16 Best Songs about Rings

Rings have been a symbol of love and commitment for centuries, and they have inspired countless songs throughout history. From the joy of a proposal to the heartache of a broken engagement, rings have been a subject of fascination for songwriters in every genre.

In this article, we will explore the top 16 best songs about rings that capture the emotions and experiences associated with this iconic piece of jewelry.

The list includes classic hits such as “Put a Ring on It” by Beyoncé and “Diamonds and Rust” by Joan Baez, as well as more recent releases like “The Story” by Brandi Carlile and “Say You Love Me” by Jessie Ware. Whether you’re looking for a love song to serenade your partner or a heart-wrenching ballad to help you through a breakup, these songs offer a wide range of perspectives on the power of rings to symbolize love and commitment. So sit back, grab your favorite ring, and get ready to explore the best songs about this timeless piece of jewelry.

1. Belated Promise Ring – Iron & Wine

“Belated Promise Ring” is a melancholic folk ballad by Iron & Wine, the musical project of singer-songwriter Sam Beam. The song features Beam’s trademark whispery vocals and finger-picked acoustic guitar, along with subtle accompaniment from other instruments like piano and slide guitar. Lyrically, the song is a reflection on a failed relationship and the regret that comes with realizing too late the importance of promises made. Beam’s poetic lyrics and introspective songwriting make for a haunting and evocative listening experience. “Belated Promise Ring” is a standout track from Iron & Wine’s 2002 debut album, “The Creek Drank the Cradle,” and remains a fan favorite to this day.

2. Diamond Rings and Old Barstools – Tim McGraw

“Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” is a country ballad performed by Tim McGraw. The song tells the story of a man reflecting on the end of a relationship, realizing that he’s traded in his true love for the superficial trappings of wealth and success. The poignant lyrics are brought to life by McGraw’s emotive vocals and the song’s simple, stripped-down arrangement, featuring acoustic guitar, piano, and pedal steel. McGraw’s masterful storytelling and earnest delivery make for a heartrending listening experience, highlighting the universal themes of love, loss, and regret. “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” is a standout track from McGraw’s 2014 album, “Sundown Heaven Town,” and has become a fan favorite and a staple of McGraw’s live performances.

3. Silver Wings and Golden Rings – Cher

“Silver Wings and Golden Rings” is a country-pop song performed by Cher, from her 1979 album “Prisoner”. The song features Cher’s soaring vocals and a lush, orchestral arrangement, complete with twangy guitar and pedal steel. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a woman who’s fallen in love with a man who’s promised her a life of luxury and wealth, only to leave her alone and heartbroken. Despite the sadness of the lyrics, Cher’s powerful vocals and the song’s catchy melody make for an uplifting listening experience. “Silver Wings and Golden Rings” showcases Cher’s versatility as a performer, and her ability to effortlessly switch between genres and styles. The song remains a beloved classic in both Cher’s discography and the country-pop genre.

4. Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash

“Ring of Fire” is an iconic country song performed by Johnny Cash. The song was written by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore and features a driving, mariachi-inspired rhythm and horn section. The lyrics describe the passionate, all-consuming love that Cash and June shared, likening it to a “ring of fire” that both protects and burns. Cash’s gravelly baritone and charismatic stage presence make for a powerful listening experience, and the song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody have made it a fan favorite for decades. “Ring of Fire” is considered one of Cash’s signature songs and a quintessential classic of the country genre, as well as a staple of popular music as a whole.

5. Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands – Lee Greenwood

“Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands” is a country ballad performed by Lee Greenwood. The song tells the story of a woman who’s stuck in a loveless marriage, trapped by the ring on her finger and the passage of time. Greenwood’s powerful vocals bring the song’s poignant lyrics to life, conveying the deep sadness and resignation of the woman in the song. The arrangement is simple and understated, featuring acoustic guitar, piano, and steel guitar, which allows Greenwood’s emotive performance to take center stage. “Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands” is a classic of the country genre, known for its heartfelt storytelling and timeless message of longing and regret. The song has remained a fan favorite and a staple of Greenwood’s live performances since its release in 1982.

6. Diamond Ring – Bon Jovi

“Diamond Ring” is a rock ballad performed by the iconic American band Bon Jovi. The song was released in 1988 and features Jon Bon Jovi’s signature soaring vocals, along with a powerful guitar riff and lush orchestration. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a man who’s struggling to come to terms with a failed relationship, symbolized by the diamond ring he can’t bring himself to give back. The song’s emotional depth and relatable themes have made it a fan favorite for decades, and it’s become a staple of Bon Jovi’s live performances. “Diamond Ring” showcases the band’s skillful musicianship and the power of their collective sound, and it remains a classic of the rock ballad genre.

7. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it) – Beyonce

“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” is an upbeat dance-pop and R&B song performed by Beyoncé. Released in 2008, the song became an instant hit and is now regarded as one of Beyoncé’s signature tunes. The song’s catchy melody and confident lyrics encourage men to commit to their partners and put a ring on their finger. The music video, featuring Beyoncé and two backup dancers donning iconic black leotards and stiletto heels, became an instant sensation, spawning countless imitations and dance routines across the globe. The song’s high-energy beat and infectious chorus make it a perfect party anthem and a celebration of female empowerment. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” is a modern classic that showcases Beyoncé’s powerful vocals and her ability to create catchy, danceable tunes with empowering messages.

8. Diamond Ring – The Dead South

“Diamond Ring” is a bluegrass-inspired folk song performed by the Canadian band The Dead South. The song was released in 2014 and quickly gained popularity among fans of the Americana genre. The song’s upbeat tempo and twangy instrumentation showcase the band’s skillful musicianship, with banjo, guitar, and upright bass all featuring prominently. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a man who’s been left heartbroken by a lover who’s taken everything he had, leaving him with nothing but a diamond ring. The song’s bittersweet lyrics and catchy chorus make it an instant favorite among fans of folk and Americana music, and it’s become one of The Dead South’s most popular tunes. “Diamond Ring” is a testament to the band’s ability to blend traditional folk and bluegrass sounds with modern songwriting, resulting in a unique and compelling sound.

9. Golden Ring – George Jones and Tammy Wynette

“Golden Ring” is a classic country song performed by the iconic duo of George Jones and Tammy Wynette. The song was released in 1976 and became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song tells the story of a couple whose love has faded, with the “golden ring” on the woman’s finger being the only thing that remains of their once-great love. The song’s lyrics are emotive and powerful, with Jones and Wynette’s voices perfectly conveying the sadness and regret of the story. Musically, the song features a traditional country instrumentation, including pedal steel guitar and fiddle, and is a fine example of the classic country sound that made Jones and Wynette legends in the genre. “Golden Ring” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved song among country music fans more than four decades after its release.

10. Little Silver Rings – The Samples

“Little Silver Rings” is a melodic and uplifting song by the American band The Samples. Released in 1994, the song features a blend of rock, folk, and pop influences and has become one of the band’s most popular tracks. The song’s lyrics speak of hope and perseverance, encouraging listeners to hold on to their dreams and never give up. Lead singer Sean Kelly’s vocals are soulful and emotive, and the band’s instrumentation, featuring acoustic guitar and electric piano, perfectly complements the song’s uplifting message. “Little Silver Rings” is a testament to The Samples’ ability to create music that is both thought-provoking and catchy, and the song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.

11. Paper Rings – Taylor Swift

“Paper Rings” is a fun and upbeat pop song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released in 2019 as part of her album “Lover”. The song features a playful melody and catchy chorus, with Swift’s signature storytelling lyrics detailing a romantic relationship filled with spontaneity and excitement. The upbeat production includes a mix of acoustic and electric instruments, with a driving drum beat and infectious guitar riffs adding to the energetic vibe of the song. Overall, “Paper Rings” is a joyous celebration of love and the carefree nature of being in a happy relationship. The song showcases Swift’s ability to craft memorable pop hooks and catchy melodies while still incorporating personal experiences into her music.

12. 7 Rings – Ariana Grande

“7 Rings” is a song by American singer Ariana Grande, released in 2019 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, “Thank U, Next”. The song samples the melody from “My Favorite Things” from the musical “The Sound of Music” and features Grande boasting about her wealth and material possessions, including diamonds, champagne, and designer clothing. The lyrics revolve around Grande and her friends’ experience of shopping and buying matching diamond rings after a breakup, as a way of empowering themselves and finding happiness. The song was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in several other countries, becoming one of Grande’s biggest hits to date.

13. Diamond Ring – Sheryl Crow

“Diamond Ring” is a rock ballad performed by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow. The song was released as a single from her self-titled album in 1996. The track features an acoustic guitar riff, which blends with the electric guitar to give it a classic rock sound. Crow’s vocals are powerful and soulful, and she sings about the fleeting nature of love and material possessions. The lyrics speak of a woman who has everything but still feels alone and unfulfilled. The song received critical acclaim and charted on the US Adult Top 40 chart. “Diamond Ring” showcases Crow’s ability to craft a memorable melody and deliver a heartfelt performance.

14. Mood Ring – Lorde

“Mood Ring” is a hauntingly beautiful song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, released as a bonus track on her album “Solar Power”. The song talks about the overwhelming emotions and mood swings that come with being in a relationship, particularly the highs and lows of love. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors, and Lorde’s voice is soft and melancholic, drawing the listener into the emotional depth of the song. The instrumental arrangement is sparse, with a minimalistic production that emphasizes the introspective nature of the song. “Mood Ring” showcases Lorde’s ability to craft a deeply personal and introspective song, leaving a lasting impact on the listener.

15. Ring – Selena Gomez

“Ring” is a song by American singer Selena Gomez, released in 2020 as part of her album “Rare”. The song is a catchy and upbeat pop track that features an electronic beat and a prominent guitar riff. Lyrically, the song deals with the idea of wanting to move on from a past relationship but being held back by lingering feelings and memories. Gomez’s vocals are emotive and powerful, conveying a sense of vulnerability and frustration as she grapples with her conflicting emotions. Overall, “Ring” is a relatable and catchy song that showcases Gomez’s talents as a singer and songwriter.

16. Put a Ring on My Finger – Les Paul and Mary Ford

“Put a Ring on My Finger” is a classic love song by the legendary guitar player Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford. The song was released in 1952 and became a hit on the charts, showcasing the duo’s sweet harmonies and Les Paul’s masterful guitar playing. The lyrics express a desire to take their love to the next level by getting married and wearing a wedding ring as a symbol of their commitment. The song features Les Paul’s signature “ping-pong” effect, where the guitar sound bounces back and forth between the left and right channels, creating a unique and captivating listening experience. “Put a Ring on My Finger” is a timeless piece of music that captures the essence of true love and commitment.