These 20 songs about the future range from classic rock anthems to futuristic pop tracks and offer some of the most creative and thought-provoking explorations of this topic in popular music.
Though we can never truly know our future, some of the greatest songs about the future do take an optimistic outlook. These hopeful tunes will motivate you to dream big and look forward to a brighter tomorrow!
The Byrds
The Byrds were an American folk-rock band renowned for their distinctive sound and inventive songwriting approach. Popular in the United States, The Byrds left a lasting legacy on American music with one of the best debut albums in rock ‘n’ roll history; unfortunately, however, they only lasted briefly after achieving fame with their first album.
Jim McGuinn played lead electric 12-string acoustic guitar, Gene Clark played rhythm guitar and vocals, David Crosby played drums and sang backing vocals, while Chris Hillman played bass. Formed in Los Angeles, California, they practiced at Ciro’s Le Disc nightclub before signing with Columbia Records.
They released their debut single in 1965, a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.” They also recorded an album of the same name.
Their initial success was due to a blend of folk and rock elements, but eventually moved towards more country-rock music. Their fourth album, 1966’s Fifth Dimension, featured the psychedelic single “Eight Miles High,” which reached #14 on the charts despite being banned from many radio stations due to alleged drug references.
Despite their commercial success, The Byrds suffered a major setback with the departure of singer-songwriter Gene Clark. He left due to fear of flying, which had been keeping him from touring.
After this, The Byrds members became less eager to reform. While Hillman and Crosby have expressed an interest in a reunion, McGuinn has refused to collaborate with them again.
In 1973, The Byrds disbanded. Clarke’s estate acquired ownership of the Byrds name which was then bought by Crosby for his solo career – which continues to this day.
Although The Byrds’ original five members had an infectious energy, it proved difficult to keep it going. Multiple lineup changes occurred throughout their careers – The Jet Set and The Hillmen came and went as each member recorded solo albums; however, never fully reunited for a recording session.
Lee Ann Womack
Songs about the future often feature a narrator who either regrets past mistakes or looks forward to improving themselves. They can also be about lost love or events that will shape their life in the future.
Country singer Lee Ann Womack is no stranger to writing songs about the future. Her 1997 debut hit the country charts, but since then she’s moved into an Americana genre, recording and touring as a roots-oriented artist.
She still has top hits like “A Little Past Little Rock” and “I’ll Think of a Reason Later,” but lately has been exploring more personal themes in her music – singing about broken hearts, lost loves or unfulfilled dreams. On her latest album The Way I’m Livin’, you can hear her doing just that.
As she stated in 2011, “music can bring people together and give hope in difficult times,” and she has used her music to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. She believes that music has the power to bring people together.
Womack has achieved legendary status as one of country music’s most beloved singers, with hits like “I Hope You Dance,” “Mendocino County Line” and “He Oughta Know That By Now.” Her most recent album The Lonely, Lonesome & Gone features some of her finest performances to date and she plans on building on that success with a new project.
This neo-country song follows a woman as she seeks to move on from an unhappy relationship, even though it won’t necessarily end happily. It’s an example of Womack’s more traditional sounding songs, yet it showcases her vocal talent and shows off the depth and range she has as an artist.
This song showcases Womack’s Texas roots, its lyrics capturing the state’s unique culture and quirks. The hit on the national country chart also has an evocative chorus that captures Womack’s signature sound.
John Lennon
John Lennon was one of the world’s most iconic singer-songwriters during the 1960s and 70s. Together with Paul McCartney, he formed The Beatles whose songs would forever shape music culture forever. They also released some critically acclaimed rock albums like The Beatles, Rubber Soul and Let It Be.
John Lennon’s iconic lyrics always spoke to his own beliefs and values. He saw his songs as snapshots of what was going on in his life at the time he wrote them, never wanting them to fit into any predetermined format or point of view; rather, he strived to be completely honest about his emotions and opinions.
His poetic and insightful lyrics, often written with a stream-of-consciousness style, were widely appreciated by the public and helped fuel the anti-war movement of that era. He recorded several powerful songs with messages such as ‘Give Peace a Chance’ and ‘Instant Karma!’ that became iconic anthems for counterculture followers.
John Lennon’s iconic song ‘Imagine’, one of his most popular lyrics, urges us to envision a world in which we are all united in peace and love. Released in 1971, it reached #3 on Billboard charts.
The song was inspired by a conversation between Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono during the Bed-in for Peace of 1969, an anti-war demonstration held in London. Throughout this event, Lennon worked up an idea for a simple yet nonviolent acoustic melody with an accessible chorus that anyone could join in on.
One of the world’s most beloved songs, its message of love, unity and peace remains as poignant today as when it was first recorded in 1971. To commemorate its 40th anniversary, Yoko Ono has projected its lyrics onto buildings around the globe – including Houses of Parliament in London and St Paul’s Cathedral in Manchester; additionally, his hometown’s Liver Building and Museum of Liverpool also hosted projections commemorating this momentous milestone.
Jovi
Jovi is an African rapper from Cameroon renowned for his powerful lyrics. Despite the societal obstacles he’s endured in his home country, Jovi has achieved international recognition through his music career. His songs have become part of a new wave of musical content in Cameroon that continues to inspire fans with powerful messages.
He can also be seen on popular shows such as 90 Day Fiance. On the show, Jovi often travels for work and spends extended periods away from his wife Yara Zaya and daughter Mylah while away for months at a time.
Jovi works as an ROV supervisor for a company that uses giant robots to repair underwater pipelines. His job requires him to descend up to 12,000 feet below sea level, an extreme task requiring his expertise and precision.
His job allows him to travel the globe and experience different cultures first-hand. Yet he remains deeply in love with his wife and daughter, whom he often misses while at work.
Yara and Jovi first met in Hungary while Jovi was on business, and eventually fell in love. She moved to New Orleans with him, eventually giving birth to their daughter together.
Though she loves her husband and daughter dearly, Yara sometimes wishes for a return to Europe, especially after hearing about the crisis in Ukraine. While Yara longs to be reunited with family and friends back home, she doesn’t want to sacrifice their comfortable life in America.
He emphasizes the importance of being content with who you are, rather than worrying about what might be missing out on in the future. Even if things don’t go as planned, he promises to always be by your side.
With all their trials and tribulations, it’s no wonder they remain so strong together. Their story serves as proof that it is possible to overcome adversity and live a happy, healthy life with the right support system in place. With the right mindset, anyone can achieve whatever their heart sets out for – provided they have enough determination!