By decade

1980s songs, explained.

Every song from the 1980s 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.

81

Songs explained

58

Artists

1980s

Decade

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

81 songs

Sorted by artist

Air Supply Making Love Out of Nothing at AllExplore the romantic themes, powerful balladry, and timeless appeal of Air Supply's 'Making Love Out of Nothing at All.' Discover its lyrics, chart success… 1983 Alphaville Forever YoungWhat Alphaville's 'Forever Young' really means: a 1984 West German song about nuclear war, not nostalgia. The verse the record company made them change, the… 1984 Bananarama VenusDelve into the vibrant energy and iconic status of Bananarama's 'Venus.' Explore the song's meaning, chart-topping success, musical composition, and enduring… 1986 Belinda Carlisle Heaven Is a Place on EarthUncover the uplifting message, synth-pop brilliance, and lasting impact of Belinda Carlisle's 'Heaven Is a Place on Earth.' Explore its lyrics, music video… 1987 Bette Midler The RoseExplore the profound message of love, resilience, and hope in Bette Midler's iconic ballad 'The Rose.' Discover its lyrics, the story behind it, its connection… 1980 Bob Marley and the Wailers Redemption SongWhat 'Redemption Song' means: the Marcus Garvey speech behind 'emancipate yourselves from mental slavery', the cancer Marley was hiding, and why the band… 1980 Bruce Springsteen The RiverExplore the emotional storytelling, working-class struggles, and lost dreams in Bruce Springsteen's iconic song 'The River.' Discover its poignant lyrics… 1980 Cher If I could turn back timeExplore Cher's iconic 'If I Could Turn Back Time.' Delve into its lyrics about regret, longing, and second chances in this powerful 80s rock ballad. 1989 Chicago Hard to Say I'm SorryDive into the poignant melody and heartfelt lyrics of Chicago's 'Hard to Say I'm Sorry.' Uncover the song's themes, background, chart success, and lasting… 1982 Cyndi Lauper Time After TimeExplore the enduring message of Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time.' Delve into its lyrics about unwavering love, loyalty, and reassurance in this iconic 80s… 1983 Cyndi Lauper True ColorsUncover the empowering message, personal origins, and enduring legacy of Cyndi Lauper's anthem 'True Colors.' Explore its lyrics, chart impact, cultural… 1986 Dire Straits Romeo and JulietExplore the bittersweet meaning of Dire Straits' 'Romeo and Juliet.' Dive into its themes of lost love, fame, and disillusionment, Mark Knopfler's evocative… 1980 Dolly Parton 9 to 5What Dolly Parton's '9 to 5' means: a working woman's anthem written for the 1980 film, the typewriter played on her fingernails, and why… 1980 Eurythmics Sweet DreamsExplore the synth-driven soundscape, enigmatic lyrics, and cultural impact of Eurythmics' 'Sweet Dreams.' Discover its themes, chart success, and lasting… 1983 Frankie Goes to Hollywood The Power of LoveUnwrap the sacred glow of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 1984 ballad 'The Power of Love.' Dive into its spiritual themes, rich production, chart story, Godley &… 1984 Frankie Goes to Hollywood Two TribesExplore the political intensity, cultural impact, and historical significance of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'Two Tribes.' Discover its lyrics, themes, and… 1984 George Michael Father FigureUnravel the complex layers of George Michael's 'Father Figure.' Explore its themes of intense devotion and protection. 1987 Guns N' Roses Paradise CityExplore the yearning for an idyllic escape in Guns N' Roses' 'Paradise City.' Dive into its lyrics about escapism and the contrast between dream and reality… 1987 Guns N' Roses Sweet Child O' MineDelve into the heartfelt story, iconic guitar riff, and lasting appeal of Guns N' Roses' classic 'Sweet Child o' Mine.' Explore its lyrics, musical… 1987 Guns N' Roses Welcome to the JungleExplore the raw energy and gritty themes of Guns N' Roses' 'Welcome to the Jungle.' Dive into its lyrics about urban chaos, temptation, survival, its iconic… 1987 Joy Division Love Will Tear Us ApartWhat Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' means: routine, intimacy and emotional collapse inside Ian Curtis's defining song. Its sound, history and legacy… 1980 Kate Bush Running Up That HillDiscover the profound themes, innovative production, and enduring legacy of Kate Bush's iconic track 'Running Up That Hill.' Dive into its lyrics, chart… 1985 Leonard Cohen HallelujahUnravel the profound complexities of Leonard Cohen's masterpiece 'Hallelujah.' Explore its themes of faith, doubt, love, and brokenness, its biblical… 1984 Madonna Like a PrayerUncover the meaning and cultural impact of Madonna's 'Like a Prayer.' Explore its themes of faith, sexuality, social commentary, music, video and chart success. 1989 Madonna Material GirlDelve into the meaning, satire, and cultural impact of Madonna's iconic 80s anthem 'Material Girl.' Explore its lyrics, video, and legacy. 1984 Michael Jackson Beat ItDelve into the message of courage, and unity behind Michael Jackson's iconic 'Beat It.' Explore its groundbreaking music video, powerful guitar solo, and… 1983 Michael Jackson Dirty DianaExplore the meaning, themes, and cultural impact of Michael Jackson's rock ballad 'Dirty Diana.' Discover its lyrics, chart success, and the story behind the… 1987 Michael Jackson Smooth CriminalDiscover the thrilling narrative, captivating rhythms, and cultural impact of Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal.' Explore its lyrics, historical context, and… 1988 Michael Jackson The Way You Make Me FeelExplore the infectious joy and pursuit of love in Michael Jackson's 'The Way You Make Me Feel.' Delve into its lyrics, shuffle beat, iconic music video, and… 1987 Michael Jackson ThrillerUncover the captivating meaning, groundbreaking impact, and chilling narrative of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller.' Explore its iconic lyrics, horror-themed video… 1982 Mike + The Mechanics All I Need Is a MiracleExplore the hopeful plea and vibrant 80s sound of 'All I Need Is a Miracle' by Mike + The Mechanics. Dive into its lyrics, chart success, and classic music… 1986 Mike + The Mechanics Living YearsUncover the poignant and powerful message of 'The Living Years' by Mike + The Mechanics. Explore its themes of father-son relationships, regret, and… 1988 Paul Simon You Can Call Me AlDelve into the quirky brilliance and infectious rhythms of Paul Simon's 'You Can Call Me Al.' Explore its origins, meaning, chart performance, and cultural… 1986 Paul Young Love of the Common PeopleExplore Paul Young's hit version of 'Love of the Common People.' Delve into its themes of poverty, resilience, and the enduring power of love, its new wave… 1982 Pet Shop Boys West End GirlsDelve into the synth-pop brilliance of Pet Shop Boys' 'West End Girls.' Explore its social commentary, musical innovation, and enduring cultural relevance. 1985 Peter Cetera Glory of LoveUncover the heartfelt meaning, enduring legacy, and romantic symbolism of Peter Cetera's iconic 'Glory of Love.' Explore its lyrics, chart-topping success, and… 1986 Peter Cetera and Amy Grant The Next Time I FallDiscover the heartfelt meaning, emotional resonance, and enduring appeal of 'The Next Time I Fall' by Peter Cetera and Amy Grant. Explore its lyrics, chart… 1986 Peter Gabriel Big TimeUncover the satirical meaning of Peter Gabriel's 'Big Time'. Explore themes of ambition, excess, and the 80s culture of success. 1986 Peter Gabriel SledgehammerDive into the meaning, themes, chart success, and musical innovation behind Peter Gabriel’s hit 'Sledgehammer.' Explore its playful lyrics, soul influences… 1986 Phil Collins Against all Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)Explore Phil Collins's powerful ballad 'Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now).' Delve into its lyrics of heartbreak, longing, its movie soundtrack origins… 1984 Phil Collins Another Day in ParadiseExplore the poignant social commentary of Phil Collins's 'Another Day in Paradise.' Delve into its lyrics about homelessness, societal indifference, its chart… 1989 Prince Little Red CorvetteExplore Prince's 'Little Red Corvette.' Delve into its lyrics about a fast-paced, ultimately unfulfilling encounter, its new wave sound, and its iconic status. 1982 Prince Purple RainExplore the emotional depth, spiritual symbolism, and iconic legacy of Prince's masterpiece 'Purple Rain.' Discover its lyrics, chart success, powerful… 1984 Prince When Doves CryDive into the complex emotions, innovative composition, and cultural significance of Prince's trailblazing hit 'When Doves Cry.' Discover its themes, chart… 1984 Prince and The Revolution KissDive into the seductive and minimalist genius of Prince and The Revolution's 'Kiss.' Explore its lyrics, musical innovation, chart dominance, and lasting… 1986 Public Enemy Fight the PowerThe meaning and making of Public Enemy's 'Fight the Power': Spike Lee's commission, the Bomb Squad's dense production and a protest anthem built for motion. 1989 Queen & David Bowie Under PressureDive into the iconic collaboration 'Under Pressure' by Queen & David Bowie. Explore its themes of societal stress, love, and compassion, its unique creation… 1981 Rick Astley Never Gonna Give You UpWhat 'Never Gonna Give You Up' means, who actually wrote it, and how a 1987 UK number one became the internet's favourite bait-and-switch. Stock Aitken… 1987 Rod Stewart Baby JaneDiscover the meaning, lyrics, and story behind Rod Stewart's 'Baby Jane.' Explore song analysis, background, and why this 80s classic remains a pop rock… 1983 Roxette DangerousDive into Roxette's electrifying hit 'Dangerous.' Explore its themes of risky attraction, forbidden desire, and its massive chart success in the late 80s. 1989 Roxette Listen to your heartDive into the emotional core of Roxette's iconic power ballad 'Listen to Your Heart.' Explore its themes of love, heartbreak, and lasting legacy in 80s pop… 1988 Simple Minds Belfast ChildWhat 'Belfast Child' by Simple Minds means: new words on the melody of 'She Moved Through the Fair', written after the Enniskillen bombing… 1989 Simply Red Holding Back the YearsUncover the heartfelt story and emotional layers of Simply Red's classic 'Holding Back the Years.' Explore its lyrics, genesis, chart performance, and lasting… 1985 Soft Cell Tainted LoveUncover the dark allure of Soft Cell's 'Tainted Love.' Explore its lyrics about toxic relationships and escape in this iconic 80s synth-pop anthem, originally… 1981 Starship SaraExplore the meaning, lyrics, and emotional depth of Starship's 'Sara.' Discover its story, commercial impact, and enduring appeal as a power ballad. 1985 Steve Winwood Higher LoveUncover the meaning, lyrics, and uplifting message of Steve Winwood's 'Higher Love.' Explore its unique instrumentation, 80s production, and cultural impact. 1986 T'Pau China in Your HandDive into the lyrical depth, narrative inspiration, and enduring legacy of T'Pau's hit 'China in Your Hand.' Discover its themes, chart performance, and… 1987 Talking Heads Once in a LifetimeWhat 'Once in a Lifetime' means: 'How did I get here?', 'same as it ever was', and why David Byrne denied it was about yuppie greed. The Fela Kuti jams, the… 1981 Talking Heads This Must Be the PlaceWhat 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)' means: David Byrne's first straight love song, built from non sequiturs — and why the subtitle refers to the band… 1983 Tears for Fears Everybody Wants to Rule the WorldWhat 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' means: a Cold War song about power and corruption that the band nearly left off the album, and that its own writer… 1985 Tears for Fears Mad WorldDive into the haunting themes, poignant lyrics, and enduring impact of Tears for Fears' classic 'Mad World.' Explore its background, chart success, and… 1982 Tears for Fears Woman in ChainsUncover the powerful and poignant message of 'Woman in Chains' by Tears for Fears. Explore its themes of domestic abuse, liberation, and the stunning duet with… 1989 The Bangles Walk Like an EgyptianUncover the infectious rhythm, catchy lyrics, and global phenomenon of The Bangles' 'Walk Like an Egyptian.' Explore its themes, chart success, and enduring… 1987 The Beatles Now and ThenDelve into the poignant history and emotional resonance of The Beatles' final song, 'Now and Then.' Explore its decades-long journey, lyrical themes, and the… 1987 The Buggles Video killed the radio starExplore The Buggles' iconic 'Video Killed the Radio Star.' Delve into its lyrics about technological change, nostalgia, and the dawn of the MTV era in this new… 1980 The Cure Just Like HeavenUncover the dream-pop brilliance of The Cure's 'Just Like Heaven.' Explore its romantic themes, musical composition, chart history, and enduring legacy. 1987 The Human League Don't you want meExplore the complex narrative of The Human League's 'Don't You Want Me.' Dive into its themes of fame, shifting power dynamics in relationships, its iconic… 1981 The Human League HumanDelve into the synth-pop soundscape and introspective lyrics of The Human League's 'Human.' Explore its themes of infidelity, forgiveness, and its impact on… 1987 The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl Fairytale of New YorkUncover the raw, poignant story of The Pogues' 'Fairytale of New York.' Explore its themes of broken dreams, love, and disillusionment in this unconventional… 1987 The Police Every Breath You TakeUncover the dark, obsessive meaning behind The Police's 'Every Breath You Take.' Explore its lyrics, Sting's intent, its chart-topping success, and its… 1983 Tina Turner Private DancerExplore the melancholic world of Tina Turner's 'Private Dancer.' Delve into its themes of transactional intimacy, loneliness, and the yearning for escape, with… 1984 Tom Petty I Won't Back DownUncover the powerful message of resilience, defiance, and unwavering conviction in Tom Petty's timeless anthem 'I Won't Back Down.' Explore its lyrics, iconic… 1989 Toto AfricaDive into the lyrical journey and cultural significance of Toto's classic 'Africa.' Discover its themes, chart achievements, and musical composition. 1982 Tracy Chapman Fast CarExplore the poignant storytelling, social realism, and enduring legacy of Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car.' Discover its lyrics, chart achievements, and cultural… 1988 Tracy Chapman Talkin' 'Bout a RevolutionDelve into Tracy Chapman's iconic anthem 'Talkin' bout a Revolution.' Explore its powerful themes of social injustice, poverty, hope for change, and its… 1988 U2 I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking ForExplore U2's 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.' Delve into its lyrics about spiritual yearning, restlessness, and the search for meaning in this… 1987 U2 Where the Streets Have No NameDiscover the meaning, themes, and cultural impact of U2's iconic anthem 'Where the Streets Have No Name.' Explore its lyrics, spiritual yearning, and musical… 1987 U2 With or Without YouDiscover the haunting beauty and emotional depth of U2's 'With or Without You.' Explore its themes, lyrical intricacies, and lasting cultural significance. 1987 Wham! Last ChristmasWhat Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' means: a break-up song disguised as a Christmas record, written and played almost entirely by George Michael, and kept off No. 1… 1984 Whitney Houston Greatest Love of AllUncover the inspiring message, emotional depth, and lasting impact of Whitney Houston's 'Greatest Love of All.' Explore its empowering lyrics, chart-topping… 1987 Whitney Houston I'm Your Baby TonightDelve into the vibrant energy and sophisticated charm of Whitney Houston's 'I'm Your Baby Tonight.' Explore its catchy melodies, empowering themes, and… 1987

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.