The best songs out there are not all about the words. One of the best ways to embed music into our memories is the use of numbers in song titles.
These numerical references can be symbolic, literal, or purely whimsical. Whatever the case may be, they invariably add a layer of intrigue to the song. The numbers hold significant meanings, either personal to the artist or relevant to the song’s narrative.
The beauty lies in the flexibility and creativity that these numbers offer to songwriters, as these 31 of the best songs with numbers in the title will show you. Read on to know more.
1. “1000 Nights” By Ed Sheeran
Up first on our list is Ed Sheeran‘s 2019 single “1000 Nights” from his No.6 Collaborations Project album. This is a fascinating example of using numbers in song titles to convey a deeper meaning.
In the title, the number 1000 represents the countless nights that Sheeran spent on the road while touring. Basically, the song is a lamentation of his grueling life on tour. At the same time, it emphasizes the dedication and sacrifices required to maintain success in the music industry.
The number in the title serves to highlight the intensity of these experiences. This is directly addressed in the lines, “Oh, I been on for a thousand nights, New York to London, different city every day.” Hence, “1000” is not just a numerical value. It’s a metaphor for Sheeran’s journey and experiences as a touring artist.
2. “Three Times A Lady” By Commodores
Written by lead singer Lionel Richie, the Commodores‘ “Three Times a Lady” uses a number in the title to convey a deep emotional sentiment.
The song is Richie’s tribute to his wife and his mother, exemplifying their feminine attributes and his respect for them. The title suggests that the woman referred to is exceptionally feminine, embodying qualities of grace, elegance, and strength threefold.
In this context, it shows Richie’s high regard for the women in his life. For him, they are not just ladies but “three times a lady.”
3. “Three Little Birds” By Bob Marley And The Wailers
The classic song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and the Wailers uses numbers in its title to symbolize a more profound meaning. The song mentions the number three to refer to the titular three birds, of which the interpretation varies.
One interpretation suggests that the three birds represent hope, positivity, and the small things that bring joy and comfort. This aligns with the song’s uplifting message of not worrying about anything because things are going to be all right.
Another interpretation suggests that the birds refer to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. This aligns with Marley’s known spiritual beliefs.
4. “1 Sun” By Miley Cyrus
The environmentally conscious song “1 Sun” by Miley Cyrus provides a fascinating use of numbers in the song title to convey a message about our relationship with the world.
The number “1” in the title signifies the singular and unique nature of the sun, moon, oneself, and others, as expressed in the line, “We only have one sun, one moon, one me, one you.” The song encourages listeners to appreciate and respect the uniqueness of these entities, particularly the sun, which is a symbol of life, energy, and sustenance.
Cyrus is also saying in the song that we “have a little time to show how much we love.” This emphasizes the importance of not wasting our time here on Earth.
5. “7/11” By Beyoncé
At its core, the upbeat party song “7/11” by Beyoncé celebrates having a good time and dancing. However, many have assigned their own interpretation, particularly since Beyoncé did not provide any meaning behind the song.
One theory says that the title refers to the drinking game called “Sevens, Elevens, and Doubles.” This is addressed in the lines, “I know I’m thinkin’ ’bout that alcohol, man, this here like rollin’ dice, man… seven eleven…”
In addition, Beyoncé encourages her listeners, especially girls, to dance with abandon. She describes various dance moves using shoulders, legs, and hands. The lyrics also reference fashion, style, and being cool, among other things.
6. “10 Commandments” By The Specials
Up next is “10 Commandments” by The Specials. It uses the number 10 in the title as a direct reference to the structure and content of the song.
This track is primarily a rebuttal to Prince Buster’s 1967 song “Ten Commandments of Man,” criticizing the original’s questionable representation of women. The Specials’ song features vocals from Saffiyah Khan, who offers 10 essential decrees.
In the lyrics, each commandment is a piece of advice challenging societal expectations and norms related to gender roles and identity. The use of the number 10 directly corresponds to the ten pieces of advice given.
7. “One In A Million” By Bosson
Our next song, Bosson‘s “One in a Million,” is about finding the love of your life. It uses the number in the title to emphasize the rarity and uniqueness of true love.
The number “one” represents individuality and uniqueness. “Million,” on the other hand, signifies a large number, indicating the number of people you might encounter in your lifetime. In the context of the song, “One in a Million” refers to the narrator’s lover, who stands out among the millions of people in the world.
The song says that true love is not only possible but also worth fighting for. It urges listeners to be open to this kind of love, even if it feels like finding a “one in a million” chance.
8. “Six Feet Under” By The Weeknd
Released in 2016, “Six Feet Under” by The Weeknd uses the number in the title as a metaphorical representation of a state or condition. Also, the title is a phrase dating back to the 1930s, which means dead and buried.
The song talks about a woman, likely a female prostitute, who is consumed by her desire for materialistic gains and wealth. She doesn’t care for anything else, even disconnected from deeper human experiences.
This underlines the solitude of her lifestyle and her inability to find real love. So, she focuses on making money to the point she is considered metaphorically “dead.”
9. “Five Minutes To Live” By Johnny Cash
Some songs use numbers in the title as a central theme and plot device. Such is the case with Johnny Cash‘s “Five Minutes to Live.” “Five” here refers to a short, precise amount of time — five minutes.
In the context of the song and the movie it’s associated with, the title refers to a high-pressure situation where the main character is involved in a bank robbery and kidnapping. It signifies the intense moments where decisions must be made quickly, as if he only had five minutes to live.
Notably, the song does not refer to a literal countdown of five minutes. Rather, it uses this timeframe as a metaphor for the urgency involved in the story.
10. “When I’m Sixty-Four” By The Beatles
Up next is a song with a number in the title. In this case, sixty-four. The Beatles‘ “When I’m Sixty-Four” uses the number to depict a specific age and stage in life.
The lyrics are about a young man envisioning his life at the age of sixty-four. This prompts him to question his lover’s future commitment to him when they grow old. The specific age serves as a focal point for the narrator’s reflection about the future.
Thus, the number in the title sets the stage for musing about enduring love and companionship in the face of aging. It also highlights the song’s themes and gives listeners a specific point of reference for the narrator’s contemplations.
11. “Back At One” By Brian McKnight
Released in 1999, “Back at One” by Brian McKnight uses the number to represent a sequential process or steps. Here, “one” is the starting point of a countdown or a step-by-step procedure.
In the lyrics, the narrator expresses his love and commitment to his partner. He wants her to know how he feels toward her, starting with the first and most fundamental step: “One, you’re like a dream come true.”
The number “one” is not just the beginning of this process but also refers to the idea of coming full circle. After going through all the five steps, he ends up “back at one.” This suggests he’s ready to repeat the process and continually reaffirm his love for her.
12. “Goody Two Shoes” By Adam Ant
The 1982 single “Goody Two Shoes” was Adam Ant‘s first and biggest hit in the US. The “two” in the title is part of an idiomatic expression. The title is a phrase that describes a person who behaves in an overly righteous way.
The song is Ant’s response to the media scrutiny and public perception of his personal life. He uses the song as a commentary on the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
The title itself is a sarcastic self-description that Ant uses in response to being seen as such just because he didn’t drink, smoke, or do any drugs. He uses the expression to challenge the idea that living clean makes him a “goody two shoes.”
13. “10 Freaky Girls” By Metro Boomin Ft. 21 Savage
Record producer and DJ Metro Boomin and rapper 21 Savage teamed up to produce the hip-hop track “10 Freaky Girls.” At its core, the song is about a certain group of women and their relationship with the artists.
Aside from these freaky women, the song is mainly about the artists flaunting their wealth and success and appealing to women. The freaky girls referred to in the title are the women who are bold and unapologetic about their sexuality.
It’s a way for the artists to quantify their success with women as part of their larger narrative about their lifestyle and success in general. In other words, “10 Freaky Girls” is just a braggadocious song.
14. “Two Hearts Beat As One” By U2
Up next is U2‘s “Two Hearts Beat As One” from their 1983 album War. In this song, the numbers in the title are used to symbolize unity and connection.
The song explores the transformative power of love, where the two hearts beating as one is a metaphor for two people coming together in a romantic relationship. Though they come from different backgrounds, their relationship is rooted in love.
The title also serves as a mantra that emphasizes the powerful connection that can exist between two people. In particular, it focuses on the couple’s shared experiences, feelings, and life.
15. “One In A Million” By Hilary Duff
Don’t be fooled by the title of Hilary Duff‘s 2015 single. In “One in a Million,” she is not extolling all the good things about her partner. Rather, it is a breakup song with a number in the lyrics.
When we say “one in a million,” we describe someone or something that is extremely special and unique. It’s one you wouldn’t easily find among a million others.
In the lyrics, Duff flips the script and states that she is one in a million. This suggests a sense of self-confidence and self-assuredness. She is saying that she is unique and possesses individuality, and he’ll end up wishing he hadn’t broken her heart.
16. “10,000 Hours” By Dan + Shay And Justin Bieber
In Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber‘s “10,000 Hours,” the number symbolizes commitment and dedication. The title is inspired by Canadian author Malcolm Gladwell’s theory that it takes 10,000 hours of diligent practice to master a field.
In the lyrics, the artists convey that they are ready to spend 10,000 hours learning about and loving their significant others. In mathematical terms, 10,000 hours are equal to a little over a year.
But then again, we can look at this number metaphorically. It suggests that the artists are willing to spend a significant chunk of their lives for the person they love.
17. “100 Years” By Five For Fighting
Released in 2004, Five for Fighting‘s “100 Years” uses the number in the title to represent the average lifespan of a human being. The narrator takes us on a journey through different stages of life while he reflects on the passage of time and the changes that come with it.
The lyrics start from the age of 15 and go up to 99. At each age, he reflects on different milestones and experiences. He emphasizes how fleeting and precious life is that 100 years is not a long time when you consider the grand scheme of things.
Five for Fighting, the stage name of Vladimir John Ondrasik III, wrote the song when he was 39. He couldn’t find a girl when he was 15. He found the girl at 22, married her, and had his first child at 33. Through this song, he reminds us to sink in every moment before it’s gone.
18. “2 Become 1” By Spice Girls
One of Spice Girls‘ most popular songs in the 1990s is “2 Become 1.” It was released in 1996 from their album Spice.
The song uses the numbers in the title to symbolize the union of two people in a romantic relationship. It’s about the deep and intimate connection between two individuals, suggesting that they’re so close they metaphorically become one entity.
It’s worth noting that through the years, the song has been adapted to be more inclusive. It suggests that love and unity can exist between any two individuals regardless of their sexual orientation.
19. “9 To 5” By Dolly Parton
Now we have “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton from her album 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. It became an anthem for office workers in the US in the 1980s.
The title refers to the typical working hours of an average full-time job. The song reflects the plight of overworked individuals, highlighting the daily grind and challenges that they face.
The song uses humor to address serious issues in the workplace, such as inequalities and injustices. Some of these issues are gender-based, while others are about the unequal distribution of power in the workplace.
20. “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” By Paul Simon
Penned and performed by Paul Simon, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” is his humorous take on his divorce. It was a commercial success, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. RIAA certified it Gold for selling over a million copies.
Thematically, the song is about finding the courage to end a relationship that is not working anymore. The use of the number in the title is a hyperbolic figure of speech, though the song only provides five specific examples.
The “50” in the title emphasizes the idea that there are many ways to leave a relationship, even if they are not explicitly stated in the lyrics. It suggests possibilities and encourages listeners to find their way out of an unhappy situation.
21. “December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)” By The Four Seasons
The nostalgic love song “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” by The Four Seasons is up next. As the title suggests, the number denotes a specific moment in time.
At its core, the song is a recollection of a man’s first affair with a woman. The number “1963” in the title refers to a year that’s significant in the narrator’s life. “December” further narrows this down to a specific month.
For the listener, the specificity of the date evokes curiosity about what happened during that time. It makes the song more relatable as we all have significant dates that we remember fondly.
22. “Down To Zero” By Joan Armatrading
Some of the best songs are those that are inspired by personal experience, and Joan Armatrading‘s “Down to Zero” is no exception.
The number in the title is used to metaphorically describe a woman’s emotional state after a breakup. She talks about her heartbreak, recalling how she once felt on top of the world only to have her self-esteem shattered when her partner left her for someone else.
In this context, “zero” symbolizes a state of emptiness. It represents how she feels as if she has lost everything when her lover walks away.
23. “Land Of 1000 Dances” By Wilson Pickett
The rhythm and blues song “Land of 1000 Dances” was an original by Chris Kenner. The best-known version of this song is by Wilson Pickett.
The song uses a number in the title to evoke a vibrant and energetic scene full of movement. At its core, it’s about the joy of dance and music, referencing several dance styles such as the twist, the alligator, and the pony.
The “1000” in the title does not literally refer to a thousand different dances. Instead, it’s an exaggeration used for effect to suggest a variety of dances. It tells us that music and dance are universal, transcending boundaries and cultures.
24. “Seven Devils” By Florence And The Machine
Many songs use numbers in the title as a metaphorical device. One such is “Seven Devils” by Florence and the Machine. The song chronicles the narrator’s struggle with darkness, negativity, and revenge.
The “seven” in the title could be interpreted as representing the seven deadly sins. This suggests a confrontation with one’s inner demons. Also, it can symbolize the challenges that the narrator is facing.
Notably, Florence mentioned that she wasn’t thinking about the seven deadly sins when writing the song. Instead, the seven devils could be about the intensity of her rage against someone who wronged her.
25. “3AM” By Matchbox Twenty
Another song on this list about a specific time is Matchbox Twenty‘s “3AM.” This is based on lead vocalist Rob Thomas’ experience as a teenager when he was taking care of his mother, who was battling cancer.
The number in the title refers to the time of night when he would wake up to check on his mother. He was too young then, already facing the fact that his mother was given only six months to live.
It represents a period of his life marked by fear, uncertainty, and loneliness. Hence, the title is not only a timestamp but also a symbol of a challenging and emotional phase in his life.
26. “7 Rings” By Ariana Grande
In Ariana Grande‘s “7 Rings,” she sings about self-empowerment, wealth, and the joy she finds in female friendship. She uses “7” in the title to signify a real-life event and the close bond she shares with her friends.
Apparently, the song was written around the time she broke up with her then-fiance, Pete Davidson. Instead of wallowing in misery, she decides to cheer herself up. Her friends took her to Tiffany’s, referenced in the line, “Yeah, breakfast at Tiffany’s and bottles of bubbles.”
The “7 rings” refer to the seven diamond rings that she bought for herself and her six closest friends. She sings about how she would rather spoil her friends with her money.
27. “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg” By TLC
The first hit for the American girl group TLC is “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg.” Released in 1992, the song uses “2” in the title as a form of text speak, replacing the word “to.”
In essence, the song is about expressing desire and not being ashamed to ask for affection and love. If anything, the narrator does not feel shame in asking for what she wants anytime she wants it.
The number in the title does not have any symbolic meaning related to the song’s theme. Rather, it’s a device for a playful and modern way of spelling.
28. “Two Black Cadillacs” By Carrie Underwood
The country-pop song “Two Black Cadillacs” by Carrie Underwood was released in 2012. Here, the number “two” signifies key elements in the narrative of the song. It explores infidelity, revenge, and the unlikely alliance between two wronged women.
The lyrics refer to two Cadillacs, each carrying two women to the burial of a man who lied to them both. One Cadillac is for the wife, and the other is for the mistress. Two months prior, the wife had discovered his secret and teamed up with the mistress to kill him.
Hence, the number in the title is a symbol of the two women and their shared experience. It depicts their decision to set aside their differences and plot for revenge.
29. “Two Of A Crime” By Miranda Lambert
American actress Reese Witherspoon commissioned Miranda Lambert to pen a song for the movie Hot Pursuit. The movie stars Witherspoon alongside Sofía Vergara. What Lambert came up with is “Two of a Crime.”
Both the movie and the song center around themes of companionship, mischief, and shared culpability. The “two” in the title represent the two main characters: an uptight, by-the-book cop and the outgoing widow of a drug boss.
These women find themselves on a wild journey together, becoming unlikely partners in crime. The song chronicles their unexpected partnership and the comedic crimes they commit.
30. “Year 3000” By Jonas Brothers
The American pop-rock band Jonas Brothers released their cover of “Year 3000” in 2006. Off their album, It’s About Time, the number in the title references a specific point in the future.
This song follows a journey to the year 3000, which is filled with fascinating changes and advancements. In this distant future, the narrators find out that their great-great-great-great-granddaughters are doing just fine.
“Year 3000” plays with the idea of time travel and envisions a world where people have round hair like Star Wars and float above the floor.
31. “5 Years Time” By Noah And The Whale
Closing our list is “5 Years Time” by the British indie rock band Noah and the Whale. Here, the number in the title represents a specific timeframe in the future.
The song is an imagined projection of what life could be like in five years. The “5” in the title refers to the period of time that the narrator envisions in the future.
The lyrics explore hypothetical scenarios, like walking around a zoo with the sun shining down. It indicates playful and optimistic possibilities of what could happen in five years.
Summing Up Our List Of Songs About Numbers
As our list showed you, putting numbers in the title of songs contributes to their appeal and memorability. They add a layer of intrigue to the narrative behind the song.
The songs above demonstrated the various ways numbers can be used to enrich storytelling. It helps to create intrigue and set expectations about the content of the songs. In addition, it can also help listeners to engage with the music on a deeper level.
That’s it for our list today, and we hope you liked our compilation. If you want to see more songs on the list, do let us know, and we’ll do our best to include them.
