Searching and seeking are universal themes that have been explored in countless songs throughout the history of music.
Whether it’s searching for love, happiness, or a sense of purpose, these songs resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level.
The best songs about searching and seeking offer comfort, inspiration, and hope to those who are on their journey.
This post highlights 30 of the best songs about searching and seeking.
1. “Love Takes Time” by Mariah Carey
“Love Takes Time” is widely considered one of the best songs about searching and seeking love.
The song was released in 1990 on Mariah Carey’s self-titled debut album.
With its soulful lyrics and Mariah Carey’s powerful vocals, the song continues to be a popular choice for fans of love songs.
2. “I Want You Back” by Jackson 5
The song is about trying to win back a lost love.
It talks about the regret and longing that come with missing someone.
“I Want You Back” is still a popular and timeless classic.
Its catchy beat and lyrics make it one of the most recognizable songs of the Motown era.
3. “All I Want To Do” by Sugarland
“All I Want to Do” by Sugarland is a popular country song that can be interpreted as a reflection on the desire for a simpler, more carefree life.
The lyrics express a longing for escape from the stress and responsibilities of everyday life and a search for happiness at the moment.
It can be seen as a song about searching and seeking a more fulfilling existence.
“All I Want to Do” was certified gold by the RIAA and was later certified platinum two years later.
4. “Lovesong” by The Cure
“Lovesong” is a cover of an original track by the band Adorable, but The Cure’s version is more widely known.
The lyrics express the singer’s longing for love and connection, and the music conveys a sense of yearning and restlessness.
Many people think the song is a powerful reflection on the human need for intimacy and fulfillment, which makes it a great example of the theme of searching and finding.
5. “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand
“Take Me Out” was released as the lead single from their self-titled debut album in 2004 and quickly became one of the band’s most well-known and popular songs.
The song features a distinctive guitar riff, energetic percussion, and lyrics that tell the story of a person trying to persuade someone to go out with them.
The song’s lyrics touch on themes of escape and freedom, as the narrator pleads for someone to “take [him] out” and show him a world beyond the monotony of everyday life.
It did well in the charts, making the top 10 in many countries, and gave Franz Ferdinand a lot of attention.
6. “Soul Searching” by Bazzi
“Soul Searching” reflects on the journey of self-discovery and the struggles that come with it, making it a relatable and thought-provoking listen for many people.
The lyrics explore the themes of uncertainty, self-reflection, and growth, painting a picture of the inner turmoil and thought that often come with the journey of self-discovery.
Overall, “Soul Searching” is a powerful and impactful song that captures the essence of what it means to be on a quest for personal growth and understanding.
7. “Searching for a Feeling” by Thirdstory
Thirdstory’s song “Searching for a Feeling” is about searching for a feeling that describes himself or perhaps the feeling of being in love.
The song is about pushing potential partners away and being self-aware of one’s flaws as a lover.
He searches for a negative response from his partner because he would rather be rejected than loved.
8. “Searching For My Love” by Bobby Moore & The Rhythm Aces
The soulful song “Searching For My Love” by Bobby Moore and The Rhythm Aces is about searching for something that has been lost.
The singer is searching for his lost love, and he expresses deep regret for hurting her and his willingness to do whatever it takes to find her.
He sings, “I’m searching for my love; I wanna be with you once again.”
Several artists have done their versions of the song, and it has been used in movies, TV shows, and compilations.
9. “We Found Love” by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
“We Found Love” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her sixth studio album, Talk That Talk.
The song is about finding love in a chaotic world and holding on to it despite the challenges.
Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, along with Rihanna’s strong vocals and Harris’s innovative production, make it a classic tune that is still popular today.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number one in over 25 countries.
In the United States, the song became Rihanna’s eleventh number-one single and Harris’s third.
The song has been certified eight times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
10. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2
“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” is about the singer’s search for meaning and direction in life.
The lyrics express frustration and hope, with the singer ultimately admitting that he hasn’t found what he’s looking for but still believes he will.
The song has been interpreted in many ways, but its message of hope and perseverance is universal.
The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number two in the United Kingdom.
In 1998, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
11. “Make It To Me” by Sam Smith
This is a haunting ballad about the fear of being forgotten.
The song is written in the first-person point of view, which allows the listener to feel the narrator’s emotions and understand the internal conflict that the character is experiencing.
The song is slow and melancholy, with a piano accompaniment that creates a feeling of hopelessness.
12. “The Search Is Over” by Survivor
“The Search is Over” was written by Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan, and it was recorded by the band for their album Vital Signs.
The lyrics talk about how the search is over and how the narrator has found what they were looking for.
The song eventually turns into a goodbye song when the singer realizes that the person who was supposed to be his soul mate wants the relationship to end.
However, the song also has a message of hope, as the singer realizes that they will eventually find someone else.
13. “Searching for Love” by Akon
Akon’s hip-hop song “Searching for Love” is about searching for love and still never finding it.
Despite having everything in life, the song’s lyrics explore the idea that finding true love can be challenging.
Although he has achieved fame and wealth, they have not satisfied him the way that love does.
14. “Where Have You Been” by Rihanna
“Where Have You Been?” is about a person who is wondering where their love interest has been.
The lyrics ask if they have been “hiding under rocks” or “out on the streets.”
The lyrics of the song are very suggestive, with references to alcohol and sex.
The song’s music video is also very suggestive, with Rihanna dancing provocatively in various revealing outfits.
The song’s popularity has led to it being covered by several artists, including Charlie Puth and Justin Bieber.
15. “Lost Stars” by Adam Levine
“Lost Stars” is a song performed by Adam Levine, best known as the lead singer of the pop rock band Maroon 5.
It was included on the soundtrack of the 2014 movie “Begin Again”.
The lyrics describe the search for meaning and direction in life, as well as the struggles and uncertainties that often accompany that journey.
In the song, God is questioned about our significance in the world and whether we are more than just stars that shine lights on other people.
It’s a powerful song that conveys the idea that we should never give up on our quest for the truth.
16. “Lookin’ for a Love” by The Valentinos
The lyrics of “Lookin’ for a Love” tell the story of a man who is looking for love in all the wrong places and never seems to find what he’s looking for.
Even though he’s looking in all the wrong places, he still holds out hope that he will find the love he’s looking for someday.
The message of the tale is to continue searching until you find the right person.
17. “Search Party” by Sam Bruno
Sam Bruno’s pop song “Search Party” is about rebellious teens in love.
They run from their own homes to meet up somewhere where no one can easily find them.
This song is about the excitement of falling in love and leaving everything behind to be with your special someone.
18. “Searching” by INXS
This is a haunting song that speaks to the human need for connection and love.
The lyrics, which are sung by lead vocalist Michael Hutchence, express a sense of longing and desire for something greater and the search for meaning and fulfillment.
19. “Where Are Ü Now” by Skrillex and Diplo ft. Justin Bieber
“Where Are Ü Now?” is a popular electronic dance music song about reciprocation.
The song asks why the person he once helped through a difficult time is not helping him now that he is going through a difficult time.
It conveys the idea of looking for someone who will be there for you in the same way that you have been for them.
20. “Lookin’ for Love” by Whitesnake
“Lookin’ for Love” by Whitesnake is a pop-rock song about looking for love and searching for the one person who can truly make you happy.
It expresses the idea of searching for something bigger than ourselves, something that can offer us, unconditional love.
The lyrics capture the desperation of searching for the ideal person, knowing they are out there.
The message of this song is to never give up on finding true love.
21. “Search and Destroy” by The Stooges
The phrase “search and destroy” was a military term used in the Vietnam War.
This isn’t a song about war; rather, the song reflects the themes of defiance and rebellion, as the lyrics depict a protagonist who is searching for something and willing to take risks and fight for it.
The song is also notable for its use of power chords, which would become a staple of punk rock and heavy metal music.
22. “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young
This song has an acoustic guitar that Young is known for, as well as lyrics that make you think about love and the search for happiness.
The song gets to the heart of what it means to be human and how hard it is to find purpose and direction.
He has searched the ocean, Hollywood, Redwood, and even Redwood itself, but to no avail.
He laments, “And I’m getting old.”
23. “I’ve Been Searching So Long” by Chicago
“(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long” is a song written by James Pankow for the band Chicago, which they recorded for their 1974 album Chicago VII.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been searching for love for a long time, and he finally finds it in the most unexpected place.
The music is moving and the lyrics are heartfelt, making this song a perfect choice for a wedding or other special occasion.
24. “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys
The song “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys is a song about a young man who is feeling lonely and isolated.
The song’s protagonist is searching for a way to connect with others and to find his place in the world.
The lyrics describe the protagonist’s feelings of loneliness and desperation, but also his hope that he will find a way to connect with others.
“Lonely Boy” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song and reached No. 1 on the Alternative Songs chart.
25. “Carry On” by Fun
The song “Carry On” is about hope in the face of adversity.
The lyrics talk about persevering and carrying on through difficult times, and its upbeat melody and positive message have resonated with many people.
Since its release, the song has been used by different groups and individuals to spread messages of hope and strength.
26. “Tangled Up In Blue” by Bob Dylan
“Tangled Up in Blue” is a folk rock song with elements of blues and country.
The song is about a failed relationship and the emotions that come with it.
The song is told from the perspective of a man who is struggling to move on from the relationship.
The man is trying to figure out what to do and how to feel about the situation.
The song is written in a very complex and confusing way, which reflects the man’s confused state of mind.
27. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
The song “Don’t Stop Believin’” is an 80s rock classic that has been loved by many for decades.
It’s about never giving up on your dreams and believing in yourself, no matter what.
The lyrics are motivational and encourage the listener to never give up.
The song is also very catchy and has a memorable chorus that people can’t help but sing along to.
28. “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls
“Iris” is a heartbreaking ballad about the pain of losing someone you love.
The lyrics are full of emotion and convey feelings of deep sorrow and loss, as well as seeking ways to move on.
The song was a huge commercial success, spending 18 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the biggest hits of the 1990s.
29. “Someone Like You” by Adele
The soulful ballad tells the story of a woman who has had her heart broken and is searching for love.
“Someone Like You” is a beautifully crafted song that touchingly captures the hurt and loneliness of a broken heart.
Adele performed this song at the 2011 Grammy Awards, and it debuted at No. 1 and held that position for five weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
30. “Hello” by Adele
“Hello” by Adele is often considered one of the best songs about searching and seeking due to its powerful and emotional lyrics about reaching out to someone from the past and attempting to reconnect.
Adele sings about a past relationship that ended quickly.
The song is full of regret and longing as Adele reflects on what could have been.
“Hello” spent ten weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Songs About Searching – Final Thoughts
The 30 best songs about searching and seeking show the different feelings and experiences that come with the process of finding oneself.
From feeling lost and searching for direction to chasing dreams and finding purpose, these songs resonate with listeners and provide a soundtrack to the ups and downs of the human experience.
Whether you’re going through a difficult time or simply looking for inspiration, these songs offer comfort, encouragement, and hope for the future.
