27 Best Songs About Walking

There are countless songs about walking, spanning the genres of classic rock and pop to R&B and country.

Whether you need a tune or two for a leisurely hike or want something relatable that’ll help you move on from a situation, these hits are sure to be a great addition to your playlist.

So, put on your walking shoes, and let’s get going!

 

The 27 Best Songs About Walking

No matter if you do it for exercise, to clear your head, or to get some fresh air, walking is always better with a bit of music!

Tons of musicians have used this daily activity as inspiration for hit songs from every decade.

So, join us as we explore our playlist of the 27 best songs about walking:

 

27. Walk On Water – Thirty Seconds To Mars

Thirty Seconds To Mars released this electronic rock hit in 2017 from their fifth studio album, America.

The lyrics focus on change, freedom, and the determination to fight for what you believe in.

“Walk On Water” made it to #1 on the UK Rock & Metal and US Rock Airplay charts between 2017 and 2018.

 

26. These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ – Nancy Sinatra

“These Boots Are Made For Walkin'” is one of the greatest walking songs ever heard!

It features a female narrator addressing her cheating lover and telling him that she will walk away from their relationship.

The pop tune earned the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles chart in 1996.

 

25. Take A Walk – Passion Pit

If you’re in the mood for an indie pop tune, this song is for you!

“Take A Walk” tells stories about certain men in lead singer Michael Angelakos’ family, who pursued money but struggled financially.

This anthem was #7 on the Billboard Rock Airplay chart and #5 on the Alternative Airplay chart in 2012.

 

24. Walking Away – Craig David

“Walking Away” is the R&B walking song that you need in your life!

The track was released in 2000 from Craig David’s album, Born To Do It, and talks about walking away from the troubles in his life.

The song charted at #1 in Poland and New Zealand while also taking the #2 spot on the UK Hip Hop/R&B chart between 2000 and 2002.

 

23. Everyday Is A Winding Road – Sheryl Crow

This pop jam is about the journey we all take in our lives and how we should “Lay back, enjoy the show” because “Everybody gets high, everybody gets low.”

If you’re a fan of Sheryl Crow, check out our best 90s songs playlist, which features her hit, “All I Wanna Do.”

“Everyday Is A Winding Road” earned a Grammy nomination in 1998 for Record of the Year and peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

22. Walking Man – James Taylor

James Taylor released this soft rock anthem from his fifth studio album of the same name in 1974.

“Walking Man” is about Taylor’s father, Ike, who struggled to make a successful transition when returning home from serving in the military.

The tune reached #13 on the Billboard 200 and #26 on the Easy Listening chart in 1974.

 

21. Walk Away – Kelly Clarkson

This pop-rock jam comes from Kelly Clarkson’s second studio album, Breakaway, which was released in 2004.

“Walk Away” talks about a relationship on the rocks and how the girl needs her man’s support, but he’s never there for her.

The song earned the #5 spot on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs and Pop Songs charts in 2006.

 

20. Walk On – U2

“Walk On” was inspired by a Burmese activist arrested for protesting the government and refusing to follow soldiers’ orders.

We suggest checking out our best 80s songs playlist and listening to “With Or Without You” if you’re interested in listening to more from U2.

The song won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2002 and took the #21 spot on the Billboard Adult Top 40.

 

19. Baby Elephant Walk – Henri Mancini

This song was written for a scene in the 1962 film, Hatari! where one of the characters leads baby elephants to a waterhole.

The lyric version is a simple yet incredibly catchy tune that paints a picture of jungle animals dancing.

In 1963, the “Baby Elephant Walk” orchestral piece earned a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement.

 

18. Jesus Walks – Kanye West

“Jesus Walks” is a hip hop/gospel song released on Kanye West’s debut album from 2004, The College Dropout.

The lyrics describe how, as a human race, we are at war with terrorism, racism, and ourselves, but focus on the narrator’s desire to walk with Jesus.

The track charted at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song in 2005.

 

17. Walking The Wire – Imagine Dragons

Here’s a great song to listen to when you’re in the mood for pop-rock.

The tune was inspired by lead singer Dan Reynold’s relational difficulties and speaks of the exhilaration that accompanies passionate relationships.

“Walking The Wire” reached #6 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and #5 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart in 2017.

 

16. Walking In The Rain – The Ronettes

If you’re looking for a fantastic old-school R&B tune, then “Walking In The Rain” is the one for you.

The lyrics focus on a woman’s desire to find the right man and compare it to the feeling of walking in the rain.

In 1964, the song reached #23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and in 1965, it reached #3 on the R&B Singles chart.

 

15. Walking The Dog – Rolling Stones

This soul hit is about a man’s experience as he goes for a walk, describing what he sees and who he meets along the way.

If you love The Rolling Stones, check out our best songs of all time playlist, which features their favored tune, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.”

The Rolling Stones’ version didn’t chart, but The Dennisons released their recording in 1964, which took #36 on the UK Singles chart.

 

14. Walk This Way – Run-D.M.C. ft. Aerosmith

“Walk This Way” was released by Run-D.M.C. on their album Raising Hell in 1986.

This hip-hop-infused rock anthem is about a cheerleader who gives a young boy his first sexual experience.

The song became an international hit, winning a Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap Single in 1987 and an induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014.

 

13. Walk Me Home – P!nk

Here’s a beautiful song from Pink’s eighth studio album, Hurts 2B Human.

The female narrator describes how she’s confident that she and her lover can make the world a better place.

“Walk Me Home” was #1 in Canada, #2 in Denmark and the Czech Republic, and #3 on the Billboard Euro Digital Song Sales chart in 2019.

 

12. You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry & The Pacemakers

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a show tune written for the 1945 music, Carousel by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

The emotional song encourages listeners that they are never alone, no matter what they are going through in life.

Gerry And The Pacemakers’ version reached #1 on the UK Singles chart and topped charts in Australia and Ireland in 1963.

 

11. A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton

You’ll know this one from its signature piano intro, which is sure to put a little pep in your step!

“A Thousand Miles” is about being so deeply in love with someone that you’d do anything to be with them.

The catchy tune received Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 2003 and charted #1 in the U.S. in 2002.

 

10. Walk On The Wild Side – Lou Reed

“Walk On The Wild Side” is definitely one of the strangest tunes on this list, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!

The controversial song talks about cross-dressers who journey to New York City to be prostitutes.

“Walk On The Wild Side” became Lou Reed’s signature song, reaching #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972.

 

9. Walk – Foo Fighters

The Foo Fighters, one of the best bands of all time, released “Walk” from their album Wasting Light” in 2010.

The lyrics feature a man who allows himself to go through a healing process wherein he learns how to love life again.

“Walk” won Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song at the 2012 Grammy Awards.

 

8. Walk Of Life – Dire Straits

“Walk Of Life” is a rock song from Dire Straits’ fifth studio album, Brothers in Arms, released in 1985.

This happy tune tells the story of a young musician busking out on the street for tips.

“Walk Of Life” made it to #10 on the U.S. Cash Box chart and #2 in South Africa and the UK between 1985 and 1986.

 

7. Walking On Broken Glass – Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox, one of the best female rock singers of all time, released this song from her debut solo album, Diva.

Its lyrics describe a young woman’s broken heart after a breakup, which makes her feel like she’s walking on glass.

“Walking On Broken Glass” reached #3 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 and #8 on the UK Singles chart in 1992.

 

6. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves

“Walking On Sunshine” is a great song that’ll have you moving and grooving in no time!

The pop song revolves around love and how everything seems right in the world.

This hit took the #3 spot on the Canada Top Singles chart and #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985.

 

5. Walk Like An Egyptian – The Bangles

Here’s an upbeat song that will probably make you want to dance!

“Walk Like An Egyptian,” tells stories of different people trying to keep their balance while comparing their movements to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

This novelty song became Billboard’s top song of 1987 and charted #1 in Australia, the Netherlands, and the U.S. that same year.

 

4. I Walk The Line – Johnny Cash

“I Walk The Line” is by far one of Johnny Cash’s most popular songs that everyone knows.

The lyrics feature a man who promises to stay faithful to his wife while performing on the road.

“I Walk The Line” was the title track to the 1970 movie of the same name and earned the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1957.

 

3. Walking In Memphis – Marc Cohn

If you want to take a long walk, this is the best rock song to listen to along the way!

“Walking In Memphis” describes Marc Cohn’s real-life trip to Memphis, Tennessee, where he visited Graceland and performed with a 70-year-old woman at The Hollywood Cafe.

The hit peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been covered by popular artists, including Cher and Lonestar.

 

2. Walk On By – Dionne Warwick

“Walk On By” is also one of the most popular walking songs, specifically in the R&B and soul genres.

In the song, Dionne Warwick asks her former lover to leave her alone if he sees her out and about.

This hit peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording in 1965.

 

1. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers

“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” is all about a man who declares his devotion to his woman.

If you’re looking for one of the best karaoke songs of all time, you’ll be happy to know that this tune makes the list!

The mega-hit reached #1 in Australia, Iceland, and New Zealand, earning the #3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1988 and 1993.

 

Summary

We hope you’ve enjoyed these songs about walking and that at least one makes it onto your go-to playlist.

“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers takes the top spot due to its worldwide popularity, incredibly catchy melody, and inspiring lyrics.

Whatever you need to do or wherever you need to go, these tunes will encourage you to take that first step!

What’s the best song about walking, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.