Rock music lyrics over the past 60 years have run the gamut from deep thinking to total nonsense, from lovers’ heartbreak to sunny whimsy.  Sure, there are thousands of examples of just-for-fun words like “Be-bop-a-lula, she’s my baby” and “Wooly Bully,” but thanks to substantive songwriters, we have a treasure trove of lyrics that can inspire, motivate, and teach.

Some songs have words that are truly profound, presenting solid pointers on how to live your life happily, safely and productively.  I’ve been researching and have come up with a list of some of my favorite lyrics that offer excellent advice.

There’s a Spotify playlist at the end to hear the songs from whence these lyrics are found.

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“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need.” — Mick Jagger, 1969

“Dream on. Dream until your dreams come true.” — Steven Tyler, 1973

“And it’s only the giving that makes you what you are.” — Ian Anderson, 1971

“All we are is dust in the wind.” — Kerry Livgren, 1978

“You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face and show the world all the love in your heart.” — Carole King, 1971

“With a friend at hand, you will see the light. If your friends are there, then everything’s all right.” — Bernie Taupin, 1971

“Don’t criticize what you can’t understand.” — Bob Dylan, 1963

“Come down from your fences and open the gate. You better let somebody love you before it’s too late.” — Don Henley, 1973

“If you plan to face tomorrow, do it soon.” — Gordon Lightfoot, 1976

“When you see your ship go sailing, when you feel your heart is breaking, hold on tight to your dream…” — Jeff Lynne, 1981

“You know, the times you impress me most are the times when you don’t even try.” — Joni Mitchell, 1972

“You shouldn’t have took more than you gave. We wouldn’t be in this mess today.” — Dave Mason, 1970

“Turn and face the strange changes. Pretty soon now, you’re gonna get older.” — David Bowie, 1971

“Push a little harder. Think a little deeper. You can make it if you try.” — Sly Stone, 1969

“So if you’re walking down the street sometime and spot some hollow ancient eyes, please don’t just pass ’em by and stare as if you didn’t care. Say, ‘Hello in there. Hello.'” — John Prine, 1971

“You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.” — Don Schlitz, 1976

“If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change.”— Michael Jackson and Glen Ballard, 1987

“Come on, people now, smile on your brother. Everybody get together, and try to love one another right now.” — Chet Powers, 1964

“Don’t let it bring you down. It’s only castles burning. Find someone who’s turning, and you will come around.” — Neil Young, 1970

“There never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them.” — Jim Croce, 1973

“Love when you can, cry when you have to. Be who you must, that’s a part of the plan.” — Dan Fogelberg, 1974

“If it hurts, don’t let them see you cry. You can make it. Hold your head up.” — Rod Argent, 1972

“Remember:  One man’s ceiling is another man’s floor.”— Paul Simon, 1973

“Just take it light and breezy. Make it tender.” — Jesse Colin Young, 1978

“If you know what life is worth, you stand up for your rights. Get up! Stand up!” — Bob Marley, 1973

“Try not to get worried. Try not to hold on to problems that upset you.” — Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, 1970

“The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” — James Taylor, 1977

“Don’t stop believing. Hold on to that feeling.” — Steve Perry, 1981

“Life is very short, and there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend.” — John Lennon & Paul McCartney, 1965

“Each time I find myself flat on my face, I pick myself up and get back in the race. That’s life.” — Dean Kay, 1963

“Take your time. Think a lot. Think of everything you’ve got. You may still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.” — Cat Stevens, 1970

“Don’t give yourself to common clowns. Don’t let the bastards get you down.” — Margo Price, 2025

“Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there’s still time to change the road you’re on.” — Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, 1971

“You’re gonna be all right, just as long as you keep on growing.” — Eric Clapton, 1970

“Let the disappointments pass. Let the laughter fill your glass.” — Jackson Browne, 1976

“If, as we’re walking, a hand should slip free, I’ll wait for you. And should I fall behind, wait for me.” — Bruce Springsteen, 1992

“Teach your children well.”— Graham Nash, 1970

“Don’t you worry ’bout a thing, ’cause I’ll be standing on your side when you check it out.” — Stevie Wonder, 1973

“Try to realize it’s all within yourself. No one else can make you change. You’re really only very small, and life flows on within you and without you.” — George Harrison, 1967

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