Sometimes, we think that there’s nothing to the days of the week. We wake up, we do stuff, and we go to sleep at the end of the day. It’s a cycle we go through for the rest of our lives.
But Monday to Sunday become meaningful because of the experiences that happen on a particular day of the week.
Thank goodness for musicians who find inspiration from these experiences. The days of the week have been a popular topic over the years, with artists writing about relatable things like the dread of Monday and the joy of the weekend.
To get you started, we compiled 21 of the best songs about days of the week. Read on!
1. “Monday, Monday” By the Mamas & the Papas
It’s only fitting to start our list with the first day of the week, Monday. The Mamas & the Papas had one of the biggest ever songs about it with the 1966 hit “Monday, Monday.”
The song is an ode to the first day of the work week and the unpredictability it brings. The singer laments that you cannot trust Mondays. It is a day so painful that it often makes her cry. Every other day of the week is fine, though.
“Monday, Monday” took the music industry by storm, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also won the group a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.
Related: For more, check out our list of songs about Mondays here.
2. “Ruby Tuesday” By The Rolling Stones
In 1967, the Rolling Stones released “Ruby Tuesday” from their album Between the Buttons. The song is a melancholy ode to lost love.
An unnamed woman, who the singer refers to as Ruby Tuesday, ends a romantic fling and leaves him in a tailspin. The lyrics describe the feeling of heartbreak and how he is going to miss her.
“Ruby Tuesday” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, one of the band’s eight chart-topping hits. It also became one of their signature songs. Decades later, lead guitarist Keith Richards revealed that the song was about fashion model Linda Keith, whom he briefly dated.
Related: For more, check out our list of songs about Tuesdays here.
3. “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” By Elton John
Legendary singer Elton John gave us an entertaining glimpse into his raucous youth in his hit song “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.” This came from his 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
The upbeat song describes the antics that some young men in England were famous for—namely, getting drunk at a pub and picking a fight.
In the song, John and his buddies are in a crowded venue and looking to meet a young woman as they throw back drinks. He describes growing up in the working class and how he enjoys the sounds of switchblades and motorbikes.
Related: For more, check out our list of songs about Saturdays here.
4. “Eight Days A Week” By The Beatles
Amid Beatlemania in the 1960s, it seemed like every song The Beatles released became an international sensation. “Eight Days a Week,” a track from their album Beatles for Sale, was no exception.
In the upbeat, optimistic love song, the legendary group sings of their overflowing love for a romantic partner. They want to spend more time with her than a seven-day week allows. They proclaim, “Eight days a week is not enough to show I care.”
“Eight Days a Week” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the group’s most famous and popular songs.
5. “Sunday Morning” By Maroon 5
The American rock band Maroon 5 has its own song for one particular day of the week. “Sunday Morning” is a 2004 song from their album Songs About Jane. It is a soft and romantic rock song incorporating some jazz elements along with the group’s signature pop style.
Lead singer Adam Levine sings longingly for the peace and tranquility of Sunday mornings with his lover. He cuddles with her in bed and hopes the time passes slowly. He describes how when times are tough, he thinks about her, and she gives him strength.
“Sunday Morning” is a tear-jerker for its sentimental message and works well as a wedding song. It became one of Maroon 5’s earliest hits.
6. “Working For The Weekend” By Loverboy
Some people work to find fulfillment in life. Others work to enjoy life on the weekends. “Working for the Weekend,” the 1981 hit from the Canadian rock band Loverboy, is an ode to the latter group.
The classic 1980s pop anthem from their album Get Lucky is an upbeat description of the joy that the weekend brings. Without work, people are free to enjoy themselves, seek new romances, and enjoy life.
“Working for the Weekend” was a modest hit at the time. However, the song has gained popularity over the years and has become a staple of pop culture.
Related: For more, check out our list of songs about the weekend here.
7. “Manic Monday” By The Bangles
As we continue the trend of Monday hatred, anyone who’s worked a grueling 9-to-5 job can appreciate the 1986 hit “Manic Monday” by The Bangles.
The song touches on all the negative feelings associated with the end of the weekend and the start of the week. These include waking up early, alarm clocks ruining our dreams, commuting, and rushing not to be late for work. The singer pines for the leisure of the weekend, wishing it were still Sunday.
“Manic Monday” became the rock group’s signature song and reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s still in regular rotation on the radio today.
8. “Last Friday Night” By Katy Perry
Anyone who’s gone on a booze-fueled bender can relate to Katy Perry’s tale of drunken shenanigans in the 2011 song “Last Friday Night” from her album Teenage Dream.
Perry describes waking up with a massive hangover and a pounding headache. Her body is covered in random bruises after a night of heavy drinking and partying.
In the lyrics, she pieces together what happened. Among other disturbing things, she appears to have maxed out a credit card and gotten kicked out of a bar. There is also an outstanding warrant for her arrest!
“Last Friday Night” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the best party anthems of all time.
Related: For more, check out our list of songs about Fridays here.
9. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” By U2
The Irish rock band U2 has always been a socially conscious band that engages in activism through music. For many people, the 1983 song “Sunday Bloody Sunday” was the first introduction to the group’s politics.
The protest song from the album War is about the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre in Northern Ireland. British troops opened fire on unarmed protestors in Derry, killing 14 people.
U2 was emotionally disturbed by the incident. Through the song, they are pleading for an end to the war. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” became one of their signature songs. In fact, this is a staple of their live performance sets.
Related: For more, check out our list of songs about Sundays here.
10. “Thursday” By Pet Shop Boys
Moving on, we have Pet Shop Boys‘ “Thursday.” This 2013 hit from their album Electric is about one’s hope for love to continue.
The lyrics quickly begin with an important question: “Will you love me or leave me?” The singer believes that it’s not over yet if the look in her eyes is something to go by.
So he encourages her to spend the weekend with him, starting on a Thursday night and lasting on Sunday. Although there are doubts, he wishes that they could do it right this time.
Related: Read our list of songs about Thursdays here.
11. “Tuesday Afternoon” By The Moody Blues
English rock band the Moody Blues dabbled in some existential thought with their hit “Tuesday Afternoon.” Though released as a single in 1968, it was included in the 1967 album Days of Future Passed.
This was one of those songs that just came to the songwriter on such a random day. According to lead singer Justin Hayward, it was on Tuesday afternoon, and he was sitting in a field smoking when he got the inspiration for the song.
“Tuesday “Afternoon” describes appreciating the beauty of life. The singer finds himself enjoying the view of the trees and listening to the gentle sounds of nature. He wishes that someone could experience the joy with him.
12. “Saturday Love” By Cherrelle And Alexander O’Neal
Up next is a song that mentions “Saturday” as the day of the week. “Saturday Love” by Cherrelle and Alexander O’Neal is a classic 1980s pop-R&B jam. This song, from Cherrelle’s album High Priority, is about the pain of running into an ex-lover who they still have feelings for.
The lyrics are about the difficulties they face in trying to get over the failed relationship. Their ex-partners remain on their minds after an extended period. O’Neal laments that he and his ex were made for each other, and he will never get over the pain.
The title of the song references the day the singer met their ex. They also affectionately call them a “Saturday Love” who they will forever love.
13. “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” By Simon & Garfunkel
You might not associate rock-folk band Simon & Garfunkel with songs about an armed robbery. But that is exactly the story they wanted to tell on “Wednesday Morning, 3. A.M.,” the 1964 song from the album of the same name.
At the start of the song, we find the singer describing his feelings with his lover asleep beside him. And then, near the end of the song, he tells us about his guilt of robbing a liquor store just hours before.
The weight of the crime weighs heavily on his conscience. However, he ultimately must face the consequence of his actions because the morning is near.
Related: For more, check out our list of songs about Wednesdays here.
14. “Sunday Kind of Love” By Etta James
Coming up next is a song with “Sunday” in the title. Born Jamesetta Hawkins, Etta James is one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Her talent is on full display in the 1960 song “Sunday Kind of Love” from her album At Last!
The power ballad is an ode to true love, and it is one of the greatest love songs of all time. In the lyrics, the singer describes a longing for a type of love that is sustainable and for the long-term – not just a fleeting Saturday night fling.
She spends her days lonely and dreaming about finding a partner to love and spend her life with.
15. “Finally Friday” By George Jones
If there were an official anthem for Friday, this is it. “Finally Friday” by country singer George Jones perfectly captures the euphoria of the best day of the week. With the work week behind us, we are finally free to be ourselves and enjoy life.
In this 1992 hit from his album Walls Can Fall, Jones takes us on his ideal weekend journey. He forgets about work, pursues women, and spends every last dollar he’s earned during the week.
He salivates over his newfound freedom with the weekend’s arrival – something many of us can relate to.
16. “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night” By Carrie Underwood
Country sensation Carrie Underwood has laid her claim to Sunday Night Football with “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.” This song was first used during the 2013 season.
Every week the National Football League broadcasts one primetime game on Sunday night. They chose Underwood to lay the groundwork and hype the crowd up for some football.
Many of us spend the weekend doing errands, cleaning houses, and raising children. When Sunday night comes around, it’s time to chill on the couch and watch some good football.
17. “Friday I’m In Love” By The Cure
British rock band The Cure makes their way through all days of the week. In “Friday I’m In Love,” they decide that Friday is the best day and the best time to fall in love.
Hilariously, lead singer and songwriter Robert Smith talks about why he doesn’t like the other days except for Fridays. He dismisses the Monday blues and the monotony of Tuesday through Thursday.
He gives a little credit to the weekend but acknowledges its poor timing and short duration. But Friday? Friday is different. It is the night to dress up and paint the town red.
18. “Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon” By Queen
The legendary Freddy Mercury, lead singer of the English band Queen, managed to create a new word – lazing – in “Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon.” The song was from the band’s album A Night at the Opera, released in 1975.
This song with “Sunday” in the lyrics, as the day of the week, is pure Mercury. He wrote it, sang it, and played the guitar.
With his signature bombastic humor, he playfully jokes about all the productive things he does during the week – including painting at the Louvre – so that he can relax and be lazy on a Sunday afternoon.
19. “Saturday Nights” By Khalid
Rhythm and Blues singer Khalid had us all weepy-eyed with his 2018 song “Saturday Nights” from his album Suncity. He released a remix to the song in 2019 featuring country-pop singer Kane Brown.
The song is a dedication to a close female friend whom he cares deeply about. The unidentified woman is going through a very difficult time. She’s suffering from family problems, unsupportive parents, and a dead-end job.
Khalid reassures her that he understands what she’s going through, even though her parents don’t. He promises to always be there for her.
20. “Tuesday” By ILovemakonnen Ft. Drake
American rapper ILovemakonnen took the rap industry by storm in 2014 with his hit “Tuesday” featuring Drake. The unique song is an ode to Tuesday, his favorite day of the week.
ILovemakonnen laments his life as a performer, often busy at concerts every weekend without any time to party or relax. His one night to let loose is Tuesday, and let loose he does. After finishing his performing duties, the rapper hits the club and unleashes some pent-up energy.
Drake adds to the sentiment in his guest verse, describing the back-to-back-to-back shows that leave him with only one night off each week. Drake, like ILovemakonnen, goes to the club with his squad, enjoys a few drinks, and gets lit.
21. “7 Days” By Craig David
To wrap up our list, we have “7 Days” by British singer-songwriter Craig David. The song was released in 2000 from his album Born to Do It and talks about the date he has with a woman.
In the song, the singer relates how he meets the woman on Monday at the subway. When she asks him for the time, he tells her she has to give him her name and phone number and agree to a date the following day.
She agrees, and they meet on Tuesday for some drinks. Things happen fast, and they hook up from Wednesday to Saturday. They find themselves relaxing on Sunday. It may be a whirlwind of events, but he finds himself thinking about her.
Summing Up Our List Of Days Of The Week Songs
Listening to songs about the days of the week makes us realize how much we share in common. Many of us curse Mondays and praise Fridays. Others feel the emotional burden of longing for previous romantic partners we associate with different days.
The songs also show us that a day we hate may be special for someone else and vice versa. It all boils down to the experiences we had that fell on a particular day of the week.
As you enjoy the songs above, think about what the days of the week mean to you. And whatever day it is that you found this list, we hope you’re having a blast.
