By decade

2020s songs, explained.

Every song from the 2020s 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.

122

Songs explained

90

Artists

2020s

Decade

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

122 songs

Sorted by artist

¥$: Ye, Ty Dolla Sign, Rich the Kid, Playboi Carti CarnivalWhat 'Carnival' by ¥$ — Ye and Ty Dolla $ign, featuring Rich The Kid and Playboi Carti — actually is: a football-terrace chant recorded by Inter Milan's Curva… 2024 Ace of Base All that she wantsUncover the story behind Ace of Base's 'All That She Wants.' Explore its reggae-pop sound, lyrics about fleeting romance, and its massive global success in the… 2025 Adéla Nicole KidmanWhat 'Nicole Kidman' by Adéla means: a corset, a Golden Globes party and the feeling of being a movie star for one night. The gospel sample, the… 2026 Adele Easy on MeDive into the heartfelt journey, personal reflections, and emotional depth of Adele's 'Easy on Me.' Discover its themes, chart achievements, and cultural… 2021 Alex Warren OrdinaryWhat Alex Warren's 'Ordinary' means: a devotional love song that reaches for religious and classical imagery. Ten weeks at Hot 100 No. 1, a record 16 weeks on… 2025 Ariana Grande Hate That I Made You Love MeWhat Ariana Grande's 'Hate That I Made You Love Me' means: a breakup song on the surface, and a song about parasocial fame underneath. Credits, chart history… 2026 Ariana Grande PetalWhat Ariana Grande's 'Petal' means: the cost of turning your own pain into pop songs, and a refusal to be anyone's victim. Credits, chart history and the… 2026 Ariana Grande We Can't Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)Dive into Ariana Grande's 2024 hit “We Can't Be Friends (Wait For Your Love).” Explore its lyrics, synth-pop production, chart run, music video, and emotional… 2024 Ariana Grande Yes, And?Explore the empowering themes and emotional depth of Ariana Grande's 'Yes, And?'. Dive into the lyrics, chart success, and cultural significance of this pop… 2023 Beyoncé Break My SoulDive into the empowering themes, lyrical depth, and cultural significance of Beyoncé's anthem 'Break My Soul.' Discover its lyrics, chart achievements, and… 2022 Beyoncé TEXAS HOLD 'EMDiscover the thematic depth, empowering lyrics, and cultural influence of Beyoncé's hit 'Texas Hold 'Em.' Explore its chart success and artistic composition. 2024 Bill Withers Lean on meExplore Bill Withers' timeless anthem 'Lean on Me.' Delve into its lyrics about friendship, support, and solidarity, and its enduring cultural impact. Complete… 2025 Billie Eilish Birds of a FeatherUnpack the profound devotion and longing in Billie Eilish's 'Birds of a Feather.' Explore its themes of love, death, and connection from the album 'Hit Me Hard… 2024 Billie Eilish What Was I Made For?Trace the gentle existential questions in Billie Eilish's 'What Was I Made For?' from the Barbie soundtrack. Explore its lyrics, composition, awards, cultural… 2023 Billy Joel We Didn't Start the FireUnpack Billy Joel's rapid-fire historical anthem 'We Didn't Start the Fire.' Explore its lyrics cataloging pivotal 20th-century events, its meaning, and… 2024 Bob Dylan All Along the WatchtowerDiscover the meaning behind Bob Dylan's 'All Along the Watchtower' - from biblical prophecy to Hendrix's transformation. Explore the song's apocalyptic imagery… 2025 Bruce Springsteen Streets of MinneapolisAnalyze the meaning and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen's 2026 protest anthem 'Streets of Minneapolis.' Explore its context, themes of immigration and justice, and… 2026 Bruno Mars Risk It AllWhat Bruno Mars' 'Risk It All' means: a love song rebuilt as a bolero. Why it stopped being uptempo, the Spanish version 'Lo Arriesgo Todo', chart history and… 2026 BTS ButterDive into the catchy beats, vibrant visuals, and chart-topping success of BTS's hit 'Butter.' Discover its themes, lyrics, and global impact. 2021 BTS Permission to DanceDive into the uplifting energy, global impact, and vibrant message of BTS's hit 'Permission to Dance.' Discover its lyrics, chart performance, and cultural… 2021 Cardi B UpDive into the boldness, empowerment themes, and cultural impact of Cardi B's hit 'Up.' Discover its lyrics, chart success, and the story behind its creation. 2021 Chappell Roan Pink Pony ClubExplore the vibrant themes of self-discovery, queer liberation, and finding belonging in Chappell Roan's 'Pink Pony Club.' Delve into its empowering lyrics… 2023 Chumbawamba TubthumpingUnpack Chumbawamba's 'Tubthumping (I Get Knocked Down).' Explore its lyrics about resilience, defiance, and working-class spirit in this iconic 90s anthem… 2025 Coldplay and BTS My UniverseDive into the celestial themes, cross-cultural collaboration, and chart-topping success of Coldplay and BTS's hit 'My Universe.' Discover its lyrics, global… 2021 David Bowie HeroesExplore David Bowie's timeless anthem 'Heroes.' Delve into its themes of love and defiance against the Cold War backdrop of the Berlin Wall, its innovative… 2025 David Bowie Let's DanceDelve into the infectious energy, social commentary, and lasting impact of David Bowie's iconic hit 'Let's Dance.' Explore its lyrics, musical innovation, and… 2025 David Bowie Space OddityExplore the cosmic storytelling, philosophical themes, and groundbreaking artistry of David Bowie's iconic 'Space Oddity.' Discover its lyrics, chart success… 2025 Drake Janice STFUWhat Drake's 'Janice STFU' means: who Janice actually is, the Sopranos sample behind the title, the Lykke Li interpolation, and Drake's fourteenth Hot 100… 2026 Drake NokiaExplore Drake's 'Nokia' featuring PartyNextDoor. Discover its themes, production, cultural impact, and nostalgic hip-hop vibes. 2025 Drake What's NextDive into the introspective lyrics, dynamic production, and chart-topping success of Drake's hit 'What's Next.' Discover its themes, musical composition, and… 2021 Drake and 21 Savage Jimmy CooksDive into the lyrical prowess, cultural influence, and chart-topping success of Drake and 21 Savage's collaboration 'Jimmy Cooks.' Discover its themes, chart… 2022 Drake, Future, and Young Thug Way 2 SexyDive into the playful bravado, catchy beats, and cultural impact of Drake's hit 'Way 2 Sexy' featuring Future and Young Thug. Discover its lyrics, chart… 2021 Dua Lipa LevitatingGet lifted with Dua Lipa's 'Levitating,' a disco-pop anthem of joy and cosmic romance. Explore its themes, retro-futuristic sound, chart success, and iconic… 2020 Dua Lipa Training SeasonWhat Dua Lipa's 'Training Season' means: the bad date that was 'the final straw', the double meaning of the title, Kevin Parker's… 2024 Ed Sheeran AzizamWhat 'Azizam' by Ed Sheeran means: 'my beloved' in Persian, a love song for his wife written with an Iranian-born producer, with a Persian… 2025 Ed Sheeran Bad HabitsDive into the catchy yet poignant themes of Ed Sheeran's 'Bad Habits.' Explore its lyrics, chart success, and cultural resonance. 2021 Ed Sheeran SapphireDiscover the meaning behind Ed Sheeran's 'Sapphire' featuring Arijit Singh. Explore lyrics, cultural fusion, themes of radiant love, and the blend of English… 2025 Ella Langley Be HerWhat Ella Langley's 'Be Her' means: envying a woman who is at peace with herself, not one who has more. Credits, the Miranda Lambert production, chart history… 2026 Ella Langley Loving Life AgainWhat Ella Langley's 'Loving Life Again' means: recovery arrives through home, memory and stepping back. Its personal origin, Dandelion context and chart climb… 2026 Ella Langley & Morgan Wallen I Can't Love You AnymoreWhat 'I Can't Love You Anymore' by Ella Langley and Morgan Wallen means: a breakup duet between two people who cannot actually separate. Credits, chart history… 2026 Elvis Presley Can't Help Falling in LoveExplore the tender romance, timeless appeal, and cultural significance of Elvis Presley's beloved 'Can't Help Falling in Love.' Discover its lyrics, chart… 2025 Future ft. Drake & Tems Wait For UDive deep into the themes and meaning of 'Wait For U' by Future featuring Drake and Tems. Explore its lyrics, production, and cultural impact. 2022 Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar Like ThatDive into the intricate themes, innovative production, and cultural significance of 'Like That' by Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar. Discover its… 2023 Giacomo Puccini Nessun DormaComplete analysis of Nessun Dorma by Giacomo Puccini from Turandot opera. Explore themes of hope, love, triumph, musical composition, Pavarotti's legendary… 2024 Harry Styles As It WasDive into the emotional depth, themes of change, loneliness, and nostalgic reflections in Harry Styles' hit song 'As It Was.' Explore its lyrics, chart… 2022 Harry Styles Watermelon Sugar 2025 HUGEL, Imael Angel & Ultra Naté Movin' to the SunWhat 'Movin' to the Sun' by HUGEL, Imael Angel and Ultra Naté means, how it grew out of an AI-made track, and why a 1997 house voice made it a… 2026 HUNTR/X GoldenWhat 'Golden' from KPop Demon Hunters means: an anthem about hiding what you are, sung by a character who is secretly half-demon. Who HUNTR/X are, who really… 2025 Jack Harlow First ClassDive into the smooth flow, catchy hooks, and cultural influences of Jack Harlow's hit 'First Class.' Discover its lyrics, chart performance, and impact. 2022 Journey Don't Stop Believin'Dive into Journey's timeless anthem 'Don't Stop Believin'.' Explore its themes of hope, perseverance, iconic piano riff, Steve Perry's soaring vocals, and its… 2025 Justin Bieber, Daniel Caesar, and Giveon PeachesDive into the vibrant soundscape and romantic themes of Justin Bieber's 'Peaches,' featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon. Discover its lyrics, chart success, and… 2021 Karol G, Judeline & Rusowsky BbY WOWWhat 'BbY WOW' by Karol G, Judeline and Rusowsky means: dancing while heartbroken, the Coolie Dance riddim it samples, the Feid theory, and how an… 2026 Kendrick Lamar Not Like UsDive into the powerful narrative, lyrical prowess, and cultural influence of Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us.' Discover its themes, chart success, and impactful… 2023 Kendrick Lamar Squabble UpDive into the intricate layers of Kendrick Lamar's track 'Squabble Up.' Discover its themes, lyrics, and cultural significance in the world of hip-hop. 2023 Koe Wetzel & Ella Langley JadedWhat 'Jaded' by Koe Wetzel and Ella Langley means: two damaged people testing whether honesty can get past their defenses. Credits, chart rise and visualizer… 2026 Lady Gaga + Bruno Mars Die With a SmileExplore the deep themes of love and mortality, background, and emotional resonance of 'Die With A Smile' by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars with our full lyrical… 2024 Laufey Tough LuckDiscover the meaning of Laufey's 'Tough Luck' in this analysis covering heartbreak, empowerment, and jazz-pop style. 2025 Lewis Capaldi Someone You LovedDelve into the poignant lyrics and emotional landscape of Lewis Capaldi's 'Someone You Loved.' Discover its meaning, chart success, and cultural resonance. 2025 Lil Baby Dead FreshWhat Lil Baby's 'Dead Fresh' means: a Pharrell-produced flex that premiered on a Louis Vuitton runway before it was a single. Credits, chart history and the… 2026 Lil Nas X Montero (Call Me by Your Name)Dive into the provocative themes, artistic vision, and cultural impact of Lil Nas X's 'Montero (Call Me by Your Name).' Discover its lyrics, chart-topping… 2021 Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow Industry BabyDelve into the celebration of success, self-acceptance, and resilience in 'Industry Baby' by Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow. Discover its lyrics, themes, and cultural… 2025 Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus Old Town RoadDiscover the genre-blending phenomenon 'Old Town Road' by Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus. Explore its themes, lyrics, cultural impact, and musical composition. 2025 Linkin Park Up from the BottomDiscover the meaning, lyrics, and story behind Linkin Park's 'Up From the Bottom.' Explore its nu-metal sound, official video, and deep analysis on ExplainSong. 2025 Lizzo About Damn TimeDive into the empowering message and vibrant energy of Lizzo's 'About Damn Time'. Explore its lyrics, meaning, and cultural impact. 2022 Luke Combs Be By YouWhat Luke Combs' 'Be By You' means: a love song to his wife built on a pun about a bayou. Credits, why he did not write it, chart history and the lyric video… 2026 Luke Combs Days Like TheseDelve into the meaning and story behind Luke Combs' country single 'Days Like These.' Explore its lyrics, themes, composition, and chart success. 2025 Malcolm Todd EarringsWhat Malcolm Todd's 'Earrings' means: a tiny object becomes the memory a relationship leaves behind. The sleeper hit's sound, 2026 chart rise and visualizer… 2024 Megan Thee Stallion HissDive into the fierce empowerment, bold lyrics, and cultural impact of Megan Thee Stallion's 'Hiss.' Discover its themes, chart performance, and more. 2023 Miley Cyrus End of the WorldDive into the raw emotion and existential reflection of Miley Cyrus's 'End of the World.' Explore its lyrics on vulnerability, connection amidst chaos, and its… 2024 Miley Cyrus FlowersDiscover the empowering meaning and lyrical depth of Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers.' This analysis explores its themes of self-love, healing, and personal growth after… 2023 Miley Cyrus Party in the USADive into the uplifting anthem 'Party in the U.S.A.' by Miley Cyrus, exploring its themes of self-discovery, confidence, and cultural resonance in pop music. 2025 Mitski My Love Mine All MineDive into the introspective and hauntingly beautiful world of Mitski's 'My Love Mine All Mine.' Analyze its lyrics, artistic expression, and cultural… 2023 Morgan Wallen Been By NowWhat Morgan Wallen's 'Been By Now' means: a relationship stuck in a holding pattern, and the argument that if it were right it would already have worked… 2026 Morgan Wallen Don't WeWhat Morgan Wallen's 'Don't We' means: a song about leaving a small town and deciding you were wrong. Credits, why track 20 became a No. 1, chart history and… 2025 Morgan Wallen Just in CaseExplore the bittersweet longing and lingering hope in Morgan Wallen's 'Just In Case.' Delve into its lyrics about unmoving love, the fear of an ex moving on… 2023 Morgan Wallen Love SomebodyDive into the heartfelt storytelling, country roots, and emotional depth of Morgan Wallen's 'Love Somebody.' Discover its lyrics, chart performance, and… 2023 Nicki Minaj Super Freaky GirlDive into the bold and playful energy of Nicki Minaj's 'Super Freaky Girl.' Discover its themes, chart success, and cultural influence. 2022 Noah Kahan OrbiterWhat 'Orbiter' by Noah Kahan means: a love song about fame's disorientation, with Kahan as the astronaut and his wife as the Moon. The… 2026 Olivia Dean So Easy (To Fall in Love)Discover the joyful meaning behind Olivia Dean's 'So Easy (To Fall in Love).' Explore its themes of self-worth, effortless romance, and genre-blending soul-pop… 2025 Olivia Rodrigo Drivers License 2025 Olivia Rodrigo drop deadWhat Olivia Rodrigo's 'drop dead' means: not a kiss-off, but a first date. The Versailles video, the Dan Nigro strings, the record it broke and the lyrics… 2026 Olivia Rodrigo Good 4 UDive into the raw emotion and punk energy of Olivia Rodrigo's 'Good 4 U.' Discover its lyrics, chart success, and cultural impact. 2021 Olivia Rodrigo Stupid SongWhat Olivia Rodrigo's 'stupid song' means: obsessive love, an Annie Ernaux novel, and a title that admits the song is not equal to the feeling. Credits, chart… 2026 Olivia Rodrigo The CureWhat Olivia Rodrigo's 'the cure' means: love as an ineffective remedy, and the song Rodrigo calls the thesis statement of her third album. Credits, chart… 2026 Olivia Rodrigo VampireDecode the drama, vocal fireworks, and lyrical bite of Olivia Rodrigo's 2023 smash 'vampire.' Explore its themes, production, chart wins, music video, and… 2023 Passenger Let Her GoComplete analysis of Let Her Go by Passenger. Explore the profound meaning about regret, taking love for granted, Mike Rosenberg's songwriting, folk-pop… 2024 Plain White T's Hey There DelilahDive into the heartfelt narrative of 'Hey There Delilah' by Plain White T's. Discover its meaning, lyrical themes, and enduring popularity. 2025 Polo G RapstarDive deep into the introspective journey, lyrical mastery, and cultural significance of Polo G's hit 'Rapstar.' Discover its themes, chart performance, and… 2021 Post Malone Circles 2025 Post Malone & Morgan Wallen I Had Some HelpExplore the cross-genre 2024 hit 'I Had Some Help' by Post Malone & Morgan Wallen. Dive into the lyrics, production, chart dominance, music video, and more. 2024 PSY Gangnam StyleDive into the phenomenon of PSY's 'Gangnam Style.' Explore its catchy lyrics, satirical themes, and cultural significance that sparked a global dance craze. 2025 Ray Charles Hit the Road JackComplete analysis of Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles. Explore the powerful call-and-response storytelling, Percy Mayfield's songwriting, rhythm & blues… 2024 Sabrina Carpenter EspressoSip on the flirty confidence of Sabrina Carpenter's 2024 hit 'Espresso.' Explore its lyrics, disco-pop production, viral success, video, and more. 2024 Sabrina Carpenter ManchildDiscover the meaning behind Sabrina Carpenter's 'Manchild.' Explore lyrics, themes of relationship dynamics, emotional maturity, and the search for an equal… 2025 Sabrina Carpenter Please Please PleaseDelve into the emotional landscape, introspective themes, and cultural influence of Sabrina Carpenter's 'Please Please Please.' Discover its lyrics, chart… 2023 Sam Smith and Kim Petras UnholyDive into the provocative themes, dynamic collaboration, and chart-topping success of Sam Smith and Kim Petras' hit 'Unholy.' Explore its lyrics, musical… 2022 Shaboozey A Bar Song (Tipsy)Dive into the vibrant world of Shaboozey's 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)', exploring its lyrical themes, musical composition, and cultural impact. Discover the song's… 2022 Shakira & Burna Boy Dai DaiWhat 'Dai Dai' by Shakira and Burna Boy means: the phrase is Italian for 'come on', and the 2026 FIFA World Cup song is deliberately multilingual. Credits… 2026 Sienna Spiro Die On This HillAnalyze the meaning behind Sienna Spiro's emotive ballad 'Die On This Hill.' Explore themes of stubborn love, loyalty, and the cost of unwavering commitment. 2025 Sienna Spiro Great ExpectationWhat Sienna Spiro's 'Great Expectation' means: a man who kept promising to visit New York and never came, and why the idea of him was easier… 2026 Silk Sonic Leave the Door OpenDive into the smooth vibes, romantic allure, and nostalgic charm of Silk Sonic's 'Leave the Door Open.' Discover its lyrics, chart-topping success, and… 2021 Smash Mouth All StarDelve into the uplifting message and cultural significance of Smash Mouth's hit 'All Star.' Discover song themes, lyrics analysis, and its impact on pop… 2025 Spice Girls WannabeDiscover the catchy anthem 'Wannabe' by Spice Girls. Explore its themes of friendship, independence, and fun, alongside its cultural impact and lyrical meaning. 2025 Stella Lefty BostonWhat Stella Lefty's 'Boston' means: falling for someone while trying to stay single, a hook about being treated well, and why the song is called Boston… 2026 Steve Lacy Bad HabitDive into the meaning, lyrics, and introspective world of Steve Lacy's 'Bad Habit.' Explore its story, chart success, and cultural impact in this detailed… 2022 SZA Kill BillBreak down SZA's 'Kill Bill,' the revenge fantasy standout from SOS. Explore its storytelling, production, chart history, music video, and full lyrics. 2022 Tame Impala LoserWhat Tame Impala's 'Loser' means: Kevin Parker owning up to wrecking a relationship, the Beck nod in the Joe Keery video, and how Spider-Man… 2025 Tame Impala & JENNIE DraculaWhat Tame Impala's 'Dracula' means: Kevin Parker casting himself as a recluse who avoids daylight, and the JENNIE remix that turned an album track into a… 2025 Tate McRae Sports CarWhat Tate McRae's 'Sports car' means: the car is a metaphor for desire, in her own words — a Ryan Tedder production that revived early-2000s dance-pop and hit… 2025 Taylor Swift Anti HeroDiscover the layers behind Taylor Swift's 'Anti Hero.' Dive into the introspective lyrics, themes of vulnerability and self-reflection, backstory, chart… 2022 Taylor Swift I Knew It, I Knew YouWhat Taylor Swift's 'I Knew It, I Knew You' means: written from Jessie's perspective for Toy Story 5, recorded in eight hours, and a deliberate return to… 2026 Taylor Swift The Fate of OpheliaDive into Taylor Swift's 'The Fate of Ophelia.' Explore the lyrics and meaning behind this powerful anthem about escaping a tragic destiny, finding salvation… 2025 Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone FortnightDive into the haunting narrative of Taylor Swift's 'Fortnight' featuring Post Malone. Explore themes of fatalism, addiction, and fleeting romance from The… 2024 Teddy Swims Lose ControlDive into the soulful world of Teddy Swims' 'Lose Control.' Discover its themes of vulnerability, love, and emotional turmoil, its lyrics, and chart success in… 2023 Tems What You NeedWhat 'What You Need' by Tems means: a breakup song in which she tells someone she is not what they need and leaves for both their sakes. The… 2025 The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber Stay 2025 The Rolling Stones Sweet Sounds of HeavenExplore the soulful meaning of The Rolling Stones' 'Sweet Sounds of Heaven' featuring Lady Gaga & Stevie Wonder. Dive into its gospel-infused themes, lyrical… 2023 The Supremes Stop! In the Name of LoveComplete analysis of The Supremes' 'Stop! In the Name of Love' - lyrics meaning, Motown history, chart success, and iconic choreography. Discover why this 1965… 2024 Tommy Richman MILLION DOLLAR BABYExplore Tommy Richman's breakout viral hit 'MILLION DOLLAR BABY' - its themes of ambition, confidence, and relationships. Discover its rapid rise, chart… 2024 Yung Miami Spend DatWhat Yung Miami's 'Spend Dat' means: luxury talk as a test of attention, power and reciprocity. The 2026 hit's hook, production and chart rise explained. 2026 Zach Bryan Something in the OrangeWhat 'something in the orange' actually means, the two different origin stories Zach Bryan has told about it, the two versions of the song, and how a Wisconsin… 2022 Zara Larsson Midnight SunWhat Zara Larsson's 'Midnight Sun' means: a Swedish summer that never gets dark, and the slowest-burning hit on the chart. Credits, the 13-month climb, remixes… 2025

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.