We all need somebody to lean on and love. And sometimes, when we can’t find that person or thing we’re looking for, we turn to song. Songs help us navigate our feelings and express what we might be unable to put into words. Here are 35 of the best songs about searching and seeking someone or something.
1. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
The iconic song was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton, who later gave it to Whitney Houston for her major comeback. The song was part of the film “The Bodyguard.” It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for 14 weeks.
Next: The absolute best love songs of all time (top romance hits)
2. “Runaway” by Bon Jovi
This classic rock tune by New Jersey natives, Bon Jovi, is about searching for love in all the wrong places. it also happens to be one of their most popular songs. This song peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a huge success in Europe, reaching No. 3 on charts in Switzerland and No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart.
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3. “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys
This song is about a man searching for love and connection but keeps finding himself alone. It’s a haunting tune that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever felt lonely. It also happens to be the band’s breakthrough hit.
“Lonely Boy” reached No. 1 on the Alternative Songs chart and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
Next: The top songs about loneliness of all time (our list)
4. “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
Joe wrote this song for an epic love story, An Officer and A Gentleman. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 60th Academy Awards. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It entails the search for love and the ultimate connection with another person.
Next: The best songs about falling in love deeply with someone
5. “I’m Looking For Someone To Love” by Buddy Holly
This song was written about a man searching for love in all the wrong places. It’s a fun, upbeat tune that will make you want to get up and dance.
6. “Carry On” by Fun.
This upbeat tune is about the thrill of seeking love in all the right places. It’s one of many songs on Fun.’s album, “Some Nights.” This song has received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
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7. “Tangled Up In Blue” by Bob Dylan
The iconic song from the folk music master, Bob Dylan, is about looking for love in all the wrong places. It was originally recorded in 1974 and was released on his album, “Blood on the Tracks.” Different artists have covered the song, and has been hailed as one of the greatest songs ever written.
“Tangled Up In Blue” reached No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
8. “She’s The One” by Robbie Williams
This song is about how the love of your life can come in any form. It’s a beautiful ballad that will make you believe in true love.
Next: Top secret love songs (secretly in love)
9. “The Search Is Over” by Survivor
Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan wrote this classic power ballad. The lead single is from Survivor’s album, “Eye of the Tiger.” The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for two weeks.
10. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
The iconic song from Journey is about never giving up on your dreams. It’s a feel-good anthem that will inspire you to keep chasing your dreams. This song has been featured in many different films and TV shows and has become a pop-culture classic. “Don’t Stop Believing'” reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Next: Top songs about dreams, chasing them and continuing to dream
11. “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
This song is all about having fun and letting loose. It’s the perfect song to get you in the mood for a fun night out. It’s an emotional ballad that shows the vulnerable side. It also happens to be one of the group’s most popular songs. If you’re seeking good times, check out this hit song!
The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for 14 weeks.
Next: Top songs about happiness and being happy (of all time)
12. “We Found Love” Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
Rihanna and Scottish DJ, Calvin Harris team up for this sexy number about finding the one person that makes you feel alive. It’s an ode to happiness and love. This song also won Best Dance Recording at the 54th Grammy Awards.
Next: Top sexiest songs of all time (sexy tracks)
13. “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls
This song is about unrequited love and how it can be the most painful kind of love. It’s a heartfelt song that will make you feel all the feels.
14. “I Just Called To Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
This song was written and recorded by Stevie Wonder. It was released on his album, “The Woman In Red.” The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for four weeks. It also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
15. “Someone Like You” by Adele
The soulful ballad is about a woman searching for love after her heart has been broken. It’s one of the most successful songs of Adele’s career. Adele performed this song at the 2011 Grammy Awards, and it went on to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Someone Like You” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for five weeks.
16. “Hello” by Adele
Adele’s single comeback is about a woman who is reaching out and taking over a broken heart. It’s an emotional song that will make you feel all the feels. It makes you want to go out and get the one you love back. “Hello” reached No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, which remained for ten weeks.
17. “All I Wanna Do” by Sheryl Crow
This catchy tune is all about having fun and living in the moment. It’s the perfect song to play while you’re throwing a summer soiree. This song was Crow’s breakthrough hit and it reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
18. “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe” Barry White
This iconic song is all about staying in love and not letting go of the one you love. It’s an ode to everlasting, true love. It catches the feeling of being in love perfectly. “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Next: The top songs about reunited love and getting back together
19. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift
This song is all about getting over a breakup. It’s a sassy number that will make you want to dance along. The song’s message is clear- she is never getting back together with her ex.
Next: The best songs about toxic relationships (of all time)
20. “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie
This moody ballad is about the fear of losing the one you love. It’s a beautiful song that will make you think about your mortality. This song was featured on the soundtrack for the film “Twilight.”
21. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
This song is all about wanting to find someone who will love you for who you are. It’s a feel-good anthem that will make you want to get up and dance. It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.
22. “Boys” by Charli XCX
This song is all about the power of the male sex. It’s a sultry number that will make you feel empowered. The song is about controlling and not letting anyone tell you what to do. It also has a killer beat that will get stuck in your head for days.
23. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
This power ballad is about not wanting to miss anything because life is too short. It’s an emotional track that will make you want to grab your favorite person and never let go. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song at the 42nd Grammy Awards.
24. “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift
This song is all about wanting to be with the one you love but not being sure if they feel the same way. It’s all about the uncertainty of love. The song also features a killer beat that will get stuck in your head for days
25. “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5
This song is all about the uncertainty of love and not wanting to end up alone. It’s a sweet, sultry track that will make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. The song was a massive hit, and it reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
26. “Creep” by Radiohead
This haunting song is about someone insecure and self-conscious when it comes to their appearance. It’s about how insecurities can make you feel alone. This song also won Best Alternative Music Performance at the 1995 Grammy Awards.
Next: Top depressing songs of all time (our list of favorites)
27. “Missing You” by John Waite
This song is about a man who is missing the love of his life. It’s a somber ballad that will make you want to cry into your pillow. The song’s message is clear- he misses her and wants her back.
Next: Top sad songs of all time (our list of favorite hits)
28. “I’m Losing You” by John Lennon
This song is about John Lennon’s fears of losing his grip on reality. It’s a powerful song that will make you think about your mortality. Its message is clear- you never know when it could all be over.
29. “The Search Is Over” by Survivor
This song is about the relief of finally finding the one you love. It’s a beautiful song that will make you want to fall in love again and again.
30. “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand
This song is about wanting someone to take home with them after a night at the bar. It’s an upbeat tune that will get everyone dancing and singing along.
31. “Lovesong” by The Cure
The Cure’s biggest hit is all about love and the power it has to make us feel happy and complete. It’s a beautiful song that will make you want to fall in love all over again.
32. “All I Want To Do” by Sugarland
This upbeat country song is all about letting loose and having fun. It’s full of good vibes that will make you want to dance along. This song also won Best Dance Recording at the 54th Grammy Awards.
33. “I Want You Back” by Jackson 5
This song is all about being in love and never losing that feeling. It’s a classic track that will make you want to dance and sing along. This track also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
34. “Love Takes Time” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s biggest hit is how time doesn’t matter when it comes to finding the one you love. It’s a beautiful song that will make you believe in true love.
Next: The best songs about time (of all time)
35. “I Found Someone” by Cher
This track is all about the thrill of finding someone new and exciting. It’s an upbeat song that will make you want to dance along.
In conclusion, these are the best songs about searching and seeking someone or something. Whether you’re looking for love or just some good tunes, these songs will have you covered.
As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.