52 Songs About Searching and Seeking

FlourishAnyway believes there is a playlist for just about any situation and is on a mission to unite and entertain the world through song.

We Are All Looking for Something

Right now you're probably searching for something. Maybe you don't even know what it is.

The young among us seek independence while the aged look for peace and sometimes their keys. (It's never a good sign if they're in the freezer.)

The disenfranchised among us look for justice, expression of their voice, and for rights to be recognized. The powerful seek to hold on to what they have. The uncoupled look for love or a convenient substitute. We all seek acceptance and a purpose in life.

Whatever you're looking for in life, I hope you find it. While you search, why not make a playlist of pop, rock, country, and R&B tunes about searching and seeking? We have a long list to start you off.

Readers Poll

1. "Search Party" by Sam Bruno

In this 2015 pop song, one lover beckons another to meet her in exotic locations—the Eiffel Tower, Jamaica, or perhaps the desert. She imagines that they'll become so lost together that there will be massive search parties formed that look in vain for them. The song was part of the soundtrack for the movie Paper Towns about a high school student who looks for a missing girl he is in love with, using mysterious clues she left behind regarding her disappearance.

2. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2

If you're on a quest, you need to know what you're looking for in order to find it. While that may seem obvious, the narrator in this iconic 1987 rock song still feels unsatisfied, empty, and lost in spite of his life altering experiences and travels. He admits:

... I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.

Perhaps it's within him instead.

3. "Find What You're Looking for" by Olivia O'Brien

Tired of playing the victim in her relationship, the narrator in this pop song from 2016 seeks to cut her losses and move on. Although her partner lies and is unfaithful, she cannot seem to let him go. She eventually decides to end their affair by telling him she hopes that he finds what he's looking for.

4. "Looking for Love" by Johnny Lee

Once you've found the love of your life, it's a welcome feeling to call off the search. If you're like the cowboy in this 1980 theme from the movie Urban Cowboy, your love quest probably lead you to singles bars. There are lots of players there. Few bar hoppers are searching for long-term romance. These days, the best chances of meeting a long-term mate is through a friend, colleague, or family member or even making a love connection on-line.

5. "The Search Is Over" by Survivor

The guy in this 1985 rock song has searched the world over for lasting love only to discover that it's been right beside him all along. He looks at his faithful friend with fresh eyes after having taken her for granted and tries to convince her that his love is genuine:

Now I look into your eyes
I can see forever,
The search is over
You were with me all the while.

6. "Say (All I Need)" by One Republic

The world can be a stark and lonely place. All we really need is air to breathe, a place to rest our heads, and of course, each other.

In this 2008 rock song, a narrator asks the listener some searching questions that reflect the essence of loneliness. In a world of materialism, he wonders whether you know where your heart and love are: "Do you think you can find it, or did you trade it for something?"

7. "Searching for a Feeling" by Thirdstory

There's nothing like brutal honesty to dissuade a potential lover. The guy in this 2016 pop song tries to warn off a girl who is smitten with him by confessing he has a cold heart. He cautions her not to waste her time on someone who is mean, shallow, and messed up like him.

He's been searching for himself and feels incapable of feeling love for anyone. Sadly, that includes returning love that is given to him. (Take people like this at their word!)

8. "Call Off the Search" by Katie Melua

Once you've finally found lasting love, you can call off the search. In this international hit from 2003, the narrator is happy to no longer be waiting and wondering whether she'd be spending her life alone. Love has found her and won't pass her by.

9. "Have You Seen Her" by the Chi-lites

In this catchy 1971 rock classic, a man has been left by his lover. His honey is as good as gone, but the despondent fella is still looking. Unable to accept that it's over, he searches for her in all the usual places and asks everyone he knows whether they've seen her.

10. "Have You Seen My Love" by Rosie Thomas

You simply must listen to this 2001 pop song. The pain of waiting for love is almost palpable in the singer's lovely voice. The narrator has been searching for the love of her life, and she wonders whether he is far away. She is lonely and prays for him to come find her.

11. "Where Have You Been" by Rihanna

No one could accuse Rihanna of getting philosophically deep or sentimental with this 2011 pop hit. She asks her lover where he's been all of her life, as he has the ability to love her right all night long. While his stamina is admirable, should she also be searching for someone who will treat her with respect?

12. "Searching for Love" by Akon

In this 2011 R&B song, Akon confesses that despite the fame, fortune, and beautiful women in his life, he feels empty inside. He's learned that the most valuable and elusive things in life truly aren't things after all:

I got everything in this world a man could ever want
If you search deeper inside me all I really need is love from you
Searching for love, I'm just searching for love.

13. "Searching" by Roy Ayers

The message in this jazz-influenced 1976 number should resonate with listeners of today as much as it did then. The narrator bemoans a lack of unity in the world, a discord that causes people to turn against one another. He instead seeks peace and a better way:

I don't ever wanna be stressed out
I just wanna live my life
The way I feel that I should be
'Cause I wanna be happy, happy
What about you and me?
Searching, searching.

14. "Looking for an Answer" by Mike Shinoda/Linkin Park

When a friend or loved ones dies by suicide, survivors are often haunted with the question, "Why?" Fellow bandmate and friend Mike Shinoda wrote this song after the the death by suicide of Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington.

This 2017 ballad asks questions about what the narrator could have done to help and whether his friend is now at peace. Sadly, he'll never quite get the answers he's searching for. He'll always carry this tragic burden.

15. "Lookin' for a Good Time" by Lady Antebellum

After a long week at work, the guy in this country song from 2008 is out looking for a good time in the local bar, and he'll promise just about anything in order to get it. He sets eyes on a good looking woman and after a short conversation with her suggests that they move it on back to his place. Little does this fella know that a one night stand will leave him feeling lonely, empty, and still searching.

16. "Learn to Fly" by Foo Fighters

We're all looking for purpose in life. Have you found yours? The guy in this 1999 rock song is looking for a source of inspiration in his life to energize him and make him feel that life is worth living.

17. "Where Have You Been" by Kathy Matthea

I love this country song from 1989. It brings multiple meanings to searching for someone. The tune features a young woman named Claire who searched for years for true love and nearly gave up when suddenly she met the man who would become her husband.

The years passed happily for the couple, with Claire becoming a salesman's wife. One stormy night, however, her husband is late returning from work, and she becomes worried. Her mind searches the possibilities.

Then, fast forward to the waning years of this couple's love story, as they live in different wings of an assisted care unit. Claire experiences dementia and doesn't speak much.

When her husband is wheeled in for a visit, she successfully searches her memory for him:

Where've you been?
I've looked for you forever and a day.
Where've you been?
I'm just not myself when you're away.

18. "Searchin'" by The Coasters

Instantly recognizable, this 1957 rock classic features a man who is determined to find the woman he loves, regardless of where she's hiding. He plans to use detective work in order to locate her, thus he references law enforcement figures in popular culture, including Sherlock Holmes, Charlie Chan, Joe Friday, Sam Spade, the Mounties, and others.

Today, we'd wonder whether the is behaving like a stalker. (Perhaps she doesn't want to be found.) While this is one of the earliest songs about stalkers and obsessive love, there are many more, if you're interested.

19. "Cigarette Daydreams" by Cage the Elephant

Have you ever had a relationship fall apart and you didn't know why? This 2013 rock song spotlights a couple in a fragmenting love affair. Although they search for answers and a way to make things right, some broken relationships are unfixable and should have never happened in the first place.

20. "Chasing Pavements" by Adele

Seeking love from someone who doesn't love you back is heart wrenching. If you've ever been there, then you understand how desperate the situation can make you feel.

Adele's 2008 pop song is one of unrequited love. A woman searches for a decision as to whether she should confess her love and face potential rejection or instead continue to stay in the background and wonder "what if?"

Even More Songs About Searching or Seeking

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2017 FlourishAnyway

Comments

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 08, 2020:

Peggy - I've hit the jackpot with a great education, wonderful husband and comfortable life full of love, terrific cats and fabulous family. I hope you've found what you were seeking as well.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 08, 2020:

There are not many familiar songs here for me. But searching for love, peace, security, happiness, good health...the list could almost be endless. I hope you have gotten most of what you sought.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 03, 2019:

Anna - Thank you for the suggestion. I'va added it at #52.

Anna on April 01, 2019:

I need you now, by Olly Murs

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 12, 2018:

Bob - Thanks for the song suggestion. I've added it at #51. Have a great weekend.

Robert Sacchi on April 09, 2018:

Del Shannon. I always liked that one.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 09, 2018:

Bob - Thanks for the suggestion. Which group's "Runaway" song may I ask?

Robert Sacchi on April 09, 2018:

Another fun list. What about "Runaway"?

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 13, 2018:

Peg - Thanks for stopping by. I added your song suggestion. (Loved that The Seekers sing it!) Hope you have a great weekend!

Peg Cole from Northeast of Dallas, Texas on January 13, 2018:

Hi Flourish, I thought of another song that might fit into this category. Don't think I saw it on your list. It's among my favorites - "I Know I'll Never Find Another You, by the (you guessed it) the Seekers. LOL

Loved the funny story about your dad and his keys.

Happy New Year to you as well. Many good days ahead.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 05, 2018:

Peg, My dad searches so often for his keys that I bought him a thingy called Tile that you connect to the app. However, before he could connect it, he lost his keys for weeks. Then he found the keys but lost the thingy (which was in an envelope marked "SAVE AND CONNECT TO KEYS WHEN DAD FINDS THEM.") Finally both are found and connected. Thankfully, nothing was in the freezer. Have a wonderful 2018 and may you find everything you're looking for.

Peg Cole from Northeast of Dallas, Texas on January 05, 2018:

We're all searching for something. Some of us are searching for our keys. That bit was really funny. I loved these songs about searching. Who knew there were so many? You.

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on January 04, 2018:

Thank you Flourish, may all you hopes and dreams come true the 2018.

Blessings my friend.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 04, 2018:

Nell - Glad you enjoyed this! Happy New Year!

Nell Rose from England on January 03, 2018:

Great list, and I now have the Chi-lights and U2 stuck firmly in my brain! lol!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 02, 2018:

Linda - Only a few that I know of. Maybe it has to do with country's connection to small towns where everything is right there. You don't have to look real hard in a small town. (I grew up in one.) Hope you are doing well and have a fantastic new year!

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on January 02, 2018:

I noticed there aren't many country songs about searching, I can't even think of one. Great list as always.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 02, 2018:

Genna - Thanks for taking the time to look! I appreciate you.

Genna East from Massachusetts, USA on January 01, 2018:

Hi again. I just read the comments about those pesky HP elves. I stopped receiving any e-mails from HP about 10 days ago, and I'm not the only one. I found this hub by going in and checking for any new hubs by people I follow for a few minutes. I didn't have time to do a thorough check...I would have been on here for hours.

I can only hope this doesn't last much longer. My best to you in this New Year, too! :-)

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on January 01, 2018:

Flourish, you're welcome. Happy new year!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 01, 2018:

Kristen - Thanks for the suggestion which I have added. Have a wonderful new year!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 01, 2018:

MsDora - Searching without knowing what you're looking for seems a lot like wandering, maybe fun but perhaps not all that productive. I hope you have a wonderful 2018 filled with happiness, health, and success.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 01, 2018:

Shyron - It sure is sad when love's timing is all wrong. I love that song. Hope you are doing well. May 2018 be filled with love and happiness for you.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 01, 2018:

Genna - I asked my 4 year-old nephew what he hoped for in the new year, and he looked around at his aunts and uncles and grandparents and replied that he hopes everyone stays on Earth in 2018. I guess that's the first thing I'm hoping for. May you have a wonderful year full of health and success plus an occasional happy surprise.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 01, 2018:

Linda - Happy New Year to you as well. Make 2018 your best year ever!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on January 01, 2018:

Mary - Thank you for your kind comment. Whatever it is you are searching for, I hope you find it in 2018!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on December 31, 2017:

I would love to turn back time! I hope you have a happy new year, Flourish.

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on December 31, 2017:

The song that comes to mind as I read this is:

"Where were you when I could have loved you?"

All my life I've been searching for you

You came along one promise too late.

*

Blessings my friend

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on December 31, 2017:

Happy New Year, Flourish. I guess that the lyrics of "Searching" by Roy Ayers are up my street. What an appropriate theme to begin the New Year. When we know what we're looking for, we can be more effective in choosing the right direction.

Genna East from Massachusetts, USA on December 31, 2017:

"The young among us seek independence while the aged look for peace and sometimes their keys. (It's never a good sign if they're in the freezer.)" Lol. I just loved that sentence. Once again, you've given us a wonderful list of music and videos that are the perfect accompaniment to the theme of your new hub. Thank you for the gift of music.

Happy New Year.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 31, 2017:

Bill - Frustrating, huh? Some things you can never get back. Traction on these articles are one thing, time is another. Have the best 2018 your heart can imagine!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 31, 2017:

Louise - So glad you found your voice and use it! I like that song, too! Happy New Year!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on December 31, 2017:

HP better get this problem solved pretty soon, or we are all going to lose big on views. I just happened to notice this as I was surfing.

Happy New Year my friend, and thank you for everything in 2017.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on December 31, 2017:

I feel all my life I'm on a search, an unending one. I would love to listen to some of these.

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on December 31, 2017:

Great playlist Flourish. Some songs I have heard of, some I haven't. There's Dell Shannon's Keep Searchin' (Follow the Sun) which is a good addition.

Louise Powles from Norfolk, England on December 31, 2017:

You've certainly done your homework! I love U2's song, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. I can still sing it, all these years later.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 31, 2017:

Bill - Whoever said youth is wasted on the young is right. Thanks for stopping by. Have a healthy, happy and successful new year. I hope it's all you wish it to be and more.

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on December 31, 2017:

Hi Flourish. Another a great list, and very appropriate as we get ready to start a new year. I would love to turn back time also, it’s moving much too quickly for me. A Happy New Year to you.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 30, 2017:

Linda - Sometimes I search for a way to turn back time, as it's crazy how fast it's flown! Thanks for finding this article. Those HP elves are pesky and have been working overtime with the pranks (turning notifictions off). Who needs traffic when you're doing it for giggles anyway, eh? Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on December 30, 2017:

Flourish - First, I did NOT receive a notification for this post. I found it by logging into HP. Second I love this article. Time for reflection at the end of a year and start of a new.

I'm horrified to see that the song I love from Foo Fighters is 18 years old. Really?! I love, love, love Dave Grohl. He was a local artist (drummer for Nirvana).