The Soundtrack of Waiting: 20 Songs About Waiting For Someone

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Written By John Red

Founder of Handsounds, avid music lover of all genres and tastes. 

It can be challenging and occasionally irritating to wait for someone. It can seem like time is standing still when you are waiting for a loved one, whether you are expecting them or waiting for them to decide something. Fortunately, there are many songs that explore this subject because music has a way of capturing the feelings and experiences that come with waiting. Hence this list of the best songs about waiting for someone. I wanted to capture these feelings through the use of music.

We’ll be looking at the top songs about waiting for someone in this piece. These songs, which range from ballads to upbeat tracks, convey the various feelings associated with waiting, such as optimism, longing, and despair. Some tracks highlight the anticipation’s excitement, while others explore the frustration of waiting for someone who might never arrive.

20 Best Songs About Waiting For Someone

To demonstrate the various ways in which artists have explored this subject, we’ll be looking at songs from a range of genres, including pop, rock, R&B, and country. This list of songs is a thorough and interesting exploration of the universal experience of waiting because each song has its own distinct narrative and viewpoint on waiting.

These songs will strike a deep chord with you whether you’re waiting for a long-distance love to return, for an essential person to make a decision, or just for someone to show up. Explore the best songs about waiting for someone and get set to be transported by the power of music.

20 Best Songs About Waiting For Someone – Here are our recommendations!

20: A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

The romantic song “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri has become a standard at weddings and other special occasions. The music, which was released in 2011, became well-known after appearing in the Twilight Saga film series. While Perri’s ethereal voice and the song’s gentle melody create a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere, its lyrics express an unwavering love that survives the test of time and distance. The song “A Thousand Years” has become a modern classic that appeals to listeners of all eras due to its widespread appeal and timeless message.

19: I Will Follow You Into The Dark – Death Cab For Cutie

Death Cab For Cutie’s “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” is a tender and private love ballad. Ben Gibbard’s delicate vocals and a straightforward acoustic guitar melody in this 2005 single create an air of tenderness and vulnerability. Its lyrics express a sense of devotion and loyalty that transcends the physical world as they speak of a desire to follow a loved one into the afterlife. The song has become a beloved and enduring standard due to its eerie beauty and universal message of unconditional love.

18: Fix You – Coldplay

Since its release in 2005, Coldplay’s emotional and potent ballad “Fix You” has struck a chord with listeners all over the globe. Chris Martin’s emotive vocals and the song’s upbeat melody and soaring refrain combine to produce an uplifting and cathartic atmosphere. The song’s lyrics, which encourage hope and fortitude, talk of providing assistance and consolation to a loved one going through a trying time. “Fix You” has become a well-loved anthem of consolation and tenacity thanks to its universal subject and stirring sound.

17: Trainsong – Andrea Von Kampen

American singer-songwriter Andrea Von Kampen’s folk tune “Trainsong” is enthralling and moving. Von Kampen’s sweet yet melancholy vocals are supported by delicate guitar and violin melodies in this song, which recounts a tale of love and longing. The stirring words depict a train ride and the conflicted emotions that can accompany leaving someone behind. Fans of indie folk music should give “Trainsong ” a try because of Von Kampen’s aptitude for storytelling and her deft handling of melody.

16: Waiting On The World To Change – John Mayer

John Mayer, a Grammy Award-winning musician, wrote the soulful and politically charged pop-rock song “Waiting On The World To Change.” Mayer’s silky vocals and trademark smooth guitar playing can be heard throughout the song, which laments the condition of the world and the need for change. Although the political and societal status quo is sharply critiqued in the lyrics, there is still optimism for the future. “Waiting On The World To Change” is still a fan favourite and a standout track in Mayer’s catalogue thanks to its memorable hooks and uplifting lyrics.

15: You Can’t Hurry Love – Phil Collins

English singer and drummer Phil Collins’ timeless Motown-inspired pop single “You Can’t Hurry Love” was a worldwide success. Collins’ rendition of the The Supremes’ original song includes a driving drum beat, his characteristic raspy vocals, a horn section, and tight backing vocals in addition to his own version. Although the lyrics about the universal struggle of waiting for love to arrive connect with audiences of all ages, the song’s catchy refrain and upbeat tempo make it a dance floor favourite. “You Can’t Hurry Love” is still one of Collins’ most well-liked tracks due to its timeless appeal.

14: Waiting For A Girl Like You – Foreigner

The power ballad “Waiting For A Girl Like You” was written by the British-American rock group Foreigner. The song’s soulful vocals by lead vocalist Lou Gramm are complemented by a sumptuous combination of synthesisers, guitars, and percussion. When the song was released in 1981, its sentimental lyrics about the pursuit of real love connected with listeners and quickly cemented its status as a classic. Thanks to its soaring melodies and powerful emotional resonance, “Waiting For A Girl Like You” has remained one of Foreigner’s most well-known and enduring successes.

13: To Be With You – Mr. Big

Mr. Big, an American rock band, released a powerful song titled “To Be With You”. Lead singer Eric Martin’s emotive vocals serve as the song’s foundation, which also includes acoustic instruments and soft harmonies. Early in the 1990s, the song rose to the top of the charts thanks to its lyrics, which explored the desire for companionship and the pursuit of real love. Thanks to its timeless message of longing and hope, “To Be With You” is still a fan favourite and a cherished classic rock ballad.

12: Right Here Waiting – Richard Marx

American singer-songwriter Richard Marx’s power ballad “Right Here Waiting” is a tender and sincere tune. Piano and acoustic guitar are featured in the song, which also has lyrics about the enduring force of love and Marx’s empathetic vocals. When the single was released in 1989, it quickly became one of Marx’s greatest hits thanks to its soaring chorus and romantic sentiment. Thanks to its timeless message and enduring melodies, “Right Here Waiting” continues to be a great love song and a testament to the enduring strength of emotional connection.

11: You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift

Popular American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” is the lead song from her second studio album, “Fearless”, was made available in 2008. The upbeat pop-country song recounts the tale of a woman who falls in love with her male friend but discovers that he is seeing someone else. The song was a huge success that reached the top of the charts in many different nations and brought Swift numerous awards. It has become a fan favourite and a mainstay of Swift’s live shows thanks to its relatable lyrics and upbeat melody.

10: Waiting On A Friend – The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones recorded the classic rock tune “Waiting On A Friend” in 1981. With a laid-back beat and a bluesy melody, Mick Jagger sings reflective words about friendship and the passage of time in the song. Jazz musician Sonny Rollins’ iconic saxophone solo in the tune gives the music a soulful touch. The band members are seen hanging out in a New York City bar in the music video, which was directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and highlights the friendship and camaraderie elements of the song. Even today, “Waiting On A Friend” is regarded as a timeless Stones song.

9: Waitin’ On A Woman – Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley’s 2008 country song, “Waitin’ On A Woman,” has a gentle acoustic melody. Paisley’s distinctive guitar playing is featured, and his vocals describe a guy who waits for his significant other. The song’s words discuss the value of being patient and how it can improve a relationship. The story of an older man imparting his life lessons to a younger man and giving him guidance on how to make a good partner is told in the music video, which features actor Andy Griffith. A sincere and classic tribute to devotion and love, “Waitin’ On A Woman” captures both.

8: Heartbreak Station – Cinderella

Cinderella, an American rock band, made the power ballad “Heartbreak Station” in 1991. The lyrics, which are about a man who is looking for love but only finding sorrow, are delivered through the song’s slow, bluesy tempo and soulful vocals by lead vocalist Tom Keifer.

The song’s outstanding element is Jeff LaBar’s guitar solo, which deepens its emotional impact. The band is seen playing in the music video, which was created by Mark Rezyka, on a desolate, dark train station, which heightens the song’s gloomy mood. Fans of Cinderella continue to adore “Heartbreak Station” for its honest, sincere message.

7: The Waiting – Tom Petty

Released in 1981, “The Waiting” is a classic rock tune by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Petty’s distinctive vocals and a catchy guitar riff are featured in the song, which has words about the agony of waiting for love. The song is a fan favourite and a mainstay of classic rock radio thanks to its upbeat tempo and sing-along refrain.

Jim Lenahan’s music video, which features the band live on stage, highlights their dynamic and engaging stage personality. The enduring anthem “The Waiting” is about the ups and downs of love and the eagerness to meet the right individual.

6: I’ll Be Waiting – Adele

Adele, a British singer, debuted the soulful song “I’ll Be Waiting” in 2011. Adele sings about longing for a love that might never come back in the song, which has a retro-inspired sound with horns and a pulsating rhythm section.

The song’s lyrics describe the hurt of breaking up with someone and the optimism that they’ll come back to you eventually. A standout track from Adele’s multi-platinum album “21,” “I’ll Be Waiting,” demonstrates her talent for expressing unfiltered feelings in her songs.

5: Nothing Arrived – Villagers

Irish indie-folk band Villagers released the melancholy and brooding single “Nothing Arrived” in 2013. Conor O’Brien, the band’s frontman, sings heartfelt lyrics about feeling empty and alone despite existing in a world full of people over a simple yet evocative acoustic guitar melody.

The song stands out on the band’s well-regarded record, “Awayland”, thanks to its melancholy tone and reflective lyrics. The song “Nothing Arrived” is a potent meditation on the human state and the pursuit of meaning in a world that is frequently unfathomable.

4: Please Mr. Postman – The Carpenters

The Carpenters, an American music duo, published the timeless song “Please Mr. Postman” in 1974. The song is joyfully performed by Karen Carpenter and Richard Carpenter, who both contribute their signature harmonies to the recording. The Marvelettes first made this song famous in 1961. With upbeat drums and a fiery guitar solo, The Carpenters’ rendition gives it a musical sensibility. One of The Carpenters’ numerous hit tracks and a timeless classic, “Please Mr. Postman” is easily recognised.

3: Wait – Maroon 5

In 2018, the American pop-rock band Maroon 5 released the catchy and upbeat single “Wait”. With a driving rhythm, electronic synths, and his distinctive falsetto, Adam Levine sings the song’s lyrics about the fallout from a breakup and the possibility of reconciliation. The song is a fan favourite and a mainstay of Maroon 5’s live performances thanks to its catchy refrain and danceable rhythm. The band’s ability to write catchy pop tracks with relatable themes that connect with listeners is demonstrated by “Wait”.

2: The Man Who Can’t Be Moved – The Script

The Script, an Irish pop-rock band, issued the moving ballad “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” in 2008. Lead singer Danny O’Donoghue sings heartfelt lyrics about a man who is still hoping for his lost love to come back over a simple acoustic guitar melody in this song. O’Donoghue’s soulful vocals and the song’s moving chorus make it a standout success from the band’s debut album. Anyone who has experienced sorrow will be able to relate to “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, a classic love song.

1: Crying – Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison’s “Crying” is a timeless classic that displays the performer’s extraordinary vocal range and emotional force. When it was released in 1961, the single shot to the top of the charts and cemented Orbison’s legacy in music. Orbison’s soaring voice perfectly captures the agony and pain of unrequited love. The lyrics are a poignant meditation on sorrow and loss. The song stands out in Orbison’s impressive catalogue of hits thanks to its lush orchestration, which includes sweeping strings and a soaring refrain and heightens its emotional impact.

20 Best Songs About Waiting For Someone – Closing remarks and thoughts

In conclusion, waiting for someone can be both mentally and emotionally taxing, as well as profoundly important. Music has always been a potent means of conveying the nuanced feelings connected to this experience. The greatest songs about waiting for someone capture the wide range of emotions that accompany waiting, whether it’s the eagerness of a long-awaited reunion, the pain of unrequited love, or the uncertainty of a relationship on hold.

These tracks offer comfort and understanding to those going through this common human experience through their lyrics and melodies. They serve as a warning that waiting is a necessary part of life and that the feelings we experience during it are real and deserving of investigation.

There are countless songs that deal with the subject of waiting, but the finest ones endure because of their openness, relatability, and vulnerability. They give listeners a place to think back on their own waiting experiences and find solace in the awareness that they are not alone.

Closing Remarks: 

The greatest songs about waiting for someone are examples of how well music can express the essence of human emotion. They serve as a reminder of our ability to love, have faith, and be strong in the face of adversity. Put on some music the next time you find yourself waiting for someone and let the melodies and words get you through.

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