Music about ‘hurrying up’ covers an array of experiences. Whether you’re speeding through life and need to slow down, or waiting for your partner to rush home into your arms, our playlist of songs about hurrying up crosses the genres and covers it all, whatever you’re moving towards.
Songs About Hurrying Up
1. Sham 69 – Hurry Up Harry
Sham 69’s punk single, Hurry Up Harry, is a cockney anthem about getting a move on so you won’t be late for the pub.
Released in 1978, this track is a time capsule of pure punk rock energy in its first relentless iteration, anchored in a simple, down to earth message, “Come on, come on, hurry up Harry, come on, we’re going down the pub.”
This track is ceaselessly intoxicating as it hurtles rampantly forwards, whilst at this point looking back into the past through its near-retro slang and imagery;
“Now listen here Harry, if we’re going down the pub, you’d better tell your mum and dad and finish up your grub, I wish you’d listen to me, no, I don’t want a cup of tea.”
2. Stereophonics – Hurry Up And Wait
Stereophonics’ hit Hurry Up And Wait carries the opposite message to that initially suggested
Revolving around the chorus line, “So hurry up and wait, but what’s worth waiting for?” Stereophonics contrastingly devote their verses to listing everything that is worth waiting for and taking your time with, against reasons why you shouldn’t hurry up;
“Your dream man, a house you could both plan, the car in the sales ad, the wet dream with the man you wished that you had.”
Clad in a contemporary indie rock sound, Hurry Up And Wait is a track for anyone who needs to slow down and stop rushing through their one chance at life.
3. Superfruit – Hurry Up
Superfruit’s pop single Hurry Up is about eagerly waiting for the perfect man to waltz into your life. Their verses illustrate the impatience spawned from a string of spoiled dates, before asking the dream man to hurry up and make his appearance;
“Don’t need no false promises, someone who knows who he is… All these other boys, they’re just not enough, so talk to me, come to me, hurry up.”
This fresh radio-style pop track carries subtle flavours of dubstep beneath its bubblegum dance sound, crafting a club anthem for anyone looking to lure in the perfect man.
4. Hawkwind – Hurry On Sundown
Hawkwind ground their 1992 track, Hurry On Sundown, in mystical psychedelia; an apt landscape for their kaleidoscopic lyrics.
Carrying a breathtakingly strange ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’-like sound, Hurry On Sundown’s harmony is barely anchored in place, instead constantly evolving to mirror the concept of change which commands its lyrics.
This track calls for the speeding up of sunset, making way for night and the dawn of new possibilities; “Hurry on sundown, see what tomorrow brings, well it may bring war, any old thing, look into your mind’s eye, see what you can see.”
5. Tyrese – Hurry Up
Tyrese’s soulful R&B track, Hurry Up is a captivatingly laid back take on the concept of high-speed, crafted around the romantic anticipation for your lover’s return home.
Tyrese captures the infuriating boredom which arises when travelling on a different wavelength to your partner;
“I’m staring out my window, twiddling my toes, huffing and puffing ‘cuz I’m bored, said it’s been about an hour… I’m sick of looking at the ceiling, I think I need a healing, calling on you, ‘cuz you know what do.”
Tying this lush love song together is the pure craving for your partner’s presence; “Hurry up and give your loving to me, right now I need your body near me, girl you need to be right here with me.”
6. Roger – Hurry Up
Roger’s irresistibly catchy blues track, Hurry Up, revolves around its suggestive chorus lyric, “Hurry up and put your red dress on,” laying a rose petal trail for a song about the ever-distracting, intrusive thoughts of a lover which push you through your work day;
“It’s a long day but I make it through, the boss is yelling ‘Move,’ I work it hard but I think of you, in that red dress and your high heel shoes.”
Roger’s Hurry Up was written for anyone hurrying through their monotonous job so they can run back to their partner’s arms; “It’s five o’clock again, I’m coming home to you, hurry up and put your red dress on… the one with the ruffles, comb your hair, come on.”
7. Paul McCartney – In A Hurry
Paul McCartney’s track, In A Hurry, is a quirky pick from the modern end of his discography, using his classic Beatles style of storytelling. This uptempo song shines a subtle light on the incessantly rapid nature of working life;
“She was always in a hurry, never took the time to look around, she was always one to worry and fret, staring at the ground.”
Undertoned by themes of monotony and change, this track is perfect for those who often find themselves succumbing to the stress of non-stop hurrying about.
8. Pitbull – Hurry Up And Wait
This early Pitbull track has a compelling, trance-like energy, effortlessly drawing you into its eerie rhythms and lightning fast raps.
Hurry Up And Wait is a narcissistic hip-hop track beckoning Pitbull’s competition to degradingly gather in line before him, waiting for their own shot at glory, “Ya’ll want my spot? Hurry up and wait. Ya’ll want me to stop? Hurry up and wait. Ya’ll want me shot? Hurry up and wait.”
Pitbull’s infectious energy is showcased magnificently in this overshadowed early track, laced with almost-hilariously characterful vocal tones and a nostalgic mid-00s beat.
9. The O’Jays – Hurry Up & Come Back
Opening with a dreamlike psychedelic intro, this old school soul/R&B track by The O’Jays is a warm-hearted call to a far-away lover or an ex, detailing the loneliness that fills their absence;
“Thing ain’t the same since you’ve been gone, there’s nothing to do no one to talk to … Hurry up, come back, come on back, I’m missing you girl.”
Hurry Up & Come Back is a golden-age hit for anyone separated from their one true love, wishing for nothing but a swift return to normality.