24 Classic Rock Songs With Inspiring Lyrics

Classic rock lyrics touch on many different subjects. Popular songs from the golden age of Rock & Roll during the 1960s and the 1970s reflected a lot of serious subjects like political tension, war protests, and other intense issues in society at the time.

However, some other classic rock lyrics invoke a lighter mood and a sense of inspiration. 

Music empowers feelings. It can be a source of inspiration for people in deep thought, especially in solitude. There’s a reason why so many people look to put on headphones when they need a break from the pressure and stress of rest of the world.

Musicians, after all, are artists at their core. They are in many cases the critics of society and the voice of the people. That’s never easier to identify than when looking at the depth of poetic lyrics.

Some famous Rock & Rollers built themselves into cultural icons with a lighter style and the occasional nugget of wisdom in their music. Elton John released countless songs with energetic and uplifting tempo, while Tom Petty and Billy Joel sang with a passion that can stir emotion in so many different types of situations.

The light touch of the Beatles inspired a generation. Their lyrics encouraged an entirely new attitude that the world wasn’t always ready for. 

The widespread influence of Bruce Springsteen turned him into a hero of the American working man because of his relatable and inspiring lyrics.

Fast forward into the 1980s when memorable rock songs included the type of upbeat tempo that helped Journey and Bon Jovi stay relevant into the 21st century with at least one spin at every wedding or big event.

Lyrics can provide shelter against adversity. Enjoy 24 of the most inspiring lyrics classic rock has to offer.

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true
You stand at the edge while people run you through
And I thank the Lord
There's people out there like you
I thank the Lord there's people out there like you

I can't complain but sometimes I still do
Life's been good to me so far

Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter, and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it's just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

Well, I know what's right
I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I'll stand my ground
And I won't back down

Oh yeah, life goes on
Long after the thrill of living is gone
They walk on

Little darlin', the smile's returning to their faces
Little darlin', it seems like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's alright

Everyone I know, everywhere I go
People need some reason to believe
I don't know about anyone, but me
If it takes all night, that'll be all right
If I can get you to smile before I leave

I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream of warm impermanence and
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same

Well there's a dark cloud rising from the desert floor
I packed my bags and I'm heading straight into the storm
Gonna be a twister to blow everything down
That ain't got the faith to stand its ground
Blow away the dreams that tear you apart
Blow away the dreams that break your heart
Blow away the lies that leave you nothing but lost and brokenhearted

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me love
I know I'm not a hopeless case

So if you think your life is complete confusion
'Cause your neighbors got it made
Just remember that it's a grand illusion
And deep inside, we're all the same

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be

Yes, they're sharing a drink they call loneliness
But it's better than drinkin' alone

We've gotta hold on to what we've got
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
We've got each other and that's a lot for love
We'll give it a shot

Nothin' you can do, but you can learn how to be you in time
It's easy
All you need is love

Though nothing will drive them away
We can be Heroes, just for one day
We can be us, just for one day

Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

Workin' hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice
Just one more time

Some'll win, some will lose
Some are born to sing the blues

May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you're far from home

Against the wind
We were runnin' against the wind
We were young and strong, we were runnin' against the wind

Well, I've been afraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm getting older too

Freedom is just another word for nothin' left to lose

And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best
And Always look on the bright side of life