruel.

Culture Club - Time (Clock Of The Heart)

The lyrics approach how the couple could have had something great, but time “won’t give them time” and things ultimately fell apart.

Even though it didn’t work out, the singer still looks back on the relationship fondly and with regret.

Related Posts