Looking back on memories reminds us of our past experiences, taking us on a nostalgic journey through time. There are specific moments in our lives that evoke vivid images and feelings that we always go back to.
Thanks to music, some songs can transport us to those days gone by and relive the memories. They are like time capsules that capture the essence of our lived experiences in their lyrics and melodies.
In this post, we have compiled 31 of the best songs about memories to draw out our emotions and connect us with our past in a deeply personal way. Enjoy reading!
1. “Memories” By Elvis Presley
Let’s start the list with a classic from Elvis Presley. “Memories” was released in 1969 for his Elvis album.
At its core, and as the title suggests, the song is about looking back over the years. The lyrics paint a picture of memories being “pressed between the pages of my mind.” It suggests that memories are preserved, much like precious mementos in a scrapbook.
These memories are also “sweetened through the ages just like wine,” which indicates how they become more precious, cherished, and valuable over time.
The song encapsulates the bittersweet nature of memories, particularly the ones associated with love and relationships. It highlights how the memories we create become an integral part of who we are.
2. “Memories” By Maroon 5
In Maroon 5‘s “Memories,” the narrator reminisces cherished moments from the past. The song pays tribute to the memories of a loved one who has passed away.
The lyrics tell us that memories can keep a person alive in thoughts and hearts. This is directly expressed in the line, “And the memories bring back, memories bring back you.” The song also furthers that even simple acts or objects can trigger a flood of memories.
At its core, this song with “memories” in the title is an exploration of the human experience. It illustrates the enduring influence of memories in our lives.
3. “I Will Remember You” By Sarah McLachlan
The deeply emotional ballad “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan explores the theme of memories linked to past relationships. The song was released in 1995 and appeared on the soundtrack for the film The Brothers McMullen.
In the lyrics, the narrator conveys a sense of longing and nostalgia as she promises to remember her loved one and asks if they will remember her in return. This question underscores the importance of memories in maintaining connections with people who touched our lives.
In essence, the song is a testament to the enduring power of memories and how they can serve as a bridge between our past and present.
4. “(You Want To) Make A Memory” By Bon Jovi
The ballad “(You Want to) Make a Memory” by Bon Jovi is about revisiting a past relationship and the desire to create meaningful memories. The song was inspired by the personal challenges that guitarist Richie Sambora was going through at the time.
The lyrics speak of reconnecting with someone from the narrator’s past. He urges her to stay with him and make new memories together. This highlights the central theme of not taking life for granted and making lasting memories with loved ones.
There’s also an undercurrent of regret in the song, with pride getting in the way. It cautions listeners against letting ego or pride prevent the making of lasting memories.
5. “Photograph” By Nickelback
Sometimes, we cannot move on from memories, like the narrator in Nickelback‘s “Photograph.” Nevertheless, he appreciates the past and the emotional connection between photographs and memories.
In the lyrics, the narrator uses a photograph as a tangible symbol of past experiences. Through it, he reminisces about his youth and reflects on how times have changed since then.
As the song was based on lead singer Chad Kroeger’s childhood, each verse revisits different aspects of his past. From old friendships to familiar haunts, each memory is captured like a photograph.
6. “When We Were Young” By Adele
The lyrics to Adele‘s “When We Were Young” speak to the experience of encountering loved ones and being instantly transported back to the past. This emotional song explores themes of nostalgia, reminiscing, and the power of memories.
The song perfectly captures that feeling when we look back on our lives and reflect on simpler and freer days. It’s about confronting the passage of time and acknowledging the changes that come with age. More often than not, we end up yearning for the days “when we were young.”
The song reminds us to live each day like it’s the last. Otherwise, time will pass us by, and we’ll end up regretting not doing or saying the things we should have.
7. “Good Old Days” By Macklemore Ft. Kesha
Our next song is “Good Old Days” by Macklemore, featuring Kesha, released in 2017. This heartfelt track delves into themes of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time. The narrator tells us to appreciate the present moment while also cherishing the memories we create.
“Good Old Days” reflects on the past with a sense of longing and regret. The narrator is regretful for failing to appreciate the moment of moments until they’ve passed. This is directly addressed in the lines, “I wish somebody would have told me, babe, Some day, these will be the good old days.”
The song’s narrative centers around Macklemore and Kesha reflecting on their lives before fame. They think about the struggles they faced and the valuable lessons they learned. Whether good or bad, the memories are valuable chapters of their lives.
8. “Reflections” By The Supremes
Memories have such an impact on our present experiences, as “Reflections” by The Supremes tells us. The song uses the metaphor of reflections to represent the narrator’s memories, which are vivid but unreachable in the present.
The lyrics find the narrator reminiscing and reflecting on her past experiences with a sense of longing and regret. The memories of her past lover linger in her mind, seemingly preventing her from fully moving on. She clings to the happy memories they shared even as she deals with their breakup.
The song’s opening lines, “Through the mirror of my mind, Time after time, I see reflections of you and me,” suggest that she constantly revisits the memories. It feels like she looks at them through a mirror. It underscores the lingering presence of these memories and their emotional toll on her.
9. “Glory Days” By Bruce Springsteen
From Bruce Springsteen‘s Born in the USA album comes the 1984 single “Glory Days.” It captures the nostalgia associated with the “glory days” of youth.
The song’s lyrics focus on three stories from the narrator’s past: a friend who was a baseball player, a girl from the neighborhood, and a father laid off from work. They symbolize different aspects of his youth, each story showing what made those days glorious.
The narrator reflects on these glory days with fondness and a sense of melancholy. Those days are gone, and he finds himself longing for the simplicity and freedom of his youth.
10. “Memories” By Shawn Mendes
Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes serenades us with “Memories.” Released in 2015, it revolves around nostalgia and the bittersweet emotions that come with reflecting on the past.
The lyrics open with the narrator waking up to the sound of his partner’s footsteps. It might seem an insignificant part of his day, but it becomes a treasured memory he holds on to.
At its core, the song with “memories” in the lyrics is about falling in love, being happy, and making beautiful memories. However, he realizes that it’s not forever, and he cannot hold on to his partner. Still, they make great memories together, and they give him hope of finding the right woman for him.
11. “Take Your Memory With You” By Vince Gill
When a relationship ends, the only thing both parties end up with is memories. However, the narrator in Vince Gill‘s “Take Your Memory With You” doesn’t want her memories.
In the lyrics, the narrator grapples with the breakup. The lyrics suggest that his partner seems to have moved on just fine. He, on the other hand, deals with the pain and the memories she left behind.
He only has a simple request before she leaves him. He asks that she take their shared experiences and feelings so that it will be easier to move on with his life. He doesn’t want to be reminded of his being alone when the nights are cold.
12. “Every Mile A Memory” By Dierks Bentley
The 2006 album Long Trip Alone by Dierks Bentley focuses on the importance of relationships, especially in relation to constant traveling. One of the songs, “Every Mile a Memory,” is about his time on the road and his thoughts and feelings regarding being away from his loved ones.
The lyrics say that every journey, every mile he traveled, triggers a memory. These memories are tied to certain locations. Each place serves as a catalyst that brings back past experiences and emotions.
The narrator further shares how he misses his loved ones while away, particularly his partner. Every place and all the wonderful things he sees along the way make him feel as if she’s with him.
13. “Hold Onto The Memories” By Corey Tynan
In our next song, “Hold Onto the Memories,” Corey Tynan is singing about letting go of the past while looking to the future. The song was released in 2010 from his album On My Own.
The song’s opening lines, “Memories fade, But they’re never lost,” indicate the narrator’s difficulty in letting go of the past. The lyrics suggest that even though memories fade with time and a change of heart, they are never truly lost. This highlights the enduring nature of these memories.
The song stirs emotions in the listeners, from sadness to hope, as he acknowledges the fleeting nature of life. The song is also a reminder to cherish the memories that shape us.
14. “September” By Earth, Wind & Fire
Up next is the commercially successful single “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. It was released in 1978 and topped the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, peaked at #8 on the Hot 100, and #3 on the UK Singles Chart.
Surprisingly, though, “The 21st night of September” holds no significance except that it sounds good when sung. However, listeners were quick to assign their own meaning, with some thinking that it was related to the equinox.
Thematically, the song focuses on remembering the good times of the past, particularly a love born in September. The narrator remembers those moments when he and his love interest danced together in the night.
15. “I Go Back” By Kenny Chesney
What’s good about memories is that no matter where we go in life, they remain a part of us. Kenny Chesney catches the sentiment in his 2004 single “I Go Back.”
In the lyrics, the narrator shows the connection between music and memories. Here, he uses different songs as triggers for specific moments from his past. It shows just how deeply music can be intertwined with our lives.
With these songs, the narrator goes back to the wonderful memories that have a profound impact on his life. This emphasizes the emotional depth that memories can hold and how they can bring out strong feelings even after many years.
16. “Photograph” By Ed Sheeran
If only we could freeze time to enjoy the moments, we would. And we could, through photographs. Ed Sheeran‘s “Photograph” uses the metaphor of a photograph to express the enduring power of memories.
“Photograph” is a rare gem that speaks to the soul. At its core, it’s all about memories. The song reminds us of the people who are a part of our lives and the precious moments we’ve shared with them.
Photographs are a vessel to preserve moments of love and connection. This allows us to relive them even when we’re physically apart from our loved ones.
17. “Remember The Time” By Michael Jackson
Up next is a classic song from the legendary “King of Pop” Michael Jackson. “Remember the Time” was released in 1992 and uses the theme of memories to recount a past romantic relationship.
In the lyrics, the narrator invites the listener, likely a girl from his past, to recall the good times they shared. This is directly expressed in the line, “Do you remember when we fell in love?” It’s his plea to reminisce about the joy and love that they had back then.
In addition, “Remember the Time” uses the power of memory to evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing. The narrator is not only remembering the past. He is also yearning for the feelings associated with those moments.
18. “Senior Year” By Randy Houser
In “Senior Year,” Randy Houser goes back to this very special time in his life in a small town called Lake Mississippi. This nostalgic song revolves around the theme of memories, especially those created during the final year of high school.
The narrator takes his listeners on a journey back to his senior year, highlighting the memorable moments that shaped his youth. For him, the senior year brings bittersweet memories because it’s the last year he’ll be with the friends he had grown up with. There’s the fear of leaving home and facing an unknown future.
The song is a reflection of the passage of time and how quickly life moves forward. It’s also about how certain moments, like the senior year, hold a special place in our hearts.
19. “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” By Boyz II Men
From Boyz II Men‘s album Cooleyhighharmony comes the 1975 single “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.” This emotional song is popular for funerals as it addresses leaving something behind.
The lyrics serve as a tribute to people who have left us or passed away, expressing the difficulty of parting with people who were important to us. The song captures the pain and the struggle to move forward while cherishing the moments with that person.
The lines “And I’ll take with me the memories, To be my sunshine after the rain” indicate that even when we grieve, the memories of our loved ones can bring us comfort. These memories serve as a source of warmth that helps us cope with the pain.
20. “Remember You Young” By Thomas Rhett
Another tribute to one’s past is Thomas Rhett‘s “Remember You Young.” This sentimental track is an ode to the people who became a significant part of his life.
In the verses, Rhett remembers his childhood friends who are now married. He also pays tribute to his wife in the lyrics, whom he has known since second grade. In another verse, he mentions his daughters when they were still babies.
Her,e Rhett expresses his desire to always remember them as they were in their youth, regardless of how much they have changed over the years.
21. “7 Years” By Lukas Graham
The Danish pop band Lukas Graham released “7 Years” in 2015. The song delves into the realm of memories, specifically those formed at different stages of life.
The lyrics are structured around the narrator’s reflections on life at various ages – seven, eleven, 20, and looking forward to 30 and 60. The verses present a narrative of personal growth and changes, marked by milestones and moments that shaped his identity.
“7 Years” also touches upon the inevitability of growing older, capturing the introspection that comes with fleeting moments. As he looks toward his 60th year, the narrator longs to hold onto his past.
22. “Memories” By Weezer
Off the 2010 album Hurley, Weezer‘s “Memories” is a reflection of the past, particularly the band’s experiences and memories early on in their career.
In the lyrics, the band references specific moments and sensations that marked their journey, expressing a longing for those times. This is directly addressed in the lines, “All the memories, how can we make it back there, back there? I want to be there again.”
The song easily captures the essence of remembering the past while moving forward. It paints a picture of the band’s youthful days marked by wild experiences and friendships.
23. “Making Memories Of Us” By Keith Urban
At its core, Keith Urban‘s “Making Memories of Us” is all about love. It speaks to the idea of finding a lifetime partner, being there for that person, and loving her.
Through the lyrics, the narrator declares his love and commitment. He yearns to create lasting memories with his partner. He looks toward building a life together, a life filled with shared experiences and happy memories.
This song mentions “memories” as not just recollections of the past. Rather, they are a foundation and a testament to a lasting love.
24. “Amnesia” By 5 Seconds Of Summer
The haunting song “Amnesia” by 5 Seconds of Summer depicts the struggle of letting go of memories from a failed relationship.
The lyrics, based on vocalist Luke Hemmings’ breakup, capture his longing for the times when he was happy with his partner. He wants to forget everything except the good parts of their relationship.
The memories are a constant reminder of what he has lost, making it difficult to forget her and move forward. A part of him wishes that if things were different, he’d treat her better than before.
25. “Memory” By Barbra Streisand
Written for the musical Cats, “Memory” is one of the most successful songs to find mainstream success beyond the musical. In fact, there were more than 600 versions of the song, including one from Barbra Streisand.
The protagonist in the song is a character named Grizabella, who reflects on her past glory days. She looks back on those moments of happiness and yearns to “let the memory live again.”
At its core, the song captures the essence of reminiscing about the past and the melancholy that comes with the realization that those days are gone forever.
26. “Unforgettable” By Thomas Rhett
The romantic country ballad “Unforgettable” by Thomas Rhett celebrates the power of memories in the context of a romantic relationship.
The song’s lyrics are a beautiful tribute to a memorable night that stays vividly in the mind of the narrator. It captures the small but meaningful details of a particular moment, from what she wears to the songs that are playing.
The song emphasizes the significance of these shared moments and how they are ingrained in our subconscious. The song also shows how these memories can form an enduring connection between two people.
27. “Through The Years” By Kenny Rogers
The timeless classic “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers looks at the journey of a long-term relationship and how it grows over time.
In the context of memories, the song explores how shared experiences and moments become the foundation of a lasting bond. The years may be filled with ups and downs, but the narrator is “so glad I stayed right here with you, Through the years.”
Memories play a crucial role in the song, showing that these can strengthen a relationship. The narrator expresses his gratitude for his partner’s constant support and finds comfort in reminiscing about their past.
28. “House Of Memories” By Panic! At The Disco
At its core, “House of Memories” by Panic! At The Disco revolves around a relationship that’s now over. It centers on the emotional landscape of a person who is reflecting on a past love.
In this context, the “house of memories” is a metaphorical space filled with recollections of the relationship. It was once a strong love, but now it’s over, and the narrator finds out how difficult it is without her.
Though it has already ended, the narrator treasures these memories. He only has one request from her, and that is to remember him just like he remembers her.
29. “Reminiscing” By Little River Band
The romantic song “Reminiscing” by Little River Band finds the narrator reminiscing cherished memories from a long-lasting relationship. It was released in 1978 from the band’s album Sleeper Catcher.
The narrative centers on a couple who are looking back on their shared past. They remember some of their fond moments and favorite songs. This suggests a deep connection between these people, sustained and enriched by their shared experiences.
It turns out that things have worked out just fine. They are still together, “dancing in the dark, Walking through the park and reminiscing.” The memories are something they can always go back to when they miss their younger years.
30. “Yesterday Once More” By Carpenters
One of the most famous and lasting songs from the 1970s is the Carpenters’ “Yesterday Once More.” It revolves around nostalgia and the power of music.
The song embodies the emotional connection between music and memories. The song speaks about how certain songs can trigger recollections of past experiences and emotions. In the lyrics, the narrator is transported back in time when she hears her favorite songs.
In relation to memories, “Yesterday Once More” suggests that music is like a time machine. It provides us with a shortcut to our personal history and brings memories back to life.
31. “These Are The Days Of Our Lives” By Queen
Last but not least is Queen‘s “These Are the Days of Our Lives.” Through the song, the narrator takes a retrospective journey through life’s moments.
The lyrics find the narrator reminiscing about the past with fondness and appreciation. At the same time, he acknowledges that those days are gone. This suggests a connection between the joy one derives from past experiences and the understanding of life’s fleeting nature.
However, it doesn’t stop the narrator from wishing that he could “turn back the clock” and live in those good moments once again.
Summing Up Our List Of Memories Songs
If you feel nostalgic by listening to this list, then we are happy knowing we’ve succeeded in bringing these songs to you. May these songs bring you joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging, even when they evoke longing for the past.
We hope that through this list, you are inspired to reminisce, enjoy the good memories, and learn from the bad ones. After all, these memories will always be a part of who we are.
