Sing-Along Classics: Songs Everyone Knows the Words to

We all have those songs that we can’t help but sing along with. Whether it’s in a karaoke bar or just blasting on the radio, these songs bring us together and create lasting memories. So here are some of the most beloved sing-along classics that everyone knows the words to!

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

If you don’t know at least one verse from this iconic song, where have you been living? Under a rock? Perhaps Mars? This six-minute masterpiece features multiple sections ranging from operatic vocals to hard-rock riffs packed into its 16-bar structure, which makes it perfect for group sings.

“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

If there’s a more timeless disco anthem than “I Will Survive,” we haven’t heard it yet. The track became an instant classic after its release in 1978 and remains so today thanks partly due to its triumphant message combined with musically satisfying vamp sequences.

Best Line:

Do you think I’d crumble
Did you think I’d lay down and die

“Livin’ on A Prayer” – Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi knew how to craft a catchy hook like no one else back in his heyday (or several heydays spanning three decades); coupled with soaring guitar solos of Richie Sambora, Livin’ On A Prayer has become somewhat of a pop-culture anthem difficult not to get your hands up!

Most Iconic Moment:

At live events when Jon Bon Jovi takes over microphone duties halfway through, shouting “Woooaaahhh – We’re halfway there…

“Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond

This melodic classic has remained as popular now as when Diamond first wrote it in 1969. The chorus of “Sweet Caroline” is one that everyone knows, and the ‘Ba ba da’ interlude still smoothes out many awkward conversations.

Best Moment:

Those dulcet tones crooning “Good times never seemed so good” infectious enough to get even people who would NOT normally be excited about singing.

“Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey

Journey’s 1981 rock/pop masterpiece was originally only a modest seller . Over time, it grew from virtually nothing into an inescapable anthem representing perseverance through hard times. Even if no other songs come to mind when someone mentions karaoke bars, you’ll just know Don’t Stop Believing has got us covered!

“Living on My Own” – Freddie Mercury

With his soaring vocal talents Freddie Mercury could make any song a sing-along classic! Described alternatively as either happy-go-lucky or poignantly sad, this disco-infused ditty became a posthumous Top Ten hit in most countries shortly after its release.

Best Line:

Sometimes I feel I’m gonna break down and cry (so lonely)
Nowhere to go nothing to do with my time.

“Total Eclipse of The Heart” – Bonnie Tyler

Written by Jim Steinman for Meat Loaf’s ill-fated follow-up album “Bad For Good,” he instead offered the song up for Welsh icon Bonnie who nailed both power and grace in her performance. Total Eclipse Of The Heart must rank #1 amongst Sing-alongs Mainstays; cue much fist-pumping soprano-ing defiance from an enraptured crowd!

Most Iconic Moment:

The nasal-then-sudden SOS crescendoing howl during Ms. Tyler’s concluding plaintive wail truly set her at one degree separation from divinity while not sounding anything like Barry White.

“Don’t You Want Me” – Human League

Four decades on, this synth hit still resonates with music lovers everywhere. The song contains a memorable opening hooked by its infectious beat that jumps straight into the catchy duo vocals from Phil Oakey and Susan Ann Sulley providing power and grace. Ideal for massive group recoils like weddings or family parties.

“Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake

Let’s face it; we’ve all felt kinda ready to give up on relationships at one time or another in our lives. Thankfully, “Here I go again” came along to remind us that giving up so easily isn’t always the best decision — matched by an immense chorus likely to make any self-respecting human weep due merely of overstimulation!

Best Line:

I don’t know where I’m going,
But, I sure know where I’ve been.

“Livin La Vida Loca” – Ricky Martin

Before he became a Voice coach or Resident Evil evil-doer actor, Ricky Martin’s catalogue included some latent Marmite potential such as Livin’ La Vida Loca! This tongue-in-cheek upbeat ditty has lyrics entirely nonsensical once deconstructed but heck if doesn’t yank your feet off the dance floor!

Best Line:

“Upside-inside-out” (Enough Said!)

“My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion

The ultimate power ballad from Titanic certainly wasn’t without controversy ‘back when;’ however can anyone imagine karaoke bars existing sans that iconic initial sucking chest-wound flute riff? We didn’t think so either…

Most Memorable Moment:

Every gloriously artificially-flavoured silence between each lyric line sung in complete earnestness sounding akin either to top-shelf Anne Hathaway musical numbers partway through their crescendo OR Ursula’s adult film parodies (depends on your mood).

“A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa Carlton’s 2002 debut single hit no.5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and remains a guilty pleasure for many despite not having heard it in years. Even without the electric piano intro, when those three-note noodlings start rising for the chorus; you know you’ve got to belt out “Making my way downtown…”

Best Line:

Cause’ I’d miss ya babe,
And I don’t wanna miss a thing…

“Rockin’ All Over The World” – Status Quo

Status Quo has been rocking since they were called The Spectres back in ’62, making them one of England’s all-time classic rock bands with hits that defined whole generations across Europe. There’s something about their chord progression especially during this song that makes people want to jump up and down like headless chickens even if we have never previously listened.

Most Iconic Moment:

“Well put another dime in the jukebox baby” followed immediately by “We’re gonna ride around in style.”– Pure magic!

“Mr Brightside” – Killers

It is an absolute sin if this early Noughties megahit isn’t included within any top anthemic sing-along list someplace or another as it somehow reached such hallowed status nowadays amongst younger revellers who pack pubs/clubs just waiting for THAT line drop!

Best Line:

“Jealousy turning saints into the sea”

No matter how bad our days become filled with personal/professional grievances against various affairs/people/foods stuck between teeth, EVERYONE can holler along traitorously thanks to Messrs Flowers & co.

“Wonderwall” – Oasis

How amazing was Oasis? Oh so great that almost nobody remembers anything else BESIDES Wonderwall these days. The song has become incredibly pervasive almost everywhere; whether you know it through the radio or, more likely, its repeated purgatory at any roof garden bar.

Best Line:

“Today’s gonna be the day that they’re gonna throw it back to you,” is one of those lines that stick in your head all day long!

“Dancing In The Dark”- Bruce Springsteen

“All right!” SCREAMS Bruce as Dancing In The Dark opens. One magical piano sound later and we are hooked for life! You don’t need a reason to dance when this iconic tune comes on with people jumping upon tables wanting some of what “The Boss” enjoyed during his highly acclaimed tours.

Most Iconic Moment:

The chorus swell to “You can’t start a fire” while still invoking this underlying joy amongst everyone involved…right until the phrase ‘manning up’ appears generating an instant hush across boombox equipped strangers like somebody just pulled out their iPhone to check work email (how uncivilised).

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