13 Of The Best Songs About Patience And Being Patient

Written by Dan Farrant
Last updated

Dealing with our emotions can be challenging, and patience is one emotion many find hard to manage. Being patient can be incredibly difficult, especially when we feel like we’re losing control.

One of the many ways to calm yourself in such situations is to listen to music. Songs about patience can help you feel more at ease and better equipped to deal with whatever it is you’re going through.

We have compiled a list of 13 of the best songs about patience that may help you the next time you’re struggling to keep calm. Let’s get started.

1. “Patience” By Guns N’ Roses

Let’s start the list with a song with “patience” in the title. Guns N’ Roses released “Patience” in 1988 on the album G N’ R Lies. The song was written by Axl Rose and Slash and inspired by the relationship between Rose and his then-girlfriend Erin Everly.

The lyrics talk about the difficulties of maintaining a long-distance relationship. As such, patience is required to make it work.

Notably, the song can be interpreted in other ways. It can be about a man and a woman who are so in love with each other. But circumstances do not favor them at the moment. And so Rose implores her to have “a little patience.”

2. “Patience” By Bleach

Patience is a virtue, as Bleach‘s song “Patience” wants to tell us. The song was released in 2003 from the band’s album, Astronomy.

In the song, the singer says that patience comes “when you spend your time just waiting.” He is willing to wait, though, saying that someone is worth the wait. But while waiting, he’s going to keep himself busy by writing songs and singing.

Near the end of the song, it sounds like he’s running out of patience a little bit. There’s an urgency as he pleads, “Patience won’t you come, ’cause oh I feel like life’s suspended.”

3. “Right Here Waiting” By Richard Marx

Patience and waiting are synonymous. You can only be patient if you know how to wait. That’s the message “Right Here Waiting” wants to get across. The song was released in 1989 and quickly rose to the top of the charts. It became one of Richard Marx‘s most well-known songs.

In the lyrics, Marx laments about the pain of being separated from someone you love. It’s not clear why they are separated, but surely everyone can relate to how it feels when you can’t be next to your loved one.

The song was inspired by Marx’s wife, who was pregnant with their first child then. He said that the lyrics were meant to express his feelings of excitement and anticipation at becoming a father. In addition, he wanted to share his hope that his child will not experience the same pain of separation that he did.

4. “The Waiting” By Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Like our preceding song, “The Waiting” puts to the test the singer’s patience. This single by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was released in 1981 as the lead single from their album Hard Promises.

“The Waiting” is an ode to those still waiting for their big break. The lyrics talk about the frustration of waiting for something to happen. Petty has said that the song was inspired by his experience of trying to break into the music business. It took him years of hard work and dedication before he finally achieved success.

Many can relate to this song as it reflects our struggles and setbacks. It is also about the hope that comes from knowing that your moment will eventually arrive.

5. “Patience Gets Us Nowhere Fast” By Capital Cities

One of the songs with “patience” in the lyrics is Capital Cities‘ “Patience Gets Us Nowhere Fast.” This was written by band members Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, and it talks about the importance of living in the present moment.

While patience is truly a virtue, it’s not always applicable. Sometimes, you have to act now. Don’t wait for something to happen. Get moving. The lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their fears and doubts and embrace life with open arms.

The song was inspired by Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, who said, “The greatest gift we can give to others is our happiness.” Merchant and Simonian believed this message is critical in today’s fast-paced world.

6. “Not In A Hurry” By Michael Ketterer & Will Reagan

Times have changed. People today seem to be in a hurry all the time. It’s like we want to cram a thousand things in 24 hours. Slow down and listen to “Not in a Hurry” by Michael Ketterer and Will Reagan.

As you can guess from the title, the song is about taking life at a slower pace. When you do, you get to enjoy the moment instead of rushing through life. The singers want you to “slow down, take your time,” and “enjoy the ride.”

The song was inspired by Ketterer’s young son. He was always in a hurry to grow up and experience everything life had to offer. The song reminds us that there is beauty in enjoying the here and now.

7. “Time Is On My Side” By The Rolling Stones

When you lose the one you love, time seems to go slowly. It makes you feel the pain more, and you wish the days would go quickly. You’ll wish you could say, “Time is On My Side,” as the Rolling Stones‘ song says.

The lyrics talk about overcoming heartbreak and betrayal. The singer lost his girl, but he is confident that she’ll come back to him. After all, he’s “got the real love.” He remains optimistic, declaring that time is on his side and he will eventually find happiness again.

The song’s message of hope and resilience resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of the Rolling Stones’ most enduring hits.

8. “I’ll Be Waiting” By Adele

Yet another song that equates patience to waiting is a hit from Adele called “I’ll Be Waiting.” This was released in January 2011 as the lead single from her third album, 21.

“I’ll Be Waiting” is a piano ballad with lyrics that speak of staying hopeful for a former love’s return. The song was inspired by Adele’s real-life experience of taking a break from music to focus on her young son. According to Adele, the song is about “the day-to-day struggles of motherhood.”

The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its emotional honesty. It peaked at #4 on the UK Singles Chart and has been certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry.

9. “Tired Of Waiting For You” By The Kinks

Notably, many of the songs in our list were inspired by a certain event that happened to the songwriter. The Kinks‘ “Tired of Waiting for You” was written by Ray Davies, inspired by his frustration with the band’s lack of success at the time.

The lyrics talk about a person tired of waiting for their loved one to come around, eventually giving up on them. Despite its sad message, the song is catchy and upbeat, making it a fan favorite.

The Kinks had a very successful career, and “Tired of Waiting” for You remains one of their most well-known songs.

10. “Love Takes Time” By Orleans

Up next is a song that mentions “patience” in relation to love. Orleans‘ “Love Takes Time” was written by band members John Hall and Larry Hoppen about the difficulties of starting a new relationship.

Orleans was a popular band in the 1970s, known for their hits “Dance with Me” and “Still the One.” “Love Takes time” was one of their few slower, more sentimental songs. The lyrics talk about the need for patience and understanding. It’s a gentle reminder that “You gotta take some time/To let love grow.”

The song was a hit, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Love Takes time” remains a popular love song and has been covered by many artists over the years.

11. “Sister Christian” By Night Ranger

A song about coming of age, Night Ranger‘s “Sister Christian” was released in 1984. The song was written by Kelly Keagy and is about his sister Christy’s journey from innocence to experience.

The lyrics reflect Keagy’s surprise at how fast his sister was growing up. He remembers her as a little girl, but now she’s a teenager who’s interested in boys.

The song was a huge hit, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In addition, it has been featured in many movies and television shows over the years. “Sister Christian” remains one of Night Ranger’s most well-known songs and is a classic rock radio staple.

12. “Patiently” By The New Birth

Waiting is not an easy task, especially for someone waiting for their loved one. But the American group the New Birth has something to say about it in their single “Patiently.”

The song is about the importance of being patient in love. The lyrics talk about how good things come to those who wait and how love is worth the wait. And so, as the singer says, “Patiently I wait” for her lover’s return.

The song was a hit, reaching #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Patiently” remains a popular love song covered by many artists over the years.

13. “I’d Wait A Million Years” By The Grass Roots

Is there anyone more patient than he who’s willing to wait a million years? Somehow you’d get that vibe from The Grass Roots‘ song, “I’d Wait a Million Years.”

Written in 1994 by band members Dennis Provisor and Rob Grill, the song talks about the enduring nature of love. From the lyrics, you’ll discover what one goes through in the name of love. Including waiting for a long time for that person to either come back to him or return his feelings.

Here’s how the line goes: “So I’d wait a million years… Just to have you near me.” Anyone can easily relate to this message. When we’re in love, we believe we can do anything to prove it to the other person.

Summing Up Our List Of Patience Songs

Many songs have been written about being patient. Somehow, patience has become synonymous with waiting. Whether it is love, success, or anything else in life, these songs show that sometimes good things come to those who wait.

It is not easy waiting, though, and that’s understandable. Days seem so long. What you are patiently waiting for seems like a million lightyears away.

But hey, when that finally comes, the reward is worth your patience. So, if you are ever feeling impatient, get one or all of these songs playing.

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Dan Farrant, the founder of Hello Music Theory, has been teaching music for over 15 years, helping hundreds of thousands of students unlock the joy of music. He graduated from The Royal Academy of Music in 2012 and then launched Hello Music Theory in 2014. He plays the guitar, piano, bass guitar and double bass and loves teaching music theory.