Welcome to a musical journey through songs that start with the letter “M”! From timeless classics to modern hits, the letter “M” has been the starting point for countless memorable tunes across various genres.
Whether it’s the infectious melodies of pop, the soulful rhythms of R&B, the electrifying energy of rock, or the heartfelt lyrics of ballads, there’s something for everyone in this diverse collection.
Join us as we discover the melodies, lyrics, and meanings behind 25 of the best songs that start with the letter “M.” So let’s get started and read on!
1. “Mockingbird” By Eminem
Let’s begin this list with Eminem’s “Mockingbird” from his 2004 album Encore. Unlike many of Eminem’s songs, which can be quite aggressive, the song is a heartfelt message to his daughter, Hailie, and his niece, Alaina.
Eminem wrote this song based on his own life, including his struggles with fame, problems with his ex-wife Kim, and his strong love for his daughters. He uses the song to explain his life challenges to his daughters and to comfort them.
Critics praised “Mockingbird” for its honesty and emotional depth. In 2006, the song received a Grammy nod for Best Rap Solo Performance.
2. “Moves Like Jagger” By Maroon 5 Ft. Christina Aguilera
Next, let’s dance to the beat of Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger.” This catchy electropop hit features Christina Aguilera and quickly became a commercial success.
At its core, “Moves Like Jagger” is a song about confidence, sex appeal, and dancing prowess. The lyrics describe a person who exudes charisma and charm on the dance floor. The song likens their moves to those of Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones.
The song’s upbeat tempo, funky guitar riffs, and pulsating rhythm helped it rise to the top of the charts worldwide. It also received four BMP Pop Awards, including Song of the Year, among several accolades too many to mention here.
3. “More Than Words” By Extreme
Many will agree that our next song is an acoustic masterpiece. “More Than Words” by Extreme is a poignant ballad that diverges significantly from the band’s usual funk metal style. It was released in 1991 on their album Pornograffitti and stands out for its simplicity and emotional resonance.
The song’s overall quality is marked by its stripped-down approach. It focuses on an intricate acoustic guitar arrangement and harmonious vocals. The melody is gentle yet captivating, drawing listeners into a reflective space.
The lyrics emphasize the importance of showing love through actions rather than relying solely on words. The vocal harmonies between lead vocalist Gary Cherone and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt are particularly noteworthy, adding layers of emotion to the already heartfelt lyrics.
4. “Malibu” By Miley Cyrus
From her 2017 album, Younger Now, Miley Cyrus gives us “Malibu.” Some of Cyrus’s earlier works leaned toward a more provocative and edgy image. However, the song marked a significant departure in both style and content.
“Malibu” serves as a love letter to Cyrus’s then-fiancé, actor Liam Hemsworth. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and gratitude as she reminisces about their time together in Malibu. It’s a beachside town in California known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
The music video for the song further reinforces the song’s themes of love and nature. Filmed on location in Malibu, the video features Cyrus frolicking on the beach, dancing in fields of wildflowers, and enjoying the place.
5. “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” By Shania Twain
Diving into the world of country-pop, we have Shania Twain‘s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” Released in 1999 as part of her album Come on Over, the song had a significant impact on the music industry and its listeners.
The song’s crossover appeal helped bridge the gap between country and pop audiences. This contributed to Twain’s global success and the broader acceptance of country-pop as a legitimate genre.
The overall quality of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” is exceptional, characterized by its catchy melody, lively instrumentation, and empowering lyrics. Its memorable hook, “The best thing about being a woman / is the prerogative to have a little fun,” strikes a chord with listeners and invites them to embrace their sense of freedom and fun.
6. “Mine” By Taylor Swift
Next is another country pop, but this time from Taylor Swift. Her 2010 song “Mine” is a perfect track for our list of “M”-starting songs.
Released from Swift’s album Speak Now, the lyrics explore themes of hope, love, and the fear of losing something precious. This is encapsulated in the lines “Braced myself for the goodbye / ’cause that’s all I’ve ever known / Then you took me by surprise / You said, ‘I’ll never leave you alone.’”
The song received positive reviews and was a commercial success. It charted in the top 10 in several countries, further establishing Swift as a prominent figure in the music industry.
7. “Misery Business” By Paramore
In 2007, the pop-punk band Paramore broke through the mainstream with the song “Misery Business.” Released from their hit album Riot!, the track quickly became a defining anthem for the band and its fans.
“Misery Business” delves into themes of jealousy and rivalry between the narrator and another girl who stole the narrator’s man. In the end, she wins back her man and “watched his wildest dreams come true / and not one of them involving [the other girl].”
Since its release, “Misery Business” has become a cornerstone of Paramore’s discography. Its infectious energy and relatable themes have ensured its place as a fan favorite, often cited as one of the band’s best works.
8. “My Way” By Frank Sinatra
Up next is Ol’ Blue Eyes’ signature song, “My Way.” Despite being released in 1969, the song remains an iconic anthem. It epitomizes Frank Sinatra‘s persona as a sophisticated and self-assured entertainer.
Written by Paul Anka, the lyrics were adapted from the French song “Comme d’habitude” by Claude François and Jacques Revaux. It sings about self-confidence, independence, and living life on one’s terms.
“My Way” features a grand and sweeping orchestral arrangement. Sinatra’s smooth vocals imbue the song with a sense of gravitas and conviction, perfectly capturing the song’s themes of self-assurance and defiance.
9. “Make You Feel My Love” By Adele
Originally by Bob Dylan in 1997, “Make You Feel My Love” was given new life by Adele in 2008. Her powerful performance transforms the song into a poignant ballad. Her voice conveys a sense of vulnerability and earnestness that resonates with listeners.
The song speaks of unconditional love and support, promising unwavering devotion even in the face of adversity. Its lyrics are touching in their simplicity, offering comfort and solace: “I could make you happy, make your dreams come true / Nothing that I wouldn’t do.”
In reimagining the song, Adele created a version that stands on its own merits while paying homage to Dylan’s original composition. But she’s not the only one. Other covers were made by Michael Bolton, Garth Brooks, and Kelly Clarkson, among many others.
10. “Material Girl” By Madonna
Our next “M”-starting song is “Material Girl” by Madonna. It stands as one of the singer’s most iconic and controversial songs. The track, released in 1985, explores themes of consumerism, wealth, and empowerment.
From the outset, the title itself, “Material Girl,” is emblematic of Madonna’s persona at the time. It’s a bold, unapologetic assertion of her embrace of material wealth and luxury. The lyrics portray the narrator as a woman who values material possessions and financial success above all else.
The chorus, with Madonna famously proclaiming, “‘Cause we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl,” serves as a bold declaration of independence and self-assurance.
11. “Made You Look” By Meghan Trainor
The doo-wop song “Made You Look” was released by Meghan Trainor in 2022. With her retro-infused pop style, it quickly gained popularity for its relatable lyrics, upbeat tempo, and fresh energy.
The lyrics are clever and playful. The chorus is particularly memorable for its catchy hook, ensuring that the song stays with you long after you’ve heard it: “I could have my Gucci on / I could wear my Louis Vuitton / But even with nothin’ on / bet I made you look.”
The song’s popularity was further boosted by its presence on social media platforms like TikTok. Here, its catchy beat and positive message found a receptive audience. This viral success helped “Made You Look” reach a wider audience, introducing Trainor’s music to new fans.
12. “Man In The Mirror” By Michael Jackson
In “Man in the Mirror,” Michael Jackson presents a strong and compelling message of self-reflection and change. It was released as the fourth single from his album Bad, in 1988.
The song was crafted by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett, with production handled by Jackson himself. Its message resonates deeply, encouraging listeners to look within themselves to make a positive change in the world.
“Man in the Mirror” received critical acclaim upon its release. In particular, it was praised for its lyrical depth and Jackson’s powerful delivery. It also topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached the top 20 in several other countries.
13. “Message In A Bottle” By The Police
Next, let’s rock to the beat of “Message in a Bottle” by The Police. It was released in 1979 from the album Reggatta de Blanc.
Written by the band’s frontman, it tells the story of a person stranded on a deserted island. He sends out a message in a bottle, hoping for a response and a connection with someone else.
The metaphor of the message in a bottle serves as a symbol of hope and resilience amid despair. Despite the dismal situation of being stranded on an island, the act of sending out a message represents a belief in the possibility of being heard by someone somewhere in the vast expanse of the ocean.
14. “Miss Jackson” By Panic! At The Disco Ft. LOLO
The now-disbanded group Panic! At the Disco released many great hits between 2004 and 2023. “Miss Jackson,” released in 2013 and featuring the singer-actress LOLO, is one of them.
The song’s narrative centers on a femme fatale character, Miss Jackson, who is notorious for her manipulative ways with men who fall desperately in love with her. Despite her reputation, the narrator “love[s] her anyway.”
Praised for its infectious rhythm and compelling lyrics, “Miss Jackson” performed well commercially. This contributed to the success of its album Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!
15. “Marry You” By Bruno Mars
From his album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, Bruno Mars presents to us “Marry You.” This romantic and feel-good pop song was released in 2011 and explores the spontaneous and lighthearted nature of love.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who is caught up in a moment of joy and perhaps drunkenness. He suggests to their partner that they could get married right then and there. This is addressed in the lines “Who cares if we’re trashed / got a pocket full of cash we can blow … / Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you.”
One of the key strengths of “Marry You” lies in its upbeat and infectious musical arrangement. The song draws inspiration from pop, doo-wop, and soul, blending them seamlessly to create a sound that is both contemporary and nostalgic.
16. “My Heart Will Go On” By Céline Dion
From a lighthearted ballad, we’ll proceed to one that transcends its original context to become a timeless piece of music. “My Heart Will Go On,” performed by Céline Dion, was released in 1997 as part of the soundtrack for James Cameron’s monumental film Titanic.
“My Heart Will Go On” serves as the love theme of the film. It captures the romance between the movie’s main characters, Jack and Rose, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
The emotional depth and haunting melody of “My Heart Will Go On” have made it one of the most memorable ballads of the late 20th century. It achieved remarkable commercial success, topping charts in over 20 countries, including the US’s Billboard Hot 100.
17. “Manic Monday” By The Bangles
Our next song is probably an anthem for many people. “Manic Monday,” by The Bangles, is a catchy and relatable pop song that captures the hustle and bustle of a typical Monday morning.
Written by Prince under the pseudonym Christopher, the song became a breakout hit for The Bangles in 1985. The lyrics depict the narrator’s struggles to navigate the challenges of starting the workweek after a relaxing weekend.
The lines “It’s just another manic Monday / I wish it was Sunday” convey a sense of longing for the leisure and freedom of the weekend, juxtaposed with the frenetic pace and demands of weekday life.
18. “Mr. Tambourine Man” By Bob Dylan
Singer-songwriter legend Bob Dylan is next with his hit “Mr. Tambourine Man.” The song first appeared on his 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home.
Its narrative has been widely interpreted as an allegory for spiritual longing, artistic inspiration, and the desire for escape from reality. The titular character, Mr. Tambourine Man, is often seen as a muse-like figure. He calls the narrator to join him in a transformative, almost mystical experience.
The impact of “Mr. Tambourine Man” extended beyond Dylan’s own version. The Byrds, a folk-rock band, released an electric cover of the song in 1965. Their rendition helped popularize the folk-rock genre and introduced Dylan’s songwriting to a broader audience.
19. “Master Of Puppets” By Metallica
From folk, we dive into the world of thrash metal with Metallica‘s “Master of Puppets.” The song was released in 1986 as the title track of their third studio album. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic songs in the heavy metal genre.
At over eight minutes long, “Master of Puppets” is an epic composition that showcases Metallica’s musical and songwriting prowess. Lyrically, the song explores themes of control, addiction, and the destructive power of external influences.
Despite its dark subject matter, “Master of Puppets” has become an anthem for Metallica fans. In 2020, it was ranked #1 by Metal Hammer as the best Metallica song of all time.
20. “Monkey Wrench” By Foo Fighters
Up next is the high-energy rock song “Monkey Wrench” by Foo Fighters. They released this track as the lead single from their album The Colour and the Shape, in 1997.
Written by frontman Dave Grohl, the lyrics depict a sense of inner conflict. The singer expresses his feelings of being trapped and suffocated by his thoughts and emotions.
“Monkey Wrench” received critical acclaim upon its release and has since been regarded as one of Foo Fighters’ greatest songs. It reached #1 on the UK’s Rock & Metal and Australia’s Alternative Singles charts.
21. “My Girl” By The Temptations
One of the most iconic songs in soul and R&B music history is “My Girl,” a soulful masterpiece by The Temptations. This track was written and produced by Smokey Robinson and Ronnie White of The Miracles. Released in 1964, it achieved monumental success, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.
“My Girl” stands out for its memorable introduction, which instantly captures the listener’s attention. The song’s familiar opening guitar riff sets the stage for a heartfelt declaration of love.
The lyrics convey a man’s deep affection and contentment with his relationship. It emphasizes that regardless of what he lacks in material wealth, the love he receives from his girl makes him feel like the wealthiest and happiest man alive.
22. “Mad World” By Tears For Fears
Released in 1982, our next song, “Mad World” by Tears for Fears, is a haunting song that explores the human experience of navigating a chaotic world. It was written by Roland Orzabal and sung by Curt Smith.
Lyrically, “Mad World” paints a vivid picture of a world in turmoil. Individuals feel isolated and disconnected from society. The opening lines, “All around me are familiar faces / worn out places, worn out faces,” evoke a sense of ennui and existential despair. It captures the feeling of being trapped in a monotonous and suffocating existence.
The song gained renewed popularity in 2001 when it was covered by British artist Gary Jules for the soundtrack of the film Donnie Darko. Jules’s stripped-down, piano-driven rendition helped “Mad World” reach a new generation of listeners and solidified its status as a modern classic.
23. “Midnight In Montgomery” By Alan Jackson
Country music singer-songwriter Alan Jackson presents a poignant song in “Midnight in Montgomery.” This was released from his album Don’t Rock the Jukebox. The track pays homage to the legendary country musician Hank Williams Sr.
The song’s narrative follows the protagonist’s journey to Montgomery, Alabama. Here, he encounters supernatural experiences and reflections on the legacy of Hank Williams Sr. It is imbued with a sense of reverence and nostalgia for the iconic country singer, who passed away in 1953.
Its opening lines set the scene for the protagonist’s nocturnal journey through the Alabama countryside. As the song progresses, he describes encountering a mysterious figure who resembles Williams at his gravesite in Montgomery and ends with “Oh, Hank’s always singing there.”
24. “Mine Would Be You” By Blake Shelton
Up next is another country hit, this time by Blake Shelton. “Mine Would Be You,” from his Based on a True Story… album in 2013, takes us on a touching storytelling through music.
In the song, the protagonist engages in a conversation with his partner. He asks her about the best things in her life, from the best day and best kiss to ultimately questioning, “What’s your best mistake?”
This progression leads to a powerful and emotional revelation toward the end of the song, showcasing the depth of storytelling within country music.
“Mine Would Be You” is among Shelton’s best. Its haunting melody and heartwrenching lyrics pushed it up to the top of the US’s Country Airplays and Canada’s Country music charts.
25. “Mandy” By Barry Manilow
Closing this list is Barry Manilow’s “Mandy.” The song was initially written by Scott English and Richard Kerr in 1971 and originally titled “Brandy.” However, when Manilow decided to cover it, the title was changed to “Mandy” to avoid confusion with another song.
The song tells the story of a man reflecting on a lost love. He is filled with regret and longing for what might have been. Its heartwrenching lyrics, combined with Manilow’s expressive delivery, resonated with listeners.
In 1975, “Mandy” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is a significant achievement that underscored Manilow’s talent as a performer and interpreter of songs. This accomplishment marked the beginning of a successful career filled with numerous hits and accolades.
Summing Up Our List Of Letter M-Starting Songs
Music has a magical way of bringing people together and stirring emotions, and these “M” songs are no exception. We hope you’ve enjoyed revisiting some old favorites and discovering new tunes along the way.
And that wraps up our exploration of songs starting with the letter “M.” But our musical journey doesn’t have to end here.
Is there a hidden gem or a classic anthem we might have missed? We’d love to hear your recommendations and continue celebrating the power of music together.
