10 Standout Rock Songs With The Word “Day” In The Title

# 10 – The Day The Earth Stood Still – Willie Nile

Willie Nile’s “The Day The Earth Stood Still” captures the haunting and surreal experience of living in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The song, the title track from Nile’s 2021 album, evokes the stillness and eerie beauty of a city usually bustling with life. Inspired by the deserted streets of Greenwich Village, a neighborhood where Nile has lived for nearly fifty years, the track reflects on the profound silence that descended on New York, transforming it into a ghost town. Nile recalls how the empty streets, usually so chaotic, became a surreal landscape of history and memory, filled with the echoes of the poets, artists, and musicians who had once roamed the city.

The song’s title is drawn from the 1951 sci-fi film The Day The Earth Stood Still, a metaphor for the unprecedented global pause brought on by the pandemic. Nile recalls a particularly striking moment during the lockdown: standing at the usually congested corner of Varick and Spring Street at rush hour and seeing not a single car or person in sight. It was at that moment that the film’s title hit him, and he knew it was the perfect expression of what he was witnessing. The song’s chorus—“The day the earth stood still. I saw grown men cry makin’ out their will the day the earth stood still”—captures the emotional weight of the pandemic, mixing images of emptiness, fear, and mortality with a sense of quiet resilience.

The recording of The Day The Earth Stood Still mirrors the rawness of the song’s theme. Produced by Stewart Lerman and recorded during the pandemic, the album includes Nile’s signature mix of gritty rock and poetic reflection. Musically, it reflects the desolate atmosphere of the city, with haunting instrumentation and a straightforward yet poignant delivery from Nile. In the context of the album, the song stands as a powerful statement on the pandemic’s impact, not just on New York but on the world, tapping into the collective experience of isolation, uncertainty, and endurance.

Read More: Top 10 Willie Nile Songs

# 9 – Day After Tomorrow – Tom Waits

Tom Waits’ Day After Tomorrow, featured on his 2004 album Real Gone, stands out as one of the most poignant and politically charged songs in his catalog. While much of Waits’ work delves into dark, abstract themes, this track is a direct and moving protest against the Iraq War, though its message transcends specific conflicts. Written as a letter from a soldier to his family, the song captures the emotional toll of war through deeply personal reflections. The narrator longs to return to his home in Illinois, expressing fatigue and disillusionment with the senseless violence around him. Waits uses simple yet devastating lyrics to convey the futility of the conflict, offering a quiet but powerful plea for peace.

The recording of Day After Tomorrow took place during the Real Gone sessions, produced by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. The album’s stripped-down, percussive sound is reflected in this song’s sparse arrangement, which allows the lyrics to take center stage. The acoustic instrumentation, with its delicate fingerpicking and understated delivery, provides a somber backdrop to the soldier’s words, enhancing the emotional weight of the song. Waits’ raw, gravelly voice lends an authenticity to the soldier’s narrative, capturing the weariness and vulnerability of someone desperate to escape the horrors of war.

Lyrically, Day After Tomorrow questions the broader implications of conflict, asking how God chooses sides and highlighting the shared humanity of all soldiers, regardless of nationality. The song’s refrain, “My plane will touch down on the day after tomorrow,” underscores the soldier’s hope for survival and return, a theme that resonates with anyone affected by war. The deeply personal nature of the song, coupled with its universal message, makes it one of the most emotionally charged entries in Waits’ discography. It serves as both a lament for the individual caught in the machinery of war and a timeless critique of the forces that drive nations into conflict.

# 8 – Redemption Day – Sheryl Crow and Johnny Cash

Originally released on Sheryl Crow’s 1996 self-titled album, Redemption Day found new life in 2019 as a haunting collaboration with Johnny Cash, featured on her album Threads. The song, with its heavy themes of political and moral accountability, reflects Crow’s growing concerns with global injustices and the ravages of war. When Cash recorded the song for his posthumous album American VI: Ain’t No Grave in 2010, his powerful interpretation elevated its message, and Crow later revisited the track, blending her original vocals with Cash’s haunting delivery. This collaboration brings a deeper resonance, making Redemption Day one of the most stirring protest songs in Crow’s career. The track gained even more weight with its poignant music video, which blends imagery of war, destruction, and hope, showcasing the timeless relevance of the song’s themes.

Recorded as part of Threads in 2019, the updated version of Redemption Day preserves the raw and emotional tone of the original while layering Cash’s deep, gravelly voice. The production of this version adds a somber, almost spiritual dimension, creating a sense of finality as Crow and Cash sing about a “train heading straight to Heaven’s gate.” The timing of the release coincided with a resurgence of global political tensions, and the song’s plea for redemption and change became even more urgent in its new context. The poignant string arrangements and atmospheric soundscape amplify the song’s intensity, drawing listeners into its powerful narrative.

Lyrically, Redemption Day is a searing indictment of political leadership and the persistent cycle of violence. Lines like “Come leaders, come ye men of great / Let us hear you pontificate” point a finger at the empty rhetoric of those in power, while the repeated invocation of “freedom” at the song’s close speaks to a collective yearning for justice. In revisiting the song for Threads, Crow emphasizes the enduring relevance of its message, while Cash’s involvement adds a prophetic layer, as his voice seems to echo from beyond, reminding listeners of the weight of these unresolved societal issues.

Read More: Top 10 Johnny Cash Songs

**# 7 – Dimming of the Day – Bonnie Raitt**

Bonnie Raitt’s rendition of Dimming of the Day on her 1994 album Longing in Their Hearts brings a deeply emotional interpretation to a song originally written by Richard Thompson for his 1975 album Pour Down Like Silver with Linda Thompson. The song, a gentle yet intense ballad, centers around themes of longing, vulnerability, and the need for solace during life’s most difficult moments. Raitt’s soulful voice beautifully captures the sentiment of the lyrics, transforming the song into a profound expression of the universal human experience of seeking comfort and love when everything else seems to be falling apart. This theme fits seamlessly into the overall introspective and reflective nature of Raitt’s Longing in Their Hearts, an album that also produced major hits like “Love Sneakin’ Up on You.”

Raitt’s cover of Dimming of the Day stands out not just for her delicate vocals but for the lush instrumental arrangements that give the song a timeless, haunting quality. Her approach is warm, intimate, and conveys the deep yearning present in the lyrics, such as “I need you at the dimming of the day,” which expresses a deep longing for connection at a time of personal darkness. Raitt’s version of the song, like the original, relies on its folk and acoustic foundations, but she adds her signature blues-infused style, giving the track a distinct identity while honoring its roots.

The song has been covered by several notable artists, including Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss, but Raitt’s version is particularly striking due to its subtle emotional power. The simplicity of the arrangement allows her voice to take center stage, pulling listeners into the deep emotional resonance of the lyrics. The delicate pull of longing is heightened by the musical interplay, making it a standout among other songs with “day” in the title, as it is not just about the literal passing of time but the emotional dimming of hope and the yearning for solace that follows.

Like Sheryl Crow’s Redemption Day, Dimming of the Day grapples with a reflective search for understanding and peace, though Raitt’s version centers more on personal heartache than societal injustice. Both songs use soft, intimate arrangements to complement the weighty emotional subject matter, allowing the vocals to drive the narrative forward.

In the broader context of this list, Dimming of the Day stands apart from more overtly political tracks like The Day the Earth Stood Still by Willie Nile. Where Nile’s song captures the eerie stillness of New York City during the pandemic, Raitt’s song reflects a more timeless and personal plea for emotional support. Despite the differences in scope and subject, both songs resonate deeply with their audiences through their raw, emotional honesty and stripped-down musical arrangements.

Read More: 10 Essential Bonnie Raitt Songs

# 6 – Four Days Gone – Buffalo Springfield

Four Days Gone, written by Stephen Stills, is one of the standout tracks from Buffalo Springfield’s final album, Last Time Around, released in July 1968. The album came together after the band had essentially disbanded, with members already moving on to other projects. The song reflects the complex political and social climate of the late 1960s, drawing inspiration from the anti-Vietnam War sentiment and themes of personal escape and survival. Stills’ lyrical storytelling in Four Days Gone captures the emotional weight of a man on the run, trying to find refuge and avoid being swept up in the chaos of government oppression, a theme that was prevalent in many protest songs of the era.

The song’s stripped-down acoustic arrangement places Stills’ evocative vocals and vivid lyrics front and center, creating a haunting atmosphere that complements its introspective subject matter. The narrator recounts a four-day journey as a fugitive, a reflection of the disillusionment many felt during the turbulent years of the 1960s. The lyrics, “I’ve been travelin’ four days and nights, sir / And I do want to thank you for the ride, sir,” convey a sense of gratitude and weariness, while the admission, “I can’t tell you my name / ‘Cause I’m four days gone into runnin’,” hints at the desperation of a man trying to escape forces beyond his control. Stills’ soft but intense delivery heightens the sense of anxiety and urgency that permeates the track.

In the context of the list of standout rock songs with “Day” in the title, Four Days Gone sits comfortably alongside songs like Tom Waits’ Day After Tomorrow, where themes of war, displacement, and survival are also central. Both tracks delve into the human experience of feeling lost or trapped by forces larger than oneself, though Four Days Gone leans more into the psychological and emotional journey of a man running from the madness of the government, while Waits’ track takes a more direct approach to the realities of war. Stephen Stills’ ability to convey profound themes through simple yet poetic lyrics and sparse instrumentation makes Four Days Gone a timeless example of folk-rock protest music.

Buffalo Springfield’s dissolution was already in full swing when Last Time Around was pieced together, but this song remains a highlight of the album and of Stills’ contributions to the band. The group’s complex dynamics and shifting lineups are reflected in the eclectic nature of the record, with contributions from Neil Young, Richie Furay, and others. Yet, Four Days Gone serves as a poignant reminder of the band’s ability to deliver songs that resonate with the spirit of the times, even as they were breaking apart.

Read More: Top 10 Buffalo Springfield Songs

# 5 – Blue Monday Blue Day – Foreigner

Blue Monday Blue Day is a track from Foreigner’s 1978 album Double Vision, which solidified the band’s place in rock history with its blend of arena-ready anthems and emotional ballads. Written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, Blue Monday Blue Day showcases Foreigner’s talent for merging hard rock energy with emotionally charged lyrics, creating a track that speaks to the pain and melancholy of lost love and isolation. As the title suggests, the song’s tone is steeped in sadness, capturing the dreariness that often accompanies both literal and emotional “blue” days.

Musically, the song features Foreigner’s signature blend of powerful guitar riffs and tight, polished production. The melancholy mood is accentuated by Mick Jones’ moody guitar lines and Lou Gramm’s dynamic vocal delivery, which carries a sense of resignation and heartache. The chorus, “Blue Monday, blue day, won’t you see things my way?” speaks to the yearning and frustration that comes from feeling misunderstood and abandoned in a relationship. The track’s energy shifts between introspective verses and a soaring, emotionally cathartic chorus, reflecting the emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak.

In comparison to other songs on this list, Blue Monday Blue Day taps into themes of longing and sadness in a similar way to Bonnie Raitt’s Dimming of the Day, though Foreigner’s song is more rooted in rock, with a driving beat and anthemic structure. The song’s exploration of emotional struggle and a sense of being stuck in a painful loop of rejection or despair aligns with the overall narrative of resilience seen in tracks like The Day The Earth Stood Still by Willie Nile. Both songs explore personal and emotional battles, but while Nile reflects on external, world-altering events, Foreigner focuses inward, portraying a more intimate struggle with loss and confusion.

Blue Monday Blue Day wasn’t released as a single, but it stands as a deep cut on Double Vision that showcases the band’s emotional depth beyond their more well-known hits. The song’s placement in this article highlights Foreigner’s ability to translate personal turmoil into a larger, relatable rock anthem.

# 4 – Day By Day – Godspell

I just love this song. You watch the video and it brings you back to the 70s if you were there. Day by Day is one of the most memorable songs from the 1971 musical Godspell, composed by Stephen Schwartz. Its simple yet profound lyrics are derived from a 13th-century prayer attributed to Saint Richard of Chichester, emphasizing the desire to see, love, and follow God more closely, day by day. The song’s refrain has resonated with audiences for decades, making it a standout track not only from the musical but also within the broader folk-rock genre. The song was performed by the original off-Broadway cast and, when released as a single in 1972, it became a major success. It spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 13, and became a chart hit in other countries, such as Canada and Australia.

Musically, Day by Day captures the spirit of early 1970s folk-rock with its melodic simplicity and accessible spiritual message. The song’s meditative quality, driven by the repetition of its central prayer, gives it a timeless appeal. This is further enhanced by the universal themes of seeking clarity, love, and direction in life, which have allowed it to transcend the boundaries of musical theater. The production itself reflects the era’s folk sensibilities, with acoustic elements that blend seamlessly with the hopeful tone of the lyrics.

Comparing Day by Day to other songs on this list of standout rock tracks with “day” in the title reveals its unique spiritual dimension. Unlike the more socially reflective songs such as The Day The Earth Stood Still by Willie Nile, which addresses the eerie stillness and societal upheaval during the pandemic, Day by Day focuses on personal faith and connection to a higher power. Where Dimming of the Day by Bonnie Raitt carries a tone of personal longing and heartbreak, Day by Day offers a sense of peace and acceptance, asking for guidance and spiritual closeness. In contrast to Tom Waits’ Day After Tomorrow, which reflects on the futility of war and personal disillusionment, Day by Day remains hopeful and centered on spiritual growth.

Lyrically, the song’s prayerful nature gives it a different emotional resonance compared to tracks like Four Days Gone by Buffalo Springfield, which focuses on escaping societal pressures. Instead of seeking physical freedom, Day by Day asks for emotional and spiritual clarity. The simplicity of its structure and repetition allows it to serve as a calming mantra, which sets it apart from the other more complex or introspective tracks on this list.

In summary, Day by Day remains a classic not only for its musical simplicity and spiritual depth but for its message of love, clarity, and following a path of faith. Among rock songs that touch on the concept of “day,” this track stands as a testament to the power of simplicity and earnestness in music, offering listeners a brief yet profound prayer for spiritual connection.

# 3 – Day After Day – Badfinger

“Day After Day” is one of the standout tracks in Badfinger’s catalog and remains one of the band’s most enduring songs. Written by Pete Ham and featured on their 1971 album Straight Up, the song was produced by George Harrison, who also contributed a signature slide guitar part that gives the track its unmistakable melodic depth. Released as a single in the U.S. in November 1971 and later in January 1972 worldwide, it became Badfinger’s biggest commercial success, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and reaching number 10 in the UK Singles Chart. The song’s success culminated in a Gold certification in 1972, marking the band’s only gold single in the U.S.

The recording process for Day After Day was shaped by notable collaborations. Pete Ham’s heartfelt lyrics and gentle vocals anchor the track, but the song is equally celebrated for its lush instrumentation, with George Harrison and Ham’s slide guitar work intertwining to create a sense of longing and melancholy. Leon Russell also contributed piano, adding to the track’s rich, multi-layered arrangement. Although Harrison initiated the production, he had to step away to focus on the Concert for Bangladesh, and Todd Rundgren took over the final mix, giving the song a polished and emotionally resonant finish.

Lyrically, Day After Day is a reflection of longing and emotional vulnerability. Lines such as “Looking out from my lonely room, day after day” capture the essence of isolation and unrequited love. The song’s melancholic tone and lyrical themes bear comparison to other reflective and heart-wrenching songs, such as Bonnie Raitt’s Dimming of the Day. Both songs evoke a similar sense of emotional yearning, though Day After Day stands out for its distinctive slide guitar work, giving it a dreamlike, almost haunting atmosphere.

In the context of this list, Day After Day holds its own as a song that captures a deeply personal struggle, much like Tom Waits’ Day After Tomorrow, which contemplates life and loss from a soldier’s perspective. Both songs share a meditative quality, though Badfinger’s track leans more into the realm of romantic heartache rather than societal commentary. The song’s timeless quality, blending rock, pop, and folk influences, ensures its place as one of the standout songs with “Day” in the title.

Read More: Top 10 Badfinger Songs

# 2 – That’ll be the Day – Linda Ronstadt or Buddy Holly

Linda Ronstadt’s cover of That’ll Be the Day from her 1976 album Hasten Down the Wind is a standout example of how an artist can breathe new life into a rock ‘n’ roll classic. Originally written by Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison, and producer Norman Petty, the song was first recorded by Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957. Holly’s version quickly became a defining moment in the early days of rock music, topping the Billboard Best Sellers chart and later being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. It captured the rebellious energy and defiance of young love, driven by Holly’s distinct voice and the Crickets’ driving rhythms. Ronstadt’s version, released nearly 20 years later, taps into this same energy, but with her own unique style, making it a major hit once again.

While Ronstadt’s version stays true to the original’s rockabilly roots, her powerful voice adds a new level of emotional complexity to the track. Produced by Peter Asher, the 1976 recording features a cleaner, more polished sound compared to Holly’s rawer, stripped-down production. Ronstadt’s vocal performance takes center stage, with her signature country-rock influence giving the song a fresh sound that fit perfectly within the 1970s rock landscape. Her version reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that the song’s universal themes of love, heartache, and defiance still resonated with listeners across generations.

The lyrics of That’ll Be the Day tell the story of someone who refuses to believe their lover will leave them, despite threats of separation. The repeated refrain, “That’ll be the day when you say goodbye,” is both a declaration of confidence and a shield against the vulnerability that comes with love. Ronstadt’s delivery of lines like, “You say you’re gonna leave, you know it’s a lie,” carries an emotional weight that echoes both defiance and the fear of abandonment. This emotional complexity, which was also present in Buddy Holly’s original, comes through even more strongly in Ronstadt’s version, as her rich vocals bring out the song’s inherent tension.

Ronstadt’s That’ll Be the Day can be compared to other songs on this list, like Day After Day by Badfinger, which also navigates themes of love, loss, and longing, but through a softer, more melancholic lens. While Badfinger’s song portrays a sense of sadness and yearning, Ronstadt’s take on That’ll Be the Day is more assertive, reflecting a confidence in the face of potential heartbreak. Similarly, it shares thematic ties with Day By Day from Godspell, as both songs focus on themes of faith and steadfastness, albeit in different contexts. In That’ll Be the Day, there is a faith in love and a refusal to believe in the end of a relationship, while Day By Day speaks to a different kind of devotion. Both songs explore how emotions can persist despite the challenges faced, making them timeless additions to this list of standout songs with “Day” in the title.

Ronstadt’s version of That’ll Be the Day remains a pivotal moment in her career, showcasing her ability to take classic songs and reimagine them for new audiences. The track also underscores her talent for blending country, pop, and rock influences into something distinctly her own. As a staple of her live performances and included on her Greatest Hits album, it cemented its place in her catalog as one of her most successful covers.

# 1 – The Beatles Day Songs

DMCA.com Protection Status