Are you a fan of both pop music and the violin? Then this list of Most Popular Pop Songs With Violins is perfect for you!
The combination of catchy pop songs and the beautiful sound of violins will elevate your listening experience.
With these popular songs incorporating violins, it is safe to say that this instrument has found its place in modern pop music and continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
Today, we’re diving into a list of the most famous pop songs that feature this elegant and mesmerizing instrument.
1. “The Gumbo Variations” by Frank Zappa
“The Gumbo Variations” is a unique and fascinating song written by the legendary musician Frank Zappa.
It showcases his masterful fusion of various musical styles, combining jazz, blues, and rock elements to create a distinctive sound.
2. “Only When I Sleep” by The Corrs
“Only When I Sleep” by The Corrs is a captivating pop song that features a unique blend of violins and pop beats.
Released in 1997, this song instantly became a hit and is still loved by fans worldwide.
The lyrics speak of a yearning for rest and escape from the realities of life, with lines such as “I’ll be at your side, dreaming while I’m wide awake,” evoking feelings of longing and desperation.
3. “Come On Eileen” by Dexy & The Midnight Runners
“Come on Eileen” by Dexy & The Midnight Runners is a nostalgic and upbeat pop song that remains popular to this day.
Released in 1982, the infectious tune blends folk, rock, and Celtic music elements to create a unique sound with violins as the main instrument.
The lyrics tell the story of a young man trying to convince his love interest, Eileen, to give him a chance.
4. “Fisherman Blues” by The Waterboys
“Fisherman Blues” by The Waterboys is a catchy and soulful pop song that incorporates elements of traditional Irish folk music, such as the use of violins.
The lyrics tell the story of a fisherman who longs for the open sea and the freedom it brings.
It speaks of the struggle and hard work of being a fisherman and celebrates life’s simple joys and pleasures.
5. “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran
“I See Fire” is a captivating and soul-stirring song by the talented English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
Released in 2013 as part of the soundtrack for the movie “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”, this pop song with violins has gained immense popularity for its meaningful lyrics and haunting melody.
6. “Love You More” by Celine Dion
“Love You More” by Celine Dion is a heartwarming pop song that showcases the singer’s powerful vocals and evocative lyrics.
The song starts with a soft piano intro and gradually builds up to an orchestral sound with the addition of violins, creating a beautiful and emotional melody.
The lyrics revolve around a love that knows no bounds and one where the speaker is willing to do anything for their partner.
7. “Young At Heart” by The Bluebells
“Young At Heart” by The Bluebells is a nostalgic pop song that celebrates the carefree spirit of youth.
Released in 1984, it quickly became a hit due to its catchy melody and use of violins.
The lyrics speak of holding on to the optimism and joy of being young despite growing older. It encourages listeners not to let age hinder their ability to feel free and alive.
8. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut8UqFlWdDc
“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” is a well-known song by the American band The Charlie Daniels Band.
It tells the story of a fiddle-playing youth named Johnny, whom the Devil challenged to a musical duel.
This pop-country song’s catchy tune and energetic beat instantly capture your attention, but adding violins genuinely sets it apart from other genres.
9. “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas
“Dust in the Wind” is a timeless pop song with a unique twist – using violins.
Released in 1977 by the American rock band Kansas, this song quickly became a fan favorite and remains an iconic track.
The haunting melody of the violins adds a sad tone to the song, perfectly complementing Livgren’s vocals.
10. “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit
“Rather Be” by Clean Bandit is an uplifting pop song that uses violins, giving it a unique and refreshing sound.
The song is about being with someone who makes you feel happy and content, no matter where or what you do.
It’s a beautiful reminder to cherish the little moments in life and not take them for granted.
11. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2
“Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2 is a powerful and politically charged song that has become an anthem for peace and unity.
Released in 1983, it addresses the tragic events of January 30th, 1972, when British soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians in Derry, Northern Ireland.
The use of violins in this otherwise pop track adds to its somber tone, emphasizing the seriousness and significance of the issue.
12. “Look At Me Now” by Electric Light Orchestra
“Look At Me Now” by Electric Light Orchestra is a captivating pop song that perfectly blends the use of violins and other orchestral instruments with upbeat rhythms and catchy lyrics.
The song is about embracing change and overcoming past mistakes, symbolized by the line, “Look at me now. I’m not the same as before.”
13. “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles
“Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles is a timeless pop song that stands out for its use of violins. Released in 1966, the song tells the story of two lonely individuals – Eleanor Rigby and Father McKenzie.
The sad tune and haunting vocals perfectly capture the sense of isolation these characters, who both lead a life devoid of human connection, feel.
14. “Tripping Billies” by Dave Mathews Band
“Tripping Billies” is a popular song by the Dave Matthews Band that beautifully blends pop and folk music elements.
The song’s instrumentals are particularly noteworthy, as they feature the prominent use of violins alongside traditional rock instruments like guitars and drums.
The lyrics tell a story of freedom, adventure, and living in the moment while escaping the monotony of everyday life.
15. “Untouched” by The Veronicas
“Untouched” by The Veronicas is a captivating pop song that combines rock and classical music elements, making it stand out from the typical radio hits.
The song’s lyrics speak of independence and self-empowerment, urging listeners to stay true to themselves and not be influenced by others.
What makes this track unique is the addition of violins, creating a beautiful harmony between the vocals and the instrumentals.
16. “Epistle to Dippy” by Donovan
“Epistle to Dippy” is a timeless pop song with an infusion of violins that takes you on a whimsical journey.
Sung by the talented Donovan, this song is more than words and music. It’s a poetic expression of gratitude and love towards a friend who he refers to as “Dippy.”
The upbeat tempo and lively violin melodies create a joyful and carefree atmosphere that transports the listener to a happy place.
17. “Our Song” by Taylor Swift
“Our Song” by Taylor Swift is a pop song that stands out due to its unique use of violins in the background.
The song tells the story of a couple who, despite not having any specific song that represents their relationship, find solace and meaning in any song they listen to together.
The lyrics are nostalgic as the couple reminisces about their simple yet extraordinary moments, like driving around town and sharing a first kiss.
18. “Fly Robin Fly ” by Silver Convention
“Fly Robin Fly” by Silver Convention is a catchy pop song that shot to the top of the charts in the 1970s.
The upbeat disco track features a unique blend of violins and electronic beats, giving it a distinct sound that captured the hearts of many listeners.
The lyrics tell the story of someone escaping their troubles by flying away like a robin, representing freedom and escape from reality.
19. “Our House” by Madness
“Our House” by Madness is a lively and upbeat pop song that incorporates violins, adding a unique element to the traditional pop sound.
The lyrics speak about the joys and chaos of everyday family life, with a sense of nostalgia and fondness for the memories created within the walls of a house.
20. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
“A Thousand Years” is a heartwarming pop song with an enchanting touch of violins, written and performed by Christina Perri.
The song’s overall meaning revolves around true love and the willingness to spend eternity with someone.
It begins with a slow tempo and builds up to a powerful chorus that expresses the depth of emotions one can feel for one’s significant other.
FAQs
Can the violin be used in pop music?
Yes, absolutely! The violin has been used in pop music for decades and is a popular instrument.
It adds a unique and versatile sound ranging from soft and emotional to upbeat and lively.
Artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Maroon 5 have incorporated the violin into their songs, showcasing its ability to blend seamlessly with modern pop beats.
One of the reasons why the violin works so well in pop music is its ability to evoke emotion and create a sense of intimacy within a song.
It can capture both sad and joyful tones, making it an ideal choice for various moods in pop music.
What is the famous violin song called?
The famous song often played on the violin is “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel.
It is a classical piece of music composed in the late 17th century and has since become one of the most recognized and loved pieces for the violin.
What rock song has a violin in the background?
Some of the well-known rock songs that feature a violin include “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles, “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses, and “Killer Queen” by Queen. These songs showcase how the enchanting sound of a violin can elevate a rock song to new heights.
Other notable mentions include “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve, “Scarborough Fair” by Simon & Garfunkel, and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin.
Each of these tracks showcases the versatility of this instrument, as it seamlessly blends into the guitar-driven melodies and adds an emotional depth to the lyrics.
What rap song has a violin in it?
Some notable examples include “Elevators” by Outkast, “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.
These songs showcase not only the versatility of rap music but also the beauty and skill of playing the violin.
What band has a violin?
There are many bands out there that feature a violin in their music, but one that immediately comes to mind is the popular folk-rock band Mumford and Sons.
The addition of this classical instrument adds a beautiful and haunting element to their music, creating a unique and memorable sound.
Other notable bands with violin include indie rock band Arcade Fire, who often incorporate strings into their songs, and alternative rock band Florence + The Machine, where lead singer Florence Welch also plays the violin on stage.
Conclusion
The use of violins in pop songs has become a popular trend in recent years.
These versatile instruments add a unique touch to the music and bring a sense of emotion and depth to the songs.
We hope this list of pop songs with violins has introduced you to some new favorites or reminded you of beloved classics.
