Time never stops, but music helps us hold onto it for a little while. Across decades and genres, artists have sung about memories that last forever and moments we wish we could relive.
Here are 13 unforgettable songs that capture what time really means with respect to love, life and everything in between.
1. Time – Pink Floyd
From The Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd’s “Time” explores how quickly life passes us by. Every clock sound in the intro was recorded separately in an antique shop.
Written by Roger Waters, it’s both a warning and a wake-up call, which serves as a reminder that each second counts. The song remains one of rock’s deepest reflections on existence.
2. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper’s gentle 1984 ballad became one of the most beloved love songs ever. Inspired by a sci-fi movie title, it was the last track written for her debut album She’s So Unusual.
With its tender melody and heartfelt lyrics “Time After Time” has been covered by hundreds of artists and still feels like a hug through the years.
3. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
Billie Joe Armstrong wrote this bittersweet acoustic song after a breakup, but it grew into something universal. It was a song for goodbyes, graduations, and new beginnings.
“Good Riddance” captures the strange beauty of time’s passage, which is painful yet precious. It’s a Green Day classic that’s still played at life’s most memorable moments.
4. Yesterday – The Beatles
Paul McCartney dreamed the melody of “Yesterday” before he ever wrote the words. Released in 1965, this soft, sorrowful song about longing for the past became one of The Beatles’ most covered tracks over 2,000 versions existing today.
Its simple acoustic arrangement makes it proof that emotions never age.
5. If I Could Turn Back Time – Cher
Written by Diane Warren, this 1989 power ballad nearly went unrecorded until Cher changed her mind and thank goodness she did.
With its dramatic chorus and heart-on-sleeve lyrics, “If I Could Turn Back Time” is a bold song about regret and redemption. It became a worldwide hit and a signature moment in Cher’s legendary career.
6. Clocks – Coldplay
Driven by one of the most famous piano riffs in modern rock, “Clocks” feels both urgent and dreamlike. Chris Martin’s lyrics grapple with confusion, change, and the relentless passage of time.
It won the 2004 Grammy for Record of the Year fitting for a song that reminds us that even when time runs short, beauty remains.
7. Sign of the Times – Harry Styles
Harry Styles’ debut solo single was an unexpected epic. It’s a soaring, cinematic ballad inspired by Bowie and Pink Floyd. Released in 2017, “Sign of the Times” reflects on chaos, loss, and the hope of rising above it all.
Its stunning vocals and sweeping production proved that timeless music never goes out of style.
8. Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
This 1991 classic captures summer’s lazy joy like no other. Will Smith’s laid-back verses and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s smooth groove earned them a Grammy in 1992. “Summertime” is pure nostalgia a feel-good trip back to simpler days filled with barbecues, cruising, and sunshine.
Every listen feels like time standing still.
9. Time Stand Still – Rush (feat. Aimee Mann)
Written by drummer Neil Peart, “Time Stand Still” is Rush’s heartfelt plea to pause and enjoy life. After years on tour, Peart reflected on how quickly time flew by.
With Aimee Mann’s ethereal backing vocals, the song blends power and vulnerability, reminding listeners that the present moment is precious and fleeting.
10. Like a Rock – Bob Seger
Bob Seger’s 1986 hit is a nostalgic look back at youth and the resilience that comes with it. While it later became famous in Chevy truck ads “Like a Rock” began as a reflection on aging and inner strength.
Its vocals and rhythm capture the feeling of growing older yet standing tall through time’s test.
11. Time of the Season – The Zombies
Released in 1968, this psychedelic gem defined its era’s sound. “Time of the Season” mixes groovy beats, breathy vocals and lyrics into a snapshot of the late ’60s culture.
Written by Rod Argent, it has since been featured in countless films and commercials proving that its vibe truly goes beyond time.
12. Time (Clock of the Heart) – Culture Club
Boy George’s soulful vocals make this 1982 hit unforgettable. “Time (Clock of the Heart)” dives into how love changes as time moves on warm one moment, cold the next.
With its smooth synths and emotional lyrics, it became one of Culture Club’s biggest global hits, beautifully capturing love’s passing seasons.
13. Back in Time – Huey Lewis and the News
Written for the Back to the Future soundtrack, “Back in Time” is pure 80s fun. With clever movie references and upbeat rock energy, it perfectly captures the thrill of time travel and nostalgia.
It’s cheeky, catchy, and endlessly replayable, and the perfect way to close our journey through time itself.
Final Word
From Pink Floyd’s existential ticking to Cher’s wishful rewind each track tells a story about how we live, remember and move forward. So go ahead: hit play, take a deep breath, and let these songs stop your clock for a while.