By decade

1960s songs, explained.

Every song from the 1960s in the archive: what it is about, who wrote it and what it did on the charts, listed by artist. Years come from each song's own page.

Songs explained

Artists

1960s

Decade

All Rock Pop R&B & Soul Hip-Hop Folk & Country Latin & Reggae Electronic

30 songs

Sorted by artist

Aretha Franklin RespectWhat Aretha Franklin's 'Respect' means, and what she changed from Otis Redding's original: the spelling, 'sock it to me', TCB, and how a song about a man's… 1967 Bob Dylan Like a Rolling StoneUnravel the revolutionary meaning of Bob Dylan's 'Like a Rolling Stone.' Explore its scathing lyrics, themes of fallen pride and disillusionment, its… 1965 Creedence Clearwater Revival Bad Moon RisingUncover the ominous meaning behind CCR's 'Bad Moon Rising.' A rockabilly anthem about impending apocalypse and the famous 'bathroom on the right' lyric. 1969 Creedence Clearwater Revival Fortunate SonWhat 'Fortunate Son' means: it is not a patriotic song. John Fogerty wrote it about the sons of senators getting deferments while everyone else was drafted —… 1969 Dionne Warwick Walk On ByWhat 'Walk On By' means: she is asking to be spared the humiliation of being seen crying, not asking him back. Bacharach and David's 1964 record, and the… 1964 James Brown I Got You (I Feel Good)What 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' means: James Brown's biggest pop hit, the song a court order kept off the shelves, and the scream that opens it. Maceo Parker's… 1965 James Brown Papa's Got a Brand New BagWhat 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag' means: the 1965 record where James Brown moved the accent to the one and funk began. What a 'bag' meant, and why the released… 1965 Janis Joplin Piece of my HeartExplore the raw emotion and powerful vocals of Janis Joplin's iconic rendition of 'Piece of My Heart.' Dive into its themes of love, pain, and resilience, its… 1968 Kyu Sakamoto SukiyakiExplore the heartfelt melody, universal themes, and surprising history of Kyu Sakamoto's 'Sukiyaki.' Discover its lyrics, global impact, and enduring legacy. 1961 Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful WorldDiscover the deeper meaning behind Louis Armstrong's 'What a Wonderful World' - written during 1967's turbulent times, this song's optimism carries profound… 1967 Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Ain't No Mountain High EnoughFeel the unstoppable soul energy behind Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough.' Explore its Motown creation, lyrical message, chart… 1967 Nina Simone SinnermanWhat Nina Simone's 'Sinnerman' means: a traditional spiritual transformed into a ten-minute reckoning. Its gospel roots, escalating arrangement and legacy… 1965 Patsy Cline CrazyWhat Patsy Cline's 'Crazy' means: Willie Nelson wrote it in under an hour and called it 'Stupid'. Cline hated it, had broken ribs, and nailed it in one take… 1961 Roy Orbison CryingWhat Roy Orbison's 'Crying' means: a chance meeting with an ex that undoes months of recovery. The song has no real chorus, climbs without repeating, and was… 1961 Sam Cooke A Change Is Gonna ComeExplore the profound meaning and historical significance of Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come.' Dive into its themes of struggle, hope, and the Civil Rights… 1964 Simon & Garfunkel Scarborough FairDelve into the mystical world of Simon & Garfunkel's 'Scarborough Fair/Canticle.' Explore its haunting melody, rich symbolism, traditional folk roots, anti-war… 1966 Simon & Garfunkel The BoxerExplore the poignant storytelling, powerful symbolism, and timeless legacy of Simon & Garfunkel's classic 'The Boxer.' Discover its lyrics, chart success, and… 1969 The Band The WeightWhat 'The Weight' means: Nazareth is a guitar factory, not the biblical town, and Robbie Robertson said the song is about the impossibility of sainthood. Who… 1968 The Beach Boys God Only KnowsDiscover why The Beach Boys' 'God Only Knows' remains one of the most breathtaking love songs ever recorded. Explore its creation, musical innovation, lyrical… 1966 The Beatles BlackbirdDive into the profound themes of hope and freedom, historical context, and musical composition of The Beatles' 'Blackbird.' Explore its lyrics, cultural… 1968 The Beatles Hey JudeWhat 'Hey Jude' means: Paul McCartney wrote it for five-year-old Julian Lennon during his parents' break-up. The Jules-to-Jude change, the four-minute coda… 1968 The Beatles In My LifeDiscover the introspective beauty of 'In My Life' by The Beatles. Explore its poignant themes, lyrical depth, and lasting impact on music and culture. 1965 The Beatles Lucy in the Sky with DiamondsDoes 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' spell LSD? What Lennon actually said, the nursery drawing by his son Julian that started it, the real Lucy, and the BBC… 1967 The Beatles Strawberry Fields ForeverExplore The Beatles' psychedelic masterpiece 'Strawberry Fields Forever.' Delve into John Lennon's nostalgic lyrics, its groundbreaking production, innovative… 1967 The Byrds Mr. Tambourine ManWhat 'Mr. Tambourine Man' means: Dylan denied it was about drugs and named a real musician as the tambourine man. Why The Byrds cut three verses, and why only… 1965 The Doors Light My FireDive deep into the psychedelic rock anthem 'Light My Fire' by The Doors. Explore its evocative lyrics, cultural significance, and musical composition. 1967 The Righteous Brothers Unchained MelodyExplore the timeless romance, emotional power, and enduring legacy of The Righteous Brothers' iconic 'Unchained Melody.' Discover its lyrics, chart success… 1965 The Rolling Stones I Can't Get No SatisfactionDiscover the meaning, lyrics, and cultural impact of The Rolling Stones' 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction.' Explore its rebellious spirit, chart success, and… 1965 The Rolling Stones Paint It BlackDelve into the dark and haunting beauty of The Rolling Stones' 'Paint It Black.' Uncover its meaning, historical context, chart success, and lasting influence. 1966 The Who My GenerationWhat 'My Generation' means: the stutter and the four explanations for it, what Pete Townshend says 'hope I die before I get old' actually meant, and the towed… 1965

About this list

Every entry sets out what a song is about and where that reading comes from: writing credits, interviews, the record's own history. Lyrics are quoted only as far as an explanation needs. Missing a song? Suggest it and it goes on the list. Back to all songs.