This is a list of carefully picked and curated songs that will make you remember things from the past. These songs are sure to make you reminisce and stir up different feelings.
While you may feel a great longing and have sadness overwhelm you, there are other songs that would definitely make you realize that you’ve come a long way and should be proud of yourself.
Enjoy this list because you are definitely going to find something that appeals to you at any stage of life.
Here are Some Undeniably Best Song that will Make You Remember the Past
1. Memories
Upon debuting, ‘Memories’ made it to number 22 on Billboard Hot 100 and had massive streams. It was also part of top-ranking songs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Germany, and many other countries.
The song has won an ASCAP Pop Music Award and also a BMI Pop Award.
- Artist(s): Maroon 5
- Year Released: 2019
- Songwriter(s): Adam Levine, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Jordan Johnson, Jonathan Bellion, Vincent Ford, Michael Pollack, Stefan Johnson
- Genre(s): Reggae fusion, Pop
Best For:
When you’re reminiscing about the good times and although you’re hurting, you realize it’s better to celebrate the present and those you have at the time. Despite missing a time or person, it is only natural to reflect on those times while trying to make the best of whatever the present gives.
Lyrics:
There’s a time that I remember, when I did not know no painWhen I believed in forever, and everything would stay the sameNow my heart feel like December when somebody say your name‘Cause I can’t reach out to call you, but I know I will one day, yeah
2. All Too Well
This song was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. It was also performed at the Grammy Awards in 2014 and has won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video. ‘All Too Well’ also has the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year.
- Artist(s): Talyor Swift
- Year Released: 2012
- Songwriter(s): Taylor Swift; Liz Rose
- Genre(s): Country music, Arena rock, Pop, Seasonal, Country
Best For:
This song was about a love lost and how difficult it is to move on especially when you can bump into each other in traffic. The song began with how a past lover still keeps the scarf of his ex-love.
When you find it difficult to move past the memories of someone, just listen to this and you won’t feel alone in the moment.
Lyrics:
Oh, your sweet disposition
And my wide-eyed gaze
We’re singing in the car, getting lost upstate
Autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place
And I can picture it after all these days
And I know it’s long gone and that magic’s not here no more
And I might be okay but I’m not fine at all
3. Remember When
This song by Alan Jackson spent 2 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart as the Number 1 song. On Billboard Hot 100, ‘Remember When’ peaked at the number 29 spot and is still one of the favorite songs from Alan.
- Artist(s): Alan Jackson
- Year Released: 2003
- Songwriter(s): Alan Jackson
- Genre(s): Regional Mexican, Country
Best For:
Jackson remembers his love story with his wife in this song. The song progresses from when they fell in love, got married, and started having children. It is best for nostalgic moments with a sprinkle of pride in seeing something you built, blossom.
Lyrics:
Remember when I was young and so were youAnd time stood still and love was all we knewYou were the first, so was IWe made love and then you criedRemember when
4. Don’t You Remember
This song is from Adele’s ‘Album 21’ which had other songs such as ‘Rolling in the Deep’ and ‘Someone Like You’.
- Artist(s): Adele
- Year Released: 2011
- Songwriter(s): Adam Levine, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Jordan Johnson, Jonathan Bellion, Vincent Ford, Michael Pollack, Stefan Johnson
- Genre(s): Ballad, Pop
Best For:
When you somehow made some mistakes in the past that would cost you dearly but you implore the offended to ignore them. Instead of basking in the errors, the person should remember all the great times and hold on to those.
Lyrics:
5. Whenever You Remember
Carrie is well remembered as the 2005 winner of American Idol. What you may not know is that, since then, she has won many Grammy Awards for her outstanding musical prowess.
- Artist(s): Carrie Underwood
- Year Released: 2005
- Songwriter(s): Diane Warren
- Genre(s): Country
Best For:
This song resonates better with graduands for obvious reasons however you can also feel the romantic vibe to it. Whether you want to use it as a graduation song or as a farewell song for an ex-lover, the song would go well.
Lyrics:
Whenever you remember times gone byRemember how we held our heads so highWhen all this world was there for usAnd we believed that we could touch the skyWhenever you remember, I’ll be thereRemember how we reached that dream togetherWhenever you remember
6. Good Old Days
This song has been performed live twice since its release in 2017. The first time was in the same year of its release, at the Ellen DeGeneres Show. The other time fans saw the live performance of the song was at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards show.
- Artist(s): Macklemore
- Featured Artist: Kesha
- Year Released: 2017
- Songwriter(s): Ben Haggerty Kesha Sebert
- Genre(s): Hip-Hop/Rap
Best For:
When you listen to this song carefully, you will understand the best time to listen. Even for one of the writers, this song brought a lot of nostalgic feelings. Kesha, who was featured in the song, admitted that it reminded her of being 16 years old. At that age, she was chasing wild dreams without knowing that it would one day the memory would be precious.
Lyrics:
I wish somebody would have told me babe
Some day, these will be the good old days
All the love you won’t forget
And all these reckless nights you won’t regret
Someday soon, your whole life’s gonna change
You’ll miss the magic of these good old days
7. The Sweetest Gift
According to Sade, this song was written for her daughter. She wrote it partly in remembrance and as an appreciation for the numerous gifts and blessings children bring into the world.
- Artist(s): Sade
- Year Released: 2000
- Songwriter(s): Ben HaggertyKesha Sebert
- Genre(s): Hip-Hop/Rap
Best For:
Mothers would most likely enjoy this piece of art from Sade. This song gives off that ‘protective smitten mother’ feel. Imagine going back in time to when your kids were babies and the joy they brought into your life. Well, you have a song here that will help you with that memory.
Lyrics:
Quietly while you were asleepThe moon and I were talkingI asked that she’d always keep you protectedShe promised you her light that you so gracefully carryYou bring your light and shine like morningAnd then the wind pulls the clouds across the moonYour light fills the darkest roomAnd I can see the miracle that keeps us from falling
8. Sweetest Devotion
This song was used as the closing song of the ’25’ album by Adele. It tells a story that was inspired by her personal experience with the birth of her son, Angelo.
- Artist(s): Adele
- Year Released: 2015
- Songwriter(s): Adele Adkins, Paul Epworth
- Genre(s): Alternative/Indie
Best For:
In place of a despairing song, ‘Sweetest Devotion’ by Adele is one song that gives hope. Maybe you have been looking for peace and closure in other places, why don’t you calm down and search closest to you (your heart)?
Lyrics:
With your loving, there ain’t nothingThat I can’t adoreThe way I’m running, with you, honeyMeans we can break every lawI find it funny that you’re the onlyOne I never looked forThere is something in your lovingThat tears down my walls
9. Memory Lane
This song’s video was shot just a few weeks before Minnie Riperton died of Cancer on July 12, 1979. It was the first from her ‘Memory Lane’ studio album which had 8 songs, 4 on either side.
- Artist(s): Minnie Riperton
- Year Released: 1979
- Songwriter(s): Minnie Riperton, Keni St Lewis, Dick Rudolph and Gene Dozier
- Genre(s): R&B/Soul
Best For:
You may not be particularly excited about a memory, but, what can you do? This song is best for when you just remembered a time that made you fulfilled and happy. This memory mayn’t be one you wish to remember especially because it brings pain of something lost.
Lyrics:
I stumbled on this photograph, it kind of made me laugh
It took me way back, back down memory lane
I see the happiness, I see the pain
Where am I? Back down memory lane
I see us standing there, such a happy, happy pair
Love beyond compare, look a-there, look a-there
10. Footprints In The Sand
One of the things that stood out for most people about this song is the gospel undertone it has. It was inspired by a gospel poem and eventually became the official theme of the 2008 version of the BBC charity program ‘Sport Relief’.
- Artist(s): Leona Lewis
- Year Released: 2007
- Songwriter(s): Simon Cowell, David Kreuger, Per Magnusson, Richard Page
- Genre(s): Pop
Best For:
Seeing as this song was inspired by a gospel poem and gives off the gospel vibe while taking you down a serene memory lane.
Lyrics:
11. Sweet Memory
This song by Ray Charles reached the 4th spot on the Adult Contemporary Chart and was at number 75 on the Billboard Chart in 1968.
- Artist(s): Ray Charles
- Year Released: 1970
- Songwriter(s): Mickey Newbury
- Genre(s): : Jazz, Funk / Soul
Best For:
When you’ve lost someone very dear to you and you just want to wallow in the pain the memories bring. This song is just the perfect song for when you are being taunted by memories. It may or may not help but it sure is soothing to know that someone has been in the same position.
Lyrics:
Sweet memoriesSweet memoriesShe slipped into the silence of my dreams again last nightWandering from room to room, she’s turning on each lightHer laughter spills like water from the river to the seaAnd I’m swept away from sadness clinging to her memoriesSweet memoriesSweet memories
12. A Song For Mama
This song by Boyz II Men is their 11th and last top 10 hit song. It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it was released and was even used as the theme song to 1997’s American Comedy Drama, Soul Food.
- Artist(s): Boyz II Men
- Year Released: 1997
- Songwriter(s): Babyface
- Genre(s): R&B/Soul
Best For:
When you realize how much sacrifice your mother has made for you and you don’t want to keep it quiet anymore. This song will put you in the perfect ‘grateful’ mood.
Lyrics:
13. All Summer Long
‘All Summer Long’ was inspired by Bob Seger’s song titled ‘Night Moves’. It was a number 1 hit in Australia and some other European countries. The song even led to the TV special VH-1 Storytellers.
- Artist(s): Kid Rock
- Year Released: 2008
- Songwriter(s): R.J. Ritchie, Matthew Shafer, Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Edward King, Leroy Marinell, Waddy Wachtel, Warren Zevon
- Genre(s): Country Rock
Best For:
This is a beautiful love song about a dear memory. The song gives details about the memory of the sight of a beautiful young lady.
Lyrics:
14. The Way We Are
The lyrics of this song narrate the tale of 2 people who were also the main characters in the movie of the same title. The song has won 2 Academy Awards among many other awards.
- Artist(s): Adele
- Year Released: 2015
- Songwriter(s): Adele Adkins, Paul Epworth
- Genre(s): Alternative/Indie
Best For:
Have you ever missed the way you were with someone? Well, Barbara has been there and even had the inspiration to write a song about it. That feeling of intense missing and perhaps, longing, can be crazy to handle.
Lyrics:
15. Castle On The Hill
This song was released at the same time as Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’ and as the song was making waves, ‘Castle On The Hill’ was following suit. The song reached number 2 in the UK, Germany, Australia, and other countries while ‘Shape of You’ was at number 1.
- Artist(s): Ed Sheeran
- Year Released: 2017
- Songwriter(s): Benny Blanco; Ed Sheeran
- Genre(s): Pop
Best For:
Going down memory lanes of all the fun times with everyone and all your experiences. Ed Sheeran’s lyrics for this song started with fun times with his brothers and friends and developed to first romantic relationships and heartbreaks. The song further progressed through other phases of life for him that many of us can relate to.
Lyrics:
When I was six years old, I broke my legI was running from my brother and his friendsAnd tasted the sweet perfume of the mountain grass I rolled downI was younger then, take me back to when I
16. 7 Years
With digital downloads of 10.4 million, this song was the 7th best-selling song in 2016. In 2017, the song was nominated for the Grammy Awards in the category of Song of the Year as well as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
- Artist(s): Lucas Graham
- Year Released: 2015
- Songwriter(s): Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp, Morten Pilegaard
- Genre(s): Pop
Best For:
Maybe you have a diary where you write everything that has happened in your life, then you can relate to the song. Every verse tells a story about a phase of life that was quite memorable.
Lyrics:
Once, I was seven years old, my mama told me“Go make yourself some friends, or you’ll be lonely”Once, I was seven years old
17. Don’t You Worry Child
This song was widely accepted upon its release and was even nominated for the Grammy Awards in the category of Best Dance Recording. It was the biggest hit in the United Kingdom, charting on the 6th position on Billboard Hot 100.
- Artist(s): Swedish House Mafia
- Featured Artist: John Martin
- Year Released: 2012
- Songwriter(s): Axel Hedfors, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, John Martin Lindström, Michel Zitron
- Genre(s): Progressive House, Big room house, Dance/Electronic
Best For:
Just like with many other songs on this list, this tells a story of a young man through the many phases of growth. For believers in God, this song sends a special message that heaven has a plan for you at the end. The journey through would be eventually worth it.
Lyrics:
There was a timeI used to look into my father’s eyesIn a happy homeI was a king, I had a golden throneThose days are goneNow they’re memories on the wallI hear the songs from the places where I was born
18. These Are The Days Of Our Lives
The inspiration for this song initially came from a place of nostalgia as Roger Taylor wrote the song about his children, parenthood, and a look back at his life. However with fellow band member, Mecury’s ill-health, the song was given a new, different meaning.
These Are The Days of Our Lives won a Brit Award for British Single of the Year in 1992 after it charted at Number 1 in the UK. It was also used as an AIDS research tribute to Mecury who died of AIDS.
- Artist(s): Queen
- Year Released: 1991
- Songwriter(s): Roger Taylor
- Genre(s): Rock
Best For:
This song has 2 meanings to it but both of them could work interchangeably. It is best played or listened to when there is some depth of pain while you reminisce on the past and how life turned out.
Lyrics:
Sometimes I get the feelin’
I was back in the old days long ago
When we were kids when we were young
Things seemed so perfect – you know
The days were endless we were crazy we were young
The sun was always shinin’
We just lived for fun
Sometimes it seems like lately
I just don’t know
The rest of my life’s been just a show
19. When We Were Young
Despite suffering from writer’s block for a while, Adele released this song which successfully peaked at number 10 in 11 countries.
- Artist(s): Adele
- Year Released: 2016
- Songwriter(s): Adele Adkins, Tobias Jesso Jr.
- Genre(s): soul
Best For:
This song was referred to as a song that will ‘squeeze your heart and give you minor midlife crisis’. Then again, most of the songs that make us remember the past have high tendencies of giving such feelings.
Lyrics:
20. Sixteen
An entire album – ‘Life Changes’ was coined from this one song. The song is a tale of the singer’s life from when he was 16, to when he clocked 18, and then at the age of 25. It was aged 25 that Thomas wrote the song and then felt inspired to write other songs for the album.
- Artist(s): Thomas Rhett
- Year Released: 2018
- Songwriter(s): Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
- Genre(s): Country
Best For:
One of the songs that take you through the journey of life that reminds you of crossing milestones. With this song, you are certain to get the feeling of relieving the old days but you’re more grateful that you did certain things at certain ages.
Lyrics:
“Take a left here, boy, take it slow”“Don’t get distracted by that radio”I just rolled my eyes and I said, “Daddy, I know”“I’m 15, I ain’t green like some ol’ ten year old”
SEE ALSO: The 30 Best Break-up Songs Of All Time To Get You Through
21. Glory Days
‘Glory Days’ has a missing verse that did not sit well in the story and so was taken off. It peaked at number 5 on Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart in 1985. The first verse of the song was an autobiography where Bruce recounts an encounter he had with a former baseball player.
- Artist(s): Bruce Springsteen
- Year Released: 1985
- Songwriter(s): Bruce Springsteen
- Genre(s): Rock
Best For:
This song may not particularly be about you but someone or people you once knew. If you’ve ever walked past someone who was once hot, cool, and the ‘talk of the town’ but that reputation has gone south, you may remember ‘Glory Days’ and how the people have lived their glory days. It reminds us that nothing lasts forever and even the good days could all go away in the blink of an eye.
Lyrics:
22. Unforgettable
This song was ranked number 5 on a list of Thomas Rhett’s greatest songs ever. It made its debut on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart in August 2017. It sold 29,000 copies in its first week of release and has continued to increase in sales over time
- Artist(s): Thomas Rhett
- Year Released: 2017
- Songwriter(s): Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, and Shane McAnally.
- Genre(s): Country/pop
Best For:
Looking for a cute romantic song to play for your anniversary with your partner? You’ve met the right song. This song details the unforgettable story of Thomas – from when he met the love of his life to the present day.
Lyrics:
It was the 14th of October
Had that t-shirt off your shoulder
I was drunk, said I was sober
And you said yeah right
We were talkin’ for a minute
Then some guy tried to cut in
You took my hand and we pretended
Like I was your guy
23. Summer of ’69
In Canada, this song by Bryan Adams is one of the most loved indigenous songs. It was the most streamed and most played song in Canada in the 90s and 2000s. The song has also been termed one of Adam’s best songs ever.
- Artist(s): Bryan Adams
- Year Released: 1985
- Songwriter(s): Bryan Adams; Jim Vallance
- Genre(s): Pop rock, Rock
Best For:
Those moments when a particular time in our lives reminds us of a period that meant everything to us. For Bryan Adams, it was the Summer of ’69. For you, it could be when you had your first kiss, when you lost a pet, or when you got into/graduated from college.
Lyrics:
24. Through The Years
This song was performed by Kenny Rogers alongside Lionel Richie and Dolly Parton for Rogers’ 50th anniversary.
In 1982, the song peaked at number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart and was the 5 of Kenny’s songs to get to that spot.
- Artist(s): Kenny Rogers
- Year Released: 1981
- Songwriter(s): Marty Panzer, Steve Dorff
- Genre(s): Country
Best For:
Lovers here, listen to this song and tell me if you didn’t feel the urge to hug that significant other that makes your heart smile. The inspiration for this song was Kenny’s love life and marriage.
You can even hear the proclamation that he’s glad he stayed there through the years.
Lyrics:
25. Memories
French Disc Jokey David Guetta teamed up with American rapper, Kid Kudi to create this dance tune.
It gained a lot of traction during the Covid 19 lockdown period because it became a sensation on TikTok. As a result, the producer decided to make a remix in 2021.
- Artist(s): David Guetta
- Featured Artist(s): Kid Cudi
- Year Released: 2010
- Songwriter(s): David Guetta, Scott Mescudi, Frédéric Riesterer
- Genre(s): Electronic dance music, Dance/Electronic
Best For:
It is one of those songs that would encourage and lead you into doing any and everything so that you could make one of the best memories you’ll ever have.
This song is for YOLO (You Only Live Once) moments.
Lyrics:
26. Amnesia
The video of this song by 5 Seconds of Summer includes a full cast of actors and actresses. In fact, this music video has a profile listed on IMDB. It is a song that can cause despair and distress so listen to it with caution.
- Artist(s): 5 Seconds of Summer
- Year Released: 2014
- Songwriter(s): Michael Biancaniello, Louis Biancaniello, Benji Madden, Joel Madden, Sam Watters
- Genre(s): Pop rock
Best For:
Have you ever loved someone so much you almost feel as though you’re becoming a stalker, thinking about and asking after the person? Just a brief moment (or period) of passion can cause one to question a lot about his/her feelings. This song is one of those questioning moments.
Lyrics:
27. Kids
‘Kids’ is an autobiography of Ryan Tedder, One Republic’s frontman. He recalls a time in his life when he and a friend of his lived life how they wanted because they could.
The song was used in Chrysler’s PacificKids, 2016 as a Christmas commercial. It also has a remix by Electronic Music Group, Seeb.
- Artist(s): OneRepublic
- Year Released: 2016
- Songwriter(s): Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, Brandon Michael Collins, Steve Wilmot
- Genre(s): Pop rock, Alternative/Indie, Electropop, Pop
Best For:
According to Ryan Tedder, the lead singer of the One Republic band, Kids is a song that can and would still give a nostalgic vibe no matter what age you are. This song takes you down memory lane especially when you were a youth and living life to the fullest (so you may have thought).
Lyrics:
28. Photographs
An interesting fact about this song that everyone should know is that the lyrics and stories are almost entirely true. The video is proof of it, especially the part where Kroeger holds up a picture frame of him and Joey Moi.
- Artist(s): Nickelback
- Year Released: 2005
- Songwriter(s): Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger,Ryan Peake, Daniel Adair
- Genre(s): Post-grunge, Rock
Best For:
If you’ve ever missed home, your school, your former friends, or a routine you used to enjoy. Yes, this song will bring memories flooding as you listen to it and it will leave you remembering your past maybe more than you’d want to.
Lyrics:
29. Remember The Time
The video of this song came as a ‘short film’ being 9 minutes long. The song made huge charts as soon as it was released and was a hit in 9 countries. This is no surprise as the Jacksons are known to be well-celebrated, except for the one rejected sister.
- Artist(s): Michael Jackson
- Year Released: 1992
- Songwriter(s): Teddy Riley, Michael Jackson, Bernard Belle
- Genre(s): Rhythm and blues, Dance-pop, Classic Rock
Best For:
Those beautiful memories you have of a love affair that happened way back when you were still young. Michael, through this song, lets us know of the juicy lovely memories those times brought.
Lyrics:
30. In My Life
This song inspired a lot of songs that came after the song was released. It was named the most celebrated song in popular music history according to Acclaimed Music 2020.
- Artist(s): The Beatles
- Year Released: 1965
- Songwriter(s): John Lennon, Paul McCartney
- Genre(s): Pop rock, baroque pop
Best For:
Reminiscing over past memories and places that used to mean so much to you. These things, people, and places may have changed over time but you may still be able to remember how they once made you feel.
Lyrics:
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
With lovers and friends, I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I’ve loved them all
