Rings and other jewelry can mean something different to everyone, and those symbols or representations are often tied into a song or music video. Many people will wear a ring as an accessory because they enjoy the look of it, but others might see it as a meaningful item that reminds them of someone important. In this article, we’ll go over twenty songs about rings that have been released by various artists throughout history.
By the way, if you’re interested in songs about rings, you may also be interested in songs with figurative language, songs about brotherly love, songs about breaking the law, songs about colors, and songs about getting older.Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash
The first song on the list is a classic by a legend in country music, Johnny Cash, who wrote this song alongside June Carter’s father, Maybelle Carter. The song was featured on Cash’s 1963 album All Aboard the Blue Train and deals with the emotional distress caused to someone who has become addicted to heroin. In an interview regarding his addiction to heroin, Cash explained that he never physically abused any other drug but that it “became a symbol of demise” for him as using it gave him a feeling of peace and comfort which he enjoyed. It should be noted that “Ring of Fire” has been covered by other artists including June Carter who re-recorded it with Cash, and it is also the name of the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.
7 Rings – Ariana Grande
The only song on this list that also appeared on the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Charts, this song first released as a thank you to her fans on 25 January 2019 and reached number 1 on iTunes in 11 countries. While Grande has not spoken about what the “seven rings” are at the moment, she did reveal their significance during an interview promoting Sweetener in 2018 where she claimed that having seven actual diamond rings was important to her happiness. Lyrically, this upbeat pop song looks forward towards a happy future with friends rather than looking back at failed romances.
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it) – Beyonce
The second single from Beyonce’s third studio album, I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008), this song became her third number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was inspired by a friend of hers who asked Beyonce what she would do if Jay Z refused to marry her and highlighted how expensive it is to have an engagement ring custom-made. In an interview with MTV, Beyonce commented that she wanted to give women a sense of their own power and the ability to do whatever they want after being inspired by her sister Solange Knowles who was married without a ring.
Paper Rings – Taylor Swift
A song from her third studio album, Speak Now (2010), “Paper Rings” was written by Swift alongside Liz Rose and John Rich who also helped produce the song. The inspiration behind the song came about while she attended a writing session with Rose back in 2005. In an interview with American Songwriter, Swift explained that the process of creating the track took place over a period of 3 to 4 years where it went through numerous changes and re-recordings. She also revealed that she wrote it for herself because she knew nobody else would sing it as beautifully as herself.
This Diamond Ring – Gary Lewis and the Playboys
The first song on the list written by American singer-songwriter, Lester Sill, this song was originally released as a single by Gary Lewis and the Playboys which reached number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was also included in several film soundtracks including American Graffiti (1973) and Neighbors (1981). Some of the most memorable parts of this track include the guitar riff which leads into a swing beat, Lewis’ lyrics about how he will always love his partner no matter what happens, and the vocal harmonies which can be heard throughout most of the song.
Diamond Rings and Old Barstools – Tim McGraw
This song was included in McGraw’s 1998 album, Everywhere , and became the fourth single from the album. In an interview regarding this song, McGraw revealed that he wrote it for his wife who at the time had been drinking a lot to make her feel better about everything she had been going through. He added that while many people often interpret “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” as a negative message because of its lyrics, he believes that everyone should have a place where they can go to relax and feel comfortable even if it is a barstool by themselves under dimmed lights while drinking whisky.
Mood Ring – Lorde
This song was released on the New Zealand artist’s debut studio album, Pure Heroine , in 2013. The song talks about being caught between being happy and feeling the need to be free which is why she no longer wants to wear a mood ring as it doesn’t always give her the answer that she needs at any moment. Lorde also explained that while writing or performing this song, she tried to speak out for all those who may have fallen into the trap of preferring one feeling over another because they were easier to deal with instead of experiencing both emotions together at the same time.
Golden Ring – Tammy Wynette
This song was released on the country singer’s 20th album, Stand By Your Man (1973) and is about a woman who often dreamed of getting married but only did when she had enough money saved for a high quality ring. In an interview with American Songwriter, Wynette explained that it was very important to her that her husband not spend all their savings on a ring so instead she would save enough so she could get the type of wedding band she wanted. She also revealed that in most cases women want “the biggest diamond in town” but they should give more thought to looking at what kind of design will best suit them rather than going for quantity over quality.
Diamond Ring – Sheryl Crow
This song was first released as a single on Crow’s third studio album, The Globe Sessions (1998), and became the fifth track on the tracklist. In an interview with American Songwriter , Crow revealed that she wrote this song based on a dream she had where her ex-husband walked into a room carrying a bag filled with engagement rings which he dropped saying “Why don’t you just pick one?”. She explained that while most women would have been thrilled at the thought of being married to someone they love, she remembers feeling uneasy about how materialistic it sounded.
Ring – Selena Gomez
This song was released on the American singer’s debut album, Kiss & Tell (2013), and talks about several relationships where she failed to commit because she wasn’t ready for marriage. She explained that she wrote this song about another person who although clearly wanted to get married, was being held back by their career. Because of this, he kept waiting for something that would never happen which is why Gomez felt it important to speak out against those who are not living up to what they really want in life even if it means having others misunderstand them.
Diamond Ring – Bon Jovi
This song was released as a single from the band’s 1990 album, New Jersey , and talks about a man who is now with someone better than what he had been with before. In an interview with Songfacts , Jon Bon Jovi explained that the inspiration for this song came from a woman he knew whose boyfriend gave her a diamond ring but ended up leaving her soon after. He revealed that although it is easy to question why women would want to be married if they know how men can treat them, there are some out there who honestly believe “a wedding ring will make all our problems go away” even if their new husbands give them many reasons not to trust them anymore.
Diamond Ring – The Dead South
![The Dead South - Diamond Ring [Official Music Video]](https://theawesomemix.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F4cD85l48QOg%2F0.jpg&fix=it)
This song was released on the Canadian folk band’s debut album, Good Company (2014), and talks about a man who has lost the love of his life. It explains how he misses everything about her from the way she would wear her hair to how she smelled of perfume when she hugged him. The singer explained that although it is often hard to be romantic after being with someone for a long time, this song reminds people of what they once had with an ex which is why it can be painful even years after their relationship ended.
Baby Wants a Diamond Ring – Squirrel Nut Zipper
This song was originally released as a single from the band’s 2000 album, Bedlam Ballroom, and talks about a man who is struggling to do everything he can to be able to afford his wife all she wants so they can live happily ever after together. The singer explained that while most men would think it sounds like an impossible dream, there are actually quite a few out there who would love nothing more than getting their wives the ring of their dreams even if it means going without other luxuries.
Silver Wings and Golden Rings – Cher
Released as a single from the American singer’s 22nd studio album, Living Proof (2001), this song talks about a woman who is getting married even though she knows her love has already been unfaithful. The singer explained that while it is easy to blame her man for being the cheater, the truth of the matter is that women shouldn’t have been involved with someone they knew would cheat on them anyway. This isn’t one of her best known songs but it serves as a reminder that even if you want to trust someone again, there are some things you can’t forgive.
Little Silver Rings – The Samples
Released as a single from the American band’s third studio album, Excerpts from the possibly comatose… (1993), this song talks about how there are those who avoid getting married because they simply do not acknowledge their responsibility to commit. The singer explained that it was different back then since society expected men and women to get married but he knows plenty of friends out there today who have no intention of ever settling down.
Silver Ring – Michael Flanagan
Released as a single in 2018, this song talks about how an older couple got married when they were young but separated later on due to not knowing what it means to be in love. The singer explains that despite having their own lives apart from each other, they remain best friends because of the things they learned together which is why they don’t care if people say getting divorced isn’t allowed. This song has a great beat and an inspirational message. We love this song about rings!
Put a Ring on My Finger – Les Paul and Mary Ford
This song was released as a single by the American band in 1955 under the Capitol label. It talks about how some women are very difficult to deal with after being married to them, which is why there are plenty of men out there who are just too afraid to risk getting into that kind of trouble so they feel it is better to hang on to their freedom instead. The singer explained that marriage isn’t for everyone but those who do get married will find themselves wondering if they have made the right decision or not.
Les Paul and Mary Ford are to this day some of the most influential artists in the industry, and their message about love and engagement rings is still relevant today.
Diamond Rings – Chipmunk feat Emeli Sande
This song was released as a single by the English rapper in 2012 under the Parlophone label. It talks about how he thought getting married would be enough but that now that he has been doing it for some time now, it is beginning to feel like something they both need to work at instead of just him. He went ahead and bought her diamond rings only to have them returned later saying she doesn’t want big things or flashy things – she just wants him to listen more frequently so they can continue making their relationship work again.
Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands – Lee Greenwood
This song was released as a single from the American singer’s self-titled debut album. It talks about how he has been living with his girlfriend for several years now but they have never thought about getting married because she doesn’t want to be tied down if something happens that would force them to separate. The man sings that just because he is not married to her doesn’t mean they are free spirits, and people should understand that getting married before you grow old together isn’t just for other people – it’s also for them too.
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