There is an old saying, “Everything comes to those who wait.” I am not so sure about that, but sometimes, having to wait can be a good thing. And there are plenty of songs about waiting.

Today’s high-tech world has created a society that demands everything in an instant. Information is readily at hand about everything. But we want it now. In most cases, we don’t need it now. We just want it. Why is it so important to have it now? What is wrong with having to wait a little bit?

Take a moment…

If you sit down and consider it, there are some advantages to waiting.

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• Having to wait might allow you to relax and calm down if things are hectic.
• You can use the time to your advantage, depending on how long you need to wait.
• When the time finally comes, you feel gratitude, or you should do, which is a nice emotion.
• If you are waiting to make a decision, it gives you that little bit of extra time.

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So, waiting isn’t all bad, though quite often we convince ourselves it is. But, it can be a strain in some situations, especially when it involves another person. In those situations, music often expresses our deepest feelings and longing. 

So, let’s have a look at some great songs written about waiting, starting with the classic…

Top 100 Songs About Waiting

1 In the Midnight Hour by Wilson Pickett

Nothing like a little bit of controversy, and this song had its share. Wilson Pickett became a soul music legend with hits like “Mustang Sally” and “Land of 1000 Dances”. But, it wasn’t an easy ride.

He was born in Alabama and sang in those Southern gospel choirs. Later, he moved to Detroit to live with his father. “In The Midnight Hour” was his sixth single. After seeing no success, this song gave him his first big hit reaching #21 in America and even better at #12 in the UK.

Controversy

It was recorded in Memphis and released in 1965. The band that backed him on the recording was the session band for most of those Stax records. That included Steve Cropper, ‘Duck’ Dunn, and Isaac Hayes.

Songwriting credits were given to Pickett and Cropper. Pickett later said that he was “encouraged” to let Steve Cropper be a joint writer even though he had contributed nothing to the song. 

Who Wrote It?

Being desperate to “get a foot in the door,” he agreed. Steve Cropper later dismissed this as ridiculous as he had written the music and Pickett most of the lyrics. Whatever. It was still a great soul song and was one of the first to make an impact in the UK. 

The later life of Wilson Pickett was a common enough tragedy. Run-ins with the law, drug and alcohol addictions, a prison sentence, and a relatively early death at 64. But, he left us some great music through that evolving mid-60s period.

2 You Can’t Hurry Love by The Supremes

Whilst the rise in the importance of Soul music was in full swing, so was the rise of Tamla Motown. It was often seen by some as a smoother, more polished version of the soul people. 

It spawned plenty of artists like The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and others. But, perhaps the biggest name of all was The Supremes.

One Of The Great Songwriting Teams

There is always much talk about The Beatles and their writing and creative ability. So there should be; we are unlikely to see their like again. But, let’s not forget the contribution of the brothers Brian and Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier. 

They wrote a string of hits for Motown in the 60s and 70s, some of the biggest hits of that period. This was one, and it ranks among the best songs about waiting.

Plenty of Covers

“You Can’t Hurry Love” is a song that has had its share of covers. Possibly most notably by Phil Collins. However, in my view, The Supreme’s version was the best. And it did feature James Jamerson on bass. Say no more. 

It was released in 1966, by which time, The Supremes were already internationally recognized. The song was #1 in America, #3 in the UK, and successful elsewhere. It cemented their position as one of the top acts of the 60s.

Once again…

There were internal controversies as Diana Ross began to exert influence over the trio. She wanted more money than the others and more attention. The writing was on the wall. 

The Supremes later became Diana Ross and The Supremes, and her eventual solo career became a future formality. We will look at the impact of that a little later. The song itself is a simple message. Don’t rush into anything; take your time and wait.

3 Wouldn’t It Be Nice by the Beach Boys

This is a song that was written by Brian Wilson, Mike Love, and Tony Asher. It was the opening track on what became an iconic album for its time, Pet Sounds, that reached #8 in America.

The song has a reputation that some members of the band referred to as tedious. It took so many takes to get the sound that Brian Wilson was looking for.

We wouldn’t have to wait so long…

In some ways, it was this track and the album that signaled Brian Wilson’s interest in the writing and production side. Of course, this would eventually mean him pulling away from some of what the band did together.

It is a song about a young couple being told they have got to wait until they get older to be married. “Wouldn’t it be nice” he sings to her. A song that is instantly recognizable as the Beach Boys. And is a classic song about having to wait.

4 Tired of Waiting for You by The Kinks

Were The Kinks grossly underrated? You could say that. The heavy rock riffs we all know today all started with them, and the variations that today’s bands add to them. 

Their stage act was potent and full of power. And they were able to capture that on recordings as so many others failed to do.

In 1964, they burst onto the scene with their first single, a cover of “Long Tall Sally.” It just about entered the top 50 in the UK, and their second release did nothing at all. But the third?

Sit Up And Take Notice

That is what happened with the third single in 1964, “You Really Got Me.” That went to #1 in the UK, and the American release peaked at #7.

The follow-up, “All Day and All of the Night,” created on the same heavy riff basis, went to #2 in the UK and once again #7 in America.

Success Can Cause Problems

And that problem was they desperately needed a follow-up that was as good as those two for 1965. “Tired of Waiting” had been written by Ray Davies when he was 15 and at Art College. 

It didn’t sound quite the same and had no lyrics, but the basis was there, and that is what they worked with. The addition of Dave Davies’ raunchy guitar was just what it needed. The result was a great rock song about waiting.

It is a song about a man waiting while a woman makes up her mind about him. But, she is still keeping him waiting. They got the success they needed, #1 in the UK and #6 in America.

5 Hanging On The Telephone by Blondie

This is a song that is about one kind of infuriating wait we all have to suffer occasionally. That’s when we are kept waiting on a telephone. It has also got several interpretations, one of which is that it is about a stalker.

This was a cover of a song written by Jack Lee for his band The Nerves. It was released in 1978 and taken from Blondie’s Parallel Lines album.

I was never sure what Blondie was all about… 

She seemed to change style and almost genre with whichever way the wind was blowing that day. I thought “Denis” was a great song. But, it was almost like she saw herself as approaching a ‘punk’ band at times but without the grit.

Nevertheless, she did well for a short period. This song did well in the UK, reaching #5 where it was certified a silver disc, but it wasn’t released in America. It had a running time of fewer than three minutes.

6 Wait by The Beatles

There’s an interesting history with this song. Paul McCartney wrote it while The Beatles were filming in the Bahamas. It was originally scheduled for release on the album, Help!

They pulled it because they wanted the album to have an upbeat finish. “Dizzy Miss Lizzy,” an old Larry Williams rock n roller from 1958 from the Cavern days, was included instead.

Odd one out…

When the Beatles had finished recording Rubber Soul, it was a track short. This was dragged out, some minor additions were made, and “Wait” was put on the album. I have to say; it always sounded a little out of place. There was a certain “feel” to Rubber Soul that wasn’t apparent in this song.

The song is centered around how difficult it is to hold together a long-distance relationship. Something The Beatles would know a bit about. Paul is singing, “Wait, till I come back to your side,” but later adds, “I’ve been as good as I could be.” Interesting addition.

7 Waiting for a Girl like You by Foreigner

Foreigner was formed by two British musicians, Mick Jones, and Ian McDonald, in New York. They joined with three Americans to form the band. They’ve seen huge success with their unique brand of power ballads and are still playing today.

There have been plenty of personnel changes over the years. At one time, they included a certain Jason Bonham on drums. Didn’t his dad play a bit as well?

This is a typical Foreigner song. Released in 1981, it rose to #8 in the UK and #2 in America. The song is a powerful ballad about waiting to find that special person. But, when you think you have, make sure they are “the one.”

8 Please Mr. Postman by The Carpenters

Another song with some interesting history. And, it has been covered by some interesting people as well. It was a hit the first time round in 1961 by The Marvelettes on the newfound Tamla Motown label. Furthermore, it was the first Motown song to go #1 in America.

It went back to #1 in 1975 with this version by The Carpenters. But, in between, it had also been covered by The Beatles on their album, With The Beatles. The Beatles played it live on a BBC show in 1962, and it became the first Tamla song heard on the radio in the UK.

The version I have chosen, though, is led by the great Karen Carpenter. In my view, one of the greatest female voices of the seventies. Soft, melodic, and expressive, her voice had it all.

Back In The Day

This is a song about someone waiting for a letter. Not a common occurrence now, of course, but there was a time, back in the day, when we used to get letters. And, we would anxiously await the postman to see if it was coming today.

In the song, she is so desperate for the letter to arrive that she asks if the postman will check in his bag to make sure he hasn’t missed it.

9 Time After Time by Cindy Lauper

This is a song that was taken from Cindy Lauper’s debut album, She’s So Unusual. She co-wrote the song with Rob Hyman, and on its release in 1983, it received critical acclaim. It reached #3 in the UK and was #1 in America.

It is an interesting lyric written about a couple who have ended their relationship. Even though they have gone separate ways, there is still plenty of affection that exists between them.

One is telling the other if they ever need them, just look, and they will always be there, “time after time. A great hook and good production made this a sure-fire winner for her and the start of bigger things.

10 Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx

When this song came out in 1989, it set the standard for love songs to follow. Simple words of affection and missing someone, with just a piano and an acoustic guitar and a well-delivered vocal. All you need, really.

It was written to his wife, who was in South Africa at the time, while he was touring. That gives it a certain sense of reality that shines through very clearly.

A Different Direction

This was the late 80s, and we had been through the big power ballad thing. That style had been a good idea, but, as always, it had gotten out of control. It had gone way too far as the guilty bands tried to “out-power” each other. I don’t need to mention names.

The simplicity of this song then was a different direction and a refreshing change. Number 2 in the UK, #1 in America, and five other countries. The message seemed to resonate with people.

If you want to write a good love song about waiting for someone you miss, this is the standard to reach.

11 I’m Still Waiting by Diana Ross

I am in a bit of a quandary with this track, so let me explain. At its high point, Motown “controlled” (I use that word as strongly as I can) some of the best artists and, therefore, music in the world. 

You get the over-reactionaries who claim they had the very best artists and music. But, in answer to that, I will say just one word – Beatles. They didn’t have them. However, the Motown lineup was still impressive and at the top of the stack was The Supremes.

Dark Secrets

Motown pushed and pushed work-wise, and they all suffered, but none like Florence Ballard. She was the Queen of The Supremes until Diana Ross took over. Florence was eventually ousted in 1976 and died at 32 after years of poverty and despair. The rest is history.

My quandary is that it is not an uncommon story where one gets above their station. But, when it affects others, that is a different thing. Miss Ross even tried some pathetic attempts at theatrics to get attention at Ballard’s funeral. Very sad. 

Do We Know?

Of course, I, and everyone reading this, wasn’t there, so we don’t know. It’s like the keyboard warriors who spout pages about what happened to The Beatles. They weren’t there. They don’t know. I tend to avoid artists who have placed themselves in that situation. It all seems a bit dark. 

However, this song has just got to be included… 

A great song about waiting for someone and possibly Ross’s best performance. It was written by Deke Richards and was taken from her solo album of 1970, Everything Is Everything.

It went to #1 in the UK after DJ Tony Blackburn played it to a standstill on his radio show. However, it was a very modest success in America, only reaching #63. An outstanding song all the same. And, in my view, one of the best songs about waiting.

12 Watching And Waiting by The Moody Blues

Saving the very best for last? Of course, there is nothing that beats this song if we are talking about waiting. It was taken from the album, To Our Children’s Children’s Children.

This concept album came out in 1969 and reached #2 in the UK and #14 in America. “Watching and Waiting” was released as a single to promote the album. However, taken out of the context of the album, it didn’t work too well.

The album was their fifth and full of lush symphonics and powerful imagery. It was chosen by the crew of Apollo 15 as music to take with them on their moonshot. 

Something to think about…

It was inspired by the Space Program, but it posed an interesting question. Especially with “Watching and Waiting” as its last song. There is an indication that someone is left stranded and isolated and can only wait for someone to come. “I hope it won’t be very long.”

But that is just one thought; the interpretations are still being considered today.

13Waiting for the End by Linkin Park

14Waiting Room by Fugazi

15Waiting For Tonight by Jennifer Lopez

16Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer

17Waiting on a Friend by The Rolling Stones

18Waiting in Vain by Bob Marley

19Waiting For My Real Life to Begin by Colin Hay

20Wait For It by Lin-Manuel Miranda

21Waiting for the Miracle by Leonard Cohen

22Waiting on a Woman by Brad Paisley

23Wait for Love by Luther Vandross

24Waiting on a Sunny Day by Bruce Springsteen

25Waiting for Love by Avicii

26Waiting for the Bus by ZZ Top

27Waiting for Love to Come Around by Boyz II Men

28Waiting on a Train by Flash and the Pan

29Waiting for a Miracle by Bruce Cockburn

30Waiting by Green Day

31Waiting for My Real Life by George Harrison

32Waiting Here for You by Christy Nockels

33Waiting for the Sun to Shine by Ricky Skaggs

34Waiting on the Daylight by Saving Jane

35Waiting for the Moon by Tindersticks

36Waiting for the Big One by Peter Gabriel

37Waiting for the End of the World by Elvis Costello

38Waiting for My Time by Tom Petty

39Waiting for the World by Depeche Mode

40Waiting on My Time to Come by Kris Kristofferson

41The Waiting by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

42Waiting for the Miracle to Come by The Dream Academy

43Waiting for a Star to Fall by Boy Meets Girl

44Waiting for Yesterday by Foreigner

45Waiting for the Night by Depeche Mode

46Waiting for Superman by Daughtry

47Waiting for You to Come Home by Michael Franti & Spearhead

48Waiting on the Sun by The Jayhawks

49Waiting for a Train by Jimmie Rodgers

50Waiting on an Angel by Ben Harper

51. 51. Waiting for the Sun by The Doors
    52. Wait for Me by Kings of Leon
    53. I Can’t Wait by Nu Shooz
    54. Waiting on You by Halsey
    55. Waiting Game by Banks
    56. Waiting for My Chance to Come by Noah and the Whale
    57. Waiting on the Day by John Mayer
    58. Waiting in the Weeds by Eagles
    59. Waiting for My Ruca by Sublime
    60. Wait for You by Elliott Yamin
    61. Waiting on a Woman Like You by Brad Paisley
    62. Waiting to Be by Gin Blossoms
    63. Waiting for My Chance by Nick Cave
    64. I’m Waiting for You by Jack Johnson
    65. I’ve Been Waiting by Lil Peep and iLoveMakonnen
    66. The Waiting Line by Zero 7
    67. The Waiting Song by John Mayer Trio
    68. Waiting on My Angel by Jamie Foxx
    69. Waiting on a Miracle by Bruce Cockburn
    70. Still Waiting by Sum 41
    71. Waiting on Joe by Steve Azar
    72. Waiting for the Break of Day by Graham Nash
    73. Waiting to Be Free by Ludacris
    74. I’m Waiting by Ashanti
    75. Waiting for the Siren’s Call by New Order
    76. Waiting for Love to Come My Way by Frank Sinatra
    77. Wait a Minute by Willow Smith
    78. Keep On Waiting by The All-American Rejects
    79. I’m Waiting for the Day by The Beach Boys
    80. The Waiting Place by Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Musical)
    81. Wait for Tomorrow by Aloe Blacc
    82. Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards by Billy Bragg
    83. Waiting For The Sirens’ Call by New Order
    84. Waiting For The Train To Come In by Peggy Lee
    85. The Waiting Game by Charlotte Lawrence
    86. Waiting for My Baby by The Grateful Dead
    87. Waiting for a Girl Like You by The Foreign Exchange
    88. Waiting on June by Holly Williams
    89. Patience by Guns N’ Roses
    90. When You Say Nothing at All by Alison Krauss
    91. Just Like Heaven by The Cure
    92. Waiting for That Day by George Michael
    93. Waiting on a War by Foo Fighters
    94. Waiting for Your Love by Stevie B
    95. Waiting for a Change by Eilen Jewell
    96. Waiting for My Man by The Velvet Underground
    97. Waiting for the Great Leap Forward by Billy Bragg
    98. Waiting on a Dream by Tom Petty
    99. Waiting for the Light to Change by Tonic
    100. Waiting for a Sign by Elvis Costello

Want To Find Some Great Songs?

We can help. Take a look at our thoughts on the Best Songs about Fighting, the Best Songs About Magic, the Best Songs About Friendship, the Best Songs About Dreams, the Best Songs About Heroes, and the Best Songs about Friday for more awesome song selections.

Songs About Waiting – Conclusion

Plenty there to consider. Waiting can be a nuisance, but it is surely not all bad if it leaves us a bit of time for reflection.

Until next time, happy listening.