10 Best Songs With The Word ‘What’ In The Title

From existential musings to swaggering bravado, the songs in this collection examine desire, conflict, and the search for meaning through some of the most defining moments in rock, pop, and soul history.

George Harrison infused “What Is Life” with exuberance, fusing Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound production with a driving rhythm that reflected the song’s uplifting message of devotion. U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” explored spiritual yearning through gospel-inspired vocals and The Edge’s shimmering guitar work, standing as one of the band’s most profound anthems. Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” transcended its time, addressing war, injustice, and social turmoil with a soulful plea that remains just as relevant today. The Rolling Stones balanced disillusionment and optimism in “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” turning personal and political frustration into one of their most enduring epics. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “What’s Your Name” took the band’s signature Southern rock swagger into the excesses of life on the road, painting a vivid picture of hotel-room misadventures.

The Romantics delivered garage-rock energy with “What I Like About You,” a high-voltage celebration of reckless joy built on handclaps and a harmonica-driven hook. AC/DC turned up the heat with “What Do You Do for Money Honey,” a hard-edged track dripping with the band’s trademark no-frills attitude. 4 Non Blondes made a lasting impact with “What’s Up”, Linda Perry’s impassioned delivery transforming an alternative rock ballad into a generational rallying cry. Nick Lowe’s “What’s So Funny ’Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding” took a wry but urgent stance on compassion, later finding new life in Elvis Costello’s more desperate and urgent rendition. Jackie DeShannon’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love” offered a timeless reminder of empathy, setting Burt Bacharach’s sophisticated melodies against lyrics that feel as urgent now as they did in 1965.

Each of these songs captures something essential about human nature—our need for love, truth, and meaning. Whether wrapped in rock-and-roll bravado, soul-searching balladry, or political defiance, they remind us that asking the right questions is just as important as finding the answers.

# 10 – What Is Life – George Harrison

Since so many Legendary Classic songs utilize the word what in the title, we wanted to open up this list with a special one. In fact, we could have actually closed this one because it’s just so good. This is easily one of George Harrison’s greatest solo releases.

“What Is Life” was recorded during the sessions for All Things Must Pass and released as the album’s second single on February 15, 1971. The song, which Harrison originally intended for Billy Preston, featured an expansive production driven by Phil Spector’s signature Wall of Sound technique. Recorded at EMI Studios and Trident Studios in London in 1970, the track included contributions from an ensemble of musicians, including Eric Clapton, members of Badfinger, and Delaney & Bonnie’s touring band.

The song’s lyrics expressed a dual meaning, characteristic of Harrison’s writing at the time. While appearing to be a love song on the surface, “What Is Life” also reflected his deepening spiritual beliefs. Lines such as “Tell me, what is my life without your love” could be interpreted as both a plea to a romantic partner and an appeal to a higher power. This lyrical ambiguity mirrored themes found throughout All Things Must Pass, where Harrison explored the intersection of human connection and divine devotion. Compared to the introspective tone of other songs on the album, “What Is Life” stood out with its celebratory energy, driven by a propulsive guitar riff and uplifting chord progressions.

Upon release, the song achieved significant chart success, reaching the Top 10 in the United States, Canada, and several European countries. In Australia and Switzerland, it topped the singles charts. It later gained renewed attention through its inclusion in films such as Goodfellas, Patch Adams, and This Is 40, solidifying its place as one of Harrison’s most recognizable solo tracks. Over the years, “What Is Life” remained a staple of his legacy, appearing in multiple compilations and live recordings, including Live in Japan in 1992.

Read More: Top 10 George Harrison Songs

# 9 – What’s Up – 4 Non Blondes

Released in March 1993, “What’s Up?” became the defining song for 4 Non Blondes, propelling the band to international fame with a single that captured a sense of generational frustration and longing. Written by lead vocalist Linda Perry, the track was recorded at The Plant in Sausalito, California, and produced by David Tickle. Perry, dissatisfied with the initial studio version, took the initiative to re-record her vocals to restore the song’s raw intensity. The result was an anthem that resonated worldwide, reaching number one in eleven countries and cementing itself as one of the most recognizable alternative rock songs of the decade.

Lyrically, “What’s Up?” embodied both personal introspection and broader societal discontent. Perry’s verses, particularly the opening lines, “Twenty-five years and my life is still / Trying to get up that great big hill of hope,” struck a chord with listeners who identified with its universal themes of struggle and self-discovery. The chorus’s repeated plea, “Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on?” transcended language barriers, making the song a rallying cry for those seeking change. Its open-ended meaning allowed it to be embraced by various social and political movements, from LGBTQ+ advocacy to protest anthems, ensuring its longevity beyond the band’s short tenure.

Musically, the track’s acoustic-driven folk-rock foundation, paired with Perry’s impassioned vocal delivery, distinguished it from the heavier grunge sound that dominated the early ’90s. The song’s emotional build, combined with a melody that was both soaring and intimate, made it an undeniable radio staple. The accompanying music video, directed by Morgan Lawley, emphasized the band’s carefree energy and Perry’s unmistakable stage presence, further embedding the song into the cultural landscape. Despite 4 Non Blondes disbanding shortly after their debut album Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, “What’s Up?” remained a lasting piece of ’90s rock history, frequently covered and featured in films and television.

While “What’s Up?” was 4 Non Blondes’ only major hit, Linda Perry went on to become one of the most influential producers and songwriters of her generation. After leaving the band, she established herself as a behind-the-scenes powerhouse, penning and producing massive hits for artists such as Pink, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, and Adele. Her contributions to Aguilera’s Stripped album, particularly “Beautiful,” earned her critical acclaim, and her work with artists across genres cemented her reputation as a visionary in modern pop and rock music. Though Perry moved away from the spotlight as a performer, “What’s Up?” remained a cornerstone of her legacy, a song that not only defined an era but also marked the beginning of a career that reshaped the sound of contemporary music.

Read More: Top 10 4 Non Blondes Songs

# 8 – What Do You Do for Money Honey – AC/DC

“What Do You Do for Money Honey” was recorded by AC/DC for their seminal album Back in Black, released on July 25, 1980. The album marked the band’s first full-length release following the death of Bon Scott, introducing Brian Johnson as the new lead vocalist. The track was recorded between April and May 1980 at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, with production handled by Robert John “Mutt” Lange. The lineup featured Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, Phil Rudd on drums, and Johnson on vocals. This album, including “What Do You Do for Money Honey,” was later mixed at Electric Lady Studios in New York City. Back in Black went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time, solidifying AC/DC’s status as one of rock’s most enduring bands.

Lyrically, “What Do You Do for Money Honey” takes aim at materialism and the transactional nature of relationships, depicting a woman who leverages her beauty and allure for financial gain. The song’s lyrics, delivered with Johnson’s raspy urgency, critique a lifestyle centered around wealth accumulation and the exploitation of desire. Lines such as “You’re working in bars, riding in cars / Never gonna give it for free” encapsulate the biting cynicism that permeates the track. The repeated refrain, “What do you do for money honey?” is both accusatory and rhetorical, reinforcing the theme of financial motivation overshadowing genuine connection.

Read More: Chris Slade: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 7 – What I Like About You – The Romantics

The Romantics captured the essence of power pop with “What I Like About You,” a high-energy anthem that became one of the defining tracks of the early 1980s. I mean, how many times did you see this video on MTV in the early ’80s, especially the first 2 years?  Released on their self-titled debut album in 1979, the song was recorded at Coconuts Recording Studio in Miami and produced by Pete Solley. Featuring a raw, garage-rock intensity, it combined infectious hooks, a driving rhythm, and an exuberant vocal delivery from drummer Jimmy Marinos.

“What I Like About You” embraced a direct and celebratory tone, with its simple yet effective message of affection underscored by an energetic call-and-response chorus. The lyrics focused on the thrill of romantic attraction, with lines like “Keep on whispering in my ear, tell me all the things that I wanna hear” reinforcing its youthful exuberance. The repeated “hey, uh-huh” refrain gave the track a chant-like quality, making it instantly recognizable and a natural fit for live performances. The party band  Phase IV I performed with all throughout the ’80s used to play this song all the time and the crowds always went crazy.

Within the context of this list, “What I Like About You” brings an undeniable dose of adrenaline, with its relentless pace and unfiltered enthusiasm fitting seamlessly alongside other rock anthems featuring the word “What” in the title. Its contrast to the heavier rock sounds of AC/DC’s “What Do You Do for Money Honey” or the introspective nature of George Harrison’s “What Is Life” showcases its unique place in the rock landscape. The song’s ability to remain fresh and exhilarating after all these years is a testament to its infectious simplicity and the raw charm of The Romantics’ performance.

Read More: Top 10 Songs From The Romantics

# 6 – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2

Read More: Complete List Of U2 Songs From A to Z

# 5 – What’s So Funny About Peace, Love And Understanding – Nick Lowe

Read More: 10 Essential & Brilliant Nick Lowe Songs

# 4 – What The World Needs Now Is Love- Burt Bacharach

Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love” became one of the most enduring pop songs of the 1960s, delivering a message of unity and compassion against the backdrop of a turbulent era. Written in 1965, the song was first recorded by Jackie DeShannon and produced by Bacharach himself at Bell Sound Studios in New York City. With its sophisticated orchestration, elegant melody, and direct yet profound lyrics, the song reflected Bacharach and David’s signature approach to songwriting—combining complex musicality with accessible emotional resonance. DeShannon’s warm and expressive vocal delivery carried the song’s plea for universal love, helping it resonate deeply with listeners.

Lyrically, the song framed its call for love within a broader reflection on abundance and scarcity. The verses contrasted the world’s natural resources—mountains, rivers, fields—with the one thing it seemed to lack: love. The refrain’s repetition of “No, not just for some, but for everyone” underscored the song’s inclusive, humanitarian spirit, reinforcing the idea that love should be a universal right rather than a privilege. This direct yet poetic appeal made “What the World Needs Now Is Love” a poignant anthem, particularly as it was released during the early years of the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement, adding to its cultural significance.

Musically, Bacharach crafted an arrangement that balanced sophistication with accessibility. The track featured a swelling orchestration, delicate piano flourishes, and an understated rhythm section, allowing DeShannon’s voice to take center stage. The song’s harmonic progressions and dynamic shifts gave it a sense of movement and uplift, reinforcing its hopeful message. Though initially overlooked upon release, “What the World Needs Now Is Love” gained momentum over time, becoming one of DeShannon’s signature songs and a staple in Bacharach and David’s catalog. It was later revived in several notable renditions, including a version by Dionne Warwick and a 1971 cover by Tom Clay, which interspersed spoken-word clips about war and peace, further cementing its status as a protest-era anthem.

Read More: Top 20 Burt Bacharach Songs

# 3 – What’s Your Name – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “What’s Your Name” captured the excess and chaos of life on the road, blending Southern rock swagger with a narrative drawn directly from the band’s own experiences. Released in 1977 on Street Survivors, the song chronicled the debauchery of a touring musician’s life, from hotel-room escapades to run-ins with the police, all set against a backdrop of bluesy guitar licks and honky-tonk piano. Produced by Tom Dowd, the track was recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami and Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, featuring Ronnie Van Zant on vocals, Allen Collins and Gary Rossington on guitars, Leon Wilkeson on bass, Billy Powell on piano, and Artimus Pyle on drums. The album would become one of Skynyrd’s most famous, not only for its music but for the tragic plane crash that claimed Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines just days after its release.

The song’s lyrics painted a vivid scene of the band’s touring lifestyle, opening with a limousine ride to a show in Boise, Idaho, and leading into a raucous night that resulted in a messy hotel situation involving the crew and a guest. The chorus’s repeated question—“What’s your name, little girl?”—reinforced the song’s theme of fleeting, anonymous encounters, capturing the recklessness that often accompanied their rise to fame. Despite the playful tone, the song hinted at the darker side of this lifestyle, where personal connections were brief, and the cycle of excess repeated itself night after night. Unlike other tracks on Street Survivors, which touched on deeper themes of personal reflection and Southern identity, “What’s Your Name” remained firmly in the realm of road-weary storytelling, making it one of the album’s most accessible songs.

Musically, the song combined Skynyrd’s signature twin-guitar attack with a polished, radio-friendly approach, similar in structure to the blues-driven swagger of “What Do You Do for Money Honey”. However, while AC/DC’s track focused on transactional relationships, Skynyrd’s lyrics leaned into the chaotic yet charismatic nature of their life on tour. “What’s Your Name” became one of the band’s most recognizable songs, proving that even in their final days with Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd maintained their ability to craft enduring rock anthems rooted in real-life experiences.

Read More: 10 Most Rocking Lynyrd Skynyrd Songs

# 2 – You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” blended rock, gospel, and orchestral elements into one of the band’s most ambitious compositions. Recorded between November 1968 and July 1969 at Olympic Sound Studios in London, the song was produced by Jimmy Miller and featured a choir introduction performed by the London Bach Choir. Mick Jagger’s lead vocals carried a sense of weary observation, while Keith Richards layered acoustic and electric guitar parts. Charlie Watts played drums on the main track, but producer Jimmy Miller contributed to additional percussion. Al Kooper, best known for his work with Bob Dylan and Blood, Sweat & Tears, played piano, organ, and the distinctive French horn intro, adding a stately quality to the song’s grand arrangement. Released as the B-side to “Honky Tonk Women,” the track appeared on Let It Bleed, an album that reflected both the turbulence of the late ’60s and the band’s transition after the departure of Brian Jones.

Lyrically, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” painted a series of vignettes—a woman at a reception, a protest demonstration, and a visit to a drugstore—each illustrating the song’s central message of disillusionment and reluctant acceptance. The chorus, with its choral harmonies and gospel inflection, reinforced the idea that desires often go unfulfilled, but perseverance can still yield unexpected rewards. The verses carried a sense of personal and societal unrest, reflecting the era’s shifting cultural landscape. Unlike “What’s Up”, which channeled frustration into anthemic catharsis, the Stones’ composition took a more resigned, observational tone. The song’s final build-up, culminating in an expansive, celebratory refrain, underscored its paradoxical theme—despite the hardships, life still had something to offer.

Musically, the song’s fusion of rock and gospel drew comparisons to other expansive compositions of the time, yet it remained uniquely Stones-like in its delivery. While “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding” channeled frustration through a driving rock rhythm, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” built tension gradually, allowing the choir, acoustic instrumentation, and Jagger’s evocative vocal performance to shape its emotional arc. The song became one of the Stones’ defining tracks, frequently performed live and widely regarded as one of their most enduring statements on the balance between aspiration and reality.

Read More: Complete List Of Rolling Stones Songs From A to Z

# 1 – What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” was recorded in June 1970 at Hitsville U.S.A., the legendary Motown studio in Detroit, and released as a single on January 20, 1971. Written by Gaye, Al Cleveland, and Renaldo “Obie” Benson of the Four Tops, the song diverged from Motown’s traditional focus on love and romance, addressing social and political unrest with a level of depth and urgency rarely heard in mainstream soul music. The track was produced by Gaye himself, marking his shift toward greater artistic independence. The instrumentation featured members of Motown’s in-house band, the Funk Brothers, with James Jamerson delivering one of his most revered bass performances. Saxophonist Eli Fontaine’s improvisational introduction became one of the song’s defining elements, adding a mournful yet elegant quality to its opening moments.

Lyrically, “What’s Going On” framed its message as a conversation between a returning Vietnam veteran and his community, blending personal sorrow with broader social critique. Gaye’s voice, layered in multi-tracked harmonies, captured both weariness and defiance as he lamented war, police brutality, and the divisiveness of the era. The lines “Picket lines and picket signs / Don’t punish me with brutality” spoke directly to the civil rights struggles of the late ’60s and early ’70s, while “You know we’ve got to find a way / To bring some lovin’ here today” emphasized reconciliation and hope. The song’s call for peace aligned with “What the World Needs Now Is Love”, though Gaye’s delivery carried an urgency and personal anguish absent from Bacharach and David’s more idealistic composition.

Musically, the song’s seamless fusion of jazz, soul, and orchestral elements set it apart from other protest songs of the time. The congas, fluid bassline, and subdued strings provided a hypnotic groove, reinforcing the track’s conversational flow. Unlike the defiant energy of “What’s So Funny ’Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding,” which tackled similar themes with a raw, driving rock approach, “What’s Going On” offered a more introspective, meditative response to social turmoil. The song’s impact extended far beyond its release, becoming an enduring anthem of resistance and empathy, as relevant in contemporary discussions of justice as it was in 1971.

Read More: Top 10 Marvin Gaye Songs

Check out more similar articles on ClassicRockHistory.com Just click on any of the links below……

10 Perfect Songs To Turn Your Kids On To Classic Rock

10 Classic Rock Songs That Will Get You A Speeding Ticket

10 Classic Rock Songs That Turn Bad Days Around

10 Classic Rock Songs About School

10 Classic Rock Songs To Play At Sporting Events

10 Classic Rock Songs About Amusement Parks

10 Cool Classic Rock Songs Fueled By Sci-Fi Themes

10 Classic Rock Songs That Your Parents Hated

6 Power Ballads From Unlikely Sources

10 Classic Rock Songs To Wake You Up

Top 10 Classic Rock Songs To Send To Your Ex

Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com

Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory

10 Best Songs With The Word ‘What’ In The Title article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2025