Love is a powerful emotion that can be difficult to describe. Luckily, rock artists have never been afraid to tackle complex topics. Whether you need to shout your feelings from the rooftops or scream into your pillow, these rock songs with love in the title will get you there.
1. “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
Song year: 1984
We know that love without heartache is rare. In “I Want to Know What Love Is,” Foreigner describes the desire to love despite the fear of pain.
In this song, a man meets someone with whom he believes he could fall in love. He begs her to end his loneliness and show him the meaning of love. He may be slow to open up, but he is ready to try.
2. “You Give Love a Bad Name” by Bon Jovi
Song year: 1986
Bon Jovi describes a woman who has made love into a cruel game. She acts innocent at first, with a sweet smile and wholesome promises, but she hurts every man she claims to love.
A man says that he played his part in her game, unaware of how it would end. He likens her love to a gun that has shot the man in the heart. He can never recover from the pain she caused.
3. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Song year: 1992
Love does not always last forever. Whitney Houston discusses the pain of leaving a significant other for their own good.
A woman knows she will be in the way of her significant other if she stays, so she must go. She is heartbroken, but she knows she will carry the memories. The woman wishes the best for her man, including a good life, fulfilled dreams, and love. Even though she is leaving, she will always love him.
4. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin
Song year: 1976
Led Zeppelin explores the physical aspect of love in “Whole Lotta Love.”
A couple has been together without having sex, and the man says he is ready to take the next step. He has been yearning for this moment and swears that he will impress his woman when he gives her his love.
If you enjoy love songs from the 70s, check out the top 70s love songs.
5. “Hello, I Love You” by The Doors
Song year: 1968
“Hello, I Love You” is a prime example of love at first sight.
The Doors describe a woman who is sought after by many. She is the most beautiful of all women, but she pays no attention to the men staring at her. The man in this song claims to love the woman before ever speaking to her. He hopes to be the one to catch her eye.
6. “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Song year: 1981
“I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” is a popular choice for parties and car rides alike. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts deliver an upbeat anthem for all of the rock ‘n’ roll fans.
In this song, a girl notices a boy using the jukebox. She knows they will end up together because they have the same taste in music. She asks to take him home, and they leave together.
For more songs like “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll, take a look at the 111 best 80s songs.
7. “Somebody to Love” by Queen
Song year: 1976
“Somebody to Love” follows a man searching desperately for love.
He compares his loneliness to a prison cell, but he knows he will break free and find love one day. Every day, the man works hard and returns to an empty house. He cries as he prays for love. People believe he is insane, but he knows that love will be the cure.
8. “Interstate Love Song” by Stone Temple Pilots
Song year: 1994
“Interstate Love Song” is a tale of betrayed trust.
A man discovers that his significant other lied to him recently. She has made many promises, but he can no longer trust her. The man feels defeated and lost. He struggles to breathe and cannot believe that nothing he says matters to his woman. Finally, he leaves on a train.
9. “Is This Love” by Whitesnake
Song year: 1987
Do you believe that distance makes the heart grow fonder? Whitesnake certainly does. “Is This Love” tells the story of a man who is far from his significant other.
The man cannot sleep and waits by the phone while she is away. He says he loves her more every day, and he wonders if that feeling is love.
10. “When It’s Love” by Van Halen
Song year: 1988
Van Halen attempts to answer the age-old questions about love in their hit, “When It’s Love.”
Van Halen mentions that everyone wants to find love, but it is difficult to find the right person. They tell the listeners that love lasts forever, but it is impossible to describe the feeling. You will only know it is love when you and your partner feel it together.
11. “One Night Love Affair” by Bryan Adams
Song year: 1984
We expect it to be easy to spend just one night with someone and part ways the next day. What happens if you both develop feelings in that one night?
Bryan Adams explores this situation in “One Night Love Affair.” He meets up with a woman for the night but never expected to develop feelings for her so quickly. Both spend the night pretending they do not care that it will end, but they feel empty in the morning.
12. “Cradle of Love” by Billy Idol
Song year: 1990
The title “Cradle of Love” is based on the phrase “robbing the cradle.” This song is about a man in a sexual relationship with a girl much younger than him.
Billy Idol describes love as unpredictable and uncontrollable. He discusses the fact that others consider you a rebel if you marry a young girl. Despite this, Billy Idol believes he was meant to love such girls. He says that he cannot stop once he begins falling in love.
13. “When Love Comes to Town” by U2 with B.B. King
Song year: 1988
The meaning behind “When Love Comes to Town” has been disputed. While some believe this love is God’s love, others believe it is true, human love.
U2 and B.B. King tell the story of a man who was lost and flawed before love came to town. He fought too often, let others down, and made promises he would never keep. He knows that love will change him, and he will accept it with open arms when it approaches him.
Best Rock Songs With Love In the Title, Final Thoughts
Love builds us up and breaks us down. Sometimes, people betray our trust. Other times, we must give up on love to make room for personal growth.
We can fall in love at first sight or during a one-night stand. We can spend years searching for love. Often, we ask ourselves what love is.
These rock songs with love in the title will speak to you during every step of your journey to find love.