The number eight holds various meanings and interpretations. For some, it stands for balance and harmony, while in other cultures, it signifies wealth and luck.
These interpretations have inspired musicians over the years, leading to an abundance of songs that have this specific number in their title.
In this article, we’ll delve into different genres, from pop and rock to country and R&B, revealing the diverse ways artists have incorporated this intriguing number into their music. If you’re ready, keep reading and learn about 15 of the best songs with the number eight in the title.
1. “Eight Days A Week” By The Beatles
Beginning our list is “Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles. It’s famous for its catchy tune and heartfelt lyrics — “Ooh, I need your love, babe … / Hope you need my love, babe, / just like I need you.”
This song was initially written as a potential title song for the Beatles’ second film but ended up being included in the Beatles for Sale album instead.
In addition to its popularity as a song, “Eight Days a Week” was also the focus of a 2016 documentary titled The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years. This film offers a look into the Beatles’ career during their touring years.
2. “I’m Henery VIII, I Am” By Herman’s Hermits
Our next song, “I’m Henery VIII, I Am,” is a classic British music hall song. It gained widespread popularity through Herman’s Hermits‘ cover in the 1960s.
“I’m Henery VIII, I Am” tells the story of a woman who, through a series of humorous events, ends up marrying men, all named Henery.
The repetitive and catchy chorus, “I’m Henery the Eighth, I am, I am,” became a trademark of the song and contributed to its enduring popularity. The song’s infectious rhythm and sing-along quality made it a favorite, helping it rise to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
3. “Eight Miles High” By The Byrds
Written by Gene Clark, David Crosby, and Jim McGuinn, “Eight Miles High” by The Byrds is considered one of the first significant entries into the genre of psychedelic rock.
Its lyrics are somewhat enigmatic, which has led to much speculation about their meaning. However, “rain-grey town, known for its sound,” is said to be a reference to London.
The Byrds released the song in 1966. Over the years, there have been various versions and takes of “Eight Miles High.” Other popular covers are by Golden Earring, The Kennedys, and even by the punk rock group Hüsker Dü.
4. “Eight Second Ride” By Jake Owen
Released in 2009 as part of his Easy Does It album, Jake Owen’s “Eight Second Ride” makes this list. The title refers to the length of time a bull rider must stay on the bull in a rodeo competition.
However, the lyrics are far from bull-riding. Rather, it’s about a man who meets a woman in a bar. He later takes her “on a ride” in his truck that’s “wilder than any eight-second ride.”
With its catchy melody and lyrics, “Eight Second Ride” has become a fan favorite at Jake Owen’s live performances and remains a standout track in his discography.
5. “Pieces Of Eight” By Styx
Not only does our next song have “eight” in the lyrics and title. But “Pieces of Eight” is also the title of Styx’s eighth studio album, released in 1978. Both the song and the album dive into themes of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of material wealth.
The lyrics encourage listeners to chase their dreams and not just material possessions. It’s a reminder that happiness and fulfillment come from within and not just from the wealth we accumulate.
Styx’s song “Pieces of Eight” was a hit. The album where it came from was also a success, reaching #8 on the Billboard 200 list.
6. “8 Million Stories” By A Tribe Called Quest
Up next is the hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest with their 1993 song “8 Million Stories.” Released in 1993 as part of their album Midnight Marauders, the track tells the stories of various characters living in New York City.
With its laid-back beat and smooth flow, “8 Million Stories” captures the essence of city life while delivering poignant narratives. It explores poverty, crime, and the pursuit of dreams amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City.
Despite the hardships depicted in the lyrics, there’s an underlying sense of strength and hope that shines through. This reflects the resilience of the city and its inhabitants.
7. “8” By Billie Eilish
The “Bad Guy” singer, Billie Eilish, also gave us our next song, simply titled “8.” The eighth track from her When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? album, it’s recognized for its lullaby-like melody.
The lyrics of “8” are filled with emotion stemming from heartbreak. The lines “Who am I to be in love / when your love never is for me?” can tear one’s heart, especially with the singer’s soft, mournful delivery.
Despite its seemingly simple structure, “8” is a powerful song that captures the pain and vulnerability of unrequited love. Eilish’s voice creates an intimate atmosphere, making the listener feel as if they are witnessing a private moment of heartache.
8. “Driver 8” By R.E.M.
Up next is a unique song by the alt-rock band R.E.M. From their 1985 Fables of the Reconstruction album, “Driver 8” is a story not about a man but rather a passenger train.
It narrates the train navigating the railway system, set against the backdrop of rural America. It offers glimpses into the lives of the train’s passengers and the landscapes through which it travels.
Interestingly, co-writer Michael Stipe has stated that the song is about the American dream. The thought is not clear in the lyrics, but with the line “We’re still a ways away, but it’s still a ways away,” it certainly is possible.
9. “8 Good Reasons” By Sinead O’Connor
Up next is “8 Good Reasons,” by the late Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor. It’s featured on her 10th studio album, I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss, released in 2014.
The lyrics express a sense of uncertainty and self-doubt, with lines like “Don’t know if I should quite sing this song / Don’t know if it maybe might be wrong / but then again it maybe might be right.” These words reveal a struggle with internal conflicts common in O’Connor’s work.
While the song’s title suggests there are eight reasons at play, the lyrics don’t explicitly list them. It leaves the interpretation open to the listener. This ambiguity adds a layer of depth to the song, inviting listeners to engage more deeply with the song’s possible meanings.
10. “Sk8er Boi” By Avril Lavigne
Our next song uses the number eight uniquely in its title. Avril Lavigne uses “8” in her song “Sk8er Boi” as a stylized spelling of “skater boy.” This stylization is a nod to the skateboarding culture that is central to the song’s narrative.
In the song, Lavigne tells the story of a girl who rejects a skateboarder, the titular “skater boy,” because of his nonconformist lifestyle. As the song unfolds, the boy becomes a superstar. She ends up just looking “up at the man that she turned down” during one of his concerts.
“Sk8er Boi,” released in 2002 from the album Let Go, became one of Lavigne’s greatest hits. It landed in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and gained several awards.
11. “8 Minutes Till Sunrise” By Jill Scott Ft. Common
Rapper Common, together with R&B singer Jill Scott, recorded our next song, “8 Minutes Till Sunrise.” As you can surmise, the number 8 (minutes) is used metaphorically to represent the passage of time.
In the song, there’s a sense of urgency or anticipation as the sunrise approaches. The singers are counting down the time before a significant moment or crucial decision happens.
Common’s verses blend seamlessly with the song’s theme, delivering thought-provoking lines that further enhance the narrative. Meanwhile, Scott’s powerful vocals bring a soulful touch to the track, providing a perfect counterpoint to Common’s rap verses.
12. “8 Gods Of Harlem” By Rosanne Cash Ft. Elvis Costello And Kris Kristofferson
Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash gives us a heartwrenching tune in “8 Gods of Harlem.” Featuring Elvis Costello and Kris Kristofferson, it’s about gun violence and its victims, particularly children.
The lyrics poignantly describe a little boy’s death in the streets of Harlem, New York City, because of a stray bullet. The song highlights the devastating impact of gun violence. It also serves as a reminder of the lives lost to senseless acts of violence.
In addition, the song sheds light on the ongoing issue of gun control and the need for stricter laws to prevent such tragedies from occurring. This powerful song not only pays tribute to the victims of gun violence but also calls for action and change in our society.
13. “8th Wonder” By The Sugarhill Gang
From a somber track, we go to an upbeat hip-hop treat next. “8th Wonder,” by The Sugarhill Gang, was released in 1980 as a single. It was later included in the group’s 1981 album of the same name.
The song primarily revolves around The Sugarhill Gang’s boastful declaration of their own excellence (hence the title, though “8th wonder” is not in the lyrics). It celebrates their success in the music industry and their ability to entertain crowds with their unique style of rap.
The opening lines, “Clap your hands everybody / and everybody just clap your hands,” immediately engage the listeners. This interactive element is a hallmark of early hip-hop and is used effectively in this song to create a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
14. “8 Mile” By Eminem
American rapper Eminem released “8 Mile” in 2002 as the title track for the soundtrack of the film 8 Mile, in which he also starred. The song serves as a reflection of Eminem’s own life and experiences. It draws heavily from his upbringing in Detroit, Michigan, particularly in the 8 Mile Road area.
In “8 Mile,” Eminem raps about the struggles he faced growing up in a working-class environment. He has dealt with poverty, familial issues, and the challenges of pursuing a career in the music industry.
The song became one of Eminem’s signature songs. It, along with the film, earned critical acclaim and commercial success.
15. “8 Out Of 10” By Drake
Closing our list is “8 Out of 10” by Canadian rapper Drake. Featured on his fifth studio album, Scorpion, the song was released in 2018.
The title “8 Out of 10” references the numerical rating system often used to evaluate various aspects of life. In this context, 8 out of 10 suggests a favorable or above-average rating. It indicates that the subject of the song is generally successful or satisfactory.
In the song, Drake reflects on his career, relationships, and personal life, offering insights into his mindset and experiences as a highly successful artist. Throughout the track, he touches on themes of fame, wealth, and the challenges that come with success, providing listeners with a glimpse into his life and perspective.
Summing Up Our List Of Songs Titled With The Number Eight
There we have it — songs guided by the number eight. We’ve explored different genres and decades, showing how this number has inspired artists from all walks of life to create unforgettable melodies.
We hope that these tunes have sparked your interest and given you a new appreciation for the influence of numbers in music.
However, this list just scratches the surface of the vast musical landscape. Did we miss any of your favorite songs with the number eight in the title? Let us know so we can add it here!
