So, you’re looking for a song about men. Whatever the reason why, we’ve a number of great ones in this article; many covering different sub topics. So have a look below and take your pick.
“One Man Can Change the World” by Big Sean ft. John Legend and Kanye West
Song Year: 2017
One of the forerunners in the modern rap game, Big Sean, uplifted men worldwide with his track “One Man Can Change the World.” The song’s title summed up its message well and was definitely on almost every man’s playlist after its release.
The lyrics talk to men and encourage them to believe in themselves and their ability to effect positive change in the world, irrespective of social status.
“The Boys Are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy
Song Year: 1976
“The Boys Are Back In Town” is a track by Thin Lizzy, a hard rock band from Ireland. A hit from the album “Jailbreak,” this song was awarded “Best Single” in the N.M.E. Awards.
True to its title, this song is about boys enjoying a reunion with their hometown. If you’re looking for a song that will blast your speakers or uplift your mood, this is the perfect pick.
“The Man” by The Killers
Song Year: 2017
“The Man” by The Killers is a song for bold hard-working men everywhere. This track blends indie and alternative rock with bits of pop to give it a “feel-good” vibe that’s inspiring for men who are working to achieve something.
The lyrics showcase the band’s self-belief as they label themselves royalty. They boast all the desirable male qualities, including physical strength, popularity, and money.
“I’m the Man” by 50 Cent ft. Chris Brown
Song Year: 2016
‘I’m The Man” by 50 Cent and Chris Brown is another good track to remind you that you should be proud of your masculinity. This song is about the self-belief men need to possess and how you feel now that you’re even closer to your goals.
If you’re a hip-hop lover, you’ll love this one. The beat is slow and has a lovely melody.
“The Man” by Aloe Blacc
Song Year: 2013
American star vocalist Aloe Blacc wasn’t that much of a household name before the release of his track “The Man.” The song is a nice blend of good vocals, melody, songwriting skills, and a bit of cockiness.
If you picture songs about masculinity, this is undoubtedly the first song that comes to mind. The lyrics are simple and perfect for your high and fun moments.
“Classic Man (Remix)” by Jidenna ft. Kendrick Lamar
Song Year: 2015
Jidenna’s “Classic Man” was already a breakout hit even before the remix. Lamar steps up to give this banger the perfect hip-hop vibe.
As we all know, Jidenna’s style and persona bring out nothing short of the “Classic Man style,” ranging from his fashion sense to looks. Whether you’re a man who loves style or one who loves rap, this is a great song.
“Lose Yourself” by Eminem
Song Year: 2002
It’s well-known that Slim Shady struggled with addiction and other personal issues during his early music career.
In this song, Eminem doesn’t shy away from highlighting some of these obstacles and why he should not give up. This song is the perfect reminder for men going through a rough patch to be courageous and stick to their grind.
“I Am a Simple Man” by Ricky Van Shelton
Song Year: 1991
Country musician Ricky Van Shelton has several tracks that focus on masculinity but do not equal “I Am A Simple Man.” This track is a hymn for all hard-working guys, as it’s all about motivation to keep pushing.
The lyrics express emotions about manhood, its mischaracterizations, and why you should appreciate the small things. The song peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts.
“Better Man” by Leon Bridges
Song Year: 2015
Texas vocalist Leon Bridges offers heartfelt melodies with a distinctive flair and touch. It’s safe to say he’s the “Gaye” of the current times, thanks to his unfiltered and sincere songwriting.
“Better Man” is a plea by Bridges to his beloved for forgiveness for his wrongdoings. Mistakes are human, as nobody is perfect.
“Mr. Man” by Fave
Song Year: 2022
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard some Afro Beats tracks. This sound is taking over Africa and the world, especially on social platforms like TikTok.
“Mr. Man” is a song by one of Nigeria’s fast-n-rising stars, Fave. On this track, the singer tells us how she adores her man.
“Family Man” by Craig Campbell
Song Year: 2011
“Family Man” by Craig Campbell is one of the best songs about being a man. The lyrics of this song are about a man working to make ends meet for his family.
This song demonstrates the dedication men must make for the ones they love. According to philosopher Thomas Paine, the true man finds happiness in adversity and gains courage by reflecting, and this track perfectly embodies these traits.
“I’m Still a Guy” by Brad Paisley
Song Year: 2007
“I’m Still a Guy” is Paisley’s humorous attempt to address the tension between our sexes. The lyricist clarifies that even if society pressures men to adopt feminine traits, he still maintains their masculinity.
Due to uncertainty about the song’s reception among female listeners, Paisley requested his wife to listen to it before its release. The song peaked at #48 on the U.S. Hot Country Songs.
“Hot Boyz” by Missy Elliot ft. Q-Tip, Nas, Eve
Song Year: 1999
For a blast from the past, play Missy Elliot’s “Hot Boyz,” a 90s song about attractive men. Missy Elliot and Eve say that the hottest boys are the ones that have the best rides and are most attractive.
This track highlights all that most women admire in guys. It blends in for a late-night playlist with your significant other.
“Boys in the Better Land” by Fontaines D.C.
Song Year: 2021
On this track, Fontaines D.C. talks about everything toxic masculinity. Their lead singer goes into a path where he talks about the constant comparison of somebody to others.
The lyrics highlight the importance of not minding other people’s opinions about you and staying in your element.
“Real Men” by Joe Jackson
Song Year: 1982
“Real Men” by Joe Jackson is undeniably one, if not the best, song ever recorded concerning the experiences of being a man. This song was truly visionary, considering the timing of its release.
Jackson talks about the shifting role of men in modern society and how finding and knowing yourself can be challenging. It is a calm song with smooth vocals, perfect for a late-evening playlist.
“Father and Son” by Cat Stevens
Song Year: 2006
Son-father relationships aren’t always the best. Often, these relationships are filled with an odd mix of jealousy, pride, competition, and tough love. “Father And Son” embodies these masculinity elements perfectly.
In the song, Father counsels his son on how to go about life. On the other hand, the son is sick of all his father’s advice and wants to break free from his cocoon.
“My Guy” by Mary Wells
Song Year: 1964
“My Guy” by Mary Wells is an excellent song about men. Here, Mary Wells outlines the qualities she adores about her suitor. The singer pours her hearty lyrics to this tune with a lovely melody.
Wells states that nothing anybody ever tells her that’s negative about her guy will convince her to end the relationship. She holds such high regard for her man, and that’s unconditional.
“It’s Raining Men” by the Weather Girls
Song Year: 1983
“It’s Raining Men” depicts that men are everywhere but that girls need to know what qualities (moral and physical) to look for in a good man.
Different men have varying personalities, and this is something the Weather Girls clearly outline on the track. This song is an appreciation for all men and has a feel-good vibe.
“Waiting for Superman” By Daughtry
Song Year: 2013
Daughtry takes us deep into the fantasies women have about meeting their Superheros. The lyrics talk about a lady finally having an encounter with her “perfect man” at the perfect moment.
Smooth vocals and some excellent instruments make this one of the best songs about men. The video also demonstrates this “superman” concept well.
“The Man” by Taylor Swift
Song Year: 2019
Unlike most other songs about men on this list that glorify or appreciate men, “The Man” by Taylor Swift is a feminist hymn about the differing views of women and men. Characteristic of Taylor, you should expect some nice pop sound and exciting lyrics.
In the song, Taylor talks about how stupid some men could be and how society still embraces them surprisingly.
“Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Taylor
Song Year: 1996
Bonnie Taylor embodies a Hercules-like figure with her street savvy, brute might, and speed on “Holding Out For A Hero.” She anticipates that this guy will enter her life and transform it.
This song is for confident alpha males. Men who feel they can take on even the toughest obstacle or challenge to prove their worth will find this tune a good one to jam to.
“I’m a Man” by Pulp
Song Year: 1998
If you’re a fan of Oldschool rock, you’ll fall for “I’m A Man” by Pulp. This is one of the best songs about masculinity ever written by a rock artist.
Lead vocalist Jarvis Cocker challenges the ludicrous conception of masculinity that he’s anticipated to comply with. However, the song takes a huge twist towards the end as Cocker recognizes that while he isn’t impressed by “toxic masculinity,” he’s still a man.
“The Man Song” by Sean Morey
Song Year: 2011
There’s nothing more artistic than talking about a sensitive topic humorously. For this classic relationship and gender, humor prevails, thanks to Morey’s comedy side.
“The Man Song” is about being a man and everything society feels men are entitled to. This song was so popular that Tom Griswold of the “Bob And Tom Show” described it as the most requested track ever.
“Man in Black” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1971
Johnny Cash is among the 20th century’s most influential and accomplished artists. He’s well-known for his music depicting redemption, sorrow, and moral tribulation, particularly in the later recordings.
In “Man In Black,” Cash talks about the troubles or difficulties men face, their sacrifices, and how some of these efforts go unnoticed.
“What Makes a Good Man” by The Heavy
Song Year: 2012
“What Makes A Good Man” was the lead single off their 3rd album, The Glorious Dead. The song contains hard rock elements: a simple high-hat intro, a strutting riff, and lead Kelvin Swaby’s voiced scowls.
The song title alone is enough to get you thinking about what makes a good man.
“Man of the Year” by Leroy Sanchez
Song Year: 2017
Spanish-English songwriter Leroy Sanchez did wonders with his breakout single “Man Of The Year.” Unlike his other song covers, Sanchez’s writing was on test with this song, and he didn’t disappoint.
This song is about doing everything to please your dear one.
“Grown Men Don’t Cry” by Tim McGraw
Song Year: 2001
One common misconception against men is the belief that if they show emotion, they are incapable of facing adversity head-on. In other words, crying is regarded as a “weak man’s behavior.”
However, men also have emotions; they avoid displaying them in public. Often, men suppress their feelings, and Tim McGraw demonstrates it well in “Grown Men Don’t Cry.”
“Measure of a Man” by Jack Ingram
Song Year: 2007
Father-son relationships are often not the best. “Measure Of A Man” by Jack Ingram is one of the best songs about masculinity and how strained these relationships can get.
The lyrics are about a son who leaves his home to explore the outside world. After becoming a dad, the son only reaches out to mend the relationship with his father.
“Coward of the County” by Kenny Rogers
Song Year: 1979
If you think of Country music, there’s one name that cannot be left out: Kenny Rogers. Rogers dominated the country and pop charts in the 70s and 80s.
“Coward of the County” is centered on masculinity and being a man as it talks about a father advising his son to always retreat from trouble. As he ages, the son realizes that he must stand up for himself.
“Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure
Song Year: 1980
“Boys Don’t Cry” is one of the most memorable compositions by the U.K. band, The Cure. Despite being a rock band, their music’s influence on pop is hard to miss.
The song tells a tale of a man who attempts to get back to his lover and overshadow his emotions. Like “Grown Men Don’t Cry,” this song emboldens men not shy from expressing their feelings.
“Mean Man” by W.A.S.P
Song Year: 1989
“Mean Man” by W.A.S.P is another track about men that portrays them as douchebags. The lyrics are about a child whose parents abandon him to fend for himself.
As the kid grows up, he grows to obey no rules. This track should make your playlist if you’re a heavy metal rock fan.
“Whatta Man” by Salt N Pepa ft. En Vogue
Song Year: 1993
Salt N Pepa and En Vogue were huge artists on the R&B and rap scene in the 90s. They teamed up to create a song about good men.
The lyrics highlight the qualities girls look for in men. These qualities include loyalty, physical appearance, and humor. The tune is a welcome change from the songs that paint guys in a bad picture.
“Typical Male” by Tina Turner
Song Year: 1986
One of the biggest names in R&B in the 80s, Tina Turner’s “Typical Male,” is a song about seduction. Turner tries convincing her lawyer to fall for her with her looks.
The lyrics show that she’s confident that the lawyer will fall for her because he’s a typical male. This song garnered substantial commercial success, peaking at number two on the U.S. Billboard Top 100.
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
Song Year: 1988
Undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians ever, M.J. went deep with his track “Man In The Mirror.” The song tells us that change must begin from within ourselves.
The man should self-reflect to find out what he needs to change. It’s the perfect track for any man who wants to turn over a new leaf.
“It’s a Man’s World” by James Brown
Song Year: 1966
“It’s A Man’s World” by James Brown is a song that highlights the epitome of male chauvinism. The lyrics are centered on Brown’s affirmation that men created everything good.
Nonetheless, it’s important to note that the singer recognizes that all that man has achieved could’ve been impossible without women.
“Little Lion Man” by Mumford & Sons
Song Year: 2009
Occasionally, we are our own harshest critics. In “Little Lion Man,” Mumford & Sons educates us on how this emotion could affect our psyche and spirit.
The song’s message is incorporated in its title. “Lion” alludes to the innate bravery a man is expected to possess, while “little man” alludes to how tiny one might feel if faced with anxiety or self-doubt.
“With Arms Wide Open” by Creed
Song Year: 2000
This tune celebrates the life-altering effects of fatherhood and talks about a man who finds out that his woman is pregnant. He’s overwhelmed by the weight of the news and the privilege of becoming a father.
In a letter to his unborn baby, the singer expresses his excitement about sharing the world with his offspring.
Top Songs About Men, Final Thoughts
Different men have different appearances and personalities. Here are the best songs about men that characterize them as attractive, douchebags, and everything in between. Hopefully, you’ll find a song or two to add to your playlist.