Sacco and Vanzetti
By Christy Moore. About the 1921
controversial and politicized trial of two Italian immigrants. "...Sacco
was born across the sea, somewhere over in Italy. Vanzetti born of parents
fine, drank the best Italian wine...Vanzetti docked in '98. Slept along a dirty
street. Showed the people how to organise. Now in the electric chair he dies...Two
good men's a long time gone. Sacco and Vanzetti
are gone. Two good men's long time gone. They left me here to sing this
song..."
Sacred Ground
By Living Colour. Song pays
tribute to environmental activist Chico Mendes.
"...How many times must we tell them are they never gonna learn This is
sacred ground, sacred ground For all those trying to make a stand,
Fighting to save their Tribal land,
for all those trying to make a stand, Dying to protect their tribal land For
all those dying to protect their tribal land Rainbow warriors, Chico
Mendes...For those who lie before the bulldozers
and chainsaws Battling the devouring megacorps..."
Sacrifice
By Robbie Robertson. Inspired by actual events, song is about Native
American activist Leonard Peltier. In
the artist's own words, Leonard used to call me weekly from Leavenworth and
he'd be so moving. He has such an amazing, gentle soul and yet he's so powerful
at the same time. Once, I asked him to go back to the beginning and tell me his
story and I'd tape it. The conversation lasted more than an hour and I edited
it for this song. "...My name is Leonard Peltier...I
have been in prison since 1976 for an incident that took place on the
Ogala-Lakota Nation...Two agents were killed and one Indian was
murdered..."
The Sad And Silent Song Of A
Soldier
By Phil Ochs. An anti-war
song. "...With a hero's greeting we will welcome him. With hero's speeches
we will honor him. With a hero's end we will bury him. That's the sad and
silent song of a soldier..."
Said
By Puddle of Mudd. About the
downward spiral of drug abuse.
"Emotionless I slip in to the black and there's no turning back now
everyone around me's smoking crack this tunnel is blinding hallucinating I'm
debating life…hesitating there's no second chance…I'm caught in a circle…"
Sail Away
By Randy Newman. Newman's satirical songs often examine serious
topics. This song about slavery and American propoganda is no exception.
"In America you'll get food to eat. Won't have to run through the jungle
and scuff up your feat...Sail away we will cross the mighty ocean into
Charleston Bay..."
Sailing To America
By Saxon. Song is about the Pilgrim's trip to America in 1620 where they
landed in New England at Plymouth
Rock. "...As Pilgrims
sails away...They're sailing to the promised land. They're sailing to
America...The Mayflower's on her way, set sail for many days...The Pilgrims set
their feet on virgin land..."
Sam Cooke Sang the Gospel
By Doug Hoekstra.
A tribute to musician Sam
Cooke. In another sense, song is about the importance of expanding one's
experiences in life, breaking "boundaries", and being open-minded.
"When Sam Cooke sang the gospel, he sang it straight and true. Took a look
at temptation and bought himself a suit...Everybody sees the shadows, but some
folks turn away. When I listen to Sam, I understand belief in a better
day...Make me believe..."
Sam Stone
By John
Prine. A man comes home from war injured and addicted to pain pills. He has
trouble dealing with everyday life and his problems worsen as he neglects his
family and becomes addicted to heroin. "Sam Stone comes home...The time he
had served had shattered his nerves and left a little shrapnel in his knees.
But the morphine eased the pain...Soon he took to stealing. For a hundred
dollar habit...While the kids ran around wearin' other people's
clothes...There's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes..."
Samurai
By Michael Schenker Group. Song is a tribute to the ancient Japanese samurai
warriors. "Silent warrior, of the east. Living for a course or to fight
for peace...Blades of steel may take your life...Samurai..."
Sanctions
By Ray Korona. Introductory
statement for this
song reads...Hundreds of bombing raids on Iraq continue each month and
are virtually unreported by the media. And still every month an estimated 7,000
children die as a direct result of the sanctions relating to food and medicine.
"No smiling kid, no A-plus grade. No, not in Iraq. No electric power and
the bombs keep coming back...Stop their mournful cries. No more children need
to die. The healing must begin. Let the world back in..."
San Francisco ( Be Sure To
Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair )
By Scott McKenzie. About the late 1960's hippie movement and the Haight-Ashbury scene in San
Francisco. "If you're going to San
Francisco be sure to wear some flowers in your hair...All across the nation,
such a strange vibration. People in motion...There's a whole generation with a
new explanation...In the streets
of San Francisco..."
San Jacinto
By Peter Gabriel. About a
"clash of cultures", resulting from the growth
of suburban areas in America. Impact on Native Americans. Reference to San
Jacinto mountains in Southern California, near Palm Springs. "...Medicine
man lead me up through town - Indian ground - so far down Cut up land - each
house - a pool - kids wearing water
wings - drink in cool Follow dry river bed - watch Scout and Guides make
pow-wow signs Past Geronimo's disco - Sit 'n' Bull steakhouse - white men dream
A rattle in the old man's sack - look at mountain top - keep climbing up
Way above us the desert snow - white wind blow..."
San Quentin
By Johnny Cash. About a man incarcerated in tough San Quentin prison
located in California. "San Quentin, you've been living hell to me. You've
hosted me since nineteen sixty-three. I've seen'em come and I've seen them die.
And long ago I stopped asking why..."
Sap and the Season
By Sara Jordan. Science and environmental education
song. "Drip, Drip The sap is dripping. Spring is here. The maples
know. Drip, Drip The sap is dripping as the sun melts the snow..."
Sara
By Bob Dylan. Dylan's heartbroken account of his marriage to Sara Lownds.
"...When the children were babies and played on the beach. You came up
behind me, I saw you go by, You were always so close and still within reach.
Sara, Sara, Whatever made you want to change your mind? Sara, Sara, So easy to
look at, so hard to define..."
Satisfied
By Richard Marx. About living your life to it's fullest and making the most
of your opportunities in life. "...Why should we wait for some better
time, there may not even be a tomorrow. Ain't no sense in losing your mind, I'm
gonna make it worth the ride. I won't give up until I'm satisfied..."
Saturday In The Park
By Chicago. Sights and sounds of a trip to New York's Central Park.
"...Saturday in the park, I think it was the Fourth of July People
dancing, people laughing, A man selling ice cream Singing Italian songs Can you
dig it (yes, I can)..."
Saturday Night Special
By Lynyrd Skynyrd. Song is about gun violence and relates to the issue of gun control. The terms
"saturday night special" and "Junk Gun" refer to small,
affordable, and poor quality handguns. "...It's the saturday night
special, got a barrel that's blue and cold. Ain't good for nothin', but put a
man six feet in a hole..."
Savage
By Judas Priest. Song is a protest against imperialism, technological
advances, and explorers who invaded lands and drove out native peoples. “Who
gives you the right to come here and tell me I have to leave this place my
home? To you it’s a jungle, to me it’s a home where people are free to roam…But
you rupture the forests, our gardens and fill them with filth from your
cities…”
Save The Eagle Song
By James Rogers. The song was recorded for the American Eagle Foundation ( AEF ) which aids
in the preservation of our national symbol "The Bald Eagle". Many of
today's top country music stars took part in recording this song. "We
gotta save, save the eagle. Symbol of the feeling we call free. We gotta keep
the dreams alive...Save the eagle..."
Save The Whales
By Nik Kershaw. An environmetal awareness song about the hopeless killing of
whales by humans for commercial use. "In the turquoise inner space the
giants live with grace...They trust too much to see their bitter end...You
should never trust man my friends..."
Save Sex
By Pandora's Box. Song promotes abstinence. "...I got no illusions now,
I guess I lost them long ago
You're not gonna get me with this, cause I already know...There's always the
risk of surrendering more
Than I ever intended to do And there's no such thing as safe sex..."
Say It Loud (I'm Black And
Proud)
By James
Brown. Song is about black pride, equality and standing up for your social
and political right as a human being. "...We're people, we're just like
the birds and the bees. We'd rather die on our feet than be livin' on our
knees. Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud..."
Scarborough Fair
By Simon and Garfunkel. This traditional English folk song is about courage, hope,
love, and sacrifice. "Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley,
sage, rosemary and thyme Remember me to one who lives there For once she
was a true love of mine..."
Scarecrow
By Melissa
Etheridge. Song is about hate
crimes specifically, the brutal
and senseless killing of Matthew Shepard a gay
University of Wyoming student. "...thinly veiled intolerance, bigotry, and hate. But they tortured and
burned you. They beat you and they tied you. They left you cold and breathing.
For love they crucified you. I can't forget hard as I try. This silhouette against the sky.
Scarecrow crying, waiting to die..."
Scenes From An Italian
Restaurant
ByBilly Joel. A classic love song about the excitement of
youth and innocence of young love.
Song also deals with the realities
of marriage and the challenges
of long term relationships. "...Things are okay with me these days...
got a new life And
the family's fine ...Brenda and Eddie were the popular steadies And the
king and the queen of the prom...We never knew we could want more than that out
of life Surely Brenda and Eddie would always know how to survive. Brenda and
Eddie were still going steady in the summer of '75 When they decided the
marriage would be at the end of July... They started to fight when the
money got tight And they just didn't
count on the tears
...They got a divorce as a matter of course...But you can never go back there again A
bottle of red, and bottle of white Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight I'll meet you anytime you want In
our Italian Restaurant."
School
By Supertramp.
About the importance of maintaining personal choice and independence despite
the pressure to conform coming from school and society as a whole.
"...They tell you not to hang around and learn what life's about and grow
up just like them...Don't do this and don't do that, what are they trying to
do?...Maybe I'm mistaken expecting you to fight...But while I'm still living
I've just got this to say, It's always up to you if you want to be that, want
to see that, want to see that way..."
School Days
By Chuck
Berry. Going through you're school day and just waiting for that dismissal
bell! "Up in the morning and out to school. The teacher is teaching the
golden rule. American history and practical maths. You're studyin' hard and
hoping to pass...Soon as three o'clock rolls aroun'. You finally lay your
burden down. Throw down you're books and out of your seat. You run down the
hall and into the street..."
School Days
By The Kinks. Song is about how
people don't appreciate the best times of their lives, being young and in
school. "...School days were such happy days. Now they seem so far away. I
remember and always treasure them. School days were the happiest days of our
life. But we never appreciate the good times until it's too late...School
days..."
School Is Out
By Ry Cooder. About the anticipation of summer vacation as the school year
comes to a close. "No more books and studies. And I can stay out late with
my buddies...I can root for the Yankees from the bleachers and Don't have to
worry 'bout the teachers..."
Scratch and Claw
By Grown Men. About societal
problems, song is asking all people to unite and create a better world based on
love and understanding. "...All the screamin' and the fighting don't seem
to leave us anywhere...If our
vision were any clearer we could imagine pace on Earth. Peace on
Earth..."
Searching
By Mary J. Blige. Song is about the
importance of community,
love, and unity. Encourages people to come together and create a better world.
"...I'm trying to get over all the negativity. That's why I'm
searching...We are searching for a peace. A piece of mind is what we need. We
are searching for the love that comes with unity..."
Seasons In The Sun
By Terry Jacks. A farewell song. According to the artist, Back in the
early 70's my best friend told me he had acute leukemia and was going to be
dead in six months. "Goodbye to you my trusted friend We've known each
other since we were nine or ten...Goodbye my friend it's hard to die When all
the birds are singing in the sky...We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the
sun..."
Seattle Was A Riot
By Anti-Flag. About the 1999 WTO protests
in Seattle, Washington. "...An un-armed mass of thousands, just trying to
be heard But there are no world leaders- that want to hear our words...Why must
we riot Why
must we protest Just to be heard - by the world? The World Bank's greed and
lies, digs graves in 3rd world lands..."
Second Chance
By .38
Special. A person is unfaithful and is now asking for forgiveness from
their partner. "...All I made was one mistake. How much more will I have
to pay? Why can't you think it over? Why can't you forget about the past?...I
fooled on you but she never meant a thing...She was willing and that's all
there is to say. Don't forsake me, please don't leave me now..."
Second Hand News
By Fleetwood
Mac. Song is about
the tenuous and transitory nature of love. A person realizes they are being
replaced in a relationship, and are no longer #1. "I know there's nothing
to say, someone has taken my place...I'm just second hand news."
Seconds
By U2. About the danger of nuclear weapons and nuclear warfare, a threat to humanity.
"It takes a second to say goodbye...push the button and pull the
plug...And they're doing the atomic bomb Do they know where the dance comes
from Yes they're
doing the atomic bomb They want you to sing along"
The Secret
By We Are Not Ashamed. Song is about incest and how it is important for
victims of incest to get counseling and talk out their feelings with somebody.
"Molested at four...Daddy you don't know what you've done. The wounds are
so deep...You've got to tell your story and not feel ashamed. It's not your
fault it happened..."
Secret Of The Bottle
By Jackyl.
About substance abuse and coping
with difficult situations. Song tells about a person who turns to alcohol to
avoid or escape from his problems. "I feel better when I'm drinking, it
just seems to ease my mind. And all my worries and troubles, they just seem to
fade behind...Oh the secret of the bottle it may never be known...I feel the
pain when I'm a drinking, it just don't seeem to cut as deep..."
The Secret Of My Success
By Night
Ranger. Song talks about believing in your own abilities, setting lofty
goals, and working hard to meet them. "Think of it, I hold the world in
the palm of my hand...I always said I could make it and be who I am...The
harder they come, the harder they fall. I never say maybe and I go for it
all... The secret of my success is I'm living 25 hours a day..."
Seed
By Korn. A personal or
autobiographical song about coping with the pressure of fame and the trappings
of a celebrity status or lifestyle. Song is also about loss of innocence and
adjusting to adulthood and the responsibilities or pressures that accompany parenthood. "Every day it gets a little
harder, can't seem to get away...I feel so lost within pressure, I'm headed for
that day. Just one thought in my head, really. Do I need this fame?...I look at
my son (seed) see something I can't be. Beautiful and care free, that's how I
used to be..."
Seeds Of Destruction
By Human Greed. Another song that deals with the topic of environmental
awareness. References made to the depletion of the ozone layer, chemical wastes
by corporations and the greenhouse effect. "Seeds of destruction. Man-made
chemicals. They're burning holes right through the sky. Why can't you all see
the damage being done by mankind to the planet?..."
Seein' My Father In Me
By Paul Overstreet. A son grows up and suddenly realizes that he has
inherited many of his father's traits and characteristics. "...I'm seein'
my father in me. I guess that's how it's meant to be. And I find I'm more and
more like him each day...And the more I try to prove him wrong, the more I proved
him right.."
Seek And You Shall Find
By Pete
Seeger. Dedicated to all students
and teachers, song is about the timeless search or quest for knowledge,
truth, and understanding. "Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door
shall be open. Ask and it shall be
given. when the love come tumbling down..."
Seek Up
By Dave Matthews Band. About the search for personal fulfillment and the
pitfalls of materialism. "...Oh, life it seems a struggle between What we
think what we see I'm not going to change my ways Just to please you or appease
you... Forget about the reasons and The treasons we are seeking Forget about
the notion that Our emotions can be swept away...Look at me in my fancy car And
my bank account Oh, how I wish I could take it all down Into my grave, I'd
save..."
Seems Like Everyday
By Rossington-Collins Band. Song is about dealing with the highs and lows
that life has to offer, staying emotionally grounded, and keeping a realistic
outlook on life. "...When you find you're having one of your worst days.
Lay back down and try to get through. When you find you're having one of your
best days. Get out and do all you can do. Well, you know that life is a
circular thing. Just when you think you hit a dead end it goes around
again..."
See What Tomorrow Brings
By Arc Angels. Remembering someone who has passed away, written as a tribute
to Stevie Ray
Vaughan. "All good things come to an end. If I could be there again
for just a little while...Living life is so hard to do, when all my time spent
is missing you. I have so many feelings to share but I look up and you're not
there. All I have is memories..."
Self Destruct
By Staind. About self destructive behaviors. References made to drug use,
addiction, hopelessness and poor self esteem. "Watch me suffer...Stick the
needle in my vein...My bad habits...I will self destruct. My life has slowly
faded..."
Self Esteem
By Offspring. About the inability to
break free from an unhealthy relationship . Addresses the impact of low self
esteem in a personal relationships. "I know I'm being used, that's okay
because I like the abuse...I know she's playing with me, that's okay cause I've
got no self esteem."
Self Pity
By AFI. Song relates to emotional health with references made to feelings of
hopelessness, depression and suicidal thoughts. "...I'm living my life all
f...ed up and alone. So once again alone in my room. My only apparent future is
my unhappy doom...The only traits I show are depression and disdain..."
Seminole Wind
By John Anderson. Tribute to the Seminole
Indians. "...way down south in the Everglades Where the black water
rolls and the saw grass waves The eagles fly and the otters play In the land of
the Seminole...Progress came and took its toll...I listened close and I heard
the ghost Of Osceola cry So blow, blow Seminole wind..."
Send'em Back
By Roy Zimmerman. A satirical song
commenting on
Send Me An Ambulance
By Ray Korona. A protest song
raising awareness about our country's health
care system and how many people in our society can't get or afford health
insurance. "...Mary's job once gave her insurance benefits. Blue Cross,
Blue Shield...Her job is gone with it's health protection. She can't buy
insurance now and that's not fair. She's too
risky they all say..."
September Skies
By Topp Hennessee. About the World Trade Center attacks on September 11,
2001. Proceeds from the song go to the victim's family. "September day,
they made their own way. From homes of peace and child's play...Hatred ruled
above this land. Dispensing death by its hand...Never again would we feel the
same..."
Sequel
By Harry
Chapin. Literally a sequel to "Taxi" the song about "Harry
and Sue". Deals with the difficulties and dynamics of human relationships.
Goals, dreams, self esteem, the constant struggle for happiness and the
fleeting nature of success. "She said, It's better sometimes when we don't
get to touch our dreams...And then I asked her why she looked so happy now, she
said, I finally like myself, at last I like myself."
Serenity
By Geri. Song relates to emotional and spiritual health. Deals with peace of
mind, emotions, and self-esteem. "It's time to face my feelings. It's time
to face my fears. To walk through the fire. And take the time for tears...I
need to start believing. To feel the strength of trust...I know that peace will
be there..."
Set The World On Fire
By Megadeth. Song is about the threat and consequences of nuclear war.
"Red flash clouds choking out the morning sky. They said it'd never come,
we knew that it was a lie. All forms of life die now, the humans succumb...The
end has just begun..."
Settin' 'em Up
By Konishiki. A former
three-time Sumo champion,
Konishiki sings about his wrestling prowess and ability. "...I'm solid or
do I need to go in detail? I rain like rock hail, my plan is not to fail...However
you go, as long as you know, You're better off battlin' a bullet train or
pullin' your head off in a guillotine..."
Settle Down (Goin' Down That
Highway)
By Peter, Paul and Mary. About the life of a vagrant. "...Never been
contented no matter where I am. It ain't no fun to see a settin' sun when
you're far away from home. Why don't you help me brother, I'm a stranger in
your town. Why don't you help me sister, and then maybe I'll settle
down..."
Seven
By Megadeth. Song is about the seven deadly sins. Also the name of a movie
starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt. “…Forgive my deadly sins. Greed,
gluttony, pride, envy, wrath, sloth, death. Deadly seven…”
By Simon
and Garfunkel. Social and political commentary. The song silent night is
merged with an evening news report. Reference to numerous events and people in
the news: Civil Rights Bill, President Johnson, Lenny Bruce, Dr. Martin Luther
King, Richard Speck, House Committee on Un-American Activities, Richard Nixon,
Vietnam War...
Seven Years In
By David Bowie. Song is Inspired
by the Heinrich
Harrer book, and the artist's personal interest in Tibetan Buddhism. Song
expresses his concern for the well being of Tibetans and their struggle for
freedom. "...The stars look so special and the snow looks so old. The
frail farm is drifting beyond the yoga zone. Turn to question the mountain. Why
pigs can fly. It's nothing at all..." See also the movie, "Seven Years
In Tibet".
Sex Kills
By Joni
Mitchell. A cynical and pessimistic song about the many ills and troubles
of our society. "...Doctor's pills give you brand new ills...And the
lawyers haven't been this popular since Robespierre
slaughtered half of
Sex In The 90's
By Gloria
Estefan. Song is about the dangers associated with having unprotected sex.
Also deals with issues of promiscuity and risk behaviors. "Tell me that
I'm crazy 'cause I love to have fun. Stay up all night and party, go to bed
with the sun...Love and romance just ain't the same anymore. What can you do,
accept or ignore. I thought I was wise about the ways of the world but you
gotta be crazy to have sex in the 90's..."
Sgt. Pepper's Blues
By Joan Baez. Song is a tribute to the “Fab Four”, the Beatles. Also a
tribute to former Beatle John Lennon who was murdered in 1980 by Mark David
Chapman. “…Lucy in the sky with the lads from Liverpool…You sang your music
sweet and clean…One of them put a bullet in your side.
Shades of '45
By Gary O. About the origins and impact of
nuclear weapons, specifically the dropping of the first atomic bomb by the Enola Gay. "She was quite a
lady--Enola Gay, and though she's gone, she's still here today...Times were
wild and reckless, that was her way, heat of the moment, it burns today, and
still I wonder, is it only thunder, or just the dawning of a nu-clear
day..."
Shaking The Tree
By Peter Gabriel. A tribute to, or celebration of women. A feminist song that gives praise to women
and recognizes their changing role
in society, and their growing political,
social, and economic power. "...Waiting your time, you're more than just a
wife...This is your life, this new life has
begun...Turning the tide, you are on the
incoming wave. Turning the tide, you know you are nobody's slave...It's your day-a woman's day, It's your day-a
woman's day... Make the decision that you can be
who you can be..."
Shallow
By Body Count. A protest song against war. "...Thousands of men go to
war to fight for politics which they don't understand. Murder people who they
never met...
Sharp Dressed Man
By ZZ
Top. A humorous look at personal hygiene and how people are judged by their
outward appearance. "Clean shirt, new shoes and I don't know where I'm
goin' to. Silk suit, black tie and I don't need a reason why. They come runnin'
just as fast as they can. Coz every girl is crazy 'bout a sharp dressed
man..."
Shatter
By Meredith Brooks. Song is about
the importance of hope, perserverance, and the struggle to survive.
"...I've been tested, total wasted, in too deep. To the zone, I retreat. What doesn't kill ya makes you strong
eventually..I may crack but I'll never shatter. I may crack but it doesn't
matter..."
Shatter The Silence
By 38 Special. Song is about child abuse and dysfunctional family life.
"...Daddy tried to buy your silence, his eyes seemed to hold a threat. You
can blame all your bruises on a rough school yard. The strike of his hand upon
you is the only attention you could get...It's a long way from heaven when you
live in hell...Shatter the silence..."
Sheep
By Pink Floyd. An
interesting look at the dangers associated in the everyday life of a
sheep. Metaphorically, the song is also about peer pressure and the
dangers of blindly following
others and not
thinking for yourself. "Harmlessly passing your time in the
grassland away. Only dimly aware of a certain unease in the air. You better
watch out, there may be dogs about. What do you get for pretending the danger's
not real. Meek and obedient you follow the leader...
What a surprise! A look of terminal shock in your eyes..."
She Likes Me For Me
By Blessid Union of Souls. Song is about the importance of acceptance, love,
and respect in a personal relationship and learning to "see"
the person within and to appreciate your partner for who they are inside.
"...She likes me for me. Not because I sing like Pavarotti or because I am such a
hottie. I like her for her. Not because she's phat like Cindy Crawford. She has got so much to
offer..."
She's Falling Apart
By Lisa Loeb. Song is about the eating
disorder known as Anorexia Nervosa.
"...She stares at the food on her plate...Her mother, her father she
pushes away...And even though nobody's looking she's falling apart...There's
nothing inside her. She's weak and she's tired of feeling like this..."
She's Got All The Friends
That Money Can Buy
By Chumbawamba. About liking somebody for superficial reasons rather
than for meaningful reasons. "...The family money has a magnetic
pull. Her social diary is always full. And both her faces so easy on the eye.
And everyone worth knowing is kissing her behind. She's got all the friends
that money can buy..."
She's 10 Days Late
By Third Eye Blind. About risk behaviors
and the effects/consequences of an unexpected pregnancy. "...I got a big
surprise she said. I'm in trouble now and it cannot wait. She's ten days late.
Boy, your life got complicated. Well I can't wait to see this through. She's
ten days late..."
She Thinks His Name Is John
By Reba McEntire. A "one night
stand" resulting in the transmission of the H.I.V.
virus. Reference to a variety of risk
behaviors including alcohol consumption, and unprotected sex. "...A
chance meeting, a party a few years back...She let his smile just sweep her
away. And in her heart she knew that it was wrong. But too much wine and she
left his bed at dawn...Now each day is one day that's left in her life...'Cause
she let a stranger kill her hopes and dreams..."
She Went Out For Cigarettes
By Cheryl Wright. A neglected and unhappy woman leaves her husband and
marriage behind. "...She went out for cigarettes and just kept driving on.
He doesn't even know it yet but she's gone...She made a stop at the bank and
took out some cash. Now she's racing down the highway on a full tank of
gas...Passed the point of no regret..."
Shine On You Crazy Diamond
By Pink Floyd. Song
is a tribute to former founding member of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett who was asked
to leave the band due to his excessive hallucinogenic use and eventual
psychological and emotional problems. “Remember when you were young, you shined
like the sun…Now there’s a look in your eyes like black holes in the sky. Shine
on you crazy diamond…”
Shiny Happy People
By REM.
About keeping a positive outlook on life, having fun, and
surrounding yourself with happy people. "Shiny happy people laughing meet
me in the crowd. People, people throw your love around...Shiny happy people holding hands,
shiny happy people laughing..."
Shooting Star
By Bad
Company. About the desire or quest for fame and fortune, and how the
attainment of celebrity
status can often lead to an untimely or early death, due to substance abuse. Could
also relate to self-destructive behavior
and suicide. "...Johnny told his momma, hey momma I'm goin' away. I'm
gonna hit the big time, gonna be a big star someday...Johnny made a record,
went straight up to number one. Suddenly everyone loved to hear him sing the
song...Johnny died one night, died
in his bed. Bottle of whiskey, sleepin' tablets by his head..."
Shooting Up In Vain
By Eagle Eye
Cherry. About addiction and the destructive power of drugs. "Waking up
when the sun goes down. Body all in pain. Straight out the door to the worst
part of town. Shooting up in vain. Slips all his money to the man. Here we go
again, here we go again. Got bags of mercy in the palm of his hand...Got a one
way ticket on a derailed train. Shooting up in vain. Such a shame Such a
shame..."
Shopping Bag Lady
By The Guess Who. Song is about the plight of homeless people. "...Oh, shopping
bag lady, the winter wind blows. Society
has forgotten you...All your better years passing you by so fast.
Loneliness is part of you...Yesterday you were just a child, today you're so
old..."
Shopping Bag Ladies
By Dean Friedman. About the plight of homeless people. "Shopping bag
ladies...Sweat sox and sneakers, a sweater or two...Secure in their brown paper
barricades. Worldly possessions they'll not have to lose..."
Short Memory
By
Show Me
By Pretenders.
Commentary on the human experience, current state of affairs, "welcome to
the human race with it's wars, disease, and brutality" A call for change and compassion for
one another,"restore some pride and dignity to a world in decline".
Respect for human rights. As the Beatles said "All you need is love."
Sic Transit Gloria &
Glory Fades
By Brand New. Song is
about peer
pressure, risk behaviors, and becoming
sexually active before one is ready. "...Despite everything he learned
from his friends, he doesn't feel so prepared...She fakes a smile and presses
her hips into his. He keeps his hands pinned down at his sides. He's holding
back from telling her exactly what it really feels like. He is the lamb, she is
the slaughter. She's
moving way too fast...He whispers that he loves her, but she's probably
only looking for... (Up the stairs, the station where the act becomes the art
of growing old.) So much more than he could ever give. A life full of lies and
failing relationships..."
Sickman
By
Signs
By Five Man Electrical Band. Song deals with power of privilege and shows
examples of discrimination and prejudice in our society. "And the sign
says long haired freaky people need not apply. So I tuck my hair under my hat
and I went in to ask him why. He said you look like a fine outstanding
young man, I think you'll do. So I took off my cap and said imagine that, me
working for you...and the sign says you got to have a membership card to get
inside... Signs, signs everywhere there's signs..."
Sign Of The Times
By Queensryche. Addresses some of today's societal problems including school
safety, hate crimes and bribery. "Heading for the classroom yesterday. The
kids file through the metal machine...Another church is burning to the ground.
Looking for the vandals and their no where to be found...On the senate floor
they congregate...Behind the scenes they take the bribe. Sign of the times..."
Silent All These Years
By Tori
Amos. An abusive relationship,
physical, sexual, emotional. Feeling powerless, trapped, victimized, low
self-esteem, loss of identity, possibly an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy.
Silent E
By Tom Lehrer. Artist wrote this song for
the PBS children's show The Electric Company in 1971. Excellent song for
elementary education. "Who can turn a can into a cane. Who can turn a pan
into a pane. It's not too hard to see. It's a silent E..."
Silicone Dreams
By Helloween.
Song deals with issues of self esteem, body image, and how the media tries to
persuade people that they aren't good enough or acceptable as is. "Daily
in the news and on the screen. They wanna show you how to look like...Will a
soul feel well in plastic bodies where it don't belong?...Don't try to hide if
you don't look like Marilyn Monroe. The smile in your face, this is real. Just
be yourself, that's the deal..."
Simple Living
By Fred Small. About information overload and the commercial excesses
of modern society. "…Too many commercials too many lies Too many
celebrities I don't recognize Too many brand names too many magazines I got so
much sensation I can't feel a thing…Gonna turn off the video the audio too Open
my eyes take in the view…"
Simple Man
By Lynyrd
Skynyrd. About being humble and the importance of finding peace of mind and
being comfortable with yourself as a person. "...Forget your lust for the
rich man's gold. All that you need is in your soul. And you can do this, if you
try. All that I want for you is to be satisfied..."
The Simple Things
By Joe
Cocker. Song is about working hard in life to reach your goals but also
taking time to enjoy the small pleasures that everyday life has to offer.
"...It's good to work. Work hard and proper. As long as you take time to
find the simple things that come without a price. The simple things like
happiness, joy and love in my life...This world moves so fast. Sometimes you
got to slow down, down, down. To find out what its all about..."
Sing
By John Denver. Song is a tribute to the "land down under", Australia. "I come to
Sink Hole
By Drive By Truckers.
According to the band web site, "The Accountant", a short film by Ray McKinnon, inspired
this song. The film is a very dark comedy about saving the family farm "by
any means necessary".
This incredible movie went on to win the 2002 Academy
Award for Best Feature Short. "I've always been a religious man, I
've always been a religious man but I met the banker and it felt like sin, he
turned my bailout down The Banker Man, he let into me, let into me, let into
me...Now, I ain't the type to hold it against, but he better stay off my farm
Cause it was my Daddy's and his Daddy's before..."
The Sinking Of The Reuben
James
By Pete Seeger. This song
is about the destroyer ship Reuben James,
the first
Sinner Boy
By Rory Gallagher. Song is about homelessness and the fact that many
homeless people have to live with the disease of alcoholism. "City
streets and rolling cars...Back up against the wall, hands on the
bottle...You're gonna walk on by...Tell the man. Lift him up. Take away that paper
cup. One more inside him won't do no good...Take that sinner boy home..."
Sins Of The Family
By P.F. Sloan. A young girl struggles to overcome childhood neglect and
trauma . "She had a bad childhood while we were young...She had a
schizophrenic mother...What a sad environment...Her father was out getting
liquored..."
Sir Duke
By Stevie
Wonder. Song pays homage to some of yester year's great musucians including
Duke Ellington. "Music is a world within itself with a language we all
understand... Here are some of music's pioneers that time will not allow us to
forget. For there's Basie, Miller, Satchmo and the king of all Sir
Duke..."
Sister Morphine
By The Rolling Stones.
This song deals with the
aftermath of an accident and a man seeking
relief from his pain. "Here I lie in my hospital bed. Tell me, sister
morphine, when are you coming round again?...Well it just goes to show, things
are not what they seem. Please sister morphine, turn my nightmares into dreams.
Oh can't you see I'm fading fast, and that this shot will be my last..."
Sister Rosa
By Neville
Brothers. A tribute to civil rights activist Rosa Parks. "
Sisters Are Doin' It For
Themselves
By Eurythmics w/Aretha
Six Days On the Bottom Of
The Ocean
By Explosions In The Sky.
This instrumental song was inspired by the disastrous
voyage of the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk
which lies at the bottom of the Barents Sea
Six Pack
By Black Flag. Song is about alcohol addiction, dysfunctional
relationships, and binge drinking. “…I know it’ll be okay when I get a six pack
in me, that’s right. My girlfriend asked me which one I like better, six pack…I
was born with a bottle in my mouth…”
Six White Horses
By Waylon Jennings. The narrator having taught his son that killing
people is wrong objects strongly to the war which his son is fighting in.
Artist died on
Skating Away On The Thin Ice
Of The New Day
By Jethro Tull. This song is about
societal pressures on people to conform and the individuals struggle for
autonomy and independendence. "Meanwhile back in the year One, when you
belonged to no-one, you didn't stand a chance son, if your pants were undone.
'Cause you were bred for humanity and sold to society one day you'll wake up in
the present day a million generations removed from expectations of being who
you really want to be..."
A Skeleton In The Closet
By Anthrax. This song
is said to be inspired by the Stephen
King novella Apt
Pupil. "All American, an evil game of extortion A sick old man,
and who would guess He was once S.S. A deadly fascination, of a madman's
solution Six million dead, poison tales pollute his head...It's insanity,
puppetmaster boy or Nazi Apt pupil, he hears the screams.."
Skinny
By Filter. Song is about a person with an eating disorder.
"...And everytime I talk to you It sounds like you're caught in a
psychological flu...Skinny And it will make you cry Skinny And it will make you
lie Skinny And if it makes you soft inside..."
The Sky Is Falling
By Lifehouse. According to lead
singer Jason Wade, I wrote this after September 11th. I didn't write
it specifically about that, but it's my observation on how quickly people can
fall back into their everyday lives even after something unbelievably terrible
has happened. " I watch as the daylight crawls past the shadows
hanging on the walls it's been a long time since we felt the stain of yesterday
getting in my way I'm alive but tell me am I free I got eyes but tell me can I
see the sky is falling and no one knows it shouldn't be hard to believe
shouldn't be this difficult to breathe..."
Skylar's Song
By Motley Crue. Song is dedicated to lead singer Vince Neil’s daughter Skylar who tragically
died of cancer at the age of four. “I’m starin’ into the night. Seen the times
of my life with you…Sky, you will always be mine. I feel the angels by your
side. I thought there would always be time…”
Sky Pilot(Part 1)
By Eric Burdon and the Animals. A song of hope and protest written during
the Vietnam War era. "...The fate of your country is in your young hands.
May God give you strength to do your job well...Sky pilot, sky pilot. How high
can you fly..."
Slash And Burn
By Lynda Williams. An environmental awareness song. References made to
resource depletion, chemical waste, pesticide use, mad cow disease and the
green house effect. "...There's a hole in the ozone. Chemicals seep into
our homes. Poisons in the air we breathe. Pesticides in the food we eat...Rain
forests cut down to make way for Mad Cow..."
Slave Song
By Sade. About racism and slavery in general. "...I pray to the almighty.
Let me not to him do as he has unto me. Teach my beloved children who have been
enslaved to reach for the light continually..."
Sleep
By Stabbing
Westward. Pain and suffering caused by a father /daughter incestual
relationship, sexual abuse. "she stares intently at the door, listens for
his footsteps", "she knows exactly what's in store and knowing makes
it worse."
Sloppy Drunk
By Jimmy Rogers. About problem drinking,
denial and depression. "...Oh, I drink while I'm up, drink until I fall.
I'd rather be sloopy drunk than anything I know..."
Slow Drink
By Jay Nash. A substance abuse song about a person who drinks to escape
and avoid his problems. "...Fill up my glass it’s been a long long day And
pull up a chair and drink your worries away...I
should get my mind on my work and try keep from thinking But when I’m done here
I’ll probably start drinking I hear Bobby
a nd Suzie talking behind my back About how my best friend in the world his
name is Jack…Daniel."
Smack
By 3 Doors Down. About drug use, overdose and ruining one's life with
illegal substances. Smack is slang for heroin. "...What is on the wall
behind the liquor store where you get smacked up all the time. Perfect little
life you wasted. Overdosed and that's death you tasted...Don't you throw your
life away..."
Smackwater Jack
By Carole King.
About retribution, revenge, and how violence begets violence. In a broader
sense the song is about the nature of justice in society and the dangers of
vigilantism that is often derived from a rush
to judgement. "Smackwater Jack he bought a shotgun. Cause he was in
the mood for a little confrontation...You can't talk to a man with a shotgun in
his hand...The account of the capture wasn't in the papers. But you know they
hanged ole Smack right then (instead of later)...And on the whole, it was a
very good year for the undertaker..."
By John Mellencamp. About having a
sense of community and the positive aspects of small town living. "...Well
I was born in a small town, and I live in a small town. Probably die in a small
town, oh, those small communities...No I cannot forget where it is that I come
from, I cannot forget the people who love me. Yeah, I can be myself here in
this small town and people let me be just what I want to be..."
By Eve
6. About the stifling effects and limitations of growing up in a small town
and not having opportunites to experience different things. "Suffocate
from lack of stimulation. Television time, gonna break. With every bead of
sweat my heart rate seems to climb. My friend and I stick to the tired couches.
Please pass the time. I found a dime under the corner cushion. Wishing it was
someplace else and so do I...Small town trap with dreams of breaking
out..."
Small World
By Huey Lewis and the News. Song is about unity, accepting people as they
are and lending a helping hand to your fellow man when needed. "...Now we
can fight one another like they do on tv. Or we can help one another the way
it's supposed to be. If we all give a little it could really mean alot..."
Smells Like Nirvana
By "Weird Al" Yankovic.
Parody of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. Song
takes a comical look at the grunge movement and in particular the band Nirvana.
"...Now I'm mumblin' and I'm screamin' And I don't know what I'm
singin'...We're so loud and incoherent Boy this oughtta bug your parents...Well
we don't sound like Madonna. Here we are now, we're Nirvana. Sing distinctly?
We don't wanna. Buy our album, we're Nirvana. A garage band from
Smile
By Vitamin
C. About the power of happiness,
positive thinking, and having an optimistic outlook on life. "...Put a
smile on your face. Make the world a better place...But you get what you give in this
life that we live. And all that you do will come back to you...Life it ain't
easy...put a smile on your face..."
Smile Please
By Stevie Wonder. About how inner beauty and positive self esteem lead to
happiness on the outside. "...Love within and you'll be smiling...A
smiling face is on Earth like a star...They're brighter days ahead..."
Smoke On The Water
By Deep Purple. About an actual incident
that occured when the band went to Montreux,
Switzerland to record their album, Machine Head.
"We all came out to Montreux, on the
Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!(That
Cigarette)
By Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. About the addictive nature and
health hazards of cigarettes and how
addicted smokers will light up at any given time or place. "...Smoke,
smoke, smoke that cigarette. Puff, puff them, if you puff yourself to death.
Tell St. Peter at the
Smokey Joe Williams
By Joe Pickering, Jr. This
song pays tribute
to athlete Smokey
Joe Williams. "Smokey Joe was so
good Ty Cobb had to say He'd
win thirty games in the Majors any day Satchel Paige claimed he
was the best of them all Smokey never saw his plaque in the shrine of baseball Smokey Joe never pitched
in a Major League game But he beat pitchers now
in the Hall of Fame This Black native American, a big Texan too Faced a
wall of hatred he could not pitch through..."
Smokin' (Empty, Try Another)
By Joni
Mitchell. About the addictive nature of the drug nicotine and how the body
continuously craves it. "Nicotine attack! Nicotine, nicotine. Try another,
try another. Empty, empty. Try another, try another."
Smoking For Two (Cletus The
Fetus)
By Anthony Clark.
Anti-smoking song.
“My name's Cletus the Fetus, I'm hooked on nicotine 'Cause my dear ol' mom,
she's a tobacco queen Oh, being down here inside of her womb It's like hanging
out in a smoky barroom Oh, she's smoking Smoking for two…”
Smuggler's Blues
By Glenn
Frey. About the deals, dangers, violence and temptation associated with the
life of drug traders. "...No matter if it's heroin, cocaine, or hash,
you've got to carry weapons 'cause you always carry cash. There's lots of shady
characters, lots of dirty deals...It's the lure of easy money, it's got a very
strong appeal. Perhaps you'd understand it better standin' in my shoes. It's
the ultimate enticement, it's the smuggler's blues..." Song was associated
with a very popular TV show in the 1980's called, Miami Vice.
Snowblind
By Black
Sabbath. About the stimulant drug cocaine and it's addictive qualities.
"...something blowing in my head, winter's ice, it soon will spread. Death
would freeze my very soul. Makes me happy, makes me cold... Turns my day to
frozen hours. Lying snowblind in the son, will my ice age ever come?..."
Snowblind
By Styx.
A person tries to deal with their addiction to the stimulant drug cocaine .
"...Harmless and innocent you devil in white. You stole my will without a
fight. You filled me with confidence, but you blinded my eyes. You tricked me
with visions of paradise, now I realize that I'm snowblind. Can't live without
you..."
Snowblind Friend
By Hoyt Axton. About a man who is now on desolation row because of his
addictions. "You say it was this mornin' when you last saw your good
friend. Lyin' on the sidewalk with the misery on his brain. Stoned on some new
potion...He only had a dollar to live on till next Monday but he spent it on
comfort for his mind..."
Sober Song
By Slobberbone. About using and abusing alcohol to deal with your problems.
"...Last night I saw you with some boy from town. And I didn't want to so
I drank a few more rounds...So I kept boozin' till the night wore thin..."
Social Disease
By Elton John. About an alcoholic who can barely function in society due to
his illness. References made to low self-esteem and "letting yourself
go". "...I just get ugly and older. I get juiced up on Mateus...And I
get bombed for breakfast in the morning. I get bombed for dinner time and tea.
I dress in rags, smell alot...I'm a genuine example of a social
disease..."
Society Pages
By Frank
Zappa. About the class system, elitism, and how wealth and privilege is
passed down from generation to generation. "...And pass out jobs to yer
relatives 'n such so you all keeps a lot. 'N nobody else ever gets too much to
speak of...Your the old lady from the society pages...You owned the paper and a
bunch of other stuff that didn't appeal to me..."
Society's Child
By Janis
Ian. Deals with societal values and attitudes. An interracial couple is confronted
with hatred, disapproval and intolerance expressed by friends and family.
"...Walk me down to school, baby. Everybody's acting deaf and blind, until
they turn and say why don't you stick to your own kind..."
Soil
By System of a Down. About suicide and
the emotional scars left behind because of it. "...Making a decision of
death. While everyone around you pled. Now you fly in peace I hope my
friend...My memories are of fun and friendship..."
Soldier On The Bum
By David Rovics. About a down and out Vietnam
Veteran in
Soldier's Last Letter
By Ernest Tubb. A mother grieves as she receives the news that her son had
been killed during war. "When the postman delivered a letter, it filled
her dear heart with joy. But she didn't know 'til she read the inside, it was
the last one from her darling boy...She knew that her darling had died..."
By Lynda Williams.
This song is a tribute
to solids and those who study them as opposed to liquids or gas. "...I
really dig crystallography and the
symmetries of lattices and point groups. Is it orthohombic, hexagonal, or face
centered cube?
X-ray diffraction is a great way to spend some time. I'm in a
Solitude
By Edwin McCain. A coming
of age song about risk behavior that deals with regret, recovery, and
rehabilitation. "...We were prisoners of our youth We were growing up
strong 'Til the day he was taken away For something he did wrong. Tim came 'round
just the other day And boy he had some stories to tell His mama kept him locked
up in a rehab Although the doctors said he was well He said yeah I been through
the anger And the hatred towards my mom And I put all that behind me Just tell
me what was it like to go to your prom...So mama you better think twice Before
you lock your kid up and throw away the key...But excuse me if I seem a little
rude While I was missing my childhood, my brother and my prime You enjoyed the
convenience of my solitude."
Solsbury Hill
By Peter Gabriel. Specific
reference to Solsbury Hill,
located near Bath, in
Somebody Got Murdered
By The Clash.
About the increased frequency
of homicide. Song also reflects and critiques the callous or indifferent
attitude towards murder that is held by many people in our society.
"...Somebody got murdered his name cannot be found a small stain on the
pavement, they'll scrub it off the ground..."
Someday
By Steve Earle. About the
limitations of life in a small town and the people who are unwilling or unable
to take steps and break away or "escape" from their past.
"There ain't a lot to do in this town...So you can walk into the county
bank and sign away your life...Now my brother went to college caused he played
football. I'm still hangin' round cause I'm a little bit small...Someday I'm
finally gonna let go. 'Cause I know there's a better way. and I wanna know
what's over that rainbow. I'm gonna get out of here someday..."
Someday Never Comes
By Creedence
Clearwater Revival. About any father/son relationship, the inability to
communicate, not taking part in your child's upbringing, and failing to accept parental responsibility. "...For
there were many things I didn't know. And daddy always smiled and took me by
the hand, saying someday you'll understand...A son was born to me, momma held
his hand...Think it was September, the year I went away,...And still I see him
standing tryin' to be a man, I said someday you'll understand...You better
learn it fast, you better learn it young, cause someday never comes."
Somedays
By Meredith Brooks. Song is about
taking lifes problems in stride, making the best of a situation, and accepting
the good with the bad. "Some days goes your way. You're on a roll you
can't explain. And then it all goes down the drain... Some days are better than
lovers. Some days you just can't figure out..."
Someday Soon
By
Some Gave All
By Billy
Ray Cyrus. A person fondly remembers a war veteran and his words of wisdom
about patriotism, sacrifice, and having pride in your country."...All gave
some and some
gave all. Some stood through the red, white and blue and some had to fall.
And if you ever think of me, think of your liberties and recall. Some gave all..."
Some Mother's Son
By The Kinks. About human suffering
and the countless victims of war. "Some mother's son lies in a
field. Someone has killed some mother's son today. Head blown up by some
soldier's gun. While all the mothers stand and wait, some mother's son ain't
coming home today..."
Something
By The Beatles. George Harrison wrote this song in honor of his wife Patti
Boyd Harrison.
Sometimes You Can't Make It
On Your Own
By U2. Lead singer Bono wrote this song in tribute to his dad and sang it at
his funeral. "...Listen to me now I need to let you know You don't have to
go it alone...And it's you when I look in the mirror And it's you that makes it
hard to let go Sometimes you can't make it on your own Sometimes you can't make
it..."
Somewhere I Belong
By Linkin Park. A teen angst song
about depression, self-doubt, isolation and struggling with one's identity.
"...And I get lost in the nothingness inside of me I was confused...Just
stuck/ hollow and alone...I wanna let go of the pain I’ve felt so long...
I wanna find something I’ve wanted all along Somewhere I belong..." An
original poem inspired by
this song and other student works can be found in the Gallery Section of this web
site.
Somniphobic
By Tracing Shadows.
According to the artist, This song talks
about a man who has dreams that he is the only one who survives great tragedies
and questions the reality of these dreams. Somniphobic: fear of sleeping."...I
still can't comprehend with all these motives in my head. I still don't
understand why this all happens in bed. I'll just keep on waking up
screaming...Is this reality? Am I just
dreaming? Is this reality? I think I'm dreaming... "
Song And Emotion
By Tesla.
A tribute to Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark who died from drug and alcohol abuse. "...I see him
most everyday, a lonely man and his guitar...All along on his way to the top,
somehow, somewhere, something was lost. Through it all he knew his only friend
was song and emotion. Know he's got to his dyin' day. Song and emotion..."
Song For Absent Friends
By Four
Horsemen. A tribute to former drummer Ken "Dimwit" Montgomery who
died of a heroin overdose on
Song For Bob Dylan
By David Bowie. Song is a tribute to legendary music artist Bob Dylan. “Oh,
hear this Robert Zimmerman. I wrote a song for you. About a strange young man
called Dylan with a voice like sand and glue…”
A Song For Robert Johnson
By Melanie. A tribute to legendary blues guitarist Robert Johnson who
supposedly sold his soul to the devil in order to become a famous musician. The
movie "Crossroads" starring Ralph Machio is based on Johnson's life.
"...He's been stealin' hearts so easily. You should hear him when he
sings. Double dealing at the crossroads. Him and his guitar..."
A Song For Sleeping
By Stone
Song For The Outlaw
By Doc Holliday. A tribute song to deceased rock star Ronnie Van Zant
formerly of the southern rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd. "He held the crowd in
the palm of his hands with a rebel flag and a guitar band...He died too young
when the big time had just begun. Sing a song for the outlaw..."
The Song Of Crazy Horse
By J.D. Blackfoot. Song is about Chief Crazy Horse, the Oglala Lakota Indian
leader and warrior who was celebrated for his ferocity in war. Song also talks
about the Indian's upheaval and displacement by the white settlers. "...In
June of '76 our nation joined it's hands. We made our camps on the Little Big
Horn not knowing your plans...And I think it's time great white father that you
knew my name. It's Crazy Horse..."
Song For A Brother
By Hawkwind. Song is a plea for brotherhood, unity and cooperation between
the races. "...Have you stopped to think that it might be true. That all
men are your brothers...Maybe in the future people will discover how to talk
with one another...They will learn to love, learn and to have
compassion..."
A Song For Mama
By Boyz2Men. Song is a tribute to mom. "You taught me everything. And
everything you've given me I always keep it inside. You're the driving force in
my life...You were always there...Mama your the queen of my heart..."
Song For Sonny Liston
By Mark Knopfler. A
tribute to legendary boxer Sonny
Liston ( 1932-70). Includes references to his "wild" lifestyle
and controversy
surrounding his death. "...He had a left Like henry's hammer A right
like betty bamalam...The writers didn't like him The fight game jocks With his
lowlife backers And his hands like rocks...At the foot of his bed With his feet
on the floor There was dope in his veins And a pistol on the drawer There was
no investigation As such He hated needles But he knew too much..."
Song Of
By Joan Baez. Song is about the bloodshed and killings that took place
during the Bangladesh Liberation
War which took place in 1971. "...
A Song Of Hope
By Michael Holl. Written in response to the
Songs Of Justice
By Clare Sherley. Artist is a community activist who lives in Port
Song With No Name
By Sinead O'Connor. A man realizes that he was reponsible for the end of his
relationship with his girlfriend because he abused her. "...I loved her
more than life itself...It broke my heart to think we'd part...But I was
brutal...I never gave a damn about the beauty that I smashed..."
So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright
By Simon and Garfunkel. A tribute to famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright who died in
1959. "So long Frank Lloyd Wright. I can't believe your song is gone so
soon...Architects may come and architects may go and never change your point of
view. When I run dry I stop awhile and think of you..."
S.O.S
By Good
Would anybody notice if I chose to stay? I'll send and SOS tonight Wonder if
I will survive How in the hell did I get so far away this time..."
S.O.S
By Saxon. Another song about the tragic sinking of the Titanic. "...Never had such luxary
been afloat before. They said she was unsinkable. The fools were wrong once
more. S.O.S. We're sinking fast. You better get to the boats..."
So Strung Out
By C-Block. About paranoia, negative physical effects and suicidal thoughts
brought on by excessive cocaine use. "...Cocaine got my brain and I'm
sweatin' 'cause I'm ice cold...I always feel like somebody's watchin' me...I'm
so strung out and now I don't know what to do..."
Soulshine
By Allman
Brothers Band. Song is about looking inside oneself for strength and having
faith in yourself in times of trouble. "When you can't find the light to
make it through a cloudy day. When the stars ain't shinin' bright, you feel
like you lost you're way...Well you got to let your soulshine...Soulshine, it's
better than sunshine. Better than moonshine. Damn sure better than rain...We
all get this way sometime. Got to let your soul shine, shine till the break of
day..."
Soul Survivor
By Night Ranger. Song is about the importance of remembering those who are
less fortunate or down on their luck. "There's a man...Dirty clothes, a
bedroll and a smile...I've been down on my luck...I'm here to remind you to be
a friend of mine...There's a famous picture from the war in Vietnam...God's
grace has set me free and I'm a living reminder so think about me..."
Southern Cross
By Crosby,
Stills, Nash. A relationship appears to be in trouble, as a man embarks on
a journey of discovery, seeking solace, hope, and new understanding from the
sea. The ocean seems to symbolize the growing distance between the man and
woman and the changes in their relationship. "... When you see the Southern Cross
for the first time, you understand now why you came this way. 'Cause the truth
you might be runnin' from is so small, but it's as big as the promise, the
promise of a comin' day..."
Southern Man
By Neil
Young. Addresses issue of slavery, reference to cross burnings. Deals with
issue of racism and prejudice. "I saw cotton and I saw black. Tall white
mansions and little shacks. Southern man when will you pay them back?... I heard
screamin' and bullwhips cracking..."
The South's Gonna Do It
Again
By Charlie
Daniels Band. Song is a tribute to Southern music and pays homage to many
Southern rock bands. "...And old Lynyrd Skynyrd's pickin' down in
Spam
By Save
Ferris. A tribute to the great mystery meat Spam. "Spam. It's pink and
its oval. Spam. It's made in
Spanish Bombs
By The Clash.
About the Spanish Civil
War, 1939. Reference to fighting in Andalucia.
"Spanish songs in Andalucia the shooting sites in the days of '39. Oh please
leave the vendanna open, Frederico Lorca
is dead and gone..." Pablo
Picasso's painting "Guernica"
is another work of art that explores this topic.
Spanish Civil War
By Phil Ochs. Song
is about the Spanish Civil
War. "Oh, do you remember 25 years ago? They fought the facist army,
they fought the facist foe. Do you remember Franco, Hitler's old ally. He
butchered
Speedfreak
By Motorhead. About the stimulant drug "speed" and its effects on
the body. References made to addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
"...Speedfreak. Way too fast...Flamin' wreck, you hit the ground. Up for a
week...Comin' down...Speedfreak..."
Spiderman
By The Ramones. Song is a cover of the original theme song to the television
cartoon "Spiderman". "Spiderman, spiderman. Does whatever a
spider can. Spins a web, any size. Catches thieves just like flies. Look out,
here comes the spiderman..."
Spin The
By The Ramones. Artist is talking about their love for vinyl L.P.'s and the
feeling they get when looking at the covers of albums. Vinyl still exists
but has been slowly replaced by compact discs and mini-discs. "See the
needle...Dropping it down...Spin the black circle...Pull it out, a paper
sleeve. Oh my joy...You're so warm..."
Spirit Horse Of The Cherokee
By Manowar. About the oppression, abuse, and injustice experienced by
indigenous peoples of
The Spirit Of Crazy Horse
By L.D. Steelman. A tribute to Indian nations and especially to Leonard
Peltier. "...The spirit of the Crazy Horse is in your soul. And your
brothers want you to know. You've given us a reason never to let go...Warrior
spirits lie Leonard Peltier..."
The Spirit Of JFK
By Devo. About the assassination of former president John F. Kennedy.
"...The president is dead. Well, I know where that third shot came from.
The grassy knoll behind the picket fence. Lee Harvey Oswald. On no..."
The Spirit Of The Radio
By Rush.
About preserving creative and artistic integretity with respect to song writing
and music. Singer talks about the healing
and inspirational power of music. Song is about, honest expression, ethical
behavior, and being true to one's self and others. "...And the magic
music makes your morning mood...There is magic at your fingers. For the spirit
ever lingers...Emotional feedback on timeless wavelength. Bearing a gift beyond
price...All this machinery making modern music can still be open-hearted...It's
really just a question of your
honesty, yeah, your honesty...But glittering prizes
and endless compromises shatter the
illusion of integrity..."
The Sport Utility Vehicle
Tango
By David Lippman. About the popularity of sport utility vehicles(SUV's) in
our society even though they are not efficient or environmentally friendly.
"I like to drive in
Squeeze Box
By The Who. This song pays tribute to a musical instrument and
considered by some to be a classic
example of the double-entendre.
"Mama's got a squeeze box She wears on her chest And when Daddy comes home
He never gets no rest...She goes, squeeze me, come on and squeeze me Come on
and tease me like you do I'm so in love with you Mama's got a squeeze box Daddy
never sleeps at night She goes in and out and in and out and in and out and in
and out..."
Squeeze The Trigger
By Ice T. About the cycle of frustration, hate, and violence that plagues
our society. "...They say I'm violent, they should watch their T.V...I rap
about the life that the city streets gave me...Critics may say I'm wise, some
may call my words lies I've lived more in one day than they will in their
lives...But the topic I love is the drama of life... Homeless sleep on the city
streets Waitin' to die with nothin' to eat... People hate people for color of
face No one had a choice in the race we were placed...How can you swallow this?
I can't stand the taste Squeeze the trigger..."
Squid-Jiggin' Ground
By Arthur R. Scammell. Traditional Canadian folk song. The squid is a
cuttlefish used as bait. It moves in along the
Stage Fright
By James Gordon. This song is about the body's reaction to a stressful
involving public
speaking or a performance. "You're getting hot and shaky. Your mouth
is dry and flaky...If your heart beats any faster you'll explode! You got stage fright..."
The Stairs
By Reba McEntire. About substance abuse
and domestic violence. "...She
knows he's been drinking when he walks through the door. In anger he strikes
out and she starts to cry. How much more can she take, how much more can she
lie. And she fell down the stairs again..."
Stairway To The Stars
By Blue Oyster Cult. Deals with
the trappings of celebrity and rock star status, particularly vanity and arrogance.
"...You can have my autograph. Think I'll sign it "good health to
you". Should I sign it just for you? Stairway to the stars. Think I'll
write "good health to you". Stairway to the stars. We got better
things to do..."
Stan
By Eminem. While the lyrics of many
songs by this artist will offend people due to excessive use of profanity and
violent images, this disturbing song deals with the important issue of
obsessive fans and stalking. Song also
deals with abusive relationships, suicide, and the price or cost of achieving
celebrity status. "Dear Slim, I wrote you but you still ain't callin'...I
know you probably hear this everyday, but I'm your biggest fan...Dear Slim you
still ain't called or wrote...If you didn't want to talk to me outside your
concert you didn't have to...You've gotta call me man. I'll be the biggest fan
you ever lose...Dear Mr. I'm too good to call or write my fans...It's been six
months and still no word. I don't deserve it...You could have rescued me from
drowning. Now it's too late. I'm on a thousand downers now, I'm drowsy..I'm
almost at the bridge now..."
Standing Outside The Fire
By Garth Brooks. About the importance
of taking personal
and/or professional risks. Living life to the fullest, not being afraid of
failure. "...But you've got to be
tough when consumed by desire 'Cause it's not enough just to stand outside
the fire...Life is not tried it is merely survived if you're standing outside
the fire..."
Star
By Stealers Wheel. About a person who becomes famous and gets caught up in
the trappings that go along with it, and forgets about the people and things
that were important to them in the first place."So they made you a star,
now your head's in a cloud. Now you're walking down the street, with your feet
off the ground. You read in the press all about your success, you believe every
word you've been told. After all you've been through tell me what will you do,
when you find yourself out in the cold?..."
Stars
By -Hear-n-Aid. An all-star tribu