Wonder is an emotion that is experienced by everyone, regardless of age, culture, or beliefs.
It is often associated with a sense of childlike curiosity, as well as an appreciation for beauty and mystery.
Music is a powerful medium for expressing such emotions, and many songs have been written about wonder over the years.
This article will explore 14 of the best songs about wonder, showcasing a range of styles and genres from artists such as Shawn Mendes, Mariah Carey, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Lisa Velez, Stevie Wonder, and Alicia Keys.
Each song will be analyzed in order to determine what makes it exceptional and how it captures feelings of wonder.
In doing so, this article will show how music can be used to evoke powerful emotions and provide insight into the theme of wonder.
1. “Wonder” by Shawn Mendes
The seemingly innocent track, “Wonder” by Shawn Mendes, is a powerful ballad that speaks to the depths of wonder and its impact on an individual’s life.
Mendes uses a mix of rhythm and melody to express the emotion of the song, creating a captivating and immersive experience for the listener.
The lyrics are full of imagery, allowing the listener to connect with the message of the song on a personal level.
Mendes further emphasizes the underlying themes of the song by utilizing a range of vocal inflections and dynamics.
All these elements combine to create an evocative song that effectively conveys the power of wonder.
2. “Always Been You” by Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes’ “Always Been You” is a heartfelt ballad that celebrates the beauty of lifelong love.
The song is written in a style that is both optimistic and melancholic, as Mendes reflects on the beauty of the journey of loving someone through the good times and bad.
The lyrics express the powerful sentiment that, despite the ups and downs, the love was always there and will always remain.
The composition of the song is balanced between an acoustic guitar and strings, creating a warm and tender atmosphere.
Mendes’ strong and emotive vocal delivery adds an extra layer of authenticity and tenderness to the track, making it a memorable and powerful love song.
3. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles
Beloved by fans for its jubilant sound, The Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand” is an infectious anthem of joyous love.
It is a classic example of the band’s early sound, blending elements of rock and roll and rhythm and blues.
The lyrics evoke a sense of wonder and awe as the narrator expresses his desire to be with someone he loves.
The uptempo beat and upbeat chords create a feeling of celebration, and the chorus’s call-and-response structure is an example of the band’s signature sound.
Overall, “I Want To Hold Your Hand” is a timeless classic that captures the joy and wonder of love.
4. “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry
One of the most iconic songs of the rock and roll era, Chuck Berry‘s “Johnny B. Goode” is an electrifying celebration of the American dream.
The song follows the story of a young man from a small rural town who has aspirations of making it big as a musician.
Its upbeat tempo and catchy guitar licks make it a timeless classic.
Lyrically, the song paints a picture of a hopeful individual who is determined to make it despite all odds.
The message of hard work and ambition resonates with listeners of all ages.
Its upbeat and energetic sound embodies the spirit of rock and roll, making it an enduring classic.
5. “Imagine” by John Lennon
John Lennon’s “Imagine” is a timeless anthem of peace and unity that continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.
With its simple yet powerful lyrics and gentle melody, the song paints a picture of a world without boundaries and celebrates global solidarity.
It has become an iconic symbol of hope for much of the world, and its inspiring message of empathy and equality continues to carry great emotional power.
An important part of popular culture, “Imagine” is a reflection of the best of humanity and remains one of the most beloved songs about wonder.
6. “Makes Me Wonder” by Maroon 5
Continuing with the theme of wonder, Maroon 5’s song “Makes Me Wonder” is an upbeat and lively track that explores the idea of uncertainty in a relationship.
The song is lyrically driven, with frontman Adam Levine’s distinct vocal style providing a strong emotional core.
Sonically, the track is driven by a strong drumbeat, catchy guitar riffs, and an infectious bassline.
The chorus is anthemic, with uplifting harmonies and powerful lyrics that evoke a sense of wonder in the listener.
7. “I Wonder” by ABBA
ABBA’s track “I Wonder” is a reflective and introspective song that lyrically explores the idea of uncertainty.
Composed of a powerful and somber minor-key piano melody, the song is a reflection on the fragility of life and the unknown.
The lyrics ponder questions of destiny, fate, and faith, asking what the purpose of life is, and what lies beyond.
The song is a thoughtful and emotionally charged meditation on the idea of wonder.
8. “Wonder” by Natalie Merchant
Natalie Merchant’s song “Wonder” provides an exploration of the concept of life’s uncertainty and mystery.
The lyrics are poetic, expressing a profound and emotional understanding of the power of wonder.
The song is set in a minor key, with a slow tempo, giving it a melancholic yet hopeful feel.
Merchant’s vocal delivery is especially effective in conveying the lyrical content, with her signature style of strong phrasing and nuanced emotion.
The instrumentation is sparse, but powerful, with a somber piano and sparse strings that add to the song’s reflective atmosphere.
“Wonder” is a beautiful exploration of the concept of wonder, offering a thoughtful and peaceful reflection on life’s many mysteries.
9. “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton’s song “Wonderful Tonight” is a romantic ballad that captures the beauty of being in love.
Its lyrics evoke powerful emotions by describing the joy of a moment spent with one’s beloved.
The song’s melody is gentle and soothing, with Clapton’s signature blues guitar providing an emotive accompaniment.
While its subject matter may be simple, it is deeply meaningful and speaks to the power of love in a way that few other songs can.
“Wonderful Tonight” is an enduring classic that has been cherished by generations of music fans.
10. “Wonder What It Do” by Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg’s song “Wonder What It Do” is a vibrant hip-hop track that celebrates the importance of having a good time.
The track features a catchy beat and Snoop’s signature rap flow.
The lyrics explore themes of love, desire, and freedom, emphasizing the importance of appreciating life and seizing the moment.
The chorus of the song conveys the idea that the moment is all that matters.
The song is an upbeat celebration of life, and its message is one of joy and optimism.
11. “I Wonder If I Take You Home” by Lisa Velez
Lisa Velez’s “I Wonder If I Take You Home” is a slow-burning R&B track that contemplates the possibilities of a new relationship.
The song’s lyrics explore the many questions that come with starting something new, such as whether it will last or the implications of taking a risk.
The melody captures the uncertainty of the situation, while the production creates a dreamy atmosphere.
Velez’s soulful vocals express the desire for something more and the hope of what could be.
Although the song is full of questions, it ultimately speaks to the power of taking a leap of faith.
12. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s 1984 classic, “I Just Called to Say I Love You”, is an iconic love ballad that has become a timeless classic.
It is a track that perfectly encapsulates the joy of falling in love, with its tender lyrics, soulful melody, and optimistic message.
The song is full of emotion and conveys the idea that love is something to be celebrated and cherished.
As one of Wonder’s most successful singles, it has become a powerful symbol of romance and is often used to express one’s feelings of love and appreciation.
13. “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ 2007 single “Superwoman” is an uplifting anthem of female empowerment that has become an anthem for women globally.
The song celebrates female strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
It encourages women to rise above and overcome obstacles in their lives, and to be the best versions of themselves.
Keys’ message of hope and empowerment resonates with both female and male audiences alike.
Musically, the song is a soulful mix of R&B and pop, featuring Keys’ powerful yet melodic voice.
The lyrical content is powerful and inspiring, making “Superwoman” an inspirational song that celebrates the strength of women.
14. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
Released in 1971, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” is a socially conscious track that speaks to many of the issues of the time, such as poverty, police brutality, and the Vietnam War.
An iconic song of the Motown era, it was one of the first songs to bridge the gap between soul and funk music.
It features a unique arrangement, with the bassline and drums acting as the main force of the song.
Gaye’s smooth, soulful vocals tie together the various instrumentation, allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
Overall, “What’s Going On” is a timeless classic and one of the most beloved songs about wonder and social change.
Best Songs About Wonder – Final Thoughts
The songs mentioned above all share a common theme of wonder, each in its own unique way.
From the classic rock of Chuck Berry to the contemporary sounds of Shawn Mendes and Mariah Carey, each of these songs captures the sense of awe and amazement that can only be found in moments of stillness and introspection.
Whether it is through self-reflection or simply appreciating the beauty that surrounds us, the songs of wonder remind us to take a step back and experience the world with a sense of awe.
You may also like: Songs About Witches
