The tambourine is a versatile and expressive percussion instrument that has been used in music for thousands of years. From its humble beginnings as a simple frame drum, the tambourine has evolved into an instrument capable of creating a wide range of sounds and styles. In modern music, the tambourine is used in everything from folk and country to rock and pop, adding a unique and upbeat rhythm to any genre. The tambourine is also a popular subject in song lyrics, inspiring countless musicians to write about its role in their lives and music. In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 20 songs about the tambourine. From upbeat and cheerful tunes to introspective and reflective ballads, these songs showcase the many different ways the tambourine can inspire and influence music. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, country, or pop, there’s something for everyone in this list of the best tambourine-inspired songs of all time. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be swept away by the rhythm and soul of the tambourine.
1. “Got To Get You Into My Life” by The Beatles
“Got To Get You Into My Life” is an upbeat and soulful rock song by the legendary Beatles. The song features the band’s signature vocal harmonies and catchy melodies, as they sing about their love and desire for someone special. The production is classic Beatles, with a lively arrangement that features horns, saxophones, and keyboards. The lyrics are playful and optimistic, capturing the excitement and joy of being in love. With its catchy hook and upbeat energy, “Got To Get You Into My Life” is a timeless classic that continues to delight fans of all ages. This song is a perfect example of the Beatles’ ability to create memorable and infectious music that combines rock, pop, and soul influences.
2. “After Midnight” by J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton
“After Midnight” is a classic rock song by American singer-songwriter J.J. Cale and legendary guitarist Eric Clapton. The song features Cale’s smooth and relaxed vocals and Clapton’s signature bluesy guitar playing. The production is stripped down and raw, with a simple arrangement that focuses on the interplay between Cale’s voice and Clapton’s guitar. The lyrics are about the joys of nightlife and the freedom that comes with letting go and letting the good times roll. With its catchy guitar riff and upbeat energy, “After Midnight” is a timeless classic that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of the magic that can be created when two talented musicians come together to create a piece of music that is greater than the sum of its parts.
3. “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees
“Daydream Believer” is a cheerful and upbeat pop song by American band The Monkees. The song features the band’s signature harmonies and catchy melodies, as they sing about the joys of daydreaming and the power of imagination. The production is classic 60s pop, with a lively arrangement that features jangly guitars and cheerful horns. The lyrics are optimistic and playful, capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood. With its catchy chorus and upbeat energy, “Daydream Believer” is a timeless classic that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of The Monkees’ ability to create infectious and memorable pop songs that are full of life and optimism.
4. “Green Tambourine” by the Lemon Pipers
“Green Tambourine” is a psychedelic pop song by American band the Lemon Pipers. The song features the band’s signature tambourine playing and upbeat energy, as they sing about the joys of music and the excitement of the party scene. The production is classic 60s pop, with a lively arrangement that features jangly guitars and cheerful horns. The lyrics are playful and carefree, capturing the energy and excitement of the times. With its catchy chorus and upbeat energy, “Green Tambourine” is a timeless classic that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of the Lemon Pipers’ ability to create infectious and memorable pop songs that are full of life and optimism, and it remains one of the most well-known tambourine-based songs in popular music history.
5. “She’s Waiting” by Eric Clapton
“She’s Waiting” is a soulful and emotional rock ballad by legendary guitarist Eric Clapton. The song features Clapton’s smooth and expressive vocals, as he sings about the heartache of waiting for someone he loves. The production is intimate and stripped down, with a simple arrangement that focuses on Clapton’s voice and guitar playing. The lyrics are introspective and melancholic, capturing the pain and longing of unrequited love. With its heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery, “She’s Waiting” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of Clapton’s ability to create powerful and emotional music that connects with listeners on a deep and personal level.
6. “Wheels” by The Foo Fighters
“Wheels” is an energetic and driving rock song by American band The Foo Fighters. The song features the band’s signature powerful drumming and crunchy guitar riffs, as they sing about the joys of hitting the open road and letting the good times roll. The production is upbeat and high-energy, with a lively arrangement that is designed to get audiences moving. The lyrics are playful and carefree, capturing the spirit of adventure and freedom. With its catchy chorus and upbeat energy, “Wheels” is a timeless classic that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of The Foo Fighters’ ability to create powerful and energetic rock songs that are full of life and optimism.
7. “Radar Love” by Golden Earring
“Radar Love” is an upbeat and driving rock song by Dutch band Golden Earring. The song features the band’s signature powerful drumming and crunchy guitar riffs, as they sing about the thrill of high-speed love and the rush of the open road. The production is energetic and upbeat, with a lively arrangement that is designed to get audiences moving. The lyrics are playful and carefree, capturing the spirit of adventure and freedom. With its catchy chorus and upbeat energy, “Radar Love” is a timeless classic that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of Golden Earring’s ability to create powerful and energetic rock songs that are full of life and optimism, and it remains one of the most well-known and beloved driving songs in popular music history.
8. “Pictures Of You” by The Cure
“Pictures of You” is a melancholic and introspective song by English band The Cure. The song features a haunting piano melody and ethereal guitar work, as lead singer Robert Smith sings about the memories of a lost love. The production is atmospheric and dreamy, with a subdued arrangement that highlights the emotion in the lyrics. The lyrics are introspective and nostalgic, capturing the feeling of longing for someone who is no longer there. With its melancholic tone and introspective lyrics, “Pictures of You” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of The Cure’s ability to create powerful and emotional music that connects with listeners on a deep and personal level.
9. “Buffalo Stance” by Neneh Cherry
“Buffalo Stance” is a funky and upbeat song by Swedish singer-songwriter Neneh Cherry. The song features a driving bassline and groovy drum beats, as Neneh delivers a confident and assertive vocal performance. The production is energetic and lively, with a vibrant arrangement that is designed to get audiences moving. The lyrics are playful and confident, celebrating self-empowerment and individuality. With its catchy chorus and funky energy, “Buffalo Stance” is a classic hit that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of Neneh Cherry’s ability to create innovative and infectious pop music that blends elements of funk, hip-hop, and electronic music.
10. “Help Me, Rhonda” by The Beach Boys
“Help Me, Rhonda” is a upbeat and cheerful song by American band The Beach Boys. The song features a lively acoustic guitar riff and upbeat drumming, as the band sings about a heartbroken man seeking help from a woman named Rhonda. The production is lively and energetic, with a bright and sunny arrangement that captures the spirit of the beach and summertime. The lyrics are playful and charming, with a catchy chorus that is easy to sing along to. With its cheerful energy and upbeat tempo, “Help Me, Rhonda” is a classic hit that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of The Beach Boys’ ability to create upbeat and joyful music that captures the spirit of summer and the carefree attitude of youth.
11. “Cherry Cherry” by Neil Diamond
“Cherry Cherry” is a upbeat and energetic song by American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond. The song features a lively guitar riff and driving rhythm section, as Neil delivers a passionate vocal performance. The production is bright and lively, with a upbeat arrangement that is designed to get audiences moving. The lyrics are playful and flirtatious, as Neil sings about a love interest who he compares to a cherry cherry. With its catchy chorus and upbeat energy, “Cherry Cherry” is a classic hit that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of Neil Diamond’s ability to create upbeat and energetic pop music that blends elements of rock and roll and folk music.
12. “With Or Without You” by U2
“With or Without You” is a powerful and emotional song by Irish rock band U2. The song features a haunting guitar riff and driving rhythm section, as lead singer Bono delivers a passionate vocal performance. The production is dark and atmospheric, with a minimalist arrangement that highlights the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The lyrics are introspective and introverted, as Bono sings about a love that is both a source of strength and a source of pain. With its raw emotion and powerful delivery, “With or Without You” is a classic hit that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of U2’s ability to create emotionally charged and thought-provoking music that connects with audiences on a deep level.
13. “Shake Your Tambourine” by the Neville Brothers
“Shake Your Tambourine” is a upbeat and energetic song by American roots and R&B group The Neville Brothers. The song features a lively percussion section and a funky bassline, as the Neville Brothers deliver a joyous vocal performance. The production is bright and cheerful, with a upbeat arrangement that is designed to get audiences moving. The lyrics are celebratory, encouraging listeners to shake their tambourines and join in the fun. With its upbeat energy and joyful vocals, “Shake Your Tambourine” is a classic hit that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of the Neville Brothers’ ability to create upbeat and soulful music that blends elements of R&B, funk, and African rhythms.
14. “Play With Fire” by the Rolling Stones
“Play with Fire” is a classic rock and roll song by British band The Rolling Stones. The song features a bluesy guitar riff and driving rhythm section, as lead singer Mick Jagger delivers a confident vocal performance. The production is raw and unapologetic, with a minimalist arrangement that highlights the energy of the music. The lyrics are tongue-in-cheek, as Jagger sings about a dangerous love affair that is full of risks and uncertainties. With its classic rock and roll energy and bold delivery, “Play with Fire” is a classic hit that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of The Rolling Stones’ ability to create energetic and unapologetic rock and roll music that connects with audiences on a deep level.
15. “Dance To The Music” by Sly And The Family Stone
“Dance to the Music” is an upbeat and energetic funk song by American band Sly and the Family Stone. The song features a driving rhythm section and a funky horn section, as lead singer Sly Stone delivers a soulful vocal performance. The production is bright and cheerful, with a bright arrangement that is designed to get audiences dancing. The lyrics are upbeat and celebratory, encouraging listeners to dance to the music and enjoy themselves. With its upbeat energy and joyful vocals, “Dance to the Music” is a classic hit that continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. This song is a perfect example of Sly and the Family Stone’s ability to create energetic and soulful funk music that blends elements of R&B, soul, and rock and roll.
16. “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind
“Jumper” is a popular alternative rock song by American band Third Eye Blind. The song features a driving rhythm section, with a prominent bass line and a steady beat. The guitar work is layered and intricate, creating a rich and textured soundscape. The vocals are powerful and emotionally charged, as lead singer Stephen Jenkins sings about a friend who has committed suicide. The lyrics are introspective and introverted, as Jenkins reflects on the tragedy of the situation and the challenges of understanding mental health. Despite its serious subject matter, “Jumper” is an upbeat and energetic song that is sure to get audiences moving. With its catchy melody and powerful vocals, “Jumper” is one of Third Eye Blind’s most well-known and beloved hits. This song is a testament to the band’s ability to craft memorable and impactful music that resonates with listeners on a deep level.
17. “Then He Kissed Me” by The Crystals
“Then He Kissed Me” is a classic pop song by American girl group The Crystals. The song was released in 1963 and became a hit, reaching the top 40 on the pop charts. The song is an upbeat and cheerful tune, with a light and bouncy melody that is easy to sing along to. The vocals are playful and energetic, as the singers describe the excitement and joy of falling in love. The production is bright and cheerful, featuring a driving beat, jangly guitar, and cheerful harmonies. The lyrics are simple and romantic, as the singers describe the moment when they finally received their first kiss from their crush. With its memorable melody, upbeat energy, and charming lyrics, “Then He Kissed Me” is a timeless pop classic that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a fan of 60s pop music or just appreciate a good love song, “Then He Kissed Me” is a must-listen.
18. “I Think I Love You” by The Partridge Family
“I Think I Love You” is a cheerful and upbeat pop song by American musical group The Partridge Family. The song was released in 1970 and became a huge hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries. The song is an infectiously catchy tune, with a upbeat and cheerful melody that is easy to sing along to. The vocals are performed in a cheerful, upbeat style, with harmonizing harmonies and playful energy. The production is bright and cheerful, featuring a driving beat, jangly guitar, and cheerful harmonies. The lyrics are simple and romantic, as the singer confesses their love for someone for the first time. With its cheerful melody, upbeat energy, and charming lyrics, “I Think I Love You” is a timeless classic that has been loved by generations. Whether you’re a fan of 70s pop music or just appreciate a good love song, “I Think I Love You” is a must-listen.
19. “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” by The Beatles
“You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” is a song by The Beatles, written by John Lennon and included on the album “Help!” The song is a folksy ballad that showcases Lennon’s ability to write introspective, personal lyrics. The song’s acoustic guitar, harmonica, and melancholy lyrics create a poignant, melancholic atmosphere that is a departure from The Beatles’ typical sound. The song is often considered one of Lennon’s finest compositions and a standout track on “Help!” It continues to be popular among fans and is considered a classic of the folk-rock genre.
20. “I Can’t Explain” by The Who
“I Can’t Explain” is a rock classic by the iconic band, The Who. This upbeat track features powerful guitar riffs and electrifying drums, creating a lively and energetic sound. The lyrics express the frustration and confusion of the narrator, who can’t find the right words to express his feelings. Despite its fast-paced and driving instrumentals, the song is heavily driven by its lyrical content, showcasing the versatility and complexity of The Who’s musical style. This timeless hit remains a staple of classic rock radio and is a testament to the band’s musical influence and legacy.
Erica Henderson 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.
