J (top)
Jack and Diane
By John Mellencamp. About growing
up, the end of childhood innocence, and coming
to terms with the realities and responsibilities of adulthood. "...Oh
yeah life goes on long after the thrill
of livin' is gone...Hold on
to sixteen as long as you can. Changes comin' round real soon make us women
and men..."
Jack Daniels, If You Please
By David Allan Coe. References
made to substance abuse, delirium
tremens, and using alcohol as a way to cope with pressures. "...Jack
Daniels...You can kill the pain that's driving me insane...Cigarettes and
whiskey calm my shaking hands..."
Jack In The Green
By Jethro Tull. From the encyclopedia
of the Celts: "Jack in the Green"
is known as "The Hidden One". He was a woodland spirit who like the
Wild Herdsmen guarded the greenwood. He appears in many kinds of folk art as a
multi-foliate head peering through the keaves. "Have you seen the
jack in the green? With his long tail hanging down. He sits quietly under every
tree...He wears the colors of the summer soldier, carries the green flag
all winter long..."
Jackson-Kent Blues
By Steve Miller Band. Song is
about actual events that occured in Jackson,
Mississippi and
Jack The Ripper
By Motorhead. About infamous serial
killer Jack the Ripper who rose to
prominence in the 1880's in
Jaguar
By Fred Small. An animal and environmental awareness song.
"...The chain saw is whining the bulldozer roars Monkeys are screeching in
flight The spires of the Arawak cut down at one blow Where will the jaguar
go?..."
James Connolly
By Traditional Irish. About James Connolly who originally founded the Irish
Socialist Republican Party in 1896 and was a significant figure in the
reformation of Irish labor laws. He was executed by a firing squad on May 12,
1916. "...He went to his death like a true son of
James Dean
By The Eagles. A tribute to the great actor James Dean, the original "rebel"who
lived fast and died young. "... You were the low down rebel if there ever
was, even if you had no cause...You were too fast to live, too young to die,
bye bye."
James K. Polk
By They Might Be Giants. About our 11th President, James K.
Polk, (1845-49). Reference to expansionist policies, annexation of Mexican
land, and Manifest Destiny.
Janie's Got A Gun
By Aerosmith. A girl who was the victim of an incestuous relationship gets
revenge by killing her father."...Janie's got a gun. Whole world's come
undun. From lookin' straight at the sun. What did her daddy do? What did he put
her through? They said that when Janie was arrested they found him underneath a
train. But man he had it comin'. Now that Janie's got a gun, things are never
gonna be the same..."
Janis
By Country Joe and the Fish. Song was written about rock star Janis Joplin whom the artist was
involved with at the time. "Into my life on waves of electrical sound and
flashing light she came. Into my life with the twist of a dial. The wave of her
hand and the warmth of her smile..."
Jean Genie
By David Bowie. Cyrinda
Foxe-Tyler (ex-wife of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler) was known as the
inspiration for this song, "...A small Jean Genie snuck off to the
city Strung out on lasers and slash back plazas...Talking bout Monroe and
walking on Snow White New York's a go-go and everything tastes right...She
loves him, she loves him but just for a short while She'll scratch in the sand,
won't let go his hand...He's outrageous, he screams and he bawls Jean Genie let
yourself go!..."
Jennifer Lost The War
By Offspring. About loss of
innocence and societal apathy
or indifference regarding children who are subject to abuse, brutality, and
become victims of violence.
"...But nobody really cares today, the world's a busy place...I guess
we're all just soldiers. She was only 6 years old. Left to die by
strangers...But the morning headlines even say that it's a shame . What are we
headin' for? Jennifer lost the war..."
Jeremy
By Pearl Jam. This song was inspired by actual events.
Deals with a variety of social issues including depression, alienation,
bullying, brutality, isolation and teen violence . On
By Saxon. Inspired by the Old Testament story where the Israelites defeated
and overtook the city of
Jesse James
By The
Jesse James
By The Pogues. Song is about legendary outlaw Jesse James. "Jesse
James...Has killed many a man. He robbed the union trains. He stole from the
rich and gave to the poor..."
Jesse James
By Ry Cooder. About American bandit and outlaw Jesse James. Member of
the notorious James Gang. "Jesse James we understand has killed many a
man. He robbed the Union trains but history does record that Bob and Charlie
Ford have laid Jesse James in his grave..."
Jesus Died For You
By Charlie Daniels Band. Song deals with faith and spirituality.
"...You may be drunk or hooked on dope. Believe me brother you still got
hope. 'Cause Jesus died for you...Maybe you ain't got a dime You're standing in
the welfare line...You still got hope..."
Jesus He Knows Me
By Genesis. About
the crooked practices that certain hypocritical televangelists have taken part
in. "...Won't find me practicing what I'm preaching. Won't find me making
no sacrifice. But I can get you a pocketful of miracles if you promise to be
good, try to be nice. God will take good care of you. Just do as I say, don't
do as I do..."
Jim Crow
By The Almanac Singers. About the post Civil War laws created to
deny equal rights to freed slaves and also keep blacks and whites segregated.
The term Jim Crow
came from a black character in minstrel shows. "...This is a land we call
our own. Why does the Negro ride alone?...Jim Crow! Lincoln
set the Negro free. Why is he still in slavery? Jim Crow!..."
The Jimi Hendrix Chord
By Daddy Longlegs. A tribute song dedicated to legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix who left this world of
ours at the age of 27 after overdosing and choking on his own vomit. "Jimi
was a god...There's nothing romantic about his death. Choking on vomit for his
very last breath. A genius is washed away and gone too soon...Jimi was the
brightest star..."
Jimmy Carter
By Blue Mountain. A
tribute to our 39th President, Jimmy
Carter 1977-81. "In the bicentennial summer of our faded glory
land a bright new face appeared upon the scene. Of an honest peanut farmer by
the name of Jimmy Carter...There was joy throughout the nation, at that great
inauguration, the GOP stood shakin in their shoes... So shake the hand of the
man, with a hand full of love. The one and only Jimmy Carter..."
Jimmy Sharman's Boxers
By Midnight Oil. Song is about
Jimmy Sharman's tent-fighting troupe which toured
Joe DiMaggio Done It Again
By Billy Bragg. A tribute to deceased baseball star Joe Dimaggio who is in the National Baseball Hall of
Fame. "...Joe Deemaggyoe done it again! Clackin' the bat, gone with
the wind...Joe cracked that ball to whine and moan...Joe
Deemaggyoe's done it again..."
Joe Hill
By Joan Baez. Song is a
tribute to labor activist and musician Joe Hill. About
the organized labormovement
in the
Joe Hill
By Phil Ochs. Song
is a tribute to labor activist and musician Joe Hill. About
the organized labor movement in
the
Joe McCann
By Christy Moore. Song
is about Joe McCann who was the leader of the Irish Official Republican Movement
and was shot and killed in 1972 by British paratroopers because of his
political beliefs. "...He fought for the people of the markets where he
worked. In defense of the rights of man. But the hired branch crew told the
soldiers what to do and they shot down Joe McCann..."
By Gil Scott Heron. About the uprisings in
John Barleycorn
By Traffic. This traditional song celebrates Barley and the harvest cycle.
"...They've ploughed, they've sown, they've harrowed him in Threw clods
upon his head, And these three men made a solemn vow John Barleycorn was
dead. They let him lie for a very long time Till the rains from Heaven did
fall, And little Sir John sprung up his head And so amazed them all...."
John Brown
By Bob Dylan. An anti-war song about human suffering,
loss of innocence, and the brutal and violent nature
of warfare. "John Brown went off to war to fight on a foreign shore. His
mama sure was proud of him!...I'm glad you're a son of mine, you make me proud
to know you hold a gun. Do what the captain says, lots of medals you will
get...Then a letter finally came saying go down and meet the train...She saw
her son at last. When she did she could hardly believe her eyes. Oh his face
was all shot up and his hand was all blown off...Oh tell me, my darling son,
pray tell me what they done. How is it you come to be this way?...Don't you
remember, ma, When I went
off to war. You thought it was the best thing I could do...He called his
mother close and he dropped his medals down into her hand."
John Doe
By Testament. About a young man who grew up in the foster care system, is
sexually abused and commits suicide as a result of his experiences. "John
Doe. A man haunted by his past...He was raised as an orphan. Abuse victim as a
child. Dreaming haunting memories made John Doe take his own life...Never
knowing what is love..."
John Lennon
By The Outfield. Song is a tribute to musician John Lennon who was tragically
shot and killed by Mark David Chapman on December 8, 1980. "...Then on a
day in your life still remembered by everyone. There was a man with a gun at
his side. You and your monkey had nowhere to hide. So many things on his mind,
I'm not sure if he knew why he blew you away..."
Johnny Blade
By Black Sabbath. About a man who lives on the streets and deals with the
dangers associated with street life in the city. "Tortured and twisted, he
walks the streets alone. People avoid him, they know the street's his
own...Life has no meaning, and death's his only friend. Will fate surprise him,
where will he meet his end?..."
Johnny Can't Read
By Don Henley. About someone who is illiterate.
The song reveals the personal and societal consequences or costs. "...But
Johnny can't read,
summer is over and he's gone to seed. Johnny can't read,
he'll never learn nothin' that he'll ever need..."
Johnny 99
By Bruce Springsteen. Song is
about a person who turns to crime as a result of misfortune and economic
hardships. "Well they closed down the auto plant in Mahwah late that
month. Ralph went lookin' for a job but he couldn't find none. He came home too
drunk for mixin' Tanqueray and wine. He got a gun shot a night clerk now they
call'm Johnny 99...Now judge I got debts no honest man could pay. The bank was
holdin' my mortgage and they was takin' my house away. Now I ain't sayin' that
makes me an innocent man. But it was more'n all this that put that gun in my
hand..."
Johnny Ryall
By The Beastie Boys. About a homeless man and life on the street in New York City.
Reference to alcohol, substance abuse, and former Mayor, Ed Koch. "Johnny
Ryall is the bum on my stoop. I give him fifty cents to buy some soup...Living
on borrowed time and borrowed money. Sleepin' on the street there ain't a damn
thing funny ...Makes his home all over the place, he goes to sleep by falling
down on his face..."
Johnny Was
By Bob Marley. A mother mourn's the death of her child. Song is about the
growing frequency of crime, street violence, and shootings. Inspired by actual
events in
John Walker's Blues
By Steve Earle. This controversial
song was written about John Walker Lindh
also known as the "American Taliban". "...If my daddy could see
me now - chains around my feet He don't understand that sometimes a man
Has got to fight for what he believes...We came to fight the Jihad and our
hearts were pure and strong...Now they're draggin' me back with my head in a
sack To the land of the infidel..."
Join Hands
By Charlie Wine. Part of the VOW
Music Education and Outreach Project , this song is a call for
peace and unity among people and a repudiation of guns and violence. Serves as
a tribute to innocent victims of violence.
"...She was somebody's daughter, she was somebody's friend. She was loved
by her father, her life didn't have to end. Join hands without guns, join hands
without guns. The children
are watching, the children will lead. How many must fall and how many will
bleed. One life is enough to rise up and join hands, hand in hand, join
hands..."
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
By Neil Diamond. Song is based on the Richard Bach novel of the same name.
"Last on a painted sky. Where the clouds are hung for the poet's eye. You
may find him..."
Jose Cuervo
By Shelley West. A person drinks too much, blacks out and doesn't remember
what happened to them. References made to hangovers, violence and risk behaviors.
"...My head is spinning...Now wait a minute things don't look too
familiar...I like to drink...Then I kiss all the cowboys...Then I start a
fight..."
Josephine Baker
By Al Stewart. This song is a tribute to
entertainer Josephine
Baker. "...Now some they stand out from a crowd even at an early age.
I suppose that her call was loud 'cause she just lit up the stage...I was born
too late to see Josephine
Baker dancing in a
Jukebox Hero
By Foreigner. Song is about hero worship and the quest for fame and glory.
"...So he started rockin'. Ain't never gonna stop. Gotta keep on rockin'.
Someday he's gonna make it to the top. And be a jukebox hero, got stars in his
eyes..."
Julia
By Francine Allen. The
song was written as
a tribute to environmental activist, Julia "Butterfly" Hill.
"What do you see from your height...You bring us courage when we can't
seem to find our own. Julia,
you are a messenger of hope..."
Jumper
By Third Eye Blind. A person tries to help
a friend who has decided that suicide is the answer to their problems. "I
wish you would step back from that ledge my friend. You could cut ties with all
the lies that you've been livin' in...I never thought that it would come to
this, and I want you to know. Everyone's got to face down the demons. Maybe
today we can put the past away...I would understand..."
Jungleland
By Bruce Springsteen. A tribute
to urban nightlife. The song is about the adventure, danger, excitement,
mystery, and romance that is part of each night on the streets of a city.
"The
Junk Food
By Cheryl Wheeler. About the addictive and unhealthy nature of "junk food".
"...Fritos, dorritos, sour cream and onion dips. Ice cream sodas,
chocolate candy, kool-aid in your coke is dandy. Let's eat things to kill
ourselves... We'll get fat and gross together..."
Junk Food Junkie
By Larry Groce. A novelty song about a person who hides their love of eating
junk food. "...Yeah, in the daytime I'm Mr. Natural, just as healthy as I
can be. But at night I'm a junk food
junkie. Good Lord have pity on me..."
Junker's Blues
By Champion
Jack Dupree. This song
is about substance abuse and drug addiction. "all right... I'm sick as I
can be...Some people call me a junker, cause I'm loaded all the timeI just feel
happy and I feel good all the time Some people say I use a needle, and some say
I slip cocaine But that's the best old feelin' that I ever need..."
Junkhead
By
Junkie Doll
By Mark Knopfler. A man breaks
free from his heroin
addiction and disassociates himself from his old drug using friends.
"...You spiked my arm but you missed my vein. But the scars remain...Now
I'm clean. Junkie doll I was stuck on you..."
A Junkie's Lament
By James Taylor. About a person struggling with heroin
addiction. "...Oh my God, a monkey can move a man. Send him to hell and
home again...A junkie's sick, a monkey's strong. That's what's wrong.
Junkie's Prayer
By Fishbone. About the destructive nature of the stimulant drug crack cocaine, a
smokable form of the drug and how it has infiltrated our cities. "...Give
us this day our daily crack. As we smoke ourselves into a manic frenzy. Forgive
us for we have no control or self respect. Grim Reaper has cashed my life
savings check..."
By "Weird Al" Yankovic.
This song
is a parody of "
Just Another Story
By Phil Collins. Deals with the
excesses of society and a variety of social problems including domestic
violence and substance
abuse. "Father comes home 'cos his money's run out. Seems a little
loose tonight, he starts to shout... You can smell it on his breath, feel it in
his touch. He never meant to hit her hard, but he's like that when he's had too
much. It's just another story 'bout going too far..." The effects of
domestic violence are also explored in the poem "Neighbor
Blood" by Richard
Frost.
Just Another Suicide
By UFO. A young person is depressed and starts to have suicidal thoughts. If
you have a friend who is this depressed, get help for the person! "Just a
bad situation, got me low, feelin' down I'm wonderin' why...I can't last
forever, I can't hold on...Somebody is tearin' my whole inside...Lookin' for a
place to hide..."
Just For The Record
By Marillion. Song is about an
individual in denial over his problem with alcohol. References to addiction.
"Many's the time I've been thinking about changing my ways,
but when it gets right down to it, it's the same drunken haze. Just for the
record I'm gonna put it down, just for the record I'm gonna change my life
around...But I've got no discipline, got no self control..."
Justified Black Eye
By Leche ConCarne. About the vicious cycle of domestic violence and the
trauma and emotional difficulty the abused person must endure. "She was
confused and abused in this life. Emotional and violent moments seemed to take
the longest time...She didn't recognize her own face in the mirror. Black and
blue...He would always try to justify what wasn't true. Justified black eye
taken for granted..."
Justin
By Korn. Song is about fan adoration and the
pressure and/or responsibility of celebrity status. Also deals with inner
strength, coping with a terminal illness and accepting or finding inner peace
with respect to dying. "...You watch me play. I look away. Your lights
turn bright. You found the light...You're gonna die! Wanting me, why? I wish I
had your strength...The kids that die listening to me. You are alive!..."
Just Like God Now
By Cheryl Wheeler. Song is about the recent scientific advances in cloning
animals. According to cherylwheeler.com, artist got idea for song after
hearing people comment that now we are just like God since we can clone
animals. "...We're just like God Now. It's hard to overstate what a
grand day this is. Look at how far we've come. Mixin' up the dough in the petri
dishes for every little thing we want. Tell the Pope he's through..."
Just Say No
By Young MC. A great health song for young people. Offers advice when young
people are faced with negative peer pressure. "Just Say No"!
"...If you were ever in a situation without enough time for contemplation.
All your frineds goin' the same way. You feel kinda trapped, you don't know
what to say. Just say no..."
Just The Two Of Us
By Will Smith. A remake of Bill Wither's popular song about relationships
and positive thinking. In this version, lyrics deal with the love between a
father and son. "...Let me be a good daddy, all he needs. Love, knowledge,
discipline too, I pledge my life to you...You're living proof that dreams do
come true, I love you and I'm here for you..."
Just Want to Let You
Know
By Subterra. About death and mourning. A person expresses feelings of love
for someone who has recently passed away. "Just want to let you know that
I missed you. Never knew such love as we had...Your fight was short, but you
were very strong...so I pick my guitar and scrawl my music into the air...I
hope somehow it finds you there"
By Phil Ochs. Song was written for the movie of the same name starring Racquel Welch as a roller
derby queen. "...The blast of the whistle, the bomber takes the floor. She
turns, she spins on the rail but she'll be the first to score..."
Keep The Faith
By Michael Jackson. Deals with issues of self esteem, believing in yourself
and your abilities and having a positive outlook on life."..."Cause
you can climb the highest mountain, swim the deepest sea. All you need is the
will to want it, and a little self esteem. So keep the faith, don't let anybody
turn you a round...Believe in yourself no matter what it's gonna take. You can
be a winner but you got to keep the faith..."
Keep The Mask On The Lone
Ranger
By John T. Douglas. About the 1979
legal battle between Clayton Moore and
movie producers regarding the right to wear the Lone Ranger mask.
"...Ain't nothing sacred anymore and everyone's in danger, when some fool
thinks he can take the mask off the Lone Ranger...For
over thirty years Clayton's lived up to the task. Now some judge has decided
he's not fit to wear the mask. Well it don't make no difference what that judge
might have to say. Ain't nothing gonna make it right to take that mask
away..."
Keep Pushin'
By REO Speedwagon. Song relates to many health related issues including self
esteem, perseverance
and believing in yourself and your abilities. "Going through all the
changes, I made so many mistakes, oh yes I did...Well it's coming together. I
finally feel like a man, oh yes I do. I never thought that I'd be where I am,
oh. Everyday I work a little bit harder. Whoa, I keep pushin' on...Keep pushin,
keep pushin' on, you know you got to be so strong..."
Keep Ya Head Up
By Tupac. Song is calling
for an end to misogynistic beliefs or attitudes that degrade and oppress women.
The singer tells men to love, honor, and respect women and to regard women as equals. "...And when he tells you
you ain't nothin' don't believe him...I wonder why we take from our women. Why
we rape our women, do we hate our women?...Time to heal our women, be real to
our women...I know your fed up ladies, but keep your head up."
Keep Your Head
By Mary J. Blige. About the challenges, choices, and temptations many face
each day as they struggle to do the right thing. "...I'm tryin' not to
lose my cool because if in this world I do the only person that's gonna miss
out on everything is me...It's very hard, so very hard because I'm out here
trying to do the right thing. And when I look around here's the wrong thing
temptin' me..."
Kelly 90210
By Two Headed Puppy.
This song
is dedicated to the character Kelly from the TV show, Beverly Hills 90210
"Just like tonight I was watching my TV Thursday it was I remember
faithfully Beverly Hills, one pretty girl's all I could see Her name is Kelly ,
she's got a groovy spell on me...Kelly saw you on the Telly lips like jelly how
I wanted to hold you have I lately told you..."
Kevin Barry
By Traditional Celtic. Kevin Barry was a member of the Irish Republican
Socialist Movement who was killed in Armagh by the Irish People's Liberation
Organization following the March 15, 1987 killing of IPLO leader Gerard
Steenson. "In Mountjoy jail one Monday morning. High upon the gallows
tree. Kevin Barry gave his young life for the cause of liberty...Another martyr
for old
Kevin Carter
By Manic Street Preachers.
Song is about South African photographer Kevin
Carter who won a Pulitzer Prize for his photograph of a starving Sudanese
child being stalked by a vulture. Carter received much criticism for not
helping the child and he eventually commited suicide. ""Hi, Time
magazine. Hi, Pulitzer Prize. Vulture stalked, white piped lie forever. Wasted
your life...Kevin Carter..."
Kick Hit 4 Hit Kix U (Blues
For Jimi And Janis)
By John Lee Hooker. Song is a reminder about the potential dangers of drug
use and also talks about two rock stars who died from drug overdoses at the
ripe old age of 27, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. "...The one and only
Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. Who passed on from the needle. They o.d...Dope
addicts. You better watch yourself...You might pass on..."
Kicks
By Paul Revere and the Raiders. About a person falling deeper into the trap
of drug use. References made to drug addiction, gateway drugs, withdrawal
symptoms and unhealthy escapism. "Girl, you thought you found the answer
on that magic carpet ride last night. But when you wake up in the mornin', the
world still gets you uptight...All your kicks ain't bringin' you peace of
mind...You better get straight..."
The Kids Aren't Alright
By Offspring. About the numerous
challenges and problems confronting young people and how many succumb to the
temptations of the street. "When we were young the future was so
bright...Now the neighborhood's cracked and torn. The kids are grown up but
their lives are worn. How can one little street swallow so many lives?...Jamie
had a chance, well she really did. Instead sho got on speed and lost her kids.
Mark still lives at home cause he;s got no job. He just plays guitar and smokes
a lot of pot. Jay committed suicide..."
Kid's Prayer
By Dan Bern. Written in June 1998
after the
Killing Ground
By Saxon. About war and the events leading up to a battle. References to
patriotism and fighting with honor for your country. "Follow the piper,
follow the drum. Follow the footsteps our comrades begun. 'Til the battles won.
Follow the sabre, follow the gun. For king and for country. We stand as
one..."
Killing Time
By Triumph. Song is about the perils of procrastination. Wasting time,
failing to act, and then feeling regret over missed opportunities.
"Hangin' out on the corner, he's got no place to go. She sits in an empty
bedroom playin' the radio. Everyday regretting all the things they never tried.
Everyday they're dyin' just a little bit more inside...Time is slippin' away,
it's just passin' 'em by. They're wondering why, but it's gone, gone forever my
friend and it won't come again..."
Kill The Human Race
By De Heideroojis. About the carelessness of human beings as they slowly
destroy planet Earth. Many references to societal ills and examples of
unhealthy risk taking. "...No biotech, no high tech, no WW II. Mother
Earth can exist without me and you...No circus, no steakhouse, no furcoat
store. Within time, nature will not take this anymore..."
Kill The Pain
By Face Down. About drug addiction. "Trying to run from what you are.
Afraid of being alive. Hands shaking, body aching. The abuse left a permanent
scar...You need your reality to hit your veins again..."
Kill The Poor
By Dead
Kennedys. A satirical
song that takes an ironic
point of view to draw attention to the plight of poor people.
"...Efficiency and progress is ours once more, now that we have the
neutron bomb. It's nice and quick and clean and gets things done...The sun
beams down on a brand new day, no more welfare tax to pay. Unsightly slums gone
up in flashing light. Jobless millions whisked away. At last we have more room
to play..."
The Killing of Georgie (Part
I and II)
By Rod Stewart. Song is about
random violence and the death of a friend. Song also deals with issues of
tolerance, homosexuality, gangs, and possibly hate crimes. "...Georgie boy
was gay I guess nothin' more or nothin' less. The kindest guy I never knew...Pa
said there must be a mistake how can my son not be straight after all I've said
and done for him...Cast out by the ones he loves. A victim of these gay days it
seems. Georgie went to New York town where he quickly settled down...Deciding
to take a short cut home, arm in arm they meant no wrong...Out of a
darkened side street came a New Jersey gang with just one aim...There ensued a
fearful fight screams rang out in the night...Georgie's life ended there..."
Kind And Generous
By Natalie Merchant. A person
is thanking a friend or lover for always being there and giving so much of
themselves. "...You've been so kind and generous, I don't know how you
keep on giving. For your kindness I'm in debt to you. For your selflessness, my
admiration. For everything you've done, you know I'm bound, I'm bound to thank
you for it..."
King Heroin
By James Brown. About the
drug heroin and how it ruins the user's health and their lives in general.
Lyrics are presented as if the drug was speaking. "...I take my addicts
and make'em steal, borrow ,beg. Then they search for a vein in their arm or
leg...I can make a good man forsake his wife. Send a greedy man to prison for
the rest of his life..."
King Of The Delta Blues
By Marshall
Tucker Band. Tribute to legendary bluesman, Robert Johnson. "...Went down
to the crossroads, dealing with the devil. Robert's life would never be the
same...King of the Delta Blues..."
King Of The Road
By Roger Miller. A tribute to hobos and their
passion for independence and a life on the road. "...I
know every engineer on every train, all of the children and all of their names.
And every handout in every town , and every lock that ain't locked when no
one's around...I'm a man of means by no means, King of the road."
King Of Trees
By Cat Stevens An environmental awareness song. "He was the King of
trees Keeper of the leaves A deep green god of young…Now they've come to cut
you down…Now they've come to lay the road Dont lay the road"
Kiss the Bottle
By Jawbreaker. A substance abuse song. "It gets loneliest at night…six
a.m., the floor comes alive with lice…Fell from the wagon…kissed the
bottle…"
Kiss Your Freedom Goodbye
By Lynyrd Skynyrd. About a safe and secure small town being overrun with
drugs, vandelism and violence. "...Life's good in this small
town...Our doors are always unlocked. But not for long...Stores have gone out
of business. They're sellin' drugs out in the streets. The new kids like to
spray paint...Kiss your freedom goodbye..."
Kit Carson
By Bruce Cockburn. Song is about Christopher Houston "Kit" Carson,
an accomlished trapper, guide, rancher and military scout of the nineteenth
century. Some saw
Knee Deep
By 21 Guns. About an adult who is struggling and does not have proper coping
skills. The person believes that his problems are a result of parental
neglect during his childhood. "...He's always drunk in back alleyways.
While mother and her lovers couldn't care anyway...They looked right through me
like I didn't exist. It's in their eyes I was meaningless...I'm sinking knee
deep and getting deeper and deeper. So low I don't know which way to
go..."
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
By Bob Dylan. In 1996 an additional verse
was added to this song to commemorate the tragic school shooting of
Knock Me Down
By Red Hot Chili Peppers. Song is about former band member and guitarist Hillel
Slovak who tragically died
from a heroin overdose. "...too much for me, too much for you. You're gonna lose in time.
Every turn, looking to burn. Some never learn. Live and learn...Don't
be afraid to show your friends that you hurt inside. Pain's part of life. Don't
hide behind your false pride...You're gonna lose in time..."
The Knowledge
By Janet Jackson. About social responsibility and the importance of
education. "Get the knowledge...If we're gonna change the way the world is
run. The way to start is to rid the children of prejudice and ignorance. We
gotta teach our kids to read and write...Education is the goal..."
Know Who You Are
By Supertramp. Song is about self
confidence, inner strength, and meeting challenges head on. "Know who
you are. There's a world that wants to know you...Don't be afraid...You've so
much to give and there's
so much to know..."
Know Your Enemy
By Rage Against The Machine. Song is a
harsh criticism of societal apathy and complacency and serves as a call to
action for social and political
activists. "...I've got no patience now, so sick of complacence
now...Yes I know my enemies.. Compromise, conformity, assimilation, submission,
ignorance, hypocrisy, brutality, the elite. All of which are American
dreams..."
Kraft Dinner
By Annihilator. About the old American stand-by. Kraft macaroni and
cheese! "Cupboard's bare, I'm so hungry. I love Kraft dinner. Boiling water, can't wait. It's
getting hotter, it feels so great. Kraft dinner..."
Krakotoa
By Saxon. Song is about one of
the most powerful volcanic eruptions
in the history of the world which occurred between May and August of 1893 at
the
Kurt
By Dan Bern. This song is about the suicide of
Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain. "When Kurt Cobain blew out his brain All
the little girls They cried like rain And as for me I felt the pain But I got
no T-shirts left to stain For Kennedy and Jesse James And Joan of Arc and Kurt
Cobain..."
KYEO
By Fugazi. Anti-war song inspired by the Gulf War. "The troops are
quiet tonight,But it's not alright, because we know they're planning something.
Don't you know things have settled down, down, down But silence is a dangerous
sound..."
L (top)
Lack Of Communication
By Ratt. Song is about people's inability to share ideas and how the
channels of communication are often closed between human beings. "Too many
problems the world can't solve. Too many people, no one wants to be involved.
Lack of communication...Always sayin' someone else is to blame...Lack of
communication..."
Lady Whiskey
By Wishbone Ash. About alcohol addiction, self destructive behaviors and
codependency. "Lady whiskey, such a sad sight. Stumblin' as she walks. She
even hates herself...Drowns her sorrows, eases her pain...Her man is just like
her...Drowns his sorrows, eases his pain..."
The Lady Of Schalott
By Loreena McKennitt. This song is a musical adaptation and tribute to Alfred Lord Tennyson's
renowned poem "The
Lady of Shalott". "On either side of the river lie long fields of
barley and rye. That clothe the world and meet the sky. And thro' the field the
road run by. To many towed Camelot...The lady of Schalott..."
By Frostbit Blue. Song is about
the beauty of the fading day on Lake Ontario as seen
from
By Rush. Song is about Lakeside Park, an amusement park located in St.
Catherines,
Lame for Fame
By Urban Guerillas. This song is about
preserving creative and artistic integrity with respect to song writing and not
selling out or giving in to
the commercialization
of music. "...Don't say anything at all keep it fresh, show us your
flesh give us a tune sing in the nude your song is sure to rate But I
can’t play this stinking game And I don’t want your hollow fame Cos I...Got
something to say (forget it kid get out of my way) They won't play my song on
the radio And I don't like the reason why!..."
Landlord
By Christy Moore. Song is about having a sneaky, greedy and unreliable
landlord. "Here he comes lookin' for rent. His greedy yellow eyes and his
tongue all bent...Sniffin' 'round my doorway and goin' through my clothes...The
man's a thief, I've even got proof..."
Landslide
By Fleetwood Mac. Inspired by actual events. Song is about
a relationship in turmoil. An individual is ready for a change and fears
change at the same time. The person wonders if they are strong enough to break
away. Song deals with issues of love, identity, emotions, and self esteem.
"...Oh, mirror in the sky what is love? Can the child within my heart rise
above? Can I sail through the changing ocean tides, can I handle the seasons of
my life? Well, I've been afraid of changing 'cause I've built my life around
you. But times make you bolder even children get older, and I'm getting older
too..."
Language Of Violence
By Disposable Heroes of Hiphopcrisy. Touches on may health and social topics
including homophobia, hatred, peer pressure and violence. "...Like a
gauntlet the voices haunted...He knew the names they would taunt him with.
Faggot, sissy, punk, queer, queen...Words can reduce a person to an object.
Something more easy to hate..."
L.A.P.D.
By The Offspring. Song is critical of the Los Angeles Police Department who
came under fire for their excessive use of violence when detaining Rodney King.
"When cops are taking care of business I can understand. But the
Larger Than Life
By Gov't Mule. Song is about taking life for granted, taking risks without
thinking about the consequences. Once you are dead, you can't "wish"
your life back. "...It won't take long to get to the bottom, it won't take
much looking down at yourself. You think you know somethin', you don't know
nothin'. Everybody knows that death is larger than life..."
The Last Day Of June, 1934
By Al Stewart. This song is about the
rise to power of the Nazi Party in
The Last Great American
By Five
For Fighting. According to the artist this song is a story about a
hero...who is so disgusted by what
he sees today that at the end of the song he ends up burying himself
alive...the world disgusts him. A new last verse was added to this song
following the tragic events of September
11, 2001. These new lyrics provide a more optimistic and hopeful
ending to the song. "...From every walk of life we've come to see the Last
Great American...He pulls the lid on down as his stone is read Here lies our
Merry the man with the heart so spent That in this day and age is sick of living Then the funeral
pyre was shattered And the world became undone The mourners raised their heads
up As the crowd began to run Then everybody stopped...to the beating of a drum.
For through the smoke and morning sun Stands the Last Great American."
Last Night I Had The
Strangest Dream
By Pete
Seeger. A person dreams
of a world free from war and violence. "Last night I had the strangest
dream I'd ever dreamed before. I dreamed the world had all agreed to put an end
to war..."
Last Of A Dying Breed
By Neil Young. Song is about the struggles of the American farmer and his
attempt to survive in a poor farming economy. Song also criticizes the American
government for not helping out the farming industry. "Well I hate to say
the farmer was the last of a dying breed. Living off the land and taking what
he needs. Don't say much for the future when a family can't survive. I hate to
say the farmer was the last of his kind...In the struggle for parity, not one
man's voice can sound. 'Cuz the foundation of the conglomerate is firmly in the
ground..."
The Last Of The Great Whales
By Andy Barnes. An emotional song about the death of a whale's companion and
the loss and sorrow the surviving whale feels. "...My soul has been torn
from me and I am bleeding...All the beauty around me fades...Last night I heard
the cry of my last companion. The roar of the harpoon gun and then I was
alone...I am the last of the great whales and I am dying..."
Last Of The Independents
By Rory Gallagher. According to the "Photo-Finish" CD liner notes,
As a film buff Rory was inspired to write this crime song from just reading
a newspaper review of the film "Charley
Varrick" featuring Walter Matthau and Joe Don
Baker. "I caught the red-eye at
Last Resort
By Papa Roach. Song is about unhealthy risk taking, identity crisis,
despair, low self esteem and suicide. "...It all started when I lost my
mother. No love for myself and no love for another...Searching to find love...Finding
nothing but questions and devils...I'm losing my sight, losing my mind...Would
it be right if I took my life tonight?..."
The Last Resort
By The Eagles. About the impact of Westward Expansion in
The Last Shot
By Lou Reed. About the realities of dealing with alcohol addiction and
trying to have the strength to quit and remain sober. "The last shot
should have killed me...Whiskey, bourbon, vodka, scotch. I don't care what it
is you got...And I'm not boasting when I say I'm getting straight. You always
wish that you knew it was your last shot..."
The Last Song
By Elton John. Describes a death bed reconciliation
between a son and his father. "...I can't believe you love me, I never thought
you'd come. I guess I misjudged love between a father and his son..." Also
deals with estrangement, revelation, and forgiveness within relationships.
"...Things we never said come together. The hidden truth no longer
haunting me. Tonight we touched on things that were never spoken, that kind of understanding sets me free."
The Last Worthless Evening
By Don Henley. Song is about a man who wants more than a platonic
relationship and wonders if his female friend feels the same way. "...I
see you around sometimes and my heart just melts. You're lookin' like if you
had your wish you'd be somewhere else. And it just breaks my heart to see you
here this way. Someday I'll get the nerve to walk up to you and say. This is
the last worthless evening that you have to spend. Just gimme a chance to show
you how to love again..."
Laugh Kills Lonesome
By Michael Nesmith. A tribute to
the imagery of the American West and the enduring spirit of the cowboy.
"All around the campfire stood seven dusty men, The cook was drinking
applejack, the cattle were all penned, Someone must have cracked a wise one
because the men began to grin, their smiles shot out like sunbeams and made the
night give in. Because... Laugh kills lonesome every single time, That's why Charlie Russell painted it And why it
looks so fine, Laugh kills lonesome every single time. Roy and Dale and Pecos
Bill they knew all about this, so did Walt and Hasui who gave
it their own twist..."
Lay Down Your Arms
By
Layla
By Eric Clapton. Song was written about musician George Harrison’s wife Patti Boyd who Eric
Clapton had fallen in love with. Layla was his nickname for her. “…Layla, you
got me on my knees. Layla, I’m begging darlin’ please…Like a fool, I fell in
love with you. Turned my whole world upside down…”
Layne
By Staind. Tribute to former
League of Notions
By Al Stewart. This song is about the League of Nations, an
international peace
organization formed after
Lean On Me
By Bill Withers. Song is about the importance of friendship and not being
afraid to lend a hand to someone in need. "...Lean on me, when you're not
strong and I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on..."
The Least We Can Do
By Christy Moore. Song is about unity, brotherhood and having compassion for
all races. "The least we can do is make the world a better place. Not just
for the few but the human race...So follow the rainbow deep into the evening
sun and pray that it's colors will blend together as one..."
Leather And Lace
By Stevie Nicks w/Don
The Ledge
By Fleetwood Mac. About
love, hurt, pain, and the complexities of a relationship. "...Slippin',
thru your fingers, watchin' how it grows. You can love me baby but you can't
walk out. Someone oughta tell you what it's really all about..."
The Ledge
By The Replacements. This video was banned by MTV in 1987. Executives feared
the lyrics may have encouraged suicide. "All eyes look up at me. High
above the filthy streets...Priest kneels silent, all is still. Policeman
reaches from the sill...I'm the boy they couldn't ignore for the first time in
my life..."
Legionnaire's Disease
By Bob Dylan. Song is about "Legionnaire's
Disease", a fatal respiratory illness. Song also points out that many
soldiers of war throughout history have mysteriously died from this disease.
"Some say it was radiation. Some say their was acid on the microphone...I
wish I had a dollar for everyone that died within that year...Oh, that
Legionnaire's disease..."
By Billy Joel. Remembrances of childhood during the cold war. "A cold
war kid in McCarthy time...Under their desk in an air raid drill...And hid in
the shelters underground" Song closes with a present day ('89) trip to
Leningrad, and a message of hope for future generations. "And so my child
and I came to this place to meet him eye to eye and face to face...We never
knew what friends we had until we came to
Lenny Bruce
By Bob Dylan. A tribute to comedian Lenny Bruce.
"...They said he was sick 'cause he didn't play by the rules. He just
showed the wise men of his day to be nothing more than fools. They stamped him
and they labeled him like they do with pants and shirts..."
Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat
By Bob Dylan. This social and
political commentary
examines and critiques followers of fashion, materialism, and
those who seek or desire fame and
popularity. Song is also referring to the brutal and corrupt government of
the late Mobuto Sese
Seko, former ruler of Zaire,
who was known for his penchant for leopard-skin hats. "Well, I see you got
your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat. Yes, I see you got your brand new
leopard-skin pill-box
hat. Well, you must tell me, baby. How your head feels under somethin' like
that. Under your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat..."
Leper Messiah
By Metallica. Song is about televangelists.
Song deals with corruption, abuse of power, and deceptive practices.
"...marvel at his tricks, need your Sunday fix...send me money, send me
green heaven you will meet..."
A Lesson Learned
By Limp Bizkit. About
communication and the intimate relationship between an artist and his/her
audience. Song is also about the trappings of fame, the struggle for personal
freedom, and the importance of creating your own road or path to follow through
life. "...Fortune and fame are disgusted as your friend cuz I'm lonelier
now than I've ever been...I open myself to you so that we can
communicate...Your vision is all that matters. Let nothing get in your
way..." TheGrateful Dead song "Ripple", is also about some of these same
issues.
Let It Bleed
By The Used. A drug abuse song about
the narcotic Heroin.
'This poison's my intoxication. Broke the needle off in my skin...A positive
scab that's never healing...The most I can do for you is keep on lying..."
Let It Rain
By UFO. A woman foolishly believes that the married man she is having an
affair with will end up leaving his wife for her. "...She holds him close
but their love is in vain. And the married man that you laid. Goes back to his
own charade...When you press the point he says we'll see. But then walks back
to his mystery..."
Let Love Rule
By Lenny Kravitz. A positive song about unity, brotherhood and the healing
power of love. "Love is gentle as a rose and love can conquer any war.
It's time to take a stand. Brothers and sisters join hands. We got to let love
rule..."
Let Robeson Sing
By Manic Street Preachers.
This song
is a tribute to American Civil Rights activist and artist Paul Robeson.
"...A voice so pure, a vision so clear...Learn to sing like you...A giant man with a
heavenly voice...Where are you now..."
Let's Face It
By Mighty Mighty Bosstones. About tolerance, unity, brotherhood and a plea
to end racism and discrimination. "It's hard to face that in this age
somebody's race could trigger somebody's rage...We sure weren't put here to
hate, be racist, be sexist, be bigots...Give tolerance a try..."
Let Somebody Else Drive
By Matt Minglewood. About the dangers associated with drinking and driving. "I heard it on
the radio, the
Let's Roll
By Neil Young. Song
is a tribute to Todd Beamer and
the courage of passengers on United
Airlines Flight 93 that crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September
11, 2001. All royalties from sales of the songwill be
distributed to September 11 charities. "I know I said I love you, I know
it's true. I've got to put the phone down and do what we got to do...No time
for indecision, we've got to make a move. I hope that we're forgiven for what
we got to do...Time is runnin' out, let's
roll..."
Let The Music Heal Your Soul
By Backstreet. Song is about the power
of music and the emotional effects it has on it's listeners. "...Music
gives you happiness and sadness. But it also heals
your soul. Let the music take control. Let the music give you the power to
move any mountain..."
Let's Face It
By Mighty Mighty Bosstones. A condemnation
of intolerance and racism."It's so hard to face that in this day and
age somebody's
race could trigger somebody's rage...Why so cut and dry? A simple concept missed. Give
tolerance a try...And you're not free to be a different way. Let's try to erase it, it's time that we
face it. If we don't, then who will? Shame on us..."
Let's Go Get Stoned
By Ray Charles. Song is about abusing
drugs and alcoholas a way to escape and solve your problems. Stoned is a
slang term for getting high. "...When you're baby won't let you in. Got a
few pennies, a bottle of gin...When you work so hard all day long. And
everything you do seems to go wrong...Let's go get stoned..."
Let's Have A War
By Fear. Anti-war song. "Let's have a war, so you can all die...Let's
have a war jack up the Dow Jones...Let's have a war, sell the rights to the
networks..."
Let's Lynch the Landlord
By Dead
Kennedys. About bad
landlords who prosper while their tenants live in substandard
and unsafe housing. "The
landlord's here to visit...Sez I'm doubling the rent cos the buildings
condemned...I tell them turn on the water. I tell 'em turn on the
heat...There's rats chewin' up the kitchen. Roaches up to my knees..."
Let's Not Forget
By Joe Pickering, Jr. This song is a tribute
to the courageous and inspirational
athletes who helped to break the color barrier in professional baseball.
“Let’s not forget all those who went before They didn’t make today’s Majors
they did endure Playing by the rules they beat Jim Crow at his game Because of
them, other made the Hall of Fame…Honor Younger the first college player at
Oberlin Honor Fowler
first pro in the minors pitching for Lynn Honor Walker of the
American Association The
first black Major Leaguer in the nation…”
Let's Remember
By Sammy Kaye. About patriotism and the importance of remembering the events
that happened in 1941 when the Japanese bombed
Let's Wait Awhile
By Janet Jackson. Deals with many health related issues including abstinence, responsible decision making,
communication, and not getting caught up in the "heat of the
moment."...When we get to know each other and we're both feeling much
stronger. Then let's try to talk it over. Let's wait awhile longer. Let's wait
awhile before it's too late. Let's wait awhile before we go too far..."
Let's Work Together
By Canned Heat. About unity, teamwork, and brotherhood. "Together we'll
stand. Divided we'll fall. Come on now people. Let's get on the ball and work
together...Together we will stand..."
Letter To Mom
By Iris Dement. A child who was
sexually abused by her mother's boyfriend carries the secret into adulthood
before she is comfortable telling her mother about it. Song stresses the
emotional and psychological damage that incest and rape victims experience.
"...Back when I was ten Mom brought home a new boyfriend...One night he
climbed into my bed...All my life I've felt ashamed 'cause I thought I was the
one to blame...I wrote my mother yesterday..."
Let Them Be
By Peter Hicks
and Geoff Francis. Song
criticizes Australian refugee policy and the inhuman
treatment of immigrants. "...Some are young, some are old. Some are
yellow, some are brown....All of them are here because they have no other
choice. Let them be...Where once folk came with nothing here and struggled to
achieve, But now we hunt them down with dogs and lock them up like
thieves"
Liberation Now!
By Jacquelyn Reinach. About women's rights and their
fight for justice and equality. "...We're breaking out of our cage of
ruffles and rage. It's time to spell our own names, we're people not dames.
We're more than mothers and wives with secondhand lives. It's time for woman
and man to walk hand in hand..."
Lie #1
By Joe Bonamassa. Alcohol and drugs
compounding the problems of a deceitful person. "You said you
weren't a good liar. that was lie #1. You said your partying days were
over...In the middle of a Tuesday you're drunk and can't find your shoes...The
phone is ringing off the hook with dudes looking for you..."
Life Get's Away
By Clint Black. Song is about learning to live in the present and making the
most of each day. "...The world keeps on turning, I'm learning to see.
Right where I am is where I should be...We start getting older the moment we live.
Look over your shoulder there's hindsight to give. Come good days and bad days
the sun's gonna rise. So why look beyond..."
Life In The City
By Neil Young. Song is about the slow decay of urban areas and the rising
number of social and economical problems in our cities. "People sleepin'
on the sidewalks on a rainy day. Families livin' under freeways. It's the
American way. Starvin' in the city...All our old hangouts are boarded up and
closed. Or being sold to someone. Nobody knows..."
Life In The Factory
By Drive-by Truckers. Song is a tribute to legendary southern rock band
Lynyrd Skynyrd. "...They hit the road doing ninety. Leave them steel mills
far behind. Ain't no good life at the Ford plant. Three guitars or a life of
crime...Bunch of boys from
Life Is A Full Time
Occupation
By Rupert Hine. About the perils of
procrastination and the importance of "seizing the moment". Song
encourages listeners to make the most out of every day and live each moment to the
fullest. "...Marking time has got to be a waste of patience...Life is
a full time occupation. Why let it be situation vacant...Solving problems with
your intuition. Get on that train. Discover the clue. You've got something
special to do..."
Life On The Streets
By Marky Mark featuring Prince Ital. Joe. About growing up on urban streets
and the dangers associated with this life. References made to gangs, violence,
homelessness and poverty. "Life in the streets ain't easy. All I see is
pain and misery...Statistics show that kids with no dough ain't got a
chance...That's why life on the streets is like a trifular beat..."
Life's A Bitch
By Hardline. About domestic violence, poor parenting skills and abusive
parents. "Here comes daddy with the strap again. Toward my backside with
the buckle end...I can hear myself screaming out the back door...Life's a
bitch..."
Lifestyles of The Rich &
Famous
By Good Charlotte.
About fame, privilege, and wealth and how people take it for granted and fail
to appreciate their good fortune. "...I'd like to see them spend a week
Livin' life out on the street I don't think they would survive If they could
spend a day or two Walking in someone else's shoes I think they'd stumble and
they fall They would fall Lifestyles of the rich and the famous They're always
complainin' Always complainin'..."
Lightfoot
By The Guess Who. Tribute to legendary recording artist Gordon Lightfoot. "...He is an
artist painting sistine masterpieces of pine and fur and backwoods Still echos
long ago the winter night of black july and then the outcome Of an early
Lightning Crashes
By Live. About the cycle of life and death, "forces pullin' from the
center of the earth again". Dedicated to Barbara Lewis, now deceased, a
victim of a drunk driver.
Like A Rock
By Bob Seger. A man reaching
middle age looks back on his teenage years when he didn't have a care in
the world and the future was full of optimism. The song title also has a
rhetorical significance in that as this man has reached middle age he looks and
feels a little soft around the edges. "...I was eighteen. Didn't have a
care...My walk had purpose, my steps were quick and light And I held firmly to
what I felt was right...Like a rock...Twenty years now. Where did they go?
Twenty years, I don't know. Sit and
wonder sometimes, where they've gone..."
Like Father, Like Son
By David Cassidy. A son struggles with his upbringing and realizes he has
inherited both the good and bad qualities of his father. "...I bear his
cross and carry his name. I feel him living in me. The good and the bad, the
sinner, the saint... From generation to generation you can pass down the love
or pass on the hate..."
Lilli Schull
By Uncle Tupelo. A murder ballad
inspired by actual events that occurred in 1903 when Finley Preston murdered
Lilli Shaw.
Limelight
By Rush. About the "cost" of fame and success, adjusting to
celebrity status and loss of privacy. "...Cast in this unlikely role,
ill-equipped to act, with insufficient tact. One must put up barriers to keep
oneself intact..."
By Joan Baez. Sung from the point of view of a slave, reflecting on his life
and remembering the day he learned of
Links On The Chain
By Phil Ochs. A call to
action for union members to carry on the fight for justice and freedom by
joining the Civil Rights Movement. "Come you ranks of labor, come you
union core, and see if you remember the struggles of before...And then there
came the boycotts and then the freedom rides, and forgetting what you stood
for, you tried to block the tide...You know when they block your truck boys, by
layin' in the road, all that they are doin' is all that you have
showed..."
Liquor, Beer and Wine
By Reverand Horton Heat. About alcohol dependency, denial and the negative
effects of drinking on one's health. "The doctor says I'm livin' on
precious borrowed time. With all the time I'm givin' to liquor, beer and
wine...I guess I let my health go...But their was nothing to replace you with
except liquor, beer and wine..."
Lisa's Father
By Alice Donut. A disturbing song with references to alcoholism, incest,
poor parenting skills and denial. An alcoholic mother is too drunk to see her
husband's sexual and physical abuse of their young daughter. "...Lisa's
mother was an alcoholic. She used to sit and knock back JD from 8 o'clock in
the morning 'til she passed out...Lisa's father however, he was a sinner...This
was a man who abused his little daugther Lisa..."
The List
By Doug Hoekstra.
This song is a
tribute to the wonders and mysteries of life. About the timeless quest for
insight, knowledge, and understanding. "...What brought me to this far
away, while my lover lies alone. I just put it on the list of things I won't
ever know...I dreamed that I was flying, a dream many people have. Some search
for hidden meanings, until it drives them mad. Sometimes I look for language I
can barely understand...I added to the list of things I won't ever
know..."
The List
By Toby Keith. About making the most of everyday and experiencing as many
things in life as possible. Be a participant, not a spectator. "...My list
of things to do today...There's still more than a few things left I haven't got
to yet. Go for a walk, say a little prayer. Take a deep breath of mountain air.
Put on my glove and play some catch...Why put off for tomorrow what I could get
done today..."
Listen Mr. Bilbo (Mr. Bigot)
By Peter, Paul and Mary. About bigotry, racial intolerance, and
discrimination. "Oh, listen Mr. Bigot...You don't like blacks, you don't
like Jews.Well, if there's anyone you do like, it sure is news. You don't like
Poles, Hispanics too. Anyway, they serve you up, we don't like you..."
Listen To The Bluegrass
By Phil Rosenthal. About the genre of music referred to as
"bluegrass". "Listen to the mandolin, don't you love that
sound?...Listen to the guitar play the melody...Listen to the banjo, doesn't it
sound fine?...Listen to the bass now...Listen to our bluegrass band...It makes
me want to tap my feet..."
Lite A Flame(The Animal
Rights Song)
By Laura Nyro. About the inhumane treatment of animals. "In the zoo
they gave him a cage...The elephant walks. Shadow across a dream. Lost for
ivory...Prejudice for an animal..."
Litter, Litter Everywhere
By Enuf! About people who damage our environment by littering. "Out the window, on the
streets. In the ocean, on the beach. Do these people really care? Litter,
litter everywhere..."
Little Big Horn
By Running Wild. About the Battle of Little Big Horn, one of
many battles the Lakota Indians fought in 1876-1877 to protect their land and
heritage. References in song to General George Custer for "Custer's Last
Stand". "...Last fight at Little Big Horn. The hand of death was
waiting to take the soldier blue away. Last fight at Little Bighorn. Where the
command was given and all the soldiers fought in vain..."
A Little Bit Of Abuse
By The Kinks. Song refers to the
topic of domestic violence and how the victim often can't break the pattern or
leave the abuse. "One on the nose, one on the chin. You bruise so easy, so
why stay with him? He uses you like a human punching bag. But you don't
complain, you're too scared to speak. Anyway, it only hurts when you laugh and
when you eat. But you can't break the pattern, week after week..."
Little Folks
By Charlie Daniels Band. Song is about the innocence and beauty of children
and the special bond they share with their parents. "Little folks are
people too. Very much like me and you. The little things they say and do. That
kinda make your day..."
The Little Girl
By John Michael Montgomery. The sad tale of negligent parents and the child
who must deal with their eventual murder/suicide. "...Her daddy drank all
day and mommy did drugs. Never wanted to play or give kisses or hugs...The
drinking and the fighting just got worse...Her daddy in a drunken rage one
night used a gun on her mom and took his life..."
Little Green
By Joni Mitchell. About the mixed
emotions and feelings that accompany the process of adoption. “…Child with a child pretending
Weary of lies you are sending home So you sign all the papers in the family
name You're sad and you're sorry, but you're not ashamed Little green, have a
happy ending…”
Little Rock
By Collin Raye. A man who has lost many important things in his life due to
alcohol abuse tries to start his life over and reclaim his dignity.
"I know I've disappeared a time or two. Along the way I lost me and
you...I haven't had a drink in nineteen days...Without you baby I'm not
me..."
Little Sister
By Jewel. Song is about the physical and
emotional costs or effects of substance abuse.
Through the voice of the artist, tells the story of a family member who has
become hopelessly addicted to drugs.
"My little sister is a zombie in a body with no soul..."
The Little Things In LIfe
By C.W. McCall. Song is about the importance of taking time out of our busy
lives to enjoy the remarkable things that life has to offer. "...We're so
busy tryin' to make it. Workin' mornin', noon and night...And how long will it
be 'til you walk along the riverside together? And take the time to skip a
stone and watch the ripples fade..."
Little White Lies
By Sammy Hagar. Song deals with being truthful and honest, and how even
little lies can catch up with you."Little white lie been around for years.
Little white lie ringing in your ears. Turn around come around back on you.
Well that little white lie's catching up to you...yeah you're falling in deep
'cause you're talkin' too much..."
Little Wonder
By David Bowie. This song was
inspired by little people. The artist
has commented
that this song came about when he set out to write a song that included the
names of the seven dwarfs. "Stinky weather, fat shaky hands. Dopey morning
Doc, Grumpy gnomes. Little wonder then, little wonder, You little wonder,
little wonder you..."
Live And Die
By P.O.D. About the dangers and dead end lifestyle associated with gang
life. "...Only 13...Who needs a job when I can steal and rob...Call
the homies 'cuz today's the day they gonna make a man of me...Messed up and
joined a gang. Gave away my soul..."
Live Fast, Love Hard, Die
Young
By Faron Young. Song is about living hard and fast and dying young because
of it. Ironically, Faron Young tragically commited suicide at the age of 64
while suffering from emphysema and prostate problems brought on by an unhealthy
lifestyle. "I wanna live fast, love hard, and die young...And I know the
name of every spot in town..."
Live For Me
By Blue Oyster Cult. A person
remembering the night his brother died and his last words. "It was a wet
night and the other guy was lubricated with a
pint of Jack. His truck hit Jimmy's Chevy with a sound like a thunder
crack. I was working late but I felt it happen. I knew that my brother was
layed low...Live for me. Burn twice as bright, three times as long. but
brother, don't do me wrong..."
Live, Laugh, Love
By Clay Walker. About not taking yourself or life in general too seriously
and having a positive outlook on life. "I'm gonna live, laugh, love just
for today. Gonna take all the trouble that tomorrow might bring and put it
away. Gonna drink every drop of happiness 'til they cover me up..."
Live Like You Were Dying
By Tim McGraw. A personal song about
illness and death that was inspired by
actual events. "He said I was in my early forties with a lot of life
before me when a moment came that stopped me on a dime and I spent most of the
next days looking at the x-rays Talking bout the options and talking bout sweet
time I asked him when it sank in that this might really be the real end how's
it hit you when you get that kinda news man what did you do?...and he said
someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying..."
Lives In The Balance
By Jackson Brown. Song raises questions about foreign policy and government
proceedings in general. "...On the radio, talk shows and the tv. You hear
one thing again and again. How the U.S.A. stands for freedom and we come to the
aid of a friend. But who are the ones that we call friends, these governments
killing their own?..."
Live Until I Die
By Clay Walker. About making the most of your life and appreciating
everything that life has to offer. "...And I don't want to think about
tomorrow. I don't need anything money can buy. I don't have to beg, steal or
borrow. I just wanna live until I die. Living right...Everything around me are
things I dearly love..."
Livin' A Lie
By Van Zant. About the dangers and potential destruction of heroin use.
"You get high everyday. Chisel another mark out on your grave...You shoot
up. No matter how much you have, you can't get enough...You better stop before
you die..."-
Living For The City
By Stevie Wonder. About growing up in the inner city, and dealing with a
lack of opportunities, racism, prejudice and job discrimination. Problems of
urban areas. "His father works, some days for fourteen hours And you can
bet he barely makes a dollar. His mother goes to scrub the floors for many .And
you'd best believe she hardly gets a penny...Her brother's smart he's got more
sense than many. His patience long but soon he won't have any. To find a job is
like a haystack needle, 'cause where he lives they don't use coloured
people..."
Living In A House Divided
By Cher. About falling out of love, the break up of a relationship and an
impending split or divorce. "Living in a house divided with a love that's
so one sided...Look at us king and queen of emptiness. Living inside our castle
of loneliness. Unable to make amends...Is this how it will end?..."
Living In Sin
By Bon Jovi. Song relates to health in that it talks about the topic of
cohabitation which has become a more popular practice in our society. "I
don't need no license to sign on no dotted line. And I don't need no preacher
to tell me your mine...I just need you...Baby, can you tell me just where we
fit in. I call it love. They call it living in sin..."
The Living Years
By Mike and the Mechanics. A son regrets that the unsolved rift between him
and his father wasn't resolved before he passed away. "...Say it loud, say
it clear. You can listen as well as you hear. It's too late when we died to
admit we don't see eye to eye. I wasn't there that morning when my father
passed away. I didn't get to tell him all the things I had to say..."