26 Best Songs Named After Women: A Definitive List

1. Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)

Iconic Bassline: Billie Jean's instantly recognizable bassline, crafted by Louis Johnson, is a cornerstone of 80s pop and remains instantly identifiable even decades later, solidifying its place in music history.

Michael Jackson's Vocals: Jackson's powerful and emotive vocals tell a compelling narrative, adding to the song's dramatic tension and making the heartbreak palpable.

Cultural Impact: The music video, with its iconic moonwalk, revolutionized the music video format and cemented Billie Jean's status as a pop culture phenomenon; its influence on dance and music is undeniable.

2. Roxanne (1978)

Reggae-infused New Wave Sound: Roxanne masterfully blends reggae rhythms with the energy of new wave, creating a unique and instantly recognizable sound that remains fresh decades later.

Sting's Iconic Vocals: Sting's distinctive vocal delivery, both urgent and slightly detached, perfectly captures the song's seductive tension and adds to its unforgettable quality.

Enduring Popular Appeal: Its catchy melody and intriguing narrative have ensured Roxanne's place in popular culture, making it a timeless example of a song powerfully named after its subject.

3. Jolene (1973)

Song Title:Jolene

Artist: Dolly Parton

Unforgettable Vocals: Dolly Parton's distinctive voice, with its powerful yet vulnerable quality, is the heart of the song, making the plea to Jolene all the more captivating.

Haunting Melody: The memorable melody is both simple and incredibly effective, creating a sense of urgency and longing that stays with the listener long after the song ends.

Enduring Impact: "Jolene" transcends generations, remaining a classic example of country storytelling and a testament to the power of a well-crafted song named after a woman.

4. Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles)

Haunting Melody: Eleanor Rigby's instantly recognizable melody, driven by a mournful string arrangement, creates a sense of poignant loneliness that perfectly encapsulates the song's theme.

Subtle Genius: The lyrics' evocative imagery and understated storytelling paint a vivid picture of isolation and societal disconnect, making the song resonate deeply with listeners even today.

Vocal Performance: Paul McCartney's vocals are both delicate and powerful, conveying a sense of empathy and understanding for Eleanor's plight, further enhancing the song's emotional impact.

5. Angie (The Rolling Stones - 1973)

Sound: Angie features a distinctive, mellow acoustic guitar riff that anchors the song's laid-back, melancholic feel, a sound perfectly suited for intimate listening.

Vocals: Mick Jagger's vocals are tender and vulnerable, conveying a sense of longing and regret that adds to the song's emotional depth, making it deeply resonant.

Emotional Impact: The song's reflective lyrics and understated arrangement create a powerful sense of longing and bittersweet nostalgia, a captivating quality for a song named after a woman.

6. Brandy (Looking Glass)

Lyrical Storytelling: "Brandy" masterfully weaves a narrative of longing and unspoken desires, creating a captivating story centered around the woman named Brandy.

Haunting Melody: The song's memorable melody, combined with Looking Glass's distinctive vocal harmonies, leaves a lasting impression, enhancing the emotional depth of the lyrics.

Enduring Popularity: Its timeless appeal and relatable themes of love and yearning have cemented "Brandy" as a classic, ensuring its place in the pantheon of songs named after women.

7. Lola (1970)

Sound: The Kinks' signature blend of raw power chords and catchy melodies is on full display in "Lola" creating a dynamic and irresistible sound that's both rebellious and undeniably danceable.

Vocals: Ray Davies' distinctive vocals perfectly capture the song's playful ambiguity, making the narrative of a man falling for a mysterious woman both intriguing and relatable.

Cultural Impact: "Lola" remains a landmark achievement in rock and roll, its provocative lyrics and unforgettable chorus solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone.

8. Donna - 2025

Title: Donna

Artist: Ritchie Valens

Catchy Rhythm and Melody: The song boasts an infectious beat and memorable melody that perfectly encapsulates the energy of early rock and roll, making it instantly appealing and highly danceable.

Valens's Vocal Delivery: Ritchie Valens's signature passionate vocals are at their best here, conveying a youthful exuberance and heartfelt emotion that adds depth to the otherwise upbeat tempo.

Enduring Legacy: Despite its relatively short length, "Donna" remains a classic, influencing countless artists and solidifying Valens's place in music history; its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal.

9. Michelle (The Beatles - 1965)

Sound: Michelle's gentle, swaying melody, driven by a memorable acoustic guitar riff, creates an intimate and romantic atmosphere, perfectly capturing the song's tender emotion.

Vocals: Paul McCartney's soft, almost whispered vocals in French add to the song's charm and intimacy, making it feel uniquely personal and enchanting.

Emotional Impact: The song's simple yet powerful lyrics, coupled with its delicate arrangement, evoke a sense of longing and gentle affection, making it a timeless classic.

10. My Sharona (Get The Knack - 1979)

Song Title: My Sharona

Artist: The Knack

Catchy Power Pop: The song's infectious power-pop sound, driven by a memorable bassline and relentless rhythm, instantly grabs your attention and stays lodged in your head.

Sharona's Allure: While the lyrics remain somewhat mysterious, the name "Sharona" itself adds to the song's mystique, making it both iconic and a testament to the power of a catchy title.

Enduring Legacy: My Sharona's enduring popularity speaks to its unique blend of energy and simplicity, cementing its place in the pantheon of songs inspired by—and named after—women.