Monday, the start of the workweek, can be a daunting day for many people. After a relaxing weekend, it can be hard to get back into the swing of things and face the responsibilities of the week ahead. Fortunately, music has a way of lifting our spirits and motivating us to keep going, even on the toughest days. In this article, we will explore the top 14 best songs about Monday to help you power through the day and start the week off on the right foot.
From classic rock to pop and everything in between, there are plenty of songs that capture the feelings we have on Monday mornings. Whether you need a pick-me-up or a reminder that you’re not alone in your Monday blues, these songs are sure to have you singing along and feeling more motivated in no time. So turn up the volume and let these songs inspire you to tackle the week ahead with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
1. Rainy Days and Mondays – The Carpenters
“Rainy Days and Mondays” is a melancholic yet beautiful song by the legendary American pop duo The Carpenters. Released in 1971, it features Karen Carpenter’s soulful voice and Richard Carpenter’s smooth piano melody. The lyrics speak to the loneliness and sadness one can feel on a rainy day or a Monday, when the weight of the world seems to bear down on them. Despite the somber mood, the song is still relatable and comforting, offering a reminder that everyone experiences tough days and that it’s okay to feel down sometimes. It’s a timeless classic that showcases The Carpenters’ musical talent and emotional depth.
2. Monday Morning Blues – Mississippi John Hurt
“Monday Morning Blues” is a classic blues song by Mississippi John Hurt, one of the most influential country blues musicians of the early 20th century. Originally recorded in 1928, the song tells the story of a man who wakes up on a Monday morning feeling down and weary, with the weight of the world on his shoulders. The song’s lyrics and Hurt’s unique fingerpicking style capture the raw emotion of the blues, conveying a sense of sadness, loneliness, and struggle. With its simple yet powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Monday Morning Blues” is a testament to Mississippi John Hurt’s musical genius and his enduring legacy in the world of American music.
3. Except for Monday – Lorrie Morgan
“Except for Monday” is a catchy and upbeat country song by American country music singer Lorrie Morgan. Released in 1991, it quickly became a hit and helped establish Morgan as a rising star in the country music world. The song’s catchy melody and playful lyrics celebrate the joys of love and romance, while also acknowledging the importance of having time for oneself. Morgan’s soulful vocals and the song’s lively instrumentation make it a perfect choice for a road trip playlist or a night out with friends. “Except for Monday” is a fun and uplifting song that showcases Lorrie Morgan’s talent and charisma as a country music artist.
4. Manic Monday – The Bangles
“Manic Monday” is a classic 80s pop song by The Bangles. The upbeat track was written by Prince, under the pseudonym “Christopher,” and tells the story of a woman who is exhausted from the pressures of her daily life. The catchy melody, jangly guitar riffs, and tight harmonies create an irresistible earworm that captures the frantic energy of a hectic workweek. The Bangles’ performance, led by Susanna Hoffs’ distinctive vocals, perfectly captures the song’s wistful yet optimistic mood, making it an enduring favorite on retro playlists and a timeless reminder of the joys and struggles of everyday life.
5. Monday, Monday – The Mamas and The Papas
“Monday, Monday” is a classic folk-rock song by The Mamas and The Papas. The iconic track, released in 1966, explores the feelings of disillusionment and despair that often accompany the start of a new workweek. The song’s harmonies and melody are instantly recognizable and are a testament to the group’s vocal prowess. The lyrics, penned by band member John Phillips, highlight the monotony and drudgery of daily life, especially on Mondays. The song’s melancholic yet catchy tone has made it an enduring classic, with its themes remaining relevant to this day.
6. New Moon on Monday – Duran Duran
“New Moon on Monday” is a synth-pop gem by British band Duran Duran. Released in 1984, the song features lush synths, propulsive drums, and Simon Le Bon’s signature vocals. The track’s lyrics speak of rebellion and longing for a new beginning, with the titular “New Moon on Monday” symbolizing hope and possibility. The accompanying music video, directed by legendary filmmaker Russell Mulcahy, is a cinematic masterpiece, featuring stunning visuals and a storyline that perfectly captures the song’s themes. “New Moon on Monday” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Duran Duran’s live performances, showcasing the band’s unique blend of pop hooks and artful sensibility.
7. Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad) – T-Bone Walker
“Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)” is a classic blues song by T-Bone Walker, released in 1947. The track features Walker’s signature guitar playing style, which blends jazz and blues influences, and his soulful vocals, which tell a story of heartbreak and despair. The song’s title has become a popular idiom, used to describe a particularly difficult or trying time. Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including B.B. King, Albert King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, among others, cementing its status as a blues standard and a testament to T-Bone Walker’s legacy as one of the genre’s greatest innovators.
8. Monday Morning Church – Alan Jackson
“Monday Morning Church” is a poignant country ballad by Alan Jackson, released in 2004. The song explores themes of loss and grief, as the narrator mourns the death of his spouse and seeks solace in his faith. Jackson’s heartfelt vocals, coupled with the sparse instrumentation and the song’s intimate production, make for a deeply moving listening experience. The track’s title is a metaphor for the narrator’s struggle to come to terms with his loss and find a sense of purpose in his life. “Monday Morning Church” is a standout track in Jackson’s catalog and a testament to his songwriting talent and ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
9. I Don’t Like Mondays – The Boomtown Rats
“I Don’t Like Mondays” is a punk rock classic by Irish band The Boomtown Rats, released in 1979. The song was inspired by a real-life school shooting in California and explores the senselessness of violence and the alienation and despair that can lead to such tragedies. The track features a propulsive rhythm, catchy hooks, and frontman Bob Geldof’s powerful vocals, which convey a sense of anger and frustration. The song’s title has become a popular phrase, used to express a general sense of dislike or dread towards the start of a new workweek. “I Don’t Like Mondays” remains a timeless reminder of the consequences of social isolation and mental illness, and a testament to the power of punk rock to address important social issues.
10. Blue Monday – New Order
“Blue Monday” is a seminal dance track by British band New Order, released in 1983. The song features a distinctive electronic sound, driven by a pulsating drum machine, sequenced synthesizers, and a memorable bassline. The lyrics, delivered in singer Bernard Sumner’s deadpan style, speak of heartbreak and disillusionment, with the titular “Blue Monday” symbolizing a deep sense of sadness and despair. The song’s innovative production and use of sampling techniques have made it an influential track in the history of electronic dance music. “Blue Monday” remains a classic party anthem and a testament to New Order’s pioneering spirit and enduring popularity.
11. Come Monday – Jimmy Buffett
“Come Monday” is a classic country-rock love song by Jimmy Buffett, released in 1974. The song features Buffett’s signature laid-back vocals, acoustic guitar, and steel guitar, creating a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. The lyrics speak of a long-distance relationship and the yearning for a reunion with a loved one, with the song’s title referring to the narrator’s anticipation for the start of the new week when he can see his partner again. “Come Monday” remains one of Buffett’s most beloved tracks, showcasing his gift for storytelling and his unique blend of country, rock, and tropical influences.
12. Blue Monday – Fats Domino
“Blue Monday”
is a classic R&B and rock and roll song by Fats Domino, released in 1957. The track features Domino’s signature boogie-woogie piano style, coupled with a driving rhythm section and catchy horns. The lyrics speak of the struggles of the working class and the hardship of the daily grind, with the titular “Blue Monday” referring to the narrator’s dread of the start of a new week. The song has become a timeless anthem of the rock and roll era and a testament to Domino’s influence on the genre. “Blue Monday” remains a beloved classic and a testament to the power of rhythm and blues music.
13. Monday – Wilco
“Monday” is a moody and introspective track by American indie rock band Wilco, released in 1996. The song features a sparse arrangement, with gentle acoustic guitar strums and singer Jeff Tweedy’s plaintive vocals creating a melancholic atmosphere. The lyrics speak of the narrator’s sense of isolation and ennui, with the repetition of the phrase “Nothing, nothing, nothing” conveying a feeling of emptiness and despair. “Monday” is a standout track on Wilco’s debut album, showcasing the band’s unique blend of alternative rock, folk, and country influences. The song remains a haunting and introspective meditation on the human condition and a testament to Wilco’s songwriting prowess.
14. Monday Morning – Fleetwood Mac
“Monday Morning” is a upbeat and lively track by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, released in 1975. The song features a catchy guitar riff, tight harmonies, and Stevie Nicks’ distinctive vocals, creating a joyful and optimistic vibe. The lyrics speak of the narrator’s excitement for the start of a new week and the possibility of a new romance, with the song’s upbeat energy capturing the spirit of a fresh start. “Monday Morning” is a standout track on Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album, showcasing the band’s unique blend of rock, pop, and folk influences. The song remains a beloved classic and a testament to Fleetwood Mac’s enduring popularity.
Darren Jamison 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.
