THE GREATEST SECULAR SONGS OF ALL TIME (IN MY OPINION) NUMBERS 11–20: SONGS THAT MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
If the first ten songs hinted that God’s fingerprints are everywhere, these next ten remind us that love is never abstract—it moves, heals, reconciles, and gathers people back together. These songs come from different genres, generations, and voices, yet they share a single longing: that the world might be kinder than it is, and that we might become better than we’ve been. Where love shows up like that, God is never far away (1 John 4:7).
20. “WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE” – JACKIE DESHANNON
Simple, almost childlike, and therefore profound. This song doesn’t complicate the problem or the solution. Love—just love—is named as the missing ingredient. The Bible agrees (1 Corinthians 13:13).
19. “LEAN ON ME” – BILL WITHERS
Few songs capture community better than this one. Bearing one another’s burdens is not just good advice; it’s holy wisdom (Galatians 6:2). Withers turns mutual dependence into something dignified and strong. We are in this journey called life together. Let’s be kind.
18. “FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN” – RANDY TRAVIS
A love song, but also about constancy, faithfulness, and commitment—qualities that point to higher truths. Even without religious words, it demonstrates the durability of love and loyalty, which can feel deeply spiritual.
17. “WE ARE THE WORLD” – USA FOR AFRICA
Flawed, earnest, and necessary. This song tells us that collective compassion can actually save lives. When people use their voices for the suffering of others, something sacred happens—even on a pop record.
16. “EVERY GRAIN OF SAND” – BOB DYLAN
A quiet masterpiece that feels like a prayer without ever sounding like one. Dylan wanders through memory and longing, carrying both doubt and wonder in his voice, until the listener finds themselves standing at the edge of something vast and compassionate. This song knows sorrow, knows wandering, and yet trusts that every life — every moment — counts, that even the smallest part of creation is held with tender care. In a world of noise and hurry, this track invites stillness, humility, and a deeper awareness of the sacred in the ordinary.
15. “WHAT’S GOING ON” – MARVIN GAYE
Soul music at its most prophetic. War, injustice, environmental care, human dignity—Marvin Gaye sings as one who sees the world clearly and still believes it can be healed. Love, he insists, must be the answer.
14. “SAY A LITTLE PRAYER” – ARETHA FRANKLIN
Not church music, yet unmistakably devotional. Prayer woven into daily life—waking, working, loving. It reminds us that God is not confined to sanctuaries but walks with us through ordinary hours.
13. “THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR” – DIONNE WARWICK (with ELTON JOHN, GLADYS KNIGHT, and STEVIE WONDER)
Faith often shows up wearing the face of loyalty. This song celebrates presence—standing beside someone when the road is long. That kind of love is incarnational; it shows up and stays.
12. “HEAL THE WORLD” – MICHAEL JACKSON
Jackson at his most transparent. This song is not about fame or spectacle, but responsibility. Healing begins with compassion. The kingdom of God always makes room for the least of these (Matthew 18:5).
11. “PEOPLE GET READY” – THE IMPRESSIONS (CURTIS MAYFIELD)
A gospel song disguised as soul music—or perhaps the other way around. It calls for readiness, faith, and love, not tickets or status. Grace rides this train, and everyone is invited.
Even if you disagree with my lists, these songs won’t hurt you. You’ll be better for having listened.
BDD
