Songs about acting are a popular theme in the music industry, as both acting and music are art forms that often intersect. These songs can be about the joys and struggles of pursuing a career in acting, the emotional toll of inhabiting different characters, and the challenges of separating oneself from the roles they play.
One example of a song about acting is “Don’t Let Me Down” by the Beatles. In this song, John Lennon sings about his fear of disappointing his fans and losing his identity in the process of playing different roles on stage. The song’s melancholic tone and lyrics capture the anxieties that many actors experience as they grapple with the pressures of fame and success.
Another classic song about acting is “Every Breath You Take” by the Police. This song is not explicitly about acting, but the lyrics suggest a kind of performance in which the singer is always watching and observing someone else’s every move. The song’s haunting melody and lyrics capture the sense of detachment and alienation that can come from playing a character or pretending to be someone else.
More recently, “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper from the movie “A Star is Born” has become an iconic song about acting. The song’s soaring vocals and emotional lyrics capture the highs and lows of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, and the deep connection that can form between two actors as they create art together.
Overall, top 20 songs about acting are a testament to the power of performance and the complex emotions that come with inhabiting different roles.
1. “Acting Like That” by YUNGBLUD
“Acting Like That” is an explosive collaboration between YUNGBLUD and alt-pop sensation Machine Gun Kelly. The song is a high-energy, guitar-driven anthem that explores the tumultuous dynamics of a passionate but toxic relationship. YUNGBLUD’s signature punk-infused sound and emotionally charged vocals are complemented by MGK’s rap verses and catchy chorus. The lyrics capture the push-and-pull of a volatile connection, with both artists trading verses about the addictive and destructive nature of their love. “Acting Like That” is a powerful and cathartic track that captures the intensity of young love and heartbreak in all its messy, chaotic glory.
2. “Everybody Acting Gangsta” by Big Smile NBT
“Everybody Acting Gangsta” by Big Smile NBT is a hard-hitting hip-hop track that takes aim at those who front and pose as tough guys when they’re really anything but. With a relentless beat and aggressive lyrics, the song exposes the facade of false bravado and posturing that can often be found in the world of hip-hop. Big Smile NBT’s confident flow and sharp wordplay drive the message home, calling out the phonies and urging listeners to be true to themselves. It’s a powerful anthem of authenticity and a reminder that real strength comes from within, not from trying to project a false image to the world.
3. “Actin’ Up” by Meek Mill and Wale
“Actin’ Up” by Meek Mill and Wale is a high-energy hip-hop track that showcases the two rappers’ distinctive flows and chemistry. The song features a hard-hitting beat, with pulsing bass and trap drums, providing a perfect backdrop for the rappers’ braggadocious lyrics and confident delivery. The song’s subject matter revolves around the theme of living life to the fullest, celebrating their success and indulging in their vices. With its catchy hook and infectious energy, “Actin’ Up” is a standout track that highlights Meek Mill and Wale’s ability to blend their individual styles and create a powerful collaborative track that will get any party started.
4. “Act a Fool” by Obndz
“Act a Fool” by Obndz is an energetic and catchy hip-hop track that showcases the artist’s unique style and flow. The song features a thumping beat with trap drums and a playful melody, providing a perfect backdrop for Obndz’s witty lyrics and confident delivery. The song’s lyrics revolve around the theme of letting loose and having fun, encouraging listeners to “act a fool” and enjoy life to the fullest. With its infectious energy and playful attitude, “Act a Fool” is a standout track that showcases Obndz’s ability to create a fun and engaging hip-hop track that will get anyone dancing and singing along.
5. “Acting Like That” by Jennifer Lopez
“Acting Like That” is an upbeat pop song by Jennifer Lopez featuring rapper, singer and songwriter, Machine Gun Kelly. Released in 2021, the song showcases JLo’s confident vocals and MGK’s edgy rap verses over a pulsing electronic beat. The lyrics explore the push and pull of a fiery romantic relationship, where the two partners engage in a constant battle of control and desire. With its catchy chorus and energetic production, “Acting Like That” is a fun and danceable track that showcases JLo’s enduring appeal as a pop icon while also highlighting MGK’s versatility as an artist.
6. “Acting Like This” by Keemh
“Acting Like This” is a vibrant and catchy pop song by Keemh, featuring the talented singer and rapper, Yung Baby Tate. With its infectious beat and playful lyrics, the song is a celebration of self-confidence and independence. Keemh’s smooth vocals effortlessly glide over the track’s groovy production, while Yung Baby Tate’s commanding presence adds an extra layer of energy to the already dynamic track. The chorus is especially memorable, with its irresistible hook and empowering message about staying true to oneself. Overall, “Acting Like This” is a fun and uplifting bop that’s sure to get listeners dancing and feeling good about themselves.
7. “Welcome To The Theatre” by Lauren Bacall
“Welcome To The Theatre” is a classic show tune sung by the legendary Lauren Bacall in the 1973 Broadway musical “Applause”. The song serves as the opening number of the show, setting the scene for the story of Margo Channing, a fading star of the silver screen who seeks a comeback on the stage. Bacall’s sultry and powerful vocals imbue the song with a sense of drama and theatricality, as she invites the audience to join her on a journey through the ups and downs of show business. “Welcome To The Theatre” is a timeless tribute to the magic and allure of the stage.
8. “Acting Out” by Coby Blacc
“Acting Out” is a raw and emotional rap song by rising artist Coby Blacc. The track delves deep into themes of mental health, inner turmoil, and the struggles of being human. Blacc’s powerful and introspective lyrics are delivered with an intense and captivating flow that draws listeners in from the very beginning. The haunting instrumental, with its moody piano chords and ethereal vocal samples, perfectly complements the dark and introspective themes of the song. “Acting Out” is a moving and authentic expression of the artist’s innermost thoughts and feelings, and a testament to his talent and potential as a rapper.
9. “Cracked Actor” by David Bowie
“Cracked Actor” by David Bowie is a dark and haunting rock track that showcases the artist’s experimental style and fearless approach to songwriting. The song features a driving and frenetic rock beat, with distorted guitars and Bowie’s signature vocal delivery, creating a sense of urgency and tension. The song’s lyrics are about an actor who’s on the verge of a breakdown, reflecting on the emptiness of fame and the toll it takes on the psyche. With its edgy instrumentation and introspective lyrics, “Cracked Actor” is a standout track that showcases Bowie’s ability to create music that’s both innovative and emotionally resonant.
10. “Actin’ Up” by Casey Veggies
“Actin’ Up” is a hip-hop track by American rapper Casey Veggies, featuring fellow rappers Dom Kennedy and Curren$y. Released in 2013, the song’s lyrics explore the artists’ journey to success and the challenges they faced on their way up. The laid-back production and catchy hook create a sense of confidence and swagger, with each rapper delivering slick verses that showcase their lyrical prowess. The overall vibe of the song is smooth and cool, making it a great addition to any summer playlist. “Actin’ Up” is a standout track that showcases the talent of these rising stars in the hip-hop scene.
11. “The Actress” by Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison’s “The Actress” is a song about a man who is in love with an actress. He knows that she is out of his league, but he can’t help but be drawn to her. The lyrics are full of longing and desperation, and the song was released in 1962 on the album Crying (HD Remastered).
12. “Acting Funny” by LADELE
“Acting Funny” by LADELE is a catchy and upbeat R&B track that blends elements of pop and funk to create a dynamic and energetic sound. The song’s lyrics speak to the experience of being in a relationship with someone who is not being true to themselves or to their partner. LADELE’s soulful vocals are backed by a lively beat, funky bassline, and shimmering synths that create a playful and danceable atmosphere. With its infectious groove and relatable lyrics, “Acting Funny” is a fun and memorable addition to LADELE’s growing discography.
13. “Acting Very Strange” by Mike Rutherford
“Acting Very Strange” by Mike Rutherford is a synth-pop track that showcases the artist’s songwriting and musicianship beyond his contributions to Genesis. The song features a driving and catchy electronic beat, with layered synths and Rutherford’s smooth vocal delivery, creating a bright and danceable atmosphere. The song’s lyrics are about a romantic relationship that’s beginning to sour, with Rutherford expressing confusion and frustration over his partner’s behavior. With its upbeat instrumentation and relatable subject matter, “Acting Very Strange” is a standout track that highlights Rutherford’s ability to create music that’s both commercially appealing and artistically satisfying.
14. “Acting Bad” by Sean Hampton
“Acting Bad” by Sean Hampton is an edgy and atmospheric hip-hop track that showcases the artist’s unique style and lyrical prowess. The song features a slow and ominous beat, with sparse instrumentation and Hampton’s commanding flow, creating a dark and intense atmosphere. The song’s lyrics are about a life of crime and the struggles that come with it, with Hampton reflecting on his choices and the consequences they’ve brought him. With its haunting instrumentation and powerful lyrics, “Acting Bad” is a standout track that highlights Hampton’s ability to create a hip-hop track that’s both introspective and hard-hitting, showcasing his talent and vision as an artist.
15. “The Actor” by Moody Blues
“The Actor” is a poignant ballad by British rock band The Moody Blues, featured on their 1978 album “Octave”. The song is driven by a lush, orchestral arrangement and lead vocalist Justin Hayward’s emotive performance. The lyrics explore the complex emotions of an actor, who must constantly embody different characters on stage or screen, but is left feeling lost and alone when the curtain falls. Hayward’s tender delivery and the sweeping string section create a sense of melancholy and introspection, making “The Actor” a standout track in the Moody Blues’ discography.
16. “Acting Happy” by Sunlight
“Acting Happy” by Sunlight is a dreamy indie pop track that explores the dissonance between one’s outward appearance and their internal emotions. The song features hazy, atmospheric instrumentation and introspective lyrics that touch on themes of loneliness, anxiety, and the pressure to conform to societal norms. The vocals are ethereal and haunting, conveying a sense of longing and yearning. Despite its melancholic themes, the song is ultimately uplifting, urging listeners to embrace their true selves and reject the facade of “acting happy.” Overall, “Acting Happy” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant track that showcases Sunlight’s impressive songwriting and musical talent.
17. “I’m in Love with a German Film Star” by Passions
“I’m in Love with a German Film Star” by Passions is a dreamy and atmospheric new wave track that showcases the band’s distinctive sound and style. The song features a shimmering and ethereal synth-pop melody, with singer Barbara Gogan’s haunting vocal delivery creating a sense of mystery and longing. The song’s lyrics are about a romantic infatuation with a film star and the distance that comes with that unrequited love. With its evocative instrumentation and emotive lyrics, “I’m in Love with a German Film Star” is a standout track that highlights Passions’ ability to create a new wave classic that’s both haunting and beautiful, perfect for any moody playlist.
18. “You Can’t Be Acting Like That” by Paris James
“You Can’t Be Acting Like That” by Paris James is a contemporary R&B track that features sultry, soulful vocals and a smooth, grooving beat. The lyrics explore the dynamics of a tumultuous romantic relationship, with James confronting her partner’s toxic behavior and demanding accountability. The instrumentation is sparse and minimalist, allowing the vocals to take center stage and convey the song’s emotional weight. Despite its confrontational subject matter, the song is ultimately empowering, urging listeners to stand up for themselves and refuse to tolerate mistreatment. Overall, “You Can’t Be Acting Like That” is a powerful and dynamic song that showcases Paris James’ impressive vocal range and songwriting skills.
19. “Imitation of Life” by R.E.M.
“Imitation of Life” is an upbeat and infectious pop rock song by American band R.E.M. The track, which was released in 2001, is characterized by jangly guitar riffs, a driving drumbeat, and catchy, sing-along choruses. The lyrics are introspective and introspective, touching on themes of identity, authenticity, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that often feels superficial and artificial. Despite its serious subject matter, the song maintains an optimistic and uplifting tone, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and reject the limitations of an imitation life. Overall, “Imitation of Life” is a powerful and memorable song that showcases R.E.M.’s unique style and musical talent.
20. “Acting” by Beerjacket
“Acting” by Beerjacket is a melancholic and introspective indie-folk track that showcases the artist’s songwriting and emotive vocal delivery. The song features a sparse and minimalist acoustic guitar melody, with Beerjacket’s delicate voice conveying a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion. The song’s lyrics are about the act of pretending and the struggle to be authentic, with Beerjacket reflecting on the masks we wear in order to fit in and protect ourselves. With its poignant instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, “Acting” is a standout track that highlights Beerjacket’s ability to create a folk song that’s both intimate and relatable, perfect for any introspective playlist.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
