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 America's xenophobic and nativist attitudes regarding immigrants
and immigration. "...And if you should find they're here illegally.
Send'em back...Restrict immigration, give the country back to us..."
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…”
7 O'clock News, Silent Night
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 Tibet
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 France!... The ulcerated ozone. These tumors of the skin.
This hostile sun beating down on this massive mess we're in! And the gas leaks,
and the oil spills, and sex sells everything. And sex kills...".
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. New York city, 1980. The
day the sixties finally died…”
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 Graves
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...Vietnam, Persian Gulf. Did we win? Did we lose? Thousands
die..."
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 a Hurricane
By Urban Guerillas. An environmental song
about misused resources and misplaced priorities. “...Mother nature is a woman, one whose
sorely scorned One whose been neglected, consider yourself warned...” According
to the artist, I saw Katrina as a wake up call....while the senseless
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 tribute in 1985 by numerous heavy metal bands to
raise money for famine relief efforts in
State Of The
By
State Of The World Address
By Biohazard. A commentary on social, political and environmental issues the
world is facing today. "Just look at the state we're in. People at odds,
there's nuclear fisssion. Mad beef with technology...We pollute the air we
breathe and the water we drink...Confrontation all around..."
Stayin' Alive
By Carl Winter. A
parody song
about the very important topic of food
safety. Sung to the tune of the Bee Gee's song, Stayin' Alive.
"...With oysters rawand
burgers rare . I
enjoyed my food without a care. But now I hear it's not ok...Scrubbin' off
my veggies and I'm heatin' all my
burgers up to one eighty five...Food safety scares, they're
everywhere..."
Stay Together For The Kids
By Blink 182. About the emotional consequences a child faces as his parents
seem to be headed for a divorce. "...This house is haunted, its so
pathetic it makes no sense at all...The anger hurts my ears, been running
strong for seven years. Rather than fix the problem they never solve
them..."
The Stench Of The Swastika
By Peter Hicks
and Geoff Francis. About
the ever increasing threat of Neo-Nazi organizations around the world.
"...They've crawled out of their sewers and out of their caves. They're a
new generation, their message the same. If you're not of the master race,
you're to be blamed . For the Nazi's have come out of hiding..."
Step Out Of Hell
By Helloween. An anti-drug song that warns about the dangers of drug use.
"...Wake up out of misty reams. Evil drug is starting to grab you...Get
away out of the drug jungle..."
Stevie
By Pat Travers. Older brother laments about younger brother's unhealthy
lifestyle and the fact that he is "young and living too fast." He
fears that his brother is throwing away his potential by living such a
lifestyle. He sees his brother making the same mistakes he did, and is trying
to "reach" him. "...Ever since I can remember, you've been so
talented, you can do anything you wanted, why can't you settle down...If you
weren't my brother well I'd probably let it all slip by, but you're a
reflection of myself so I'll take you by the hand..."
Stick It Out
By Rush.
Relates to abstinence. Stresses importance
of making careful choices, not bowing to peer pressure or natural urges. To see
things through to the end, to endure. "...Heat of the moment, curse of the
young...You might be too dizzy to do the right thing..."
Still In
By Charlie Daniels Band. About the
painful memories of a
Still Spinning Shrapnel
By Skyclad. An anti-war song. "All I hear are peace talks and battle
cries. Everyone's losing-nobody's winning...Neighbor fighting neighbor. See how
quickly they run. To tear down the white flag and pick up the gun..."
Stinkfoot
By Frank Zappa. A humorous look at the medical condtion bromhidrosis.
"...Now scientists call this disease, bromhidrosis. But us regular folks
who might wear tennis shoes or an occasional python boot, know this exquisite
little inconvenience by the name of stinkfoot..."
Stolen Land
By Bruce Cockburn.This song deals with
the problems and rights of indigenous peoples in particular the issue of land claims by the Haida tribe in
Enough to know we can't play god with others' lives at stake So now we've
all discovered the world wasn't only made for whites What step are you gonna
take to try and set things right In this stolen land..."
By J.J. Cale. From the Fish Tree Water Blues
benefit CD for Earthjustice Legal
Defense Fund's campaign to save wild salmon, ancient forests, and freeflowing waterways.
"...What used to be a stream is now just a dream..."
Stoned Sunday
By Doug Ready and
Stones In The Road
By Mary
Chapin Carpenter. About people aging and shifting their priorities, values,
and concerns. Becoming more materialistic, less concerned with the well being
of others who are less fortunate. "And now we drink our coffee on the run,
we climb the ladder rung by rung...The starving children have been replaced by
souls out on the street. We give a dollar when we pass, and hope our eyes don't
meet..."
Stonewall
By Annihilator. About the destruction of the environment, pollution and
corporate misuse and abuse of laws and regulations related to waste removal.
"...Collage. Blue and green. Seen as golden industrial sites. Smudge as toxic
pollutants destroy her remaining rights. The power of corporations spewing
chemicals into the air. Fines are imposed to discourage but what's a dime to a
millionaire..."
Stop And Smell The Roses
By Mac
Storm The Desert
By Sam Fasano III. Written by artist in response to the Gulf War. Lyrics
unavailable at this time.
The Story Of Bo Diddley
By The Animals. Song is a tribute to musician and master axeman Bo Diddley.
"Now let's hear the story of Bo Diddley...He practiced the guitar everyday
and sometimes into the night...Well, that boy made it, he made it real
big...Hey Bo Diddley..."
The Story Of My Old Man
By Good Charlotte. About
the cycle of hatred,
despair, and substance abuse that is too often passed down within dysfunctional
families. "I don’t know too much about Too much of my old man I know he
walked right out the door And we never saw him again Last I heard he was at the
bar Doing himself in I know I’ve got that same disease I guess I got that from
him...This
is the story of my old man Just like his father before him...Monday he woke
up and hated life Drank until Wednesday and left his wife Thursday through
Saturday lost everythin Woke up on Sunday miserable again..."
Straight A's
By Dead Kennedys. Song deals with teenage angst, peer pressure, low self
esteem, parental pressures to succeed and suicide. "Sixteen, on the honor
roll. I wish that I was dead. Parents hate me, I got zits and bruises 'round my
head. Pressure's on to get good grades so I can be like them...Suicide,
suicide. Read the paper, wonder why..."
Strange Fruit
By Billie Holiday.
About the very
painful and tragic legacy
of lynchings in the South and the brutality
of racism. "Southern trees bear strange fruit.
Blood on the leaves. Blood at the root. Black bodies swinging in the southern
breeze...Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck...Here is a strange and bitter
crop."
The Stranger
By Billy
Joel. About identity, individuality, relationships, and the roles people
play in society. "Well we all have a face that we hide away forever, and
we take them out and show ourselves when everyone has gone. Some are satin some
are steel, some are silk and some are leather. They're the faces of the stranger,
but we love to try them on..."
Stranger In a Strange Land
By Iron Maiden. Inspired by Robert A. Heinlein's science
fiction novel
of the same name. "Was many years ago that I left home and came this
way...But now it seems to me that all is lost and nothing gained. Sometimes
things ain't what they seem. No brave new world. No brave new world..."
Straw And A Pipe
By Paul Oscher. A woman becomes addicted to drugs and alcohol, gets caught
up in the fast life and neglects her children's needs because of it. "...Four
little children, no mama in the house. She's stayin' out all night...No food on
the table, no food in the fridge. Just a straw and a pipe. That's where your
mama is..."
Strawman
By Lou Reed. About the growing gap
between the haves and have nots in society. "We who have so much to
you who have so little, to you who don't have anything at all...Does anybody
really need another million dollar movie? Does anybody need another million
dollar star?...Does anyone really need a billion dollar rocket? Does anyone
need a $60,000 car?..."
The Streak
By Ray
Stevens. A humorous song that looks at the fad activity of streaking.
"...Yes they call him the streak. Fastest thing on two feet. He's just as
proud as he can be of his anatomy...He likes to show off his physique...The
streak..."
Street Jeopardy
By Wyclef Jean. About
the appeal of easy money and the dangers associated with life on the streets.
Song refers to numerous societal problems including drug dealing, gun violence,
and gang activity. "...Guys you have to be more gangster, more blood, more
gun talk, more people dying...After school, wild wild west. Even the teacher
got a vest (This is what I said) You can ask on the block. (What does it all
mean?) Street Jeopardy...Professor says what you wanna do? Sell drugs or get a
degree? Looked at him and smiled with 32 gold teeth and said what you make in a
year, I make in a week. Elementary at the time, I don't think of gettin'
caught...This street life will get you if the hustle don't fit you..."
Street Labotomy
By Body
Count. About drug abuse and chemical dependency with references made to
addiction. "Drugs, liquor, drugs?...I need some more dope, man...my brain
melted down. Brain melted down..."
Streets Of Philadelphia
By Bruce
Springsteen. About a person inflicted with AIDS. "...I was unrecognizable to
myself. I saw my reflection in a window I didn't know my own face...My clothes
don't fit me no more..." Song also relates to the issues of homophobia and
intolerance.
Based on the true story of a lawyer who was terminated from his job when his
employer found out he had AIDS. This story is
also told in the movie Philadelphia.
Streets Of Sorrow/Birmingham
Six
By The Pogues w/ The Dubliners. Song is about the "Birmingham
Six" who were wrongfully convicted of the 1974 pub bombings in
Birmingham, England which killed 21 people. The convictions were finally
overturned in 1991. "...There were six men in Birmingham...They
were picked up and tortured and framed by the law...They're still doing time
for being Irish in the wrong place at the wrong time..."
Stronger Than I Am
By Lee Ann Womack. A mother and daughter try to deal with the husband/father
leaving the household. "...The only thing that keeps me going seems to be
our baby girl I’m trying to raise...Lately she’s been so busy growin' I don’t
even think she knows your gone away...She still says she loves her Daddy...She
finally learned to say good bye..."
Strong Hand (Just One
Miracle)
By Emmylou Harris. Song is dedicated to country musician June Carter Cash
who passed away May 7, 2003.
The Struggle Within
By Metallica. Song
is about an individual struggling with mental anguish and emotional pain.
"...home is not a home it becomes a hell turning it into your prison cell
advantages are taken, not handed out while you struggle inside your hell
reaching out grabbing for something tou've got to feel closing in the pressure
upon you is so real..."
Strung Out Again
By Elliot Smith. A personal
song about angst, despair, depression and drug
abuse. Elliot Smith committed suicide on Oct. 21, 2003 after a long battle
with depression and drug abuse "...I don't know where I'm going I
don't really want to know I know my place I Hate my face I know how I begin and
how I'll end strung out again..."
Stuck In A Moment You Can't
Get Out Of
By U2. This song was
written as a tribute
to former INXS singer Michael
Hutchence who died in 1999. The cause and circumstances of his death has
been the source of much rumor
and debate. "...I am still enchanted by the light you brought me. I
listen to through your ears. Through your eyes I can see...You've got stuck in
a moment and you can't get out of it..."
Stuck In A Rut
By The Bottle Rockets. About monotony and feeling as though there is nothing
new to experience in life. "...Same routine, it's the same old dull. Tell
the same old problems to the same old friends. It's the same old solutions
again and again. Stuck in a rut...I've been feelin' the same for way too
long..."
Subdivisions (Signals)
By Rush.
About the role of the individual in society. Deals with childhood, growing up,
and the pressure to conform
and fit in. "...Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone.
Subdivisions ... in the high school halls, in the shopping malls. Conform or be
cast out..."
Substitute
By The
Who. About the superficial
nature of appearances and how looks can be deceiving. As the saying goes
you shouldn't judgea book (person)
by it's cover. "...I look pretty tall but my heels are high. The simple
things you see are all complicated...I look all white but my dad was black. My
fine-looking suit is really made out of slack..."
Subway
By Jim Nizzo. About the American pastime, baseball. Also about how the love
of the game is passed on from generation to generation. "I remember my
Daddy talkin' 'bout the days gone by. When he started talkin' baseball I could
see a look in his eye. I could reach out and I almost could touch his cherished
memories...I'm gettin' on a subway tonight. I'm headin' to the stadium..."
Suddenly Last Summer
By The Motels. Inspired by the Tennessee
Williams play of the same name. “…One summer never ends. One summer never
begins. It keeps me standing still. It takes all of my will. And then suddenly, last summer…”
Sugar Blues
By Thin Lizzy. About drug use, addiction, and risk taking. Song title is
slang for drug addiction. “…Now I’m not the type to worry especially if it’s
concerning my health…Oh, that sugar it adds a little sweetness to my life…I
need me a sugar beet…Give me that sugar cane…”
Suicide
By Ed Cash. Song sends a positive message that suicide is the wrong way to
deal with your problems and to not be afraid to
get help if you are in despair. "...Suicide ain't no way to die. We
weren't meant to decide when we should leave...You've got to see past the
pain..."
Suicide
By K-Ci and JoJo. A person feels the emotional scars from a broken
relationship. References made to depression and suicidal thoughts.
"Everbody thinks I'm crazy 'cause I don't eat or sleep...Girl I can't make
it without you...I never thought I'd lose my pride. I never thought of suicide
until you took your love away..."
Suicide Is Painless
By Mike Altman. About the pain,
confusion and insanity of war. This was the theme song to the movie "M.A.S.H." starring
Donald Sutherland and Elliot Gould. The movie was later adapted into a television series. "...I try to find
a way to make all our little joys relate. Without the ever present hate. But
now I know that it's too late and the game of life is hard..."
Suicide Note Pt. 1
By Pantera.
Song is about drug addiction and how one slowly kills themselves by abusing drugs. References made to
denial, dependency and depression. "Cheap cocaine, a dry inhale. The pills
that kill and take the pain away. Forever fooling, free and using. Sliding down
the slide that breaks a will..."
Suicide Solution
By Ozzy
Osbourne. About the deadly effects of alcohol abuse, Seeing a person slowly
kill themself through drink. An anti-drug song. "...suicide is slow with
liquor. Take a bottle drown your sorrows, and you wash away tomorrows..."
Suite:Judy Blue Eyes
By Crosby, Stills and Nash. Song was written for Judy Collins, she was Graham Nash's
girlfriend. "...Remember what we've said and done and felt about each
other. Oh baby, have mercy. Don't let the past remind us of what we are now...I
am yours, you are mine..."
Summer Breeze
By Seals and Crofts. About enjoying the days of summer and appreciating the
people and things around you. "...Sweet days of summer, the jasmine in
bloom. July is dressed up and playing her tune. And I come home, from a hard
day's work. And you're waiting there, not a care in the world...Summer breeze
makes me feel fine..."
(Only A) Summer Love
By REO
Speedwagon. About the innocence of a teenage relationship and the
misconceptions of what love really is. Deals with many health related issues
including love vs. lust and emotional health. "...Once we both loved just
a bit too hard for deep down we both knew it was dyin'. And we both talked just
a little about forever. But we both knew we were doin' some lyin'...But I guess
it was only a summer love. Nothing too serious and nothin' to last. I feel like
a fool to be longing for that lyin' summer love..."
Sumo Stomp
By Konishiki. A former
three-time Sumo champion,
Konishiki sings about the Sumo exercise called Shiko , or stamping that is part
of the Sumo
ceremony. "I am, ah, the Sumo Stomper, the one you stomp. I put the
stomp there on the chompy. Don't it sound funky? S-T-O-M-P-S-umo, Now how ya
like me?...Do it like Nike! Welcome to the Sumo Stomp..."
Sun And Steel
By Iron
Maiden. About Miyamoto
Musashi, legendary Japanese Samurai
and author of "A
Book of Five Rings." "You killed your first man at
thirteen, killer instinct, animal supreme. By sixteen you had learned to fight,
the way of the warrior you took it as your right..."
Sun City
By Little
Steven Van Zandt. Social/Political commentary, encouraging people to take a
stand against the racist policies of the white minority government of South
Africa. Song criticizes musicians who have agreed to perform in Sun City,
a resort area in northern region of South Africa, open to whites only during
years of Apartheid. One of many anti-Apartheid songs.
"...twenty three million can't vote "cause they're black. We're
stabbing our brothers and sisters in the back..."
Sunday Bloody Sunday
By U2. About the conflict in Northern Ireland, specific reference
to "Bloody Sunday
Massacre", January 30, 1972. "I can't believe the news today Oh, I can't close my eyes And make
it go away How long...Broken bottles under children's feet, bodies strewn
across a dead end street...And the battle's just begun, there's many lost, but
tell me who has won? The trenches dug within our hearts, and mothers, children,
brothers, sisters torn apart..."
Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
By Johnny Cash. Song deals with many topics including addiction, depression,
loneliness, and having trouble dealing with the realities of life. “Well, I
woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head…And the beer I had for
breakfast wasn’t bad…On a Sunday morning sidewalk, I’m wishing Lord that I was
stoned. ‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday that makes a body feel alone…”
Sunday Papers
By Joe
Jackson. About the growing power or influence of media in our society.
"Mother doesn't go out anymore, just sits at home and rolls her spastic
eyes..Why should she go out when the TV's on...Well I got nothing against the
press. They wouldn't print it if it wasn't true...You can read it in the Sunday
papers..."
Sunday Sports
By The Bottle Rockets. Song is about some males ideal Sunday afternoon, the
remote control and no one around to bother them. "...Another long week is
finally gone, tune's it out, turns the TV on...Watchin' Sunday sports in his
boxer shorts. No wife, no kids...It's the only way to get away from everything
else..."
Sunflowers
By Nancy Schimmel. Relates to environmental health and science education.
About the beauty of
sunflowers. "The big sunflowers face the
dawn. The young ones turn to follow the sun. The sun energy grows the seeds. If
we give each plant what it needs. They need sun and water, bees and
air..."
The Sun Is Burning
By Christy Moore. Song is about
the threat of nuclear war and the destruction of the Earth. "...Now the
sun has come to Earth. Shrouded in a mushroom cloud of death. Death comes in a
blinding flash of hellish heat and leaves a smear of ash..."
Sunny Came Home
By Shawn
Colvin. About a woman who seeks revenge on her cheating husband by setting
their house on fire and then fleeing. "...Get the kids and bring a
sweater. Dry is good and wind is better. Count the years you always knew it.
Strike a match go on and do it...Sunny came home with a list of names...Its
time for a few small repairs she said. Sunny came home with a vengence..."
Sunshine On My Shoulders
By John Denver. If you live in central New York, you can fully appreciate
this song as it is one of the cloudiest areas in the United States.
"Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy. Sunshine in my eyes can make me
cry. Sunshine on the water looks so lovely. Sunshine almost always makes me
high..."
Sun Song
By The Chromatics. This song is a behind the scenes
tribute to our star, the Sun. "...What powers our Sun and makes it so
bright? Come on and tell me what makes all the light? Hans Bethe long ago
reached the conclusion. It changes hydrogen to helium by nuclear fusion. When
fusion takes place light is created..."
Superman
By Five
For Fighting. According to the artist, this song is...about humanity,
the desire to belong, and the desperate need - and sometime inability - to
feel. Even a guy like Superman wants to be human once in a while. Since the
tragic events of September 11th this song has taken on special meaning as some
have viewed it as a tribute to
the bravery, sacrifice, and heroism displayed by emergency services personnel
in New York City. Five For Fighting performed this song during "The
Concert for New York City" to help raise money to rebuild Lower
Manhattan and help victims families. "...I'm just out to find the better
part of me...Wish that I could cry Fall upon my knees...Even heroes have the
right to dream It's not easy to be me...Looking for special things inside of
me..."
Superman's Dead
By Our Lady Peace. About peer pressure, conformity, depression, and the need
to fit in. "Do you worry that you're not liked. How long till you break.
You're happy cuz you smile but how much can you fake...Ordinary's just not good
enough today...An ordinary girl. An ordinary waist..."
Superman's Song
By The Crash Test Dummies. A satirical look at the differences of two great
movie characters, Superman and Tarzan. "...Superman never made any money
for saving the world from Solomon Grundy...I'll bet that he was tempted to just
quit and turn his back on man. Join Tarzan in the forest..."
Supermodel
By Jill Sobule. About a young person who wants to become a model. Song deals
with identity, body image, self
esteem, peer pressure, and society's fixation on appearance or beauty.
"I'm young and I'm hip-so beautiful. I'm gonna be a Supermodel. I didn't
eat yesterday, and I'm not gonna eat today,
and I'm not gonna eat tomorrow-cause I'm gonna be a Supermodel..."
Surfin' U.S.A.
By Beach Boys. One of numerous songs by the Beach Boys paying tribute to
surfers and surfing.
"If everybody had an ocean across the U.S.A. then everybody'd be
surfing...Everybody's gone surfin', surfin' U.S.A...."
Surf Wax America
By Weezer. Song is about the pastime of surfing. "The sea is foaming,
it looks so queer. The wave is comin' but I ain't got no fear. I'm waxin' down
so that I'll go real fast. I'm waxin' down because it's really a blast..."
Surrender The Rain
By Lindsey Buckingham. About
losing sight of what's important and getting "lost" by dwelling on
past mistakes. "...The chance won't come again. Foolish pretender, oh
won't you surrender the rain, the rain?..."
Surrender To Your T.V.
By Shelter. About the numbing effect
of television on individuals and how people tend to believe anything they
hear on the screen. "...Filling that void that lies within. Turn off your
brain and tune on in...You're the one we turn to when we're alone. I've got
faith in your words, I live what you say..."
Survivors
By Phil Collins. Song is about
the emotional cost or impact
of divorce on a family. Sung from the point of view of a parent speaking to
his/her child."...When all is said and done we'll find a way to put all
this behind us. We'll find some way 'cos you know that I won't be leaving. Yes,
I'm here and I won't be leaving. No I never meant to cause you pain. No I never
meant to hurt you..."
Susan's House
By Eels. About the economic and social problems that plague urban
communities. "Going over to Susan's house...There's a crazy old woman
smashing bottles on the sidewalk where her house burnt down two years ago...a
15 year old boy lies on the sidewalk with a bullet in his forehead...A kid asks
do I like some crack...Here comes a girl with long brown hair who can't be more
than 17 She sucks on a red popsicle while she pushes a baby girl in a pink
carraige And I'm thinking that must be her sister That must be her sister,
right?..."
Sutter's Mill
By Dan Fogelberg. About John
Sutter, reported to be the first person to discover gold in California
(1847) which sparked the California Gold Rush. "In the Spring of '47 so
the story is told, old John Sutter went to the mill sight found a piece of
shining gold."
Sutter's Mill
By New Riders of the Purple Sage. About John Sutter, reported to be
the first person to discover gold in California (1847) which sparked the
California Gold Rush. "Goin down to Sutter's Mill, pan a little gold...I'm
goin' down to Sutter's Mill gonna get my share...They say you can find it
everywhere..."
Swallowed By The Cracks
By David and David. About dreams and goal setting, the optimism of youth.
"...I was young once like you...had fire in my eyes and legs like a
stallion...we were on top of the mountain that summer..." Reality sets in
when characters in song fail to meet their goals and aspirations. "...Our
pride worn down talking times gone by like everybody else, swallowed by the
cracks...We would talk through the night about what we would do if we could
just get started..."
Sweating Bullets
By Megadeth. A mentally and
emotionally unstable person experiences feelings of dread and high anxiety.
References to paranoia, claustrophobia, and panic attacks. "...Feeling paranoid, true enemy or
false friend? Anxiety's attacking me and
my air is getting thin. I'm in trouble for the things I haven't got to yet. I'm
chomping at the bit and my palms are getting wet. Sweating bullets..."
Sweet Home Alabama
By Lynyrd Skynyrd. An answer song to Neil Young's "Southern Man".
Presents a defense of Southern
culture and heritage. A reference to Neil Young is made in the song.
"...Well, I heard Mister Young sing about her. Well , I heard ole Neil put
her down. Well, I hope Neil Young will remember, a southern man don't need him
around anyhow..."
Sweet Sustain
By The Regulators. Song is a tribute to original founding member and
guitarist Jimi Hughes who died in 1993. "Pay your dues to Jimi Hughes. You
my friend are so hard to lose...You always said to carry on if things should
change and I'm gone...Your music never ends. Sweet sustain..."
Sword of Damocles
By Lou Reed. From the "Magic and
Loss" CD which is "Dedicated to Doc and especially to Rita...Between
two Aprils I lost two friends..." A personal song about the disease cancer
and a person's struggle
to survive. "I see the Sword
of Damocles is right above your head. they're trying a new treatment to get
you out of bed. But radiation kills both bad and good it can not differentiate.
so to cure you they must kill you. The Sword of Damocles above
your head..."
Sympathy For The Devil
By Rolling Stones. This song was inspired by the Mikhail
Bulgakov novel, The Master
and Margarita. Song is about
the nature or origins
of evil deeds and
actions that have plagued society throughout history . "Please allow
me to introduce myself I'm a man of wealth and taste, I've been around for a
long, long year stole many a man's soul and faith...I stuck around St.
Petersburg when I saw it was time for a change killed the czar and his
ministers, Anastasia screamed in vain....I rode a tank held a general's rank
when the Blitzkrieg raged and the bodies stank..."
Symphony of Tourette
By Manic Street Preachers.
Song is about
the medical condition Tourette’s
Disorder. “Stutter, stutter says
the little boy…I swear what this world wants to hear. Trapped in what we know
as truth syndrome...Stutter, stutter nothing else but me. I twitch and turn
while underneath my contemporaries are so in control…”
( The System Of ) Doctor
Tarr And Professor Feather
By Alan Parson's
Project. From the album "The
Tales of Mystery and Imagination" which is based on the poems
of Edgar Allan Poe. "Just what you need to make you feel better
Just what you need to make you feel Just what you need to make you feel better
Just what you need to make you feel At the far end of your tether And your
thoughts won't fit together So you sleep light or whatever And the night goes
on forever The your mind change like the weather Your in need of Doctor Tarr
and Professor Fether..."
T (top)
Take Me Home
By Phil Collins. Written from
the point of view of a mentally ill person, the song looks at issues that are
also examined in Ken Kesey's novel and
subsequent film, "One Flew Over
the Cuckoo's Nest". Related topics include patient advocacy and protecting the rights of
people with disabilities. "Take that look of worry I'm an ordinary man.
They don't tell me nothing so I find out what I can...They can't turn off my
feelings like they're turning off a light...They don't think that I listen, oh
but I know who they are..."
Take Me To The Mardi Gras
By Paul Simon. About the Mardi
Gras festival that takes place every year in the city of New Orleans.
"C'mon, take me to the Mardi Gras. Where the people sing and play. Where
the dancing is elite. And there's music in the street both night and day...Let
the music wash your soul. You can mingle in the street. You can jingle to the
beat of Jelly Roll..."
Take The Long Way Home
By Supertramp. Song is about how people often times get "stuck in a
rut" and their lives become mundane and routine. "...But there are
times that you feel you're part of the scenery. All the greenery is comin, down
boy. And then your wife seems to think you're part of the furniture. Oh, it's
peculiar. She used to be so nice...Does it feel like your life's become a
catastrophe? Take the long way home..."
Take The Power Back
By Rage Against The Machine. A strong critique of school curriculum that
presents history from a European point of view . Song favors a multicultural
or more inclusive curriculum for schools, incorporating multiple perspectives. "...The present
curriculums, I put my fist in 'em. Eurocentric, every last one of 'em...We
needa check the interior of the system who cares about only one culture. And
that is why we gotta take the power back..."
Take Up A Course In Happiness
By Stevie Wonder. Song relates to emotional and spiritual health. About
optimism, positive thinking and looking on the bright side of things.
"...And when your optimism has a set back or two. And you feel all your
tryin's in vain. Don't give up the hope that's due to you...Take up a course in
happiness..."
Takin' Care Of Business
By Bachman Turner Overdrive. A tongue-in-cheek look at being a professional
musician and having to "work" for a living. "...And if your
train's on time, you can get to work by nine. And start your slaving job and
get your pay. If you ever get annoyed look at me I'm self employed. I love to
work at nothin' all day...If it were easy as fishin' you could be a
musician...It's the work that we avoid and we're all self employed. We love to
work at nothin' all day. And we're takin' care of business, everyday..."
Takin' My Country Back
By Honky Tonkers for Truth. Anti-George W. Bush song released for the 2004
election. "I’m Takin’ my country back son, you ain't been doin' her
right...You took our jobs and sent 'em overseas...You blew the budget and you
botched Iraq..."
Talkin' Baseball
By Terry Cashman. Song pays tribute to many famous baseball players who were
popular during the 1950's. "...We're talkin' baseball. Kluzuski,
Campanella. Talkin' baseball. The man and Bobby Feller...Casey was winning.
Hank Aaron beginning..."
Talkin' John Birch Paranoid
Blues
By Bob Dylan. Satirical commentary on
"Red Scare" hysteria and the John Birch
Society. "...Well I was sittin' home alone an' started to sweat,
figured they was in my T.V. set. Peeked behind the picture frame, got a shock
from my feet hittin' right up in the brain. Them Reds caused it! I know they
did...them hard-core ones."
Talking Optimist Blues (Good
Day Today)
By Neil Diamond. About putting you worries and problems behind you and
looking at each new day with a positive outlook. "I got worries by the
ton, gettin' cancer's only one. Overtaxed and alimonied...I got burdens on my
shoulders...But despite it all I'd like to say. I'm gonna have a good day
today..."
Talk Soup
By "Weird Al" Yankovic.
This song
pays tribute to talk shows and their guests. "I dated Siamese twins. I
slept with Bigfoot too. Get me on Sally Jesse Raphael, put me on Donahue.
'Cause I wanna tell the whole world about it right now..."
Tapping The Vein
By
Target
By Joe Jackson. A person living in a urban environment fears being a victim
of crime and random violence. "Uptown - downtown no one's fussy I'm a
target...I'm no one special but any part of town someone could smile at me then
shake my hand then gun me down...I know what I'm doing. I'm happy day to day.
But then something happens takes my nerve away..."
Tashauna
By Rossington-Collins Band. Song was written in memory of various people who
were a part of the artist's lives and had been tragically killed including
former Lynyrd Skynyrd vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, former roadie and suicide
victim Chuck Flowers, Kathy Collins, wife of Allan Collins who was pregnant
with their third child and died in a movie theatre from a severe hemmorhage,
and Tashauna who was a close friend of lead singer Dale Krantz. "He called
himself a free bird, they pulled him from the sky. He called himself a
sharpshooter, by the gun he died...She called herself his woman, she called
herself his wife. She gave him love and children, she gave the man her
life...Tashauna where are you now?.."
Tasteless Incest
By Cancer. About the horror and shock associated with an incestuous
relationship. "Old man sick in the head. Daughter's children on his bed.
Twisted ways rule his life...Hate is burning in young eyes...Human
disgrace..."
Tatanka
By Molly Hatchet. Song is a tribute to the Lakota
people and to the Lakota chief Tatanka-Iyotanka.
"...This is a song for the Lakota...The white man came and wiped them out
but we still have the spirit. The power of the buffalo. Tatanka comes, stand
and deliver..."
Taxes On The Farmer Feeds Us
All
By Ry Cooder. About the plight of the American farmer who struggles to make
ends meet. "...The farmer is the man. He lives on credit until fall...With
the interest rates so high its a wonder he don't die...The merchant is the man
who gets it all..."
Taxi
By Harry Chapin. The story of "Harry and Sue" reveals the
difficulties and dynamics of human relationships. About goals, dreams, self
esteem, the desire for happiness, and missed opportunities. "There was not
much more for us to talk about, whatever we had once was gone...It's strange,
how you never know, but we'd both gotten what we'd asked for, such a long, long
time ago."
Tax Man
By The Beatles. A satirical critique of the tax system. "...Should five
percent appear too small, be thankful I don't take it all...If you drive a car,
I'll tax the street. If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat. If you get too
cold, I'll tax the heat. If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet. Tax
man..."
Tax People
By Champion Jack Dupree. Song is about the Internal Revenue Service and
their need to take so much of our hard earned dollars for tax purposes.
"Lord have mercy on these tax people. I don't see no more sense in workin'
everyday. When we make a little money and the tax people take it all away. How
they expect you to live..."
Teacher, Teacher
By 38 Special. A tribute to teachers and educators everywhere. From the
soundtrack of the 1984 movie "Teachers" starring Nick Nolte and Judd
Hirsch. "Am I ready for the real world, will I pass the test? You know
it's a jungle out there. Ain't nothing gonna stop me, I won't be second
best..."
Teach Your Children Well
By
Tears Are Not Enough
By Northern Lights(various Canadian artists). This song was on the "
Tecato
By Snot. Song is about risk taking, poor decision making, and having to
suffer the consequences because of it. References made to gateway drugs, drug
addiction and incarceration. “…Start slow with beer and pot but soon you’re
bored with what you got. Try some dope at first for kicks, you’d promise you’d
never fix…You stuck your arm and started to lose. A downward spiral in your
life…You got no love, end up in jail…”
Tecumseh (Panther In The Sky)
By L.D. Steelman. Tecumseh (1768-1813) was one of the greatest leaders of
the
Ted Bundy
By Macabre. Song is about serial killer, Ted Bundy. "...Murdered young
girls in several states. From jail two times he escaped. Until the end he
denied his crimes. He was convicted, then he fried..."
Teenage Crush
By Tommy Sands. Song is about teen angst and falling in love. "They
call it a teenage crush. They don't know how I feel. They call it a teenage
crush. They can't believe it's real. They've forgotten when they were
young..."
Teeny Bopper Bopping With The
New Kids On The Block Syndrome
By Chainsaw Little Kids. Song is about media manipulation of our youth who
follow trends that are set by corporate entities. Song also deals with sexual
exploitation and is related to the phrase "sex
sells". "...The media produces what they think we wanna see. And
all the time they're knowing exactly how it's gonna be. They take hold of the
airwaves and they flood the TV stations. And they call it entertainment for the
new generation...Pop culture value from a sexual appeal. Exploiting emotions
and the way people feel..."
By Offspring. About the history
of tension, hostility and military conflicts that typified America and
Iran relations during the 1980's. "...The President said let it
ride... Make your last stand in
Telegraph Road
By Dire Straits. About the growth of population and the advance of industry
/technology over time. Putting pressure on the environment. "A long time
ago came a man on a track walking thirty miles with a sack on his back...then
came the churches then came the schools then came the lawyers then came the
rules..."
Television
By Bad Religion. About the impact
and influence of television. "...Oh yeah I want to bathe in your
golden light, submerge in electric waves. I need my connection to the outside
world...you're my lover, my heroine, my conscience, and my voice and I know now
that I have learned to let you in. I will never have to be alone..."
Television, The Drug Of The
Nation
By Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. Song is about the addictive
nature of television and how we have become a nation of couch potatoes.
"...Television, the drug of the nation. Breeding ignorance and feeding
radiation...TV is the reason why less than ten percent of our nation reads
books daily...Does it imitate us or do we imitate it?..."
Tell Laura I Love Her
By Ray Peterson. A sentimental song about love and death. "Laura and
Tommy were lovers He wanted to give her everything Flowers, presents, But most
of all, a wedding ring...He saw a sign for a stock car race A thousand dollar
prize it read...He drove his car to the racing grounds He was the youngest
driver there...No one knows what happened that day Or how his car overturned in
flames But as they pulled him from the twisted wreck With his dying breath,
they heard him say Tell Laura I love her..."
Tell Me
By 21 Guns. A boy is killed in a drive- by shooting and his mother and
sister are left to grieve. "Her boy came home three hours late. They shot
him down at her front gate...Fourteen years and fears untold. Now it comes to
this in her own home...They say the man next door he watched it all. A car
drove by, he saw him fall...Tell me my boy will see tomorrow. Tell me, why he
had to die..."
Tell Me Why
By Genesis. A person laments about
the world's problems and wonders
why more isn't done to solve them.
Deals with the important issues of community
and social responsibility.
"Mothers crying in the street. Children dying at their feet, tell me why?
People starving everywhere. There's too much food but none to spare, tell me
why..."
Temporary One
By Fleetwood Mac. About
separation and the bond of love. Being apart from someone and looking forward
to the day you will be reunited. "...The river goes on and on, and the sea
that divides us is a temporary one, and the bridge will bring us back
together..."
Ten Years After
By The Good. About some of the negative consequences of falling through the
cracks at college and flunking out as a result. "So you went off to school
and learned the world's not fair. Racist, sexist, facist and your parents just
don't care. Tuned in, turned on, dropped out. Nothing's changed and no one even
knew you were gone..."
Teratorn
By Ray Korona. This song is about the prehistoric bird
of prey the teratorn.
They were as large as a man weighing between 170-200 lbs. and with wingspans
between 20-25 feet in diameter. "I can't imagine what it was like to soar
so majestically free. A blanket of feathers on twenty-five foot wings...The big ancient birds are
forever gone. Their ghosts fly only in dreams..."
Terminal Velocity
By Saxon. Song is about the natural high a person gets from skydiving. “Adrenaline rush, a maximum
high. Thirty thousand feet to the end of the line. You’re screaming down
towards the world below. Push yourself out, dive into the air…Feel the rush as
your body drops through he air…Terminal velocity…”
Territories
By Rush. About conflict between nations and peoples. Deals with conquest,
the desire for land, nationalism, and imperialism. Specific
reference to the Middle
Kingdom. "...They shoot without shame in the name of a piece of
dirt..."
By Rodney Foster. About the life of a cowboy on the rodeo circuit.
"...Got a fever that they call rodeo. Just enough winnin' to make the next
show. Sometimes you make eight, sometimes you hit dirt. Go on pin another
number to the back of my shirt..."
Thank God I'm A Country Boy
By John Denver. Song is a tribute to all the farm boys of rural
Thanks For My Child
By Cheryl "Pepsi" Riley. A single mother feels pride and
thankfulness for her child. "...Even though my man left me behind I don't
regret having you. Papa was a rolling stone because he left his us alone. But
that's okay 'cause I'm your mother, baby. I carried you nine months and I'm
gonna carry you until you can carry yourself on your own..."
Thank You
By Led Zeppelin. A man expresses his undying love for his mate and promises
to be with her until the end of time. "...If the sun refused to shine, I
would still be loving you. When mountains crumble to the sea, there will be you
and me..."
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice
Elf Agin)
By Sly and The Family Stone. About
individuality, being true to yourself, finding
your own identity. Not bowing to societies pressures or conforming in order
to meet the expectations of others. "...Many men are missin' much, hatin'
what they do. Youth and truth are makin' love, dig it for a starter. Dyin'
young is hard to take, sellin' out is harder..."
That Cat Is High
By Manhatten Transfer. About the sight of somebody under the influence of
drugs or alcohol. "That cat is high. Look at the look in his eyes...When
you see him stumblin' up and down the street. You know that cat's been drinkin'.
Man, he's high..."
That Jessie Helms Song
By Roy Zimmerman. A satirical song
about Senator Jesse Helms and his social/political views. "Well, he fought
so hard in them congressional halls For the rights of white, male heterosexuals
He lobbied with all of them Southern charms For alcohol, tobacco and
firearms...He felt the colorization of all those classic movies just ain't
right. Yes he did, Jesse did. 'Cause everything oughta be seen in black and
white...He was mighty white and he loved his country all right. Jesse..."
That Prozac Moment
By Mr. T Experience. Song is about the antidepressant drug Prozac
which has become a popular remedy for depression in our society.
"...Down all day and up all night. That's the way I've been though I've
heard you say that I should try to take control of my life...Sometimes it's a
challenge just to get out of bed...Please pass the Prozac. Waiting for that
Prozac moment to arrive..."
That Smell
By Lynyrd Skynyrd . About substance abuse and the deadly consequences
of drug use. References to commonly abused drugs; alcohol, cocaine, heroin,
marijuana. "So take another toke, have a blow for your nose, one more
drink full will drown you...the smell of death's around you."
That's What Friends Are For
By Dionne Warwick. About the importance and joy of friendship. Always being
there for someone especially in time of need. "...keep smiling, keep
shining. Knowing you can always count on me for sure, that's what friends are
for...For/in good times and/in bad times, I'll be on your side forever
more...that's what friends are for."
That's Why I'm Here
By Kenny Chesney. About alcoholism and the negative impact it has on an individual's
life. Also references to Alcoholics
Anonymous. "...It's the simple things in life like the kids at home
and a loving wife, that you miss the most when you lose control. Everything you
love starts to disappear..."
Then Came The Last Days of May
By Blue Oyster Cult. About dealers and drug violence. "…They brought
everything they needed. Bags and scales to weigh the stuff…and the other guy
turned and spilled three boys blood…"
There Ain't No Yellow In The
Red, White And Blue
By Len Doolin. Written in response to the
There But For Fortune
By Phil Ochs. The song
is about community and social responsibility, the importance of
empathy, compassion, and understanding for disadvantaged people and the
tentative or unpredictable nature of peace, prosperity, and good fortune.
"...Show me a prison, show me a jail. Show me a prisoner whose face has
gone pale...Show me a hobo who sleeps out in the rain... Show me the drunken
man as he stumbles out the door...Show me the famine, show me the frail...Show
me the country where bombs had to fall...There but for fortune go you or go
I..."
There Is No Time
By Lou Reed. About the empty promises
and rhetoric of public officials, in other words, talk is cheap. "...This
is no time for shaking hands. This is no time for backslapping...This is a time
for put up or shut up...This is no time for phony rhetoric. This is no time for
political speech. This is a time for action because the future's within reach.
This is the time."
There Is Power In A
By Billy Bragg. Song is about the importance and power of unions. “There is
power in a factory, power in a land. Power in the head of a worker. But it all
amounts to nothing if together we don’t stand. There is power in a union…”
There'll Be A Stomachache
Tonight
By Carl Winter. A
parody song
about the very important issue of food safety. Sung to the tune of the Eagle's
song Heartache Tonight. "Some chef is gonna hurt someone Before the
night is through Serving
up some chicken that's undone There's nothin' we can do On the road I found
a nice cafe' With some Georgia friends Didn't know I'd soon be entertained By Sal Monella and the Pathogens...."
There's A Devil In The Bottle
By Hank Williams Jr. A couple deal with the husband's drinking problem with
the woman acting as a codependent. "I come home late...Stumble in the back
door...And she's crying because I'm breaking up our home...Guess she stays on
with me 'cause she really knows that I'm tryin' Lord...There's a devil in the
bottle Lord and he won't rest until I'm dead..."
There's A Hero
By Billy Gilman. About perseverance, believing in yourself and realizing
your own potential. "...Go on and trust yourself. You can ride the wind.
You're gonna take your dreams where they've never been. There's a hero in
everybody's heart..."
There's A Wall In
By Iris Dement. About the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in
There's Nothing Soft About Hard
Times
By Jimmy Buffett. A boy who grows
up in a poverty stricken home tries to leave his past behind but ends up as a
homeless person. "...I watched the hunger burn in my sister's eyes. The
paste board shack we called a home haunt me in my dreams...We never knew
anything groovy. A dime meant bread and not a movie...I had to go 'cause I
could see. I wasn't meant for poverty...So, I sit on a bench in
There's Only One
By Graham Nash.
About the human race, the bond that exists between all humans. Promotes unity,
tolerance and respect for differences. "...When we've all begun to see the
world we're on, don't you see there's only one..."
These Are The Days Of Our Lives
By Queen. A person reminisces about their younger days when life seemed less
complicated and things seemed easier."...When we were kids, when we were
young. Things seemed so perfect, you know? The days were endless. We were
crazy. We were young. The sun was always shinin', we just lived for fun.
Sometimes it seems lately, I just don't know. The rest of my life's been just a
show...You can't turn back the clock. You can't turn back the tide. Ain't that
a shame?..."
These Days
By Bon Jovi. About despair, loss of hope, and less fortunate people who hold
on to their hopes and dreams as they struggle to make it through difficult
times. "...Saw a vagabond king wear a styrofoam crown. Wondered if I might
end up the same...She came looking for some shelter with a suitcase full of
dreams...Jimmy shoes, he busted both his legs trying to learn to fly from a
second story window, he just jumped and closed his eyes...But these days, there
ain't a ladder on the streets... Even innocence has caught the
They Dance Alone
By Sting. A moving song about a
ritual dance performed by wives of men who have died or are "missing" as a
result of human rights
violations in
They Never Came Home ( Stardust
Song )
By Christy Moore. Song is about
one of the worst fires in Ireland's history where 48 young people died at a
disco, many trampled to death. "...Down to the Stardust they
all made their way...Just how the fire started, sure no one can tell...There's
a fire in the Stardust, there's
48 dead. Hundreds of children are injured and maimed..."
They're All Stupid
By David Lippman. About the destruction of our environment by corporate
entities who flood our streams and airways with pollutants and toxic wastes.
"Poison from some atom bomb experiment turned up twenty years later in the
streams of Jersey City...Chemicals dumped in Times Beach, Missiouri...Coals and
chemicals, byproducts of buyoffs...A national disgrace..."
Thick As A Brick
By Jethro Tull. This song is about societal
forces that stifle individuality and promote conformity. "Really don't
mind if you sit this one out. My words but a whisper your deafness a SHOUT. I
may make you feel but I can't make you think...See there! A son is born and we
pronounce him fit to fight...We'll make a man of him, put him to trade teaxh
him to play Monopoly and how to sing in the rain..."
Things Have Gone To Pieces
By George Jones.
About the end of a relationship and things going from bad to worse. "Oh,
the faucet started dripping in the kitchen and last night your picture fell
down from the wall. Today the boss said sorry I can’t use you anymore...Things
have gone to pieces since you left me..."
Thinking About Forever
By P.O.D. A tribute to artist's mom thanking her for raising him properly.
"...Now I know what it means to live for someone else. To give up
yourself. Things have changed, at times it gets kind of strange...Do I make you
proud mama? Can you see me now..."
The Thin Red Line
By Saxon. Song is based on the 1964 James
Jones novel. The Thin Red Line was also made into a film in 1997 starring Sean
Penn and John Cusack. "You'd better sleep with your rifle, keep your
powder dry. You'll be fighting for your country. See the colors fly. They'll be
coming in the morning. You gotta hold the line..."
Thirty Nine And Holding
By Jerry Lee Lewis. Song is about having a mid life crisis and trying to
recapture your youth. "...Lord, he's thirty nine and holding. Holding
everything he can from 17 to 25 to prove he's still a man...He still thinks
that he's the man and acting 23..."
This Ain't No Rag, It's A Flag
By The Charlie Daniels Band. Controversial song written in response to the
events that occured on
This Bottle(In My Hand)
By David Allan Coe. Another relationship is destroyed due to alcohol abuse.
"Last week he spent his whole paycheck on whiskey. I know Friday night
he'll do it again...She left him with that bottle in his hand..."
This Drinkin'll Kill Me
By Dwight Yoakum. Song is about alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and escaping
reality by drinking alcohol. "They say this drinkin'll kill me. I don't
know lord, it might be true. But if I stop I'll just die from your leavin'.
Either way when I go it's because of you..."
This Hotel Room
By Jimmy Buffett. Song is about
life on the road and some people's "home away from home", the hotel
room."This hotel room's gotta lotta stuff. Laundry bag and a shoeshine
cloth...They got an air conditioner for when I'm hot. A radiator for when I'm
not. Two big chairs sittin' side by side. With a Holy Bible and a TV
Guide...This hotel room's gotta lot of stuff but I do believe I've had
enough..."
This Is The Moment
By Leslie Bricusse. About perseverance, believing in yourself and your
abilities, being optimistic, looking toward the future and overcoming
challenges. This is the moment, this is the day. When I send all my doubts and
demons on their way...Give me the moment, this precious chance. I'll gather up
my past and make some sense at last..."
This Land Is Your Land
By Woodie
Guthrie. The original message and
meaning of this patriotic tribute to
This Life
By Primer 55. A domestic violence song. "...Bruises on your face, I guess
you fell down the steps again and that's such a shame, cause you let it, you
let it happen over and over again...It's just another day, the last day he
touches you again..."
This Notes For You
By Neil Young. Song bashes commercialism and the use of corporate and
political sponsorship. "...Ain't singin' for Miller. Ain't singin' for
Bud. I won't sing for politicians. Ain't singin' for Spuds...Ain't singin' for
Pepsi. Ain't singin' for Coke. I don't sing for nobody. Makes me look like a
joke...This notes for you..."
This Old House
By Neil Young. A man and his family have to face the reality of giving up
their home because they can't afford to pay their mortgage anymore.
"...This old house is built on dreams. And a businessman don't know what
that means. There's a garden outside she works in everyday. And tomorrow
morning a man from the bank's gonna come and take it all away..."
This One's For The Girls
By Martina McBride. A girl power
song that pays tribute to females young and old. "...You're beautiful the
way you are, This one's for the girls, Who love without holding back, Who dream
with everything they have, All around the world, This one's for the
girls...Yeah, we're all the same inside, From one to ninety-nine..."
This Street, That Man, This
Life
By Cowboy Junkies. Song deals
with a variety of issues including love, loss, death, pain, and disappointment.
The lyrics of this song may also be used as part of a language arts
lesson to review or introduce the literary use of figurative language including
metaphor, simile, and personification. "This street holds its secrets like
a cobra holds its kill... That man stalks his victim like a cancer stalks a
cell...This life has its victories, but its defeats tear so viciously. This
life holds its secrets like the sea."
Thorazine Shuffle
By Savatage. A patient at a psychiatric ward looks back on his life and
wonders how it got to this point. Song title refers to an anti-psychotic drug.
"Thinking about yesterday. How my life used to be. Now I'm locked inside
this place. I'm a schizophrenic..."
Those Less Fortunate Than I
By Darryl Worley. Song is about having compassion for the troubled
people in our world, doing things for others
and getting involved in a worthwhile
event. References made to homeless people, gangs and the poor. "...Is
there something we can do. Seems
like the odds of survival are a million to one. The only hope they have will
die in the hearts of you and I if nothing's ever done...Don't be a stranger to
those less fortunate than I..."
Those Three Are On My Mind
By Pete
Seeger and Frances Taylor. Song is a tribute to civil
rights workers James
Chaney, Andrew
Goodman, and Michael
Schwerner who were abducted and killed in Mississippi, June 21,
1964., during voter registration drive known as, "Freedom Summer".
"I think of Andy in the cold wet clay. Those three are on my mind. With
his friends beside him on that final day. Those three are on my mind. There
lies young James in his mortal pain. Those three are on my mind. So I ask these
killers, can you sleep again..."
Thousand Cranes
By
$1000 Dollar Car
By The Bottle Rockets. Song takes a humorous look at buying a cheaper car in
order to save money. "Thousand dollar car ain't worth nothin'. Thousand
dollar car it ain't worth shit. My's well take your thousand dollars and set
fire to it...Thousand dollar car's gonna let you down. More than it's ever
gonna get you 'round...Sink your money in it and there you are. The owner of a
two thousand, thousand dollar car..."
Thrasher
By Neil Young. A person embarks on a spiritual
and emotional journey of self discovery. Song deals with the dangers of
complacency and the harmful impact of
technology and materialism. Song is also about the importance of preserving nature and not
disturbing the environment. "...When the aimless blade of science slashed
the pearly gates. It was then I knew I'd had enough, burned my credit card for
fuel. Headed out to where the pavement turns to sand...How I lost my friends I
still don't understand...There was nothing that they needed, they had nothing
left to find. They were lost in rock formations or became park bench mutations.
On the sidewalks and in the stations they were waiting, waiting..."
Three Pistols
By The Tragically Hip. Song pays
tribute to Canadian artist Tom Thomson
who is considered a catalyst for bringing about a new direction in Canadian landscape
painting. "Tom Thomson came paddling fast...Bring on the new renaissance
'cause I think I'm ready...Little girls come on Remembrance Day placing flowers
on his grave..."
Three Weeks To Despair
By Barclay James Harvest. About
the problems of of poverty and homelessness. “…Hope in an empty box.
Reality in a paper cup. Empty in a hungry world…And they want to run away, away
from the fight…”
Throw Me A Curve
By The Go-Go's. Song is a protest against societal pressures that say women
must be thin in order to be fashionable and accepted. Relates to issues of
self-esteem and body image. "...Microthin is way too in. I'm not so sure,
I'd rather just be me. Seems like everybody in the world thinks that x-ray
girls are the only way to be..."
Thunder and Rain
By Vicious Rumours. Tribute to deceased Savatage guitarist Criss Oliva (car
accident 1994) and ex Vicious Rumours lead singer Carl Albert who also died in
a car crash (1995). "...Lost a piece of myself last night I'm older now
with blackened eyes Between thunder and rain I hear your name Between thunder
and rain I see your face
It's cold outside My insides colder still..."
Thunder Rising
By Gary Moore. Taken from Irish
legend and history, song is a tribute to the mythical hero Cuchulain,
member of the legendary warrior class known as the Red
Branch. "They looked out from the fortress on the hill. There came a
single warrior returning from the kill...They saw the face, the eyes so sullen,
could only be the young Cuchulain... So
many tried to mock this Celtic son. They taunted and they teased him till he
slayed them one by one..."
Thunder Road
By Bruce Springsteen. Song deals with courtship, love, redemption, and
people hoping for something better in life, a new beginning. "..So you're
scared and you're thinking that maybe we ain't that young anymore... Waste your
summer praying in vain for a saviour to rise from these streets...Well the
night's busting open these two lanes will take us anywhere..So Mary climb in.
It's a town full of losers and I'm pulling out of here to win."
Time
By Pink Floyd.
About making the most of your
life, enjoying the present, in other words, seize the day."Ticking
away the moments that make up a dull day. You fritter and waste the hours in an
off hand way...And then one day you find ten years have got behind you. No one
told you when to run, you missed the starting gun..."
A Time For Everything?
By Jethro Tull. A person's life
flies by and they look back with regret, realizing how quickly it went.
"Once it seemed there would always be a time for everything. Ages passed,
I knew at last my life had never been. I'd been missing what time could
bring...there's no time for everything..."
Time Stand Still
By Rush. An individual realizes how fast life has passed them by and how
important it is to appreciate and make the most of life's everyday experiences.
"...Time stand still. I'm not looking back but I want to look around
me now. See more of the people and the places that surround me now. Freeze this
moment a little bit longer. Make each sensation a little bit stronger.
Experience slips away..."
The Times They Are A-Changin'
By Bob Dylan. About the inevitability
of social and political changes taking place in
Time's Up
By Living Colour. About conservation and environmental
awareness. "...How you gonna stop the clock When the well runs dry All
the rivers have died Moment by moment, day by day The world is just slipping
away...The forests, the trees, the rivers, the seas All die of this
disease..."
Tiny Dancer
By Elton John. A
musical tribute about
songwriter Bernie Taupin's first wife, Maxine Feibelman. "Blue jean baby,
L.A. lady Seamstress for the band Pretty eyed, pirate smile You'll marry a
music man Ballerina, you must have seen her Dancing in the sand And now she's
in me, always with me Tiny dancer in my hand..."
'Tis Springtime
By Anonymous. Song relates to science education. About the beauty and
well-being associated with the return of spring. "'Tis summertime, cold
winter is past. Warm breezes are blowing and May's here at last. The birds are
returning, their songs fill the air. And meadows are smiling with blossoms so
fair..."
Titanic
By Roy Acuff. About the sinking of the Titanic,
a supposedly indestructible ship. "...It was sad when that great ship went
down. Husbands and their wives, little children lost their lives. It was sad
when thsat great ship went down..."
Tobacco Road
By The
To Be Young, Gifted and Black
By Nina Simone. About
identity, self-esteem and black pride. "...In the whole world you know
There are billion boys and girls Who are young, gifted and black, And that's a
fact! Young, gifted and black We must begin to tell our young There's a world
waiting for you This
is a quest that's just begun..."
Today She Changed Her Name
By Vince Macey. Song is about a man turns to alcohol to
celebrate his ex-wife's new marriage. "Stoned at home all alone. Down on
memory lane. Fallin' 'part at the seams. From the stress and strain...I'm
drinkin' tonight. Till I can't feel no pain..."
To Daddy
By Dolly Parton. A woman stays in an unfulfilling marriage for the sake of
her children. As the children get older though she leaves her husband.
"...He often left her all alone. She didn't mind the stayin' home...Being
took for granted was a thing that she accepted...She said our kids are old
enough...So I've gone in search for love that I need so badly..."
Together Again
By Janet Jackson. Written in memory of friends who were inflicted with AIDS
and died. "..sometimes here you whisperin' no more pain, no more
worries..."
Tom Sawyer
By Rush. About rebellion in society, in praise of non-conformity, and the individualists of today.
"A modern-day warrior mean mean stride, Today's Tom Sawyer Mean mean
pride...
Tomorrow's Goodbye
By Lynyrd Skynyrd. Song is about environmental awareness and how people have
to take care of and respect the Earth. "...Let's take care of what we have
before the good we know goes bad. And the beauty fades and just slips away. The
dirty air, the dying seas. Will this be the world we leave to the wild and
young..."
Too Bad
By Nickleback. A child feels anger and remorse after his father leaves the
family unit. "...You left without saying goodbye...You call and ask from
time to time to make sure we're alive. But you weren't there. Right when I
needed you most..."
Too Far Gone
By The Babys. Song is about alcohol abuse, unhealthy risk taking(drinking
and driving) and binge drinking( five or more drinks at one time ). "One
shot too many, two for the road. I'm ready for action...Too far gone. Weavin'
down the highway, cross the double yellow line...Too far gone..."
Too Hot
By Coolio. Song talks about the dangers associated with partaking in risk
behaviors and the need to educate young people through abstinence based sexual
education..."A mind is a terrible thing to waste was the slogan. But now
it's '95 and it's don't forget the trojan...It's getting tragic and if you
don't believe me then go ask Magic...Everybody an' their momma preaching
abstinence...so put a condom in their hand and hope it don't bust..."
Took the Children Away
By Archie Roach.
A social
justice song inspired by
actual events. This personal and moving song is sung by one of the
thousands of aboriginal children who were removed from there families in
accordance with the Australian government policy of forced assimiliation
between the years 1910 and 1971. "This story's right, this story's true I
would not tell lies to you...Then they took the children away. The children
away. Snatched from their mother's breast. Said it was for the best...Told us
what to do and say. Told us all the white man's ways...Sent us off to foster
homes. As we grew up we felt alone cause we were acting white yet feeling
black..."
Too Many Martyrs
By Phil Ochs. Song
is about black civil rights leader Medgar Evers who was known for his endless
contributions to the black civil rights movement. "...His
name was Medgar Evers and he walked his road alone. Like Emmett Till and
thousands more whose names we'll never know. They tried to burn his home and
beat him to the ground...It struck the heart of every man when Evers died and
fell..."
Too Many Nights In a Roadhouse
By Junior Brown. About life in the fast lane. "Too many nights in a
roadhouse. Too much wine women and song…I take a good look in the mirror…Run a
real good boy wrong…"
Too Many People
By Fred Small. About the
"growing" world problem of overpopulation.
"Too many people having too many babies. Got to love them babies but
there's too many people having too
many babies…When
Too Much
By Dave Matthews Band. Song is about addictive behaviors, excess and always
wanting more of something. "...I'm not satisfied. The hunger keeps on
growing. I eat too much. I drink too much. I want too much, too much...I
need more, I'm going over my borders. I'm going to take more..."
Too Much Information
By Duran Duran. Song is about the potential destructive nature of television
and commercials in general. "Destroyed by MTV I hate to bite the hand that
feeds me so much information. The pressure's on the screen to sell you things
that you don't need. It's too much information for me..."
Too Much Love Will Kill You
By Queen. A person finds it difficult to live with or accept the outcome of
personal choices/decisions he has made during his life. Song deals with
numerous issues related to emotional health and relationships including risk
behaviors, sexual promiscuity, despair, AIDS, regret, disappointment, and low
self esteem. "I'm just the pieces of the man I used to be. Too many bitter
tears are raining down on me. I'm far away from home and I've been facing this
alone for much too long. I feel like no one ever told the truth to me about
growing up and what a struggle it would be...Too much love will kill you if you
can't make up your mind...I'm just the shadow of the man I used to be..."
Too Much Time On My Hands
By
Too Much Too Young
By The Specials. A person feels abandoned or left behind by a friend who has
"grown up" too soon. The friend has married, started a family, and
taken on new responsibilities. "Too much too young. Your done too much,
much too young. Your married with a kid when you could be having fun with me.
Your done too much, much too young. Now you're married with a son when you
should be having fun with me..."
Too Young To Die,Too Drunk To
Live
By
Torch Song
By Marillion. Excessive drinking
mistakenly perceived by the user as part of a glamorous and
romantic lifestyle, inspired by the writings of the Beat author Jack
Kerouac. "Read some
Kerouac and it put me on the tracks to burn a little brighter now...found a
strange fascination with a liquid fixation, alcohol thrill me now. It's getting
late in the game to show any pride or shame..."
Tornadoes
By Drive By Truckers. Song is about tornadoes.
"The clouds started forming 5:00 PM The funnel clouds touched down
five miles north of Russellville Siren’s were blowing, clouds spat rain and as
the thing went threw, I swear, It sounded like a train..."
To Tame A Land
By Iron Maiden. Song is based on the novel and movie "Dune" by author Frank Herbert. "...He is destined
to be king. He rules over everything on the land called planet Dune...It
is a land that's rich in spice, the sandriders and the "mice". That
they call the "Muad'Dib". He is the Kwizatz Haderach. He is born of
Caladan and will take the Gom Jabbar. He has the power to foresee or to look
into the past. He is the ruler of the stars. The time will come for him to lay
his claim to the crown..."
To The Last Whale
By
To The Teeth
By Ani DiFranco. About gun violence, violence
and the importance of gun control.
"...We are armed to the teeth. We're all working together now to make our
lives mercifully brief. And school kids keep trying to teach us what guns are
all about...Look at where the profits are. That's how you'll find the source of
the big lie..."
To
By John Mellencamp. An antiwar song written in 2003 protesting President Bush's pre-emptive
policies and the impending war with
Toxic Shock
By Mortification. About the dangers and destruction of substance abuse. "Overindulgance in
substance...The joy is gone...A life of compulsion, excessive in every
way...Young bodies may take it but age age will tell the toll... Beware. The
toxic shock..."
Tramp
By Bachman-Turner-Overdrive. About the life of a person living on the
streets and their need to panhandle money in order to survive. "Tramp.
Have you got a quarter for me?...Livin' on the streets. I've got to make a
livin' from the people that I meet. I'm a tramp..."
Trans Am (Highway Wonderland)
By Sammy Hagar. Song is about the muscle car extraordinaire, the Pontiac Trans Am.
"She's American made, you know what I mean? Red on black, she's a street
machine...And she shines on the street and she shines at the heat. And she
shines in my baby's eyes and she shines on every other guy's. Trans Am..."
By Running Wild. Song is based on
the novel "Treasure
Island" by Robert
Louis Stevenson. "...Treasure Island.
Where the brave fell, a one-legged devil from the pit of hell..."Long
John" is spreading his law...Cursed the island, oh eternally..."
The Tree
By Dana Lyons. An environmental awareness song. Song is seen through the eyes
of a tree that is about to be destroyed by technological advances.
"There's a river flowing near me and I've watched that river change and
grow. For eight hundred years I have lived here...But now I hear bulldozers
coming and I know that I am soon to die..."
Tribute To Buddy Holly
By Mike Berry. A tribute to musician Buddy
Holly who was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1959. "...Snow was
snowing. Wind was blowing. When the world said goodbye Buddy. Still I knew that
up in heaven is where we'll hear him sing again...We'll always remember Buddy Holly..."
Tribute To Johnny
By Smashing Pumpkins. A tribute to
Tribute To Loretta
By Suzie Merwine. A tribute dedicated to the legendary counrty artist Loretta Lynn.
Many song titles from Loretta Lynn's exstensive catalog are included in the
lyrics of the song. "...Oh that blue
Tribute To Muddy Waters
By Big
Daddy Kinsey. This song
is a tribute to Muddy Waters.
"...So sleep on Muddy, and God will get you a little rest Sleep on Muddy,
and God will get you a little rest Well you now no one will ever be able to
replace you, all we can do is keep your music alive."
Tricky Dicky
By Country Joe and the Fish. A protest song aimed at former president
Richard Milhouse Nixon and his way of directing the country during his
presidency. "...Well, oh my god it's terrible here in the
The Trooper
By Iron Maiden. Inspired by Alfred
Lord Tennyson's poem "Charge
of the Light Brigade" with references made to the Crimean War. "...The
bugle sounds and the charge begins...The horse he sweats with fear, we break to
run. The mighty roar of the Russian guns. And as we race toward the human wall.
The screams of pain as my comrades fall. We hurdle bodies that lay on the
ground. And the Russians fire another round. We get so near yet so far away. We
won't live to fight another day..."
Trouble In
By The Regulators. About the assassination
of John F. Kennedy. "...Our lives would never be the same. Now in
front of us all the assassin shot down the American dream...Our president
died...In the Autumn of '63..."
Trouble With The Sweet Stuff
By Billy Idol. A man turns to crime in order to support his drug habit.
"...Trouble with the sweet stuff and I'm never, ever gonna shake it...Shot
me down. Caught me robbing the bank...I'm a desperate man..."
Truck Driver's Blues
By Ted Daffan. About the lonely life of an eighteen wheeler truck driver.
"Feelin' kind of weary, from my head down to my shoes. I got a low down
feelin', truck driver blues...Ride, ride, ride..."
Truckin'
By Bread. Song is about a truck driver's endless journey on the highways and
byways. "Truckin' down the highway, get out of my way. Always in a hurry,
always in between. That's where you can find me, truckin' down the highway.
Sittin' in the cab of a ten ton machine..."
True Colors
By Cyndi Lauper. A person assures their significant other that they accept
them as they are even if other people don't. "...And I see your true
colors shining through. I see your true colors and thats why I love you. so
don't be afraid to let them show your true colors. True colors are
beautiful..."
Tuesday Afternoon
By Jennifer Brown. About risk behaviors, promiscuity, getting caught up in
the heat of the moment, drug use, and unprotected sex. "It started on a
Tuesday afternoon. Josie was one of those easy girls who had wide eyes...She
was drinkin' and smokin'...Josie was doin' the hustle with a ruffneck named
James...She was crying like a baby saying what a mistake...I asked her if she
used protection. I saw Josie's complexion turn a shade of grey..."
Tuesday Morning
By Melissa Etheridge. Song pays tribute to Mark Bingham, and the heroism displayed
by passengers on Flight 93 which was hijacked by terrorists on September 11,
2001. There is another important aspect to this song as it also acknowledges
that Mark Bingham was a gay man and several verses of the song address equality and gay rights. "10:03 on a
Tuesday morning in the fall of an American dream a man is doing what he knows
is right on Flight 93...He stood up on a Tuesday Morning In the terror he was
brave And he made his choice and without a doubt A hundred lives he must have
saved...And the things you might take for granted Your inalienable rights Some
might choose to deny him Even though he gave his life Can you live with
yourself in the land of the free And make him less of a hero than the other
three?..."
Tunic (Song For Karen
Carpenter)
By Sonic Youth. A tribute to deceased musician Karen Carpenter who died from heart
failure due to her battle with anorexia and bulimia. "...I feel like I'm
disappearing, getting smaller everyday. I look in the mirror, I'm bigger in
everyway...I'm in heaven now, I can see you Richard..."
Turn Of The Century
By Rob Rock. About the uncertainty and apprehension felt by many people as
we entered a new millenium in the year 2000. "
Turn The Page
By Bob Seger. Song is about the monotony of life on the road and having to
travel from city to city to perform. "...But your thoughts will soon be
wondering the way they always do. When your ridin' sixteen hours anr there's
nothin' much to do. And you don't feel much like ridin'. You just wish the trip
was through...Here I am. Up on the road again. There I am. Up on the stage.
Here I go. Playin' star again..."
Tux On
By Marillion. About the rise and
ultimate death of a rock star who lived too fast and took his status for
granted. Song uses irony in the fact that when the musician was young and
in control he performed in a tuxedo. Shortly after he had become famous he was
being buried in a tuxedo."...When you were the rising star you knew your
luck was holding when you filled the local hall. You thought you had
control...Now you're touring stadiums, you've let it go too far...Back to every
bar...Chopping out your pain...The final performance, the main man lies in
state..."
T.V.
By Blink 182. Song is about a
person who is addicted to watching the "boob tube". "When
I'm at work, ya. I always rush home for lunch so I can check out what's up on
the Brady Bunch...at night I gotta see who's winning on the Price Is Right. Oh,
I never dreamed that I'd spend my days staring at some tube emitting cathode
rays. I need my TV..."
T.V. Crimes
By Black Sabbath. About televangelists who try and sway the American public
into making donations for religious purposes. "...He guarantees you
instant glory, get your money on the line. Gotta send me a plastic Jesus,
there's a check in the mail today. That's what I need somebody to love. We just
won't eat on Sunday, gotta buy him a limousine. Somewhere to live, somewhere to
pray..."
T.V. Dinners
By ZZ Top. A tribute to the average bachelor's idea of a gourmet meal.
"...TV dinners,
there's nothin' else to eat. TV dinners, they really can't be beat. I like 'em
frozen but you understand. I throw 'em in and wave 'em and I'm a brand new man,
oh yeah... Twenty year old turkey in a thirty year old tin. I can't wait until
tomorrow and thaw one out again..."
By Trailer Park Riot. About television commercials and the influence they
have on the average consumer. "...I turn my tv on and there's the lawyer
telling me to sue...Praying on the ignorance of greedy little fools...They
think that television will save the world but it's just a stupid excuse to
sell...Eternal happiness..."
T.V. Programming
By Chainsaw Little Kids. About the addictive
nature of television and how TV junkies become spectators instead of
participants in life. "...Life holds no more deadly threats when you sit
and watch your TV set. The world goes on without you 'cause you got better
things to do. You sit and watch and you obey. Life passes by another day.
You're missing out..."
T.V. War
By Accept. About the proliferation of violent images on television and how many people have
become desensitized or indifferent towards death and human suffering. Could
also relate to propaganda and how the government controls or censors
information given to the public. "...Danger is nowhere. We still got the
chance to switch off. Remote control and the guarantee it's somewhere else...We
are eating while we're watching, people die on the screen...According to
informed sources of the defense ministry, there is now confirmation that enemy
missiles have penetrated our airspace. Impact is estimated in a matter of
minutes. Good evening!..."
25 Minutes To Go
By Johnny Cash. About capital punishment and the countdown to an execution.
"Well they're building a gallows outside my cell I've got 25 minutes to go
And the whole town's waitin' just to hear me yell I've got 24 minutes to go
Well they gave me some beans for my last meal I've got 23 minutes to go But
nobody asked me how I feel I've got 22 minutes to go..."
22/41 (Amadou Diallo's Song)
By Stephen Smith. Inspired by actual events. On February 4, 1999 four NYC
police officers fired 41
shots at unarmed Guinean immigrant Amadou Diallo striking
him 19 times and killing him in the entrance way of his apartment. "Now 41
bullets ring out in silence. And 41 bullets have brought a man down. And 41
bullets of longing exploded to leave four policemen regretting away..."
The Twilight Zone
By Rush. Song is a tribute to the popular TV Series. "A pleasant man
steps up to greet you. He smiles and says he's pleased to meet you...Truth is
false and logic lost. Now the fourth dimension is crossed...No escape, no place
to hide. Here where time and space collide."
By Holt Vaughn. Written as remembrance of the events that occured on
Two Beds And A Coffee Machine
By Savage Machine. Song is about domestic violence. "And she takes
another step, slowly opens up the door. Checks that he is sleeping, picks up
all the broken glass...Now it's time to get away. Pack up the kids in the car.
Another bruise to try and hide..."
Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad
By Jim Steinman / Meat Loaf. About unrequited love. "Baby we can
talk all night. But that ain't getting us nowhere...Maybe you can cry all
night. But that'll never change the way that I feel...And all I can do is keep
on telling you...I want you, I need you. But there ain't no way I'm ever gonna
love you. Now don't be sad. 'Cause two out of three ain't bad..."
2000 Reasons(Y2K Blues)
By Canned Heat. About the new millenium and the fears that some people
associated with its arrival. "I got 2000 reasons, 2000 reasons to sing the
blues. Yes, there's big changes comin'. People what we gonna do if the lights
go out and the planes fall from the sky..."
Tyrant
By Judas Priest. Lyrics are a reference to dictators and despots throughout
history who used force to gain absolute power. “Behold ‘tis I the commander
whose grip controls you all. Resist me not, surrender. I’ll no compassion call.
Tyrant, capture of humanity. Tyrant, conqueror of all…”
The Umpire
By Mitch Miller. About the most despised person on the baseball diamond, the
umpire. Actual lines on the record from famous baseball players Phil Rizzuto,
Tommy Heinrich, Ralph Branca, and Roy Campanella. "The umpire, the umpire.
The guy who calls every play. We ain't got no use for the umpire unless he
calls 'em our way..."
Uncle John's Band
By Grateful Dead. A tribute to the New Lost City Ramblers, song
includes a variety of allusions
and references.
"Well, the first days are the hardest days, don't you worry anymore.
When life looks like Easy Street there is danger at your door...Come hear Uncle John's Band by the
riverside. Come with me or go alone He's come to take his children
home..."
Uncle Sam
By Tevin Campbell. About racial hatred and prejudice. Song includes specific
reference to cross burnings, slavery and Abraham Lincoln.
Uncle Sam Scam
By Chainsaw Little Kids. An anti-war song. "Do you really think being
all that you can is the uniform your wearing or the gun in your hand? The
badges on your chest or the pride in your eyes? Where is the honor in taking
people's lives?..."
Unconditional
By Clay Walker. Song is about tough love, family strife and a father letting
his child know that no matter what happens he will always love them..."I
came stumbling home with liquor on my breath. He said son I know you live here
but this is still my home. It's my way or the highway. So I said I'm gone...You
can't stop my love for you...You can turn away, forget me...Son, always know my
love is unconditional..."
Unconditional Love
By Tupac. Song
is about forgiveness,
hope, and the redemptive power of love.
Singer is asking people to change their destructive and violent ways, and come
together to promote peace and healing in the community. "...All my peers
doing years beyond drug dealing. How many caskets can we witness before we see
it's hard to live this life without God...Sending love out to my block. The
struggle never stops...This fast life soon shatters. "Cause after all the
lights and screams, nothing but my dreams matter. Hoping for better days...The
future's still inside of me. We must remember that tomorrow comes after the
dark. So you will always be in my heart with
unconditional love..."
Under Jolly Roger
By Running Wild. Song is about
pirates and when they ruled the waterways of the world. Jolly Roger refers
to the skull and crossbones flag that often
symbolized pirates. "Weigh anchor, hoist the sails. Cruisin' for booty on
watery trails. No exploiter we can see, still sail on. Our cannons fire till
his ship goes down. Fly our flag, we teach them fear..."
Underneath The Bottle
By Lou Reed. About an individual who
is struggling with alcohol and it's destructive power. "...It's the same
old story, of a man and his search for glory and he found it, underneath the
bottle...I'm sad to say, I feel the same today, as I always do gimme a drink to
relax me...I lost my pride and it's hiddin' there, underneath the
bottle..."
Under Pressure
By Queen & David Bowie. About
forces in society that "...splits a family in two, puts people on the
streets...". With a call to action.
"...And love dares you to care, for
people on the edge of the night...". Deals with the very important
issues of empathy,
compassion, community and social responsibility.
Under The Bridge
By Red Hot Chili Peppers. About the sad and lonely existance of being a
heroin user. Lead singer Anthony Kiedis wrote the lyrics in response to his
life long battle with heroin. "...Under the bridge downtown is where I
drew some blood. Under the bridge downtown, I could not get enough...I give my
life away..."
Unemployed
By Steve Goodman. About being laid off from your job due to downsizing.
"...I walked down to the plant. I wanted to work but they said you
can't...It's a sorry situation that you can't avoid when you're overeducated
and unemployed..."
Unite
By Isaac Haile
Selassie. Song is asking people to come together and
help create a better
world based on peace, love, and understanding. "...Unite for the sake
of your children. Unite for the sake of your life. For the sake of humanity.
There is no place to hide..."
United
By Prince Ital. Joe featuring Marky Mark. About unity, brotherhood and a
plea peace. References in the song made to many famous people including Nelson
Mandela, Peter Tosh, and Bob Marley. "...Peace! I gotta plea for call. I
see too many kids and they simply falling. In the streets it's strife, a waste
of life...We need our love, unity before we all die..."
Unite It, Don't Divide It
By Rupert Hine. Song is about
breaking down "boundaries" and the importance of cooperation, love,
peace, and understanding between all people and nations. "It's not just
countries it's a world.
Not the only planet but a universe. If you find it, don't divide it. Unite it...Leave
a home for our children with some kind of life expectancy..."
Universal Soldier
By Donovan. A strong condemnation of war and a call for peace. Song includes
references to world religions, Hitler, Dachau, and Caesar. "...He's the
universal soldier and he really is to blame, his orders came from far away no
more, they came from here and there, and you and me, and brothers can't you
see, this is not the way we put an end to war."
The Unknown Soldier
By The Doors. A tribute to the many nameless and faceless veterans of war throughout
history. "...Breakfast where the news is read. Television children fed.
Unborn living, living, dead. Bullet strikes the helmet's head. And its all over
for the unknown soldier..."
Unpretty
By TLC. About insecurity and trying to live up to the expectations of
others. Also deals with identity, self-love, and recognizing that real beauty
comes from within."...My outside looks cool. My insides are blue...You can
buy your hair if it won't grow. You can fix your nose if he says so. You can
buy all the make up the MAC can make. But if you can't look inside you, find
out who am I too...Never insecure until I met you. Now I'm bein' stupid. I used
to be so cute to me just a little bit skinny. Why do I look to all these things
to keep you happy? Maybe get rid of you..."
Unsung Hero (Song For Lenny
Bruce)
By Nuclear Valdez. A tribute to stand-up comedian Lenny Bruce.
"Lenny, you were air in an ocean, of drowning emotions, and I owe
you...You have filled me with laughter, invited disaster, how I miss you. But
they could not stand you..."
Untitled
By Tom Paxton. A tribute to victims of the World Trade Center attacks.
"...And everytime I sleep, I'm haunted by the sound of firemen pounding up
the stairs while we were running down..."
Unwed Fathers
By John Prine. Deals with social and family issues including abandonment,
parental responsibility, and deadbeat dads. "...Your daddy never meant to
hurt you ever. He just don't live here, but you got his eyes. From a teenage
lover to an unwed mother. Kept under covers like some bad dream. While unwed
fathers, they can't be bothered. They're running like water through a mountain
stream..."
The Unwelcome Guest
By Billy Bragg & Wilco (Woody
Guthrie). Based on the legend of the highwayman Dick Turpin, song is about
class struggle, economic justice,
morality, and the rise of the rich at the expense of the poor. A similar or
related topic would be the legend of Robin Hood.
"I've never took food from the widows and orphans. And never a hard working
man I oppressed...That robbing the rich is for worse or for best. They take it
by stealing and lying and gambling... But the men that go riding to help these
poor workers. The rich will cut down like an unwelcome guest."
Up Here In Heaven
By Chris de Burgh. About the senseless
tragedy of war and the pain and suffering of innocent victims. "Up on the
hill I see it begin, marking the heroes where they fall...Widows talk, widows
talk of all that they could have been... What of the children caught in the war, how can
we tell them what it's for...Are you listening, are you listening men of war?
There is nothing, there is nothing worth dying for. Up here in heaven we stand
together. Both the enemy and the friend, 'till the end of time..."
U.S.D.A.
By Carl Winter. A
parody song
that pays tribute to the United States
Department of Agriculture. Sung to the tune of the Village People's song YMCA.
"People, there's no need to despair. If you're worried 'bout food, land
and air. I can tell you, there are people that care...It's fun to work with the
U.S.D.A..."
Used Cars
By Bruce
Springsteen. About a family who doesn't have much money and a boy who feels
inferior because of his surroundings and upbringing."...Now the neighbors
come from near and far, as we pull up in our brand new used car... My dad, he
sweats the same job from morning to morn. Me, I walk home on the same dirty
streets where I was born...
Use It Wisely
By Bruce Cockburn. An environmental awareness song. "Hear me you
business blackmailers. When I see what you've done to the wild I feel like a
man standing over the corpse of his murdered child. Use it wisely...Haul the
last fish from the ocean. Poison the beds where they spawn..."
Use The Man
By Megadeth. About heroin use and it's negative effects on the user.
"Just one shot to say good-bye, one last taste to mourn and cry. Scores
and shoots the lights go dim, just one shot to do him in..."
V (top)
Vacation
By Connie Francis. Every school kid looks forward to the end of the school
year and the start of summer vacation. "Put away the books, we're out of
school. The weather's warm but we'll play it cool. We're on vacation havin' lots
of fun. Vacation in the summer fun..."
Valley
By Jethro Tull. This song is about ethnocentrism,
intolerance, and xenophobia. Song was written
during mid-1990's when war in Bosnia and ethnic cleansing was occuring in the
former Yugosalvia"...Some bad people living further down the valley. Not
easy for us to do good trade...Holding hands on the hillside. Showing love to
your brother, your sister and your mother. But we hate those people down the
valley..."
Valley Forge
By Iced Earth. From the album The Glorious Burden this
song pays tribute
to American soldiers and their heroic struggle at Valley Forge. "Close your
eyes and imagine The soldier at Valley Forge
The suffering that he endured was real Starvation, total war Yet in his eyes,
the iron will to win And for the cause he won’t relent Standing barefoot,
frozen bloody hands His musket clutched, an iron grip For the cause he has but
one regret That he’s only got one life to give..."
Vanessa
By Vince Macey. A personal song that was written
for a friend who was struggling with depression and contemplating suicide.
"...Please Vanessa, don't let it depress ya. God knows what life's all
about...Please don't take the easy way out. We all got problems..."
Van Halen
By Nerf Herder. A tribute to the classic hard rock band and it's famous
guitar whiz Eddie Van Halen. "I bought Van Halen 1, it was the best damn
record I ever owned...Two hand tapping, guitar technique really got me off.
Eruption, yeah. Ain't talkin' about love. I'm on fire..."
Vera
By Pink Floyd. From
the highly acclaimed concept album/CD "The Wall". Song is about, or serves as a
tribute to singer Vera Lynn.
"Does anybody remember Vera Lynn? Remember how she said that we would meet
again some sunny day? Vera! Vera! What has become of you?..."
Veracruz
By Warren Zevon. About Revolution/Civil War in Mexico, 1911. Specific
reference to incident in April, 1914 when some American sailors were arrested
by Mexican forces, and Woodrow Wilson subsequently ordered United States troops
to seize the port of Veracruz. Revolutionary leader Emiliano
Zapata ia also mentioned in the song.
Veronica
By Christy Moore. Song is about the 1996 murder
of Veronica Guerin who was
one of Ireland's top investigative journalists. "In the broad daylight of
a summer's day, on the Cork to Dublin motorway. Suddenly the singing birds,
were startled in their song. In the quiet of that moment, our world went out of
kilter. In that split second, Veronica was
gone."
Veteran Of The Psychic Wars
By Blue Oyster Cult. Song is
about the lasting emotional and
psychological effects of war. "You see me now a veteran of a thousand
psychic wars...All the scars are on the inside and I'm not sure if there's
anything left for me...you blame me for my silence, say it's time I changed and
grew. But the war is still going on dear, and there's no end that I
know..."
Vices
By Pennywise. About poor decision making, giving in to negative peer
pressure and developing unhealthy habits. References made to failing health due
to drug use. "...To yourself your lyin' Can't you see it? Can't ya feel
that your vices are ruining your life?...You've hit rock bottom..."
The Vicious Circle
By Mac Davis. Song is about the trappings of ghetto life. References made to
crime, over population and misguided youth. "...Another little baby is
born in the ghetto...The child needs a helping hand or he'll grow up to be an
angry young man...He learns how to steal and he learns how to fight. In the
ghetto..."
Victims of Comfort
By Keb' Mo'. From the Fish Tree Water Blues
benefit CD for Earthjustice Legal
Defense Fund's campaign to save wild salmon, ancient forests, and freeflowing waterways.
"...What have we got to lose--everything. What do we stand to
gain--everything..."
Victims Of The Future
By Gary Moore. A protest song
against world leaders, government actions, and political policies. "...Our
world is headed for destruction. Our fate is in the hands of fools...They're
fighting for world domination backed by the weapons of hell. Is there no hope
for us all? Shadows of the past, vicitms of the future..."
Victor Jara
By Adrian Mitchell, music by Arlo Guthrie.
This song is a
tribute to Victor
Jara a Chilean musician, poet, and revolutionary. "Victor
Jara of Chile lived like a shooting star. He fought for the people of Chile
with his
songs and his guitar. His hands were gentle, his hands were strong..."
Victor Jara
By Dick Gaughan. A tribute
to Chilean political activist and musician Victor Jara. References made to
Pinochet and his dictatorship. "Victor Jara of Chile, you lived like a
shooting star. He fought for the people of Chile with his songs and his
guitar...And he grew to be a fighter against the people's wrongs..."
Video Killed The Radio Star
By The Bugles. This was the first video aired on MTV (Music Television) when
it debuted in 1981. Raises the debate of whether or not video has taken away
from the true meaning of a song's lyrics. "...They took the credit for
your second symphony. Rewritten by machine and new technology. And now I
understand the problems you see...Video killed the radio star..."
Video Violence
By Lou Reed. About the proliferation
of violent content/images in various forms of media. "His heart is pounding he
switches the channel looking for something other than rape, or murder, or
beatings, or torture...The currents rage, the dawn's upon us this is the age of
Video Violence. The current rage so
deep inside us this is the age of Video Violence. "
Vietnam
By Phil Ochs. A
protest song about United States involvement in the Vietnam War. "U.S.
soldiers are a-dying over there...As the status quo remains over there. U.S.
soldiers are a-dying while their mothers sit home crying. It's a crime how
their dying over there..."
View From A Wooden Chair
By Lachlan Hurse and Sue
Monk. According to the artists, The lyrics came out of an experience at
a job one of us had, where the provided seating was a wooden stool, while the
bosses had comfortable padded chairs. It also is a reference to a wooden bench
seat that was located on a busy street corner in West End, an inner city suburb
of Brisbane where older people and down-and-outs used to regularly sit and
watch the passers-by. (The bench has now been removed along with other changes
to the suburb.) The musical style draws on Brazilian bossa nova style.
"Young girls play hopscotch on a broken path Ageing soot blackens old
brick walls…Bicycles line up at the local store Factories crumble behind
rusting iron Graffiti grows on the railway bridge Worker in overalls walks on
home A derelict house slumps to one side…"
Village Ghetto Land
By Stevie Wonder. About urban crime and poverty. "...See the people
lock their doors While robbers laugh and steal Beggars watch and eat their
meals-from garbage cans...Families buying dog food now Starvation roams the
streets Babies die before they’re born Infected by the grief...Tell me would
you be happy in village ghetto land?..."
Vincent ( Starry Starry Night
)
By Don McClean. About Vincent Van Gogh's untimely death and
specifically, his painting, The Starry Night.
"Starry,
starry night: Paint your palette blue and gray. Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul. Shadows on the hills. Sketch the
trees and the daffodils; Catch the breeze and the winter chills in colors on
the snowy linen land..."
Virginity Disease
By We Are Not Ashamed. About abstinence,
respecting your body, not giving in to your desires and waiting to become
sexually active. "...They'll tell you it's a blast but they don't really
care. If you love me you'll give in...But it's cool to be a virgin. It's cool
to show you care about your future mate..."
Virus
By Iron Maiden. About the corruption and decline of society, and how there
is a growing disregard for the well being of fellow humans. A call for more
civility, caring, and compasssion. "There's an evil virus that's
threatening mankind. Not state of the art, a serious state of mind. The mugger,
the backstabber, the two faced elite. A menace to society,
a social disease...watching beginnings of social decay, gloating or sneering at
life's disarray..."
Visions of Johanna
By Bob Dylan. This song has been the
subject of extensive
discussions and is said to be inspired by or about Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law,
Johanna Gezina van Gogh. Song has also been interpreted to be about or a
tribute to Joan Baez. "...Inside the museum, infinity goes up on trial.
Voices echo this is what salvation must be like after a while. But Mona Lisa
musta had the highway blues. you can tell by the way she smiles...But these
visions of Johanna, they make it all seem so cruel..."
Visions (Southern Cross)
By The Stratovarious Network. Song is based on the prophecies of the French savant
Michael Nostrodamus written in his book "Prophecies" in the year
1555. Nostrodomus had many visions about the end of our civilization. "I
have seen the future of mankind. The wisdom of my prophecies you'll find.
Follow the truth and be careful, are we the last?...Signs of the end I
see..."
Vitamins
By Super Nova. Don't forget to take your multivitamin supplement everyday.
Relates to personal health. "You gotta take your vitamins. They're good
for you..."
Vogue
By Madonna. About fame, popularity, and those who have achieved celebrity
status in our society. "Greta Garbo
and Monroe...On the cover of a magazine...They had style, they had grace...Ladies with
an attitude. Fellows that were in the mood..."
A Voice For Peace
By Dan Fogelberg. Song is a cry for peace and an end to all wars.
"...The good book tells us thou shalt not kill. The truth came shining and
it's shining still. But how much blood upon this earth must spill. Before we
lay our weapons down...Let mine be a voice of peace..."
Voices That Care
By (Collaboration). A tribute to American soldiers serving during the Gulf
War in operation Desert Storm.
"...Stand tall; Stand proud! Voices that care are crying out loud..."
Voodoo
By Godsmack. About heroin use and the helplessness that goes along with the
addiction. "...No more meaning to my life. No more reason to stay.
Freezing feeling...when I feel the snake bite enter my veins..."
W (top)
Waifer
By Blue Ceiling. Song deals with
the serious issue of eating
disorders . "You used to be a pretty girl But now it seems it's all
been dissipated You're tryin' to reach the skinny world Somehow I think you've overcompensated
The vicious circle has got you all tangled up You can't stop eating when the
going it gets rough You think you've found a way to get rid of that stuff You
say that everything that goes down must come up..."
Waitin' On A Train
By Bottle Rockets. A young man makes poor decisions and now wonders where
his life is headed. The train signifies a crossroad that he is hoping for.
"We were married in a fever when we were both eighteen. But our fever died
so cold when we reached twenty three. Now I got me a little boy but I don't see
him much. His mom she's remarried and his new dad can give him more than
love...Waitin' on a train..."
The Wake Of Magellan
By Savatage. About the great Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Song
also includes references to other notable explorers. "...I believe what
the prophets said that the oceans hold their dead. As I contemplate this stand
what I do is who I am...Columbus and Magellan and Da Gama sailed
upon an ocean in a world of ignorance. With thoughts so primitive that men were
killed with no more will than that they simply had the notion..."
Wake Up America
By Darryl Worley. The impact of
drug abuse in small
town America. "...Wake up America, I got a problem. Venom flowing
through my veins. I see families fall to pieces by crystal meth and crack
cocaine...I'm just a small town
I have no tongue to speak I have no arms to hold them while their dying in my streets..."
Walk A Little Straighter Daddy
By Billy Currington. About
alcoholism and it's impact on a family
as experienced by a child of an alcoholic.
"I'd be waiting at the door When he got home at night He'd pass me by to
go to pass out in his chair...And I'd say Walk a little straighter daddy You're
swaying side to side You're footsteps make me dizzy...The old mans still like
he always was But I love him anyway If I've learned one thing from him Its my
kids will never have to say Walk a little straighter daddy...You're leading
me"
Walk A Thin Line
By Fleetwood Mac. About
the confusing, tentative, and uncertain nature of life. "I've seen so many
things that made me wonder but sometimes it's hard to tell...I said fate takes
time, but no one was listening. I walk a thin line."
Walkaway Joe
By Trisha Yearwood w/ Don Henley. A young girl is faced with the decision of
running away with a man who has a bad reputation. Mother wonders whether or not
to interfere with her daughter's decision. "...He's the wrong kind of paradise
she's gonna know it in a matter of time. That boy's a walkaway Joe..."
Walking In Memphis
By Marc Cohn. Song is about the varying sights and sounds of the land of the Delta Blues, Memphis, Tennessee. "...They've
got catfish on the table. They've got gospel in the air. And Reverend Green be
glad to see you. When you haven't got a prayer. But boy you've got a prayer in
Memphis...Saw the ghost of Elvis on Union Avenue. Followed him up to the gates
of Graceland...Then I'm walking in
Memphis. Walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale..."
Walking In Your Footsteps
By The Police. The extinction of the dinosaur
foreshadowing the demise of mankind. A lesson to be learned. "Hey there
mighty Brontosaurus don't you have a message for us. You thought your rule
would always last... If we explode the atom bomb, would they say that we were
dumb..."
Walkin' On The Sun
By Smash mouth. Song is about community and social responsibility. People
taking action and joining together to make
the world a better place.
"...So don't
sit back kick back and watch
the world get bushwacked. News at 10:00 your neighborhood is under attack.
Put away the crack before the crack puts you away. You need to be there when
your babies are old enough to relate..."
Walk On The Wild Side
By Lou Reed. This song serves as a
tribute to the excessive, unconventional, and outrageous lifestyle of the friends
of Andy Warhol who frequented his infamous
"factory".
Idea or inspiration
for the song can also be attributed to the book "A
Walk On The Wild Side" by Nelson
Algren. "Holly came from Miami, FLA. Hitch-hiked her way across the
USA. Plucked her eyebrows on the way. Shaved her legs and then he was a she.
She says, hey babe take a walk on the wild side..."
Wall
By Living Colour. About breaking down the barriers that lead to hate,
discrimination, racism and prejudice. "We hate each other 'cause of race
and religion We hate each other 'cause of class and position...The walls between
us all must fall The walls between us all must fall...We hate each other 'cause
that's what our parents taught us We hate each other for no reason at
all...This is how our world breaks down..."
The Wall
By Tim Murphy. Song is a tribute to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial which was
decorated with the names of over 58,000 dead or missing men and women from the
Vietnam War. "...And every name's a father or a husband or a son. Or a
daughter or a brother or a cousin to someone. Or the name of a classmate or a
friend you may recall..."
Walla Walla
By Offspring. Song is about the
consequences of criminal activity. Related topics or issues include, treatment
of repeat offenders, getting tough on crime, and mandatory sentencing. "...You've gotten
off easy so many times, but I guess no one told you how to get a life. The
judge wasn't lenient like he was before...Folsom prison is the
destination. Hey in Walla. I'll see you in Walla Walla. Slap on the
wrist? Well not this time...I'm afraid you can't talk your way out of this one
son. Now four walls are your 24-hour-a-day, constant companions..."
Wall Of Denial
By Stevie Ray Vaughn. Artist wrote this song in response to beating his
addiction to drugs and alcohol. Denial is a big part of addiction. "...We've
all had our demons from the garden of white lies...All the while they were
killin' us. But we couldn't let it show...But in the truth we can survive when
this wall of denial comes tumblin' down..."
Walpurgis Night
By Running Wild. Song is about Walpurgis Night which took place
on April 30th of every year. According to German legend, this was the night
that witches met with the devil. "Thousand wild witches are screaming
through the night. They are thrilling with their magic...I see fire, fire in
the night. Symbols are burning so bright..."
Waltzing Matilda
By Banjo Paterson.
This songis based on
actual events in Australian
history, this socially and politically significant song was inspired by the
Great Shearers Strike of
1894. "Oh, there once was a swagman camped in the billabong, Under the
shade of a coolibah tree, And he sang as he looked at the old billy boiling,
Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me?..."
Wanna Be A Rock And Roll Star
By Eddie Money. This is many a young person's dream as they play air guitar
to their favorite music and fantasize about being famous. "Ever since I
was young I'd sing and I'd hum those crazy songs I heard on the radio...Soon I'd
be shaking my hips and dream about the day I would make it...Wanna be a rocker.
Wanna be a rock and roll star..."
Wanted Man
By Johnny Cash. About a fugitive on the run from the law. "...I might
be in Colorado, or Georgia by the sea. Working for some man who doesn't know at
all who I might be. If you ever see me coming and if you know who I am. Don't
you breathe it to nobody 'cause you know I'm on the lam..."
War
By Bob Marley. The song lyrics are taken from a
speech given at the United
Nations by Haile Sellassie,
leader of Ethiopia.
In the speech he addressed a
variety of issues confronting the nations of Africa including colonialism,
regional conflicts, nationalism and self determination.
Another related topic is the Rastafarian Movement.
War And Peace
By Running Wild. The song is based
on the novel "War and Peace"
by author Leo Tolstoy. "The
rifles are firing, the cracking of guns break the still. The march of the
soldiers, no thoughts, no will..."
War Child
By The Cranberries. An anti-war song. References made to the Vietnam War.
"At times of war, we're all the losers. There's no victory. We'll shoot to
kill...War child, victim of political pride..."
War Fair
By Clawfinger. An anti-war song. "...War is a loss, war can't be won.
You're just another soldier and you're doing the dying. You're a symbol of a
nation..."
Warmed By The Sun, Rocked By
The Wind (Ballad Of Geronimo)
By L.D. Steelman. Geronimo lead the last Native American fighting force in
the United States. He was a great Apache leader. "I am Geronimo, war chief
of the Apache. I fought bravely for many years against two governments who
invaded our lands. I fought to protect the land that was ours by divine right...Soldiers
killed my mother, my wife and our three little ones..."
Warren Harding
By Al Stewart. About the life and times of our 29th President, Warren G.
Harding. "...Warren Gameliel Harding alone in the White House,
watching the sun. Come up on the morning of 1921, I just want somene to talk
to..."
War Song
By White Lion. A soldier is drafted, fights in a war, and returns home with
the feelings that war is a senseless thing. "...What are we fighting for,
when the price we pay is endless war...What are we fighting for, when no one
ever wins in war...what are we fighting for when all we need is peace..."
War Widow
By Country Joe and the Fish. A story about a soldier who is killed in a war
and his wife of three weeks is left to fend for herself. References made to
lost pensions, overpopulation and unemployment. "Twas with a heart of
leaden woe. Poor Alphonze went to war. And though it's true, he did not know
what he was fighting for...He'd been three weeks wed. Tough luck! Another three
weeks and he was listed with the dead..."
Wash Away Those Tears
By Creed. Song was written by lead singer Scott Stapp in honor of a close
friend who was raped. "...She whispered softly to tell a story about how
she had been wronged. As she lay lifeless he stole her innocence...She could
not hide the tears 'cause they were sent to wash away those years..."
Washington Bullets
By The Clash.
The song comments on
American foreign policy and violations of human rights in Latin America. Includes specific
reference to musician Victor
Jara. Additional commentary on Russians in Afghanistan and China's
treatment of Tibetans. "...As
every cell in Chile will tell. The cries of the tortured men. Remember Allende
and the days before, before the army came. Please remember Victor
Jara, in the Santiago Stadium, Es verdad - those washington bullets
again..."
Wash My Hands
By Meredith Brooks. Song is about the
importance of believing in yourself, remaining optimistic, looking to the
future, and not dwelling on past mistakes. "...I've been fixed on all the
damage done. Why do I always forget how far I've come? I'm done dying for the
past...I swear by who I am and not by yesterday...
Waste
By Staind. Lead singer and songwriter
Aaron Lewis explained in a recent Rolling Stone
interview that this song was inspired by an actual event. Aaron wrote this
song to express his anger, sadness and disbelief after learning about the
suicide of a young boy. He said, I did get a little angry, but I was angry
at everything - angry that he killed himself and angry that so many kids feel
that's the only way out. "...I had no answers 'cause I didn't even
know you. But these words can't replace the life you...the life you waste...How
could you paint this picture? With life as bad as it should seem that there
were no more options for you. I can't explain how I feel..."
Wasted
By Def Leppard. The song is about a man's struggle with substance abuse and how he has lost
many of the important things in his life, including the people around him.
Ironically, Def Leppard's lead guitarist Steve Clark eventually
died from drug and alcohol abuse.
"...And I've been meaning to call,
I've been wanting to phone. You see I don't like the thought of me being here
alone....Wasted, I've wasted my money. Wasted, I've wasted you honey..."
Wasted
By Vince Macey. Song is about self destructive
behavior, specifically a person who "self medicates" with drugs and
alcohol. References made to blackouts. "...Don't know where I'm goin'.
Don't know where I've been. I'm on the road to ruin...Everytime I blackout I
can't remember what I did. 'Cause I'm wasted all the time..."
Wasted Lives
By Tracing Shadows.
According to the artist, This song explains
how lives are wasted by the use of drugs and alcohol. People drink and do drugs
to cover up the anger and pain they've gone through...You're pretty much
killing yourself before you die... "...Killing yourself before you
die. It's just a waste of a life. Can't heal yourself when you're cut up inside
... The amounts you use cause self abuse ... Prepare
yourself with whats to come Cause the path you chose
has undone Who can you trust when you can't
trust yourself,... now Who do you look up to when you're down low With
nowhere to go "
Wasted On The Way
By Crosby, Stills and Nash. The song is about the perils of procrastination,
the importance of goal setting, making the most out of your life, and not letting
opportunities pass you by. "...I am older now. I have more than what I
wanted. But I wish that I had started long before I did...Everywhere you turn,
time we have wasted on the way..."
Wasted Years
By Cold. About the
dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. “…Was it life I've betrayed for the shape
that I'm in It's not hard to fail it's not easy to win did I drink too much
could I disappear and there's nothing that's left but wasted tears…”
Watched You Fall
By Meredith Brooks. Song is about
the dangers of substance
abuse. A person is saddened by the untimely death of a friend and wonders
if he or she shares a responsibility for the death. The person also wonders
what more he or she could have done to help the friend. "You were my wild
companion. We were forever high, high, high...No one can do this for you.
Straighten your head, fix your faith. Take all the pain inside you. Wash it
away. I watched you fall. I was blind to ya, was lying to ya. Like everybody
else who watched you fall..."
Waterfalls
By TLC. About a variety of societal problems including AIDS, crime, and
substance abuse. Song serves as a warning to young people, encouraging them to
use caution and not to engage in risk behaviors. "A lonely mother gazing
out her window staring at a son that she just can't touch...Cause he can't seem
to keep himself out of trouble...His health is fading but he doesn't know why. Three letters took him to his final
resting place...Don't go chasing waterfalls. Please stick to the rivers and
lakes that you're used to. I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing
at all, but I think you're moving too fast..."
Way Down The Line
By Offspring. The song is about the influence of parents' behavior
and the effect/impact it has on children. Shows that modeling unhealthy
behaviors has a detrimental effect on young people. "...There is chain
that's never broken, you know the story it's sad but true. An angry
man gets drunk and beats his kids, the same old way his drunken father
did...At 17 Shannon is
pregnant, as young as her mom when she had her. Her kid is never gonna have
a dad, the same old way that Shannon never had..."
The Way I Learn Best
By Lawrence
Mark Lesser. This parody pays tribute to students and the important process
of metacognition.
Students learning how to learn and developing one's own learning style.
“…Thinkin’ bout the math I know. If I don’t seem to relate…I am a teacher, But
I’m always learning, too! And it would help me quite a lot if you ask questions
that you’ve got…”
The Way It Is
By Bruce Hornsby and the Range. About equality, the struggle for justice,
and how difficult it is to change people's perceptions and prejudices.
"...Well they passed a law
in '64. To give those who ain't got a little more. But it only goes so far
because the law don't change another's mind...That's just the way it is. Some
things will never change.."
Way Over Yonder In The Minor
Key
By Billy Bragg & Wilco (Woody
Guthrie). The song is an autobiographical work detailing Woody's
memories of childhood in Oklahoma and experiences with the opposite sex.
"I lived in a place called Okfuskee and I had a litttle girl in a holler
tree...Her mama cut a switch from a cherry tree and laid it on the she and
me...I've led lots of girls since then to stray saying, ain't nobody that can
sing like me."
Way Up There
By Patti Labelle. NASA theme song
performed during February 6, 2003 memorial service at Washington National
Cathedral as a tribute
to the Columbia
astronauts. "Way up there where peace remains where silence thunders
and angels sing imagination and amazing grace bring us closer to our home in
space..."
Wayward Child
By Rory Gallagher. Song is about a troubled teenager who ends up on the
wrong side of the law. "Well you always were a problem. Always running
wild. Trouble is your middle name. You know you're a wayward child. Sometimes
you play with fire. Well, can you run forever before you run right out of
time?..."
The Way the Wind Blows
By Doug Hoekstra.
A moving tribute to individuals struggling to survive with AIDS. "...Now I'll trust in you to
speak for me when my throat gets dry and I lose my dreams. I've never been one to
scream and shout. When my flame gets low, please blow it out..."
We All Fall Down
By Blue Murder. Another song about the deadly consequences of drug use
and drug addiction. References made to the drugs heroin and crack cocaine.
"...If you see your sister tryin' to hide her tracks. You just as well
remind her 'cause she might not make it back. It's another form of suicide...so
if you see your brother choking on dope. You just as well remind him 'cause he
does not stand a hope...If you see your mama shakin' on the street. You're
little sister's starvin' and there ain't no food to eat. She's looking for the
dealer, she's trying to find some crack...Another form of suicide..."
We Are The Champions
By Queen. The song is about paying your dues, perseverance, and working
hard to meet your dreams and aspirations. "I've paid my dues, time after
time. I've done my sentence, but committed no crime. And bad mistakes, I've
made a few. I've had my share of sand kicked in my face but I've come
through...But it's been no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise. I consider it a
challenge before the whole human race and I ain't gonna lose..."
We Are Strong
By Saxon. Song is about believing in yourself and your abilities, perseverance and standing
up for what you believe in. “Life keeps kicking you down but you come back for
more. You take all the knocks, pick yourself up off the floor…Believe in
yourself, stand tall and take up the
fight…Everyone’s chasing their dream…You gotta follow your heart…”
We Are The World
By (Collaboration). This social
responsibility song raises awareness about the tragedy of world hunger and famine. Song serves
as a call to action. " We are the world.
We are the children. We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start
giving..."
Weathercock
By Jethro Tull. A tribute to the weathervane and it's usefulness
to our society. In
another sense, this song serves as an analogy for the ever changing state
of society and human affairs. "Good morning weathercock, how did you fair
last night?...Give us direction, the best of goodwill. Put us in touch with
fair winds. Sing to us softly, hum evening's song...point the
way to better days we can share with you..."
Wedding Song
By Jay Nash. A moving tribute to love
and marriage. "...Now on which day they fell in love I cannot say But it’s
big and clear and it’s singing to my ear It’s a love that will never fade away
It won’t ever grow old through rain snow and cold It’s an undying light it’s a
force you cannot fight It’s a love that will never fade away..."
We Didn't Start The Fire
By Billy Joel. The song
reviews 40 years of American History, during the years1949-89. A multitude of
significant people, places, and events
are referenced in this song. "Harry Truman, Doris Day, Red China,
Johnnie Ray,
South Pacific, Walter Winchell, Joe Dimaggio, Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon,
Studebaker, Television, North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe,...We
didn't start the fire It was always burning, Since the world's been turning. We
didn't start the fire Well we didn't light it, But we tried to fight
it..."
We Don't Have To Take Our
Clothes Off
By Jermaine Stewart. A man being pressured to have sex decides to he is not
ready and tells his friend that there are other ways to have fun.
"...So come on baby, won't you show some class. Why you want to move so
fast? We don't have to take our clothes off to have a good time...Just slow it
down if you want me. A man wants to be approached cool and romantically...I'm
not a piece of meat..."
We Do What We're Told
(Milgram's 37)
By Peter Gabriel. Based on
"obedience and authority" experiments carried out by psychologist Stanley Milgram during the 1960's.
Related topics: "mob psychology", human nature, violence, aggression,
war crimes, the individual in Authoritarian Societies, free will, the rise of
Totalitarian States in the 1930's.
The Weight
By The Band. About
the complexity of human relationships, struggling with people's demands or
expectations, trying to do right by others, and willingness to take on "the load"or
burden's of other people.
Weird
By Hanson. Song deals with the
topic of social and emotional health. Related issues include identity,
insecurity, self esteem, pressure
to conform, and the search for love and acceptance. '...Reaching for a hand
that can understand, someone who feels the same. When you live in a cookie
cutter world being different is a sin. So you don't stand out. And you don't
fit in. Weird..."
Welcome To The Boomtown
By David & David. About the benefits and perils of an expensive
lifestyle in a booming economy. Material posessions like a Porsce 944, jewelry,
and marble are accompanied by cocaine abuse and paranoia. "Ms. Cristina
drives a .944. Satisfaction oozes from her pores. She keeps rings on her
fingers, marble on the floor. Cocaine in her dresser, bars on her
doors...Welcome to the boomtown. Pick a habit we got plenty to go
around...Handsome Kevin got a little off track. Took a year off of college and
he never went back...Deals dope out of Denny's, keeps a table in the
back...Welcome to the boomtown."
Welfare Mothers
By Neil Young. A satirical song that exposes commonly held myths,
stereotypes, and prejudicesregarding
people who receive welfare. "...People, pick up on what I'm puttin' down
now. Welfare mothers make better lovers. Down at every laundromat in town,
now...Hard to believe that love is free now...DEE VORR CEEE!..."
Wendal
By The Zambonis. A tribute to National Hockey
League tough guy Wendal Clark who racked up 496 penalty minutes in his
first two years in the league. The Zambonis are a Canadian group where hockey
is the national pastime. "...I saw him take down Kovalov...I saw him cheap
shot Jeff Beukeboom. We didn't really care what they say 'cause in our book Wendal
Clark's okay..."
We're All In The Same Gang
By West Coast Rap All-Stars. A plea to end gang violence. Written when the
East Coast/West Coast feud among various rap artists was occuring in the
1990's. Lyrics unavailable at this time...
We're Sons Of Our Fathers
By Phil Collins. A person
recalls his childhood and realizes that raising children today is a
more complicated and challenging task. "...Our sons and daughters seem to
be beyond our control...When I was a boy, did we have more respect? This world
seemed a nicer place to be...Guess that was then and this is now. We always
knew that change was gonna come but I want to go back. Please tell me how..."
We Say No!
By Gerri Gribi. This song was written in response to the
murder of a woman in Green Bay, Wisconsin by her consistently abusive husband.
"...Her husband bought a gun and shot her through the head. The neighbors
and family were shocked that she was dead. Oh sure...we knew he beat her, but
doesn't every man discipline his wife a little every now and then? We say
NO..."
We Shall Overcome
By Charles Tindley. Historic anthem of the Civil Rights
Movement. "...We shall all be free We shall all be free
We shall all be free some day We are not afraid We are not afraid We are not
afraid some day...We shall overcome We
shall overcome We shall overcome some day"
We Shall Be Free
By Garth Brooks. A vision or dream of a world free
from hate, poverty, prejudice, and discrimination. "...When I close my
eyes I see the way this world
shall be when we all walk hand in
hand...When the last child cries for a crust of bread...When there's
shelter over the poorest head...When the last thing we notice is the color of skin...And nobody walks a
step behind. When there's only one race and that's mankind. Then we shall be
free..."
We Shall Go Forth!
By Margie Adam. This song deals with the Women's Liberation Movement
and the determination to ratify the Equal Rights amendment.
"We shall go forth from this place. Proud of things we've done. Sharing
the things we've won. We
shall not fail..."
We Were On Heroin
By Wasted Youth. About the physical and mental deterioration and desperation
caused by heroin abuse. "...I don't care if I die. Gotta have it to
survive. My arm's decaying day by day. My veins are collapsing doctors
say...I'll take the money from my mom just to buy it..."
We Will Have Dignity
By Ray Korona. This song
was written by the artist after he visited Thailand to learn firsthand about
the tragedy of child
labor and sweatshops. Based on an actual
event when almost 200 workers died in a 1993 toy factory fire
in Thailand. "I'm young, just in my teens. I make toys here in
Thailand...One Monday afternoon there were screams in the factory. The whole
building consumed by flames, doors locked for security. In that cruel, cheap
fire trap, two hundred workers died..."
We Work The Black Seam
By Sting. The song is about coal
mining in England, and new technologies leading to changing sources of
energy-nuclear.
Whacker Humphries
By Christy Moore. Song is about
Irish anti-heroin
crusader Whacker Humphries who formed the Concerned Parents Against Drugs.
Ironically, he was jailed by the the Irish government for interfering in police
business. "John
Whacker Humphries...Faced with the scourge of heroin, they'd not accept
defeat. They joined the Concerned Parents to put the dealers off the
street...They were rounded up and charged with crimes against the
state..."
The Whaler's Dues
By Jethro Tull. Sung from the
point of view of a whaler who must defend his trade. "...Been accused of
deep murder on the North Atlantic swell. But I have three hungry children and a
young wife as well. And behind stand generations of hard hunting men, who
raised a glass to the living and went killing again..."
What Are You Afraid Of
By Clawfinger. Song touches on the topics of racism, prejudice and hatred.
"...Racist brutality's an everyday reality...The problem is you and your
racist buddies. Prejudice, right wing small time nobodies...What are you afraid
of..."
What A Wonderful World
By Louie Armstrong. About the beauty and serenity of life and how there are
so many little pleasures to experience. "I see trees of green. Red roses
too. I see them bloom for me and you. And I think to myself what a wonderful
world..."
What Can I Do For You
By Sheryl Crow. Touches on the issue of sexual harrassment and using
positions of power for sexual favors in order to "help" somebody move
up in the business world. "...Just ask anybody. They'll tell you that it's
true. There's no one else on Earth can do the things that I can do for you...I have
so much to offer if you just be nice...You got to understand I'm your
man..."
Whatcha Don't
By The Outlaws. Song deals with many health issues including taking positive
risks, making the most of your opportunities and working hard to get the most
out of life. "...We've got time but there's only so much of it. Only so
long to break through. Where the only regrets are the things that you don't
do...
What A Good Boy
By Barenaked Ladies. A coming
of age song that is about a persons search for self or identity and their
struggle with parental expectations and societal pressures. "We've got
these chains that hang around our necks people want to strangle us with them
before we take our first breath. Afraid of change, afraid of staying the
same...This name is the hairshirt
I wear...This song is the cross that I bear...I wake up scared, I wake up strange
and everything around me stays the same..."
What Did You Learn In School
Today?
By Tom Paxton. Social and political commentary regarding the justice system
and the military . "What did you learn in school today?...I learned that
murderers die for their crimes. Even if we make a mistake sometimes..I learned
our government must be strong. Is always right and never wrong...I learned that
war is not so bad...We fought in Germany and in France and someday I might get
my chance..."
What Ever Happened to Peace on
Earth
By Willie Nelson. An anti-war
protest song
inspired by the 2003 Iraq War. According
to the artist, There was nothing but bad news, and here it was Christmas
Day, I said, There sure are a lot of babies dying and mothers crying, and
(wife) Annie said, That sounds like a song. "There's so many things
going on in the world Babies dying Mothers crying How much oil is one human
life worth And what ever happened to peace on earth? And the bewildered herd is
still believing Everything we've been told from our birth Hell they won't lie
to me Not on my own damn TV But how much is a liar's word worth And what ever
happened to peace on earth?..."
What Good Can Drinkin' Do
By Janis Joplin. A person realizes that alcohol is not the answer to their
problems but can't quit due to their addiction. "What good can drinkin'do,
what good can drinkin' do? Lord, I drink all night but the next day I still
feel blue. There's a glass on the table, they say it's gonna ease all my pain.
And there's a glass on the table, they say it's gonna ease all my pain. But I
drink it down, an' the next day I feel the same..."
What Happened To You?
By Offspring. A person voices
concerns about his friend's drug use. "...Before you started tokin' you
used to have a brain. But now you don't get even the simplest things. I can
draw a little picture or even use my hands, I try to explain but you just don't
understand. Man you're really losin' it..."
The What-If Game
By Monty Harper. The song is about recognizing
potentially dangerous situations and reacting to them in a healthy manner. Many
references in song to personal safety and not associating with strangers.
"What if...A car pulls up and stops in your way. The man says...Won't you
hop into my seat?...You shout no I won't, you run away..."
What It's Like
By Everlast. Song is about disadvantaged or
troubled people who are facing
difficult circumstances and situations. The singer suggests that many in society
fail to act or respond to
these people in need, lacking any sense of compassion or empathy
for others who are less fortunate. "We've all seen a man at the liquor
store beggin' for your change...God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his
shoes...Mary got
pregnant from a kid named Tom that said he was in love...But 3 months later
he say he won't date her or return her calls...God forbid you ever had to walk
a mile in her shoes. "Cause then you really might know what it's like to
have to choose..."
What Made Milwaukee Famous (Has
Made A Loser Out Of Me)
By Rod Stewart. Song deals with
substance abuse and dependency.
A man realizes that alcohol has
lead to his downfall and has had a harmful impact on his relationship with
others. "It's late and she is waiting, and I know I must go home...Baby's
begged me not to go, so many times before. She said love and happiness can't
live behind those swingin' doors. Now she's gone and I'm to blame, too late I
finally see. What made Milwaukee
famous has made a loser out of me..."
What The Papers Say
By Nik Kershaw. About tabloid journalism, sensationalism and how people tend
to believe anything they read or hear. "I read it in the papers, it must
be true. It said "girl gave birth to alien boy" but do we see a photo
of this bundle of joy? No, no...It's what the papers say. You know it's
right..."
What Say You
By Travis Tritt w/ John Mellencamp. Song is about brotherhood, freedom of
expression, and tolerance. "...I know I'm not always right I don't think
I'm better than you I don't have all the answers But I share my point of view
What say you..."
What's Going On
By Marvin Gaye. Commentary on brutality and violence in society. Also
addressing the emotional and physical pain/suffering caused by the Vietnam War. A new version of this song was
recently recorded as a call to stop the spread of AIDS in Africa. The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide web site
includes the following statement about this song...In the wake of the tragic
September 11th terrorist attack in the United States, the artists felt
compelled to dedicate a part of the proceeds of "What's Going On" as
an inspirational song that calls on all of us to join together to create a world of compassion,
healing, and love in all manners of life including AIDS relief. "...Oh
brother, brother, brother There's far too
many of you dying...You see, war is not the answer, For only love can
conquer hate...We've got to find a way to
bring some understanding here today..."
What's My Age Again?
By blink-182-. About a young adult
who is growing older but is not yet ready to grow up. "...My friends say I
should act my age. What's my age again?...Nobody likes you when you're
23...What the hell is wrong with me...No one should take themselves so
seriously...I never want to act my age. What's my age again?..."
What's Really Going On (Strange
Fruit)
By Dwayne Wiggins. Song was
inspired by or based on a personal and very painful
experience. Song is about injustice, the legacy of racism,
and it's deep-rooted or institutionalized nature. Chorus for this song
incorporates lyrics from the song "Strange
Fruit", a similarly disturbing significant song. "I'm a man of
peace but sometimes you gotta bring the heat. The description I fit was that black
man rollin' down the street..."
(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace,
Love And Understanding
By Elvis Costello. Commentary on injustice, violence, war, and suffering in
society. "As I walk through this wicked world..Is there only pain
and hatred, and misery?..." Yearning for a better
world, "So where are the strong and who are the trusted, and where is
the harmony?..."
What's The Frequency, Kenneth?
By R.E.M. This Song is
about and inspired by actual events involving television news anchorman, Dan Rather. "What's the
frequency, Kenneth? is your Benzedrine, uh-huh. I was brain-dead, locked
out, numb, not up to speed. I thought I'd pegged you an idiot's dream..."
What's The Matter Here?
By Natalie Merchant. About
domestic violence, verbal and physical abuse of a child. From the point of view
of an outsider, wondering whether to intervene in the situation. "...And
instead of love, the feel of warmth you've given him these cuts and sores that
don't heal with time or age..." The effects of domestic violence are also
explored in the poem, "Neighbor
Blood" by Richard
Frost .
What's This Life For?
By Creed. A personal song about the
tragedy of suicide. Song deals with the struggle to find meaning or purpose to
your life and the strength to live another day, when one feels
"lost", and all hope
is gone. "Hurray for a child that makes it through. If there's any way because
the answer lies in you. They're laid to rest before they know just what to do.
Their souls are lost because they could never find, What's this life
for..."
What's This World Comin' To?
By Chicago. About racial harmony, equality and love for all human beings.
"Why can't folks get along with one another? It was Jesus who said you got
to love your brother...Hope for love...Makin' life a whole lot better..."
What You See(Is What You Get)
By Britney Spears. About personal identity, individuality, believing in
yourself and not letting others change you. "...You should never try to
change me. I can't be nobody else. And I like the way I am. What you see is
what you get. This is me...You should take me as I am..."
What You See Is What You Get
By Save Ferris. A person in an unhealthy relationship feels they are giving
more than they are receiving and wonders if it is time to move on.
"...Lately you haven't been respecting me or treating me with proper
dignity. I don't need you to treat me this way. The more I seem to give the
less I get...If you don't like like me for whar you see...Set me free..."
Wheat Kings
By The Tragically Hip. Song is about David Milgaard who was wrongly
convicted of murder and served over twenty years in a Saskatchawan, Canada prison
before being released. "...He sees the killer's face. Maybe it's someone
standing in a killer's place. Twenty years for nothing. Well that's nothing
new...We always knew that he'd go free..."
When Animals Attack
By Blue Ceiling. About
the extremes and dangers
of reality television. "...When animals attack We keep the camera
rollin' Real Video is real money, now We never fade to black We've got a busy
schedule...How far will you go -- to come up With some footage for that
"real-life" show? How far
will you go? -- well we wanna know..."
When Depression Speaks
By Ebony Tears. An emotional health song about depression. "Depression
is calling. It's face has been shown. Direction nowhere, a world painted
black...My soul I shut, sealed. When depression speaks through me..."
Whenever I Call You
"Friend"
By Kenny Loggins/Stevie Nicks. References to friendship and knowing that
someone will always be there for you. "I think about the times to come,
knowin' I will be the lucky one. And ever our love will last, I always want to
call you friend..."
When Fall Comes To New England
By Cheryl Wheeler. About the beauty of the trees and the smell of the air
when summer turns to fall. The northeast part of the United States is famous
for its "fall foliage". "When fall comes to New England the sun
slants in so fine. and the air's so clear. You can almost hear the grapes grow
on the vine. The nights are sharp with starlight and the days are cool and
clean..."
When First Unto This Country
By Phil Ochs. Strong
critique of United States expansionist, imperialist, and militaristic policies
and practices throughout history. "...When the Indians attacked us, at
least that's what I'm told. So we threw them off their land with no thought of
greed or gold...And we borrowed from old Mexico the American South West...Then
for thirty years we rested, and tried to ease the pain, until the Cuban sugar
crop we gladly freed from Spain..."
When I'm Sixty-Four
By The Beatles. Song deals with the topic of aging and growing old.
"When I get older losing my hair, many years from now...Every summer we
can rent a cottage on the Isle of
Wight...Grandchildren on your knee...Will you still need me, will you still
feed, When I'm sixty-four..."
When I'm With You
By Sheriff. Song is dedicated to Brian and Jean whose marriage took place on
September 29, 2001. "...Oh babe, lost in love is what I feel when I'm with
you...I never needed anyone 'til I needed you...And when I see you I come all
undone...When I'm with you..."
When I Was Your Age
By "Weird Al" Yankovic. A
humorous generation gap song
about appreciating what you have and not taking things for granted.
"Let me tell you sonny. Let me set you straight. You kids today ain't
never had it rough. Always had everything handed to you on a silver
plate...Well nobody drove me to school when it was ninety degrees below...
Worked in the coal mine twenty two hours a day for just half a cent...Let me
tell you something, you whiny little snot There's something wrong with all you
kids today You just don't appreciate all the things you've got We were hungry,
broke and miserable and we liked it Fine that way when I was your age..."
When Smokey Sings
By ABC. Song is a tribute to rhythm and blues singer Smokey Robinson. References to legendary
singers Luther Vandross, Sly Stone, Rick James and Marvin Gaye. "...Luther
croons. Sly's the original originator. James screams. Marvin was the
innovator...Nothing can compare when Smokey sings..."
When The Bartender Cries
By Michael Peterson. A man turns to alcohol to escape his personal problems
and failed relationships. "This bar has been my home away from her, used
to be she was missing me. Now she's moving in with her best friend, and I'm the
only one who wants what used to be. I'm here today because I lost it all, I
didn't want to drink at home alone..."
When The Eagle Cries
By Iced Earth. From the album The Glorious Burden this
song commemorates September 11th. "Another day just
like any other Out of the blue it turned to horror How could they? Why would
they? The innocent suffered hell’s inferno A senseless act that goes
unforgotten How could they? They will pay..."
When The Going Gets Tough
By Billy Ocean. Not giving up in the face of adversity, to strive for personal best no matter how challenging
the situation. "...When the goin' gets tough, the tough get goin..."
When The Hangover Strikes
By Squeeze. About the
"morning after" and the consequences of excessive drinking. Song
deals with numerous issues including substance
abuse, avoidance, dependence, and denial. "...And the coffee is on, and I'm burning my
toast. I let the battle commence...As the hangover strikes and I turn on the
tap. But the water's too loud...So the cure of the can pours its heart out on
me. Though I'm feeling locked up but I can't find the key. Well no damage was
done. Poor, poor, poor, poor shaken one. Pour, pour, pour, pour me another
one."
When The Tigers Broke Free,
part 1 & part 2
By Pink Floyd. From
the highly acclaimed concept album/CD "The Wall". A two part
song about the fierce battle for Anzio,
January, 1944 during World War II. "It was just before dawn one miserable
morning in black 'fourty four..And the Anzio
bridgehead was held for the price of a few hundred ordinary lives..It was dark
all around, there was frost in the ground when the tigers broke free...And no
one survived from the Royal Fusiliers
Company C ..."
When The Whales Die
By Suffer. A protest against the slaughter of whales for commercial reasons.
"When the sundown's real and the moon is rising up. Whaling ships are
leaving ports for deep waters...Something's gonna die...The scenery was cut by
the murderer's harpoon..."
When We Was Fab
By George Harrison. A sentimental song as the artist looks back on the time
when he was a member of the Beatles. The Beatles were called the "Fab
Four" at the height of their popularity. "Back then long time ago
when the grass was green...Fab, long time ago when we was fab...But it's all
over now baby blue..."
When Ya Get Drafted
By Dead Kennedys. An anti-war song that suggests nations will go to war for
economic and financial gain. Song is also about the importance of speaking out and participating in the
political processs. Singer criticizes young people for their lack or absence
of political and social activism. "...We make more profit when we blow
off their heads... Playing with missiles like they're toys. There's easy money,
easy jobs. Especially when you build the bombs...Forget your demonstrations.
Kids today sit on their..."
When You Get There
By Zebra. A man involved in a relationship dreads the consequences after
having a one night stand. "You wake up in the morning and your not feeling
quite the same. You feel a gentle hand upon you but you can't quite remember
her name...You haven't had a chance to think about how to explain where you
slept till noon...You're headed home. You're hoping and praying you won't be all
alone..."
When You Got Good Friends
By Lynyrd Skynyrd. A tribute to
southern rock. “You got to love ol' Charlie Daniels You got to cut the rug with
Wet Willie too And you got to be a fan of the Marshall Tucker Band Before I'll
sit down and have a drink with you Yes, Bakersfield has got ol' Merle Haggard
He's a bad, bad boy, yes indeed Nashville's got a million and one guitar
pickers But I guess my favorite would be the CDB..”
When You're Gone
By Cheryl Wheeler. Song relates to emotional health. A wrenching song about
trying to survive the after effects of a broken relationship. "...I'm
goin' crazy, sinkin' like a stone. My friends are callin', sayin' don't sit
home alone...So I watch the clock on the wal not movin' at all. Just frozen in
time..."
Where Are They Now?
By The Kinks. A nostalgic look back
at people and events comprising British popular culture during the 1960's.
"I'll sing a song about some people you might know. They made front pages
in the news not long ago...And what of Christine Keeler...Where are all
the Teddy Boys now?...I hope that
Charlie Bubbles had a very
pleasant flight...I wonder what became of aall the Rockers and the Mods?..."
Where Do We Go From Here?
By Nuclear Valdez. About the spiritual and social decline of modern society.
"...When there is no God and there is no love. And our children's hearts
are frozen cold. I just have to worry...We can't borrow what we took today...We
salute the flag while our voices drag through the words we long ago
forgot...Where do we go from here?.."
Where Eagles Dare
By Iron Maiden. Inspired by Alistair MacLean's fictional account of a dangerous operation to free a captured comrade
during World War II. "...They're closing in the fortress is near, it's
standing high in the sky. The cable car's the only way in, it's really
impossible to climb...They dared to go where no one would try, they chose to
fly where eagles dare."
Where Have All the Flowers
Gone?
By Pete Seeger. A timeless anti-war song about the senseless death and
suffering caused by wars. "...Where have all the soldiers gone? Gone
to graveyards everyone. When will they ever learn? when will they ever
learn?..."
Where I Go
By Natalie Merchant.
Borrowing from themes of the Romantic movement, this work reflects on the
beauty of our environment and the healing or restorative powers of communing
with nature. "...Well I go to the river to soothe my mind to ponder
over the crazy days of my life watch the river flow ease my mind and my soul where I go..."
Where's My Apple Pie?
By Joan Baez. An anti-war
song about veterans of war that return to our country and are either
ignored or are forgotten by the government. "...I volunteered for the last
one and I don't want to moralize. But somehow I thought we deserved the best
for the way we threw away our lives...We walked and wheeled for the
battlefield. Now where's our apple pie?...When the next time the call goes out.
It's hell no we won't go. There'll be no World War Three my firends..."
Where's The Love
By Hanson. About the importance of
compassion, love, tolerance, and understanding between
people. "...We've got to change our point of view,
if we want the sky blue. We're segregating, consciences are fading. You're
thinking that it's me you're fooling. Where's the right, in all our fighting.
Look at what we're doing..."
Where The Stars And Stripes And
Eagles Fly
By Aaron Tippin. A tribute to the United States of America, land of the
free. References made to the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell.
"...There's a lady that stands in a harbor for what we believe. And
there's a bell that still echoes the price that it costs to be free...I pledge
allegiance to this flag...Where the stars and stripes and eagles fly..."
Wherever You Go
By Clint Black. About using alcohol to deal with stressful situations.
"...Bottle of scotch whiskey whatever you find...You can run from yourself
but you won't get far. You can drive to the bottom of your medicne jar...Trying
to change your life you change your point of view..."
Where Were You (When The World
Stopped Turning)
By Alan Jackson. Song is a jumble of conflicting emotions and reactions to
the events of September 11, 2001 when terrorists destroyed the World Trade
Center. "I'm just a singer of simple songs. I'm not a real political man.
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I could tell you the difference between Iraq and
Iran...Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow..."
Which Way To America
By Living Colour. About the growing disparity between economic/social
classes in our society. "I look at the T.V. Your America's doing well I
look out the window My America's catching hell..I change the channel Your
America's doing fine I read the headlines My America's doing time...Where is my
picket fence? My long, tall glass of lemonade? Where is my VCR, my stereo, my
T.V. show?..."
While You See A Chance
By Steve Windwood. About making
the most of one's life and not being afraid to act,
taking advantage of life's opportunities when they appear. "Stand up in a
clear blue morning until you see what can be...How the endless road unwinds
you. While you see a chance take it, find romance fake it. Because it's all on
you..."
Whiskey And Women
By John Lee Hooker. About a man who ruins his life by carousing and enjoying
too much of the nightlife. "Whiskey and women almost wrecked my
life...Wasn't for whiskey and women I would have money today...Nightlife and
whiskey wrecked my life..."
Whiskey Bottle
By Pat McDonald. A man recognizes he has a problem with alcohol and wants
to quit drinking but can't. "...I don't wanna drown. I don't want to
wither and fade. I don't wanna live my life in a whiskey bottle...Still I climb
inside..."
Whiskey Bottle
By Robb Milford. References to alcohol
abuse, tolerance and dependency. "I bought a bottle of whiskey just
the other day or maybe the bottle bought me...I drink a little bit more and a
little bit mre...It's funny how one-fifth takes up four-fifths of my
time..."
Whiskey Lullaby
By Brad Paisley w/ Alison Krause. A heart-breaking song
about lost love, despair, alcoholism and suicide.
"...She broke his heart he spent his whole life tryin' to forget We
watched him drink his pain away a little at a time...We found him with his face
down in the pillow With a note that said I'll love her till I die...The rumors
flew but nobody knew how much she blamed herself For years and years she tried
to hide the whiskey on her breath She finally drank her pain away a little at a
time...We found her with her face down in the pillow Clinging to his picture
for dear life We laid her next to him beneath the willow While the angels sang
a whiskey lullaby"
Whiskey Man
By Molly Hatchet. About alcohol abuse, denial and withdrawal
symptoms. "Hey whiskey man, you're running as hard as you can. You drink
your whiskey too much more than you can stand...You start to get straight, then
you get weak. Can't you see you're on a losing streak?..."
Whiskey Man
By The Who. References made to alcohol addiction, psychological problems and
paranoid delusions caused by excessive alcohol use. "Whiskey man's my
friend...Nobody has ever seen him, I'm the only one...Doctors say he's just a
figment of my twisted mind...Two men dressed in white collected me a few days
ago..."
Whiskey Night
By REO Speedwagon. Song is about
living life in the fast lane and the after effects of drinking too much alcohol.
"...My head is poundin' as I'm sittin' here and my minds not workin' like
it should...My eyes are aching from the weight of them...My eyes all scarred
from a whiskey night..."
Whiskey On The Rocks
By AC-DC. Song deals with alcohol abuse,
blackouts and denial. These are all classic examples of a person with an
alcohol problem. "I've been drinkin' all night long. So long baby, I'm
gone...We drink alot that demon drop. This one's on me and here's to you...pour
me a double, here comes trouble. Whiskey on the rocks..."
Whiskey Seed
By Kerry Livgren. About the descent into alcohol addiction and the toll it
takes on a person's social, physical and emotional health. "...I done
spent all my bread just to screw up my head. An' that ol' reaper is comin' with
his sickle...My liver's so bad it's turning yellow...Got the d.t.'s so bad I
look like jello..."
Whisper A Prayer For The Dying
By Coverdale/Page. A soldier of war feels helplessness and despair over the
death and destruction he is seeing around him. "I hear the sound of
distant thunder echo all around. I see the tragedy of young ones lying on the
ground...Machine gun, battle cry. You pray to God when the bullets fly. The
bombs fall like black rain...nothing but bad dreams...You try to carry the
heavy load, walking down Armegedden Road...oh a prayer for the dying..."
White Buffalo
By Running Wild. Song is about the
slow death of the environment and Mother Earth in general. "Acid rain and
poison cauterize its skin. A boiling hell we're living in. Blood stained
animals, chain saws rip the trees. The gasping Earth is on its knees..."
White Heaven/Black Hell
By Public Enemy. About injustice
and inequalities in our society that lead to oppression of black people and
help to promote and perpetuate
racist attitudes. "White mans heaven is a black
mans hell. Black history-white lie. Black athletes-white agents. Black
preacher-white Jesus...Black monday-white christmas...Black politicians-white
president. Black genocide-white world order. So watcha sayin'? White mans
heaven is a black mans hell."
White Lady,White Powder
By Elton John. Song talks about the topic of cocaine addiction.
"...I've had my face in a mirror for twenty-four hours. Staring at a line
of white powder. High priced madness pays the tab. I've scraped too much of
nothing from your plastic bag..."
White Lines
By Duran Duran. About the addictive nature and dangerous potential of using
the stimulant drug cocaine. "...The longer you stay the more you
pay...Either up your nose or through your veins. With nothing to gain except
killing your brain..."
White Man
By Queen. Another song dealing with the negative impact that European
explorers and settlers had on the Native American people. "White man,
white man. Our country was green and all our rivers wide. White man, white man.
You came with a gun and soon our children died. White man, white man. Don't you
give a light for the blood you've shed?... And we made our shoes and we trod
soft on the land. But the immigrant built roads on our blood and our
sand..."
White Rabbit
By Jefferson Airplane. Lyrics make reference to "hallucinations",
an effect of using drugs known as hallucinogens. Song also
references "Alice" from the well known children's story.
"...When the men on the chessboard, get up and tell you where to go. And
you have just had some
kind of mushroom and your mind is moving low..."
White Riot
By The Clash. About class struggle, resistance and rebellion. "...All
the power's in the hands Of people rich enough to buy it While we walk the
street Too chicken to even try it Everybody's doing Just what they're told to
Nobody wants To go to jail! Are you taking over or are you taking orders? Are
you going backwards Or are you going forwards?"
White Russian
By Marillion. Song is inspired by
the controversial election of Kurt Waldheim as President of Austria (June 8,
1986), despite knowledge of possible involvement in WWII atrocities.
"...they're burning down the synagogues, uzis on a street corner. The
heralds of the Holocaust, uzis on a street corner. The silence never louder
than now, how quickly we forgot our vows. This resurrection we can't allow,
uzis on a street corner..."
Who Has The Right?
By Sammy Hagar. Song is about all the violence, suffering, and injustice in
society. Deals with community and social responsibility and caring for your fellow man. "Here's a
message from the heart, are you listening?...Tell me when did human life become
so cheap, how can we take away what we did not create?...Tell me who, who has
the right? No one has the right...As long as one of us is chained, none of us
is free..."
Who Killed Davey Moore?
By Bob Dylan. Inspired by actual
events, this song is about the brutal nature of professional boxing and the
public's thirst or appetite for violence. "Who killed Davey Moore, Why an'
what's the reason for?...Not I says the referee... I could've stopped it in the
eighth...But the crowd would've booed I'm sure...Not us says the angry
crowd...We just meant to see some sweat. There ain't nothing wrong in that. It
ain't us that made him fall. No, you can't blame us at all...Not me says the
man whose fists laid him low in a cloud of mist...I hit him, yes it's true, but
that's what I am paid to do..."
Who Needs Sleep?
By Barenaked Ladies. Song is about the medical condition, insomnia. "Now I lay me down not to sleep.
I just get tangled in the sheets. I swim in sweat three inches deep. I just lay
back and claim defeat...Lids down, I count sheep. I count heartbeats. The only
thing that counts is that I won't sleep...My mind is racing, filled with lists
of things to do and things I've done. Another
sleepless night's begun..."
Who Knew
By Eminem. Many songs by this controversial artist will offend people due to
excessive use of profanity and violent images. This song does include important
social commentary regarding censorship, hypochrisy, parental responsibility,
violence in society, and the influence or power of media. "...I'm sorry
there must be a mix-up. you want me to fix up my lyrics while the President
gets his...Quit tryin' to censor music,
this is for your kid's amusement ( The kids! ) But don't blame me when lil'
Eric jumps off the terrace. You shoulda been watchin' him - apparently you
ain't parents...Last week I seen a Schwarzeneggar movie where he's shootin' all
sorts...I sees three little kids up in the front row screamin' Go...Ain't they
got the same moms and dads who got mad when I asked if they liked violence? And
told me that my tape taught 'em to swear. What about the make-up you allow your
12-year-old daughter to wear? ( Hmm?)...I never knew I, know I'd effect this
kid. I never knew I'd, get him to slit his wrist..."
Whose Garden Was This?
By Tom Paxton. An eye opening song about a person who is living after the
Earth has been destroyed by pollution and stripped of it's natural resources,
all caused by man's stupidity and carelessness. "Whose garden was
this?...Did it have flowers? I've seen pictures of flowers...Whose river was
this?...Blue was it's color. I've seen blue in some pictures..."
Who Shot Daddy?
By Dennis DeYoung. About the crippling effects of drug abuse and the toll it
takes on a person and their family. References made to denial, ignoring your
children and addiction. "...Pay no attention to your family, your
friends...Just a recreation, nonaddictive and fun. Just about as harmless as a
loaded gun. You're so together and it's under control. Who ya foolin', there's
a crack in your soul..."
Why?
By The Specials. Song is about prejudice, intolerance, and racially
motivated violence or hate crimes. "...I know I am black. You know you are
white. I'm proud of my black skin and you are proud of your white. Why did you
try to hurt me? Did you really kill me?...I just wanna live in peace. Why can't
you be the same? Why should I live in fear?..."
Why Does It Go On?
By Rod Stewart. Song deals with
empathy and social responsibility. Singer
is questioning why there is not more kindness and compassion in the world.
"You know it ain't right to beat a man when he's down. Know it ain't right
to eat when the hunger's around.
It keeps on worryin' me, as all around I see and still it goes on...But
all good things we take, we don't build, we just break...They don't want love
today. It's headin' all the way..."
Why Does It Hurt When I Pee?
By Frank Zappa. A comical song about a very
serious topic, sexually transmitted diseases. Song
refers to a commonly held misconception regarding transmission of STD's.
"Why does it hurt when I pee? I don't want no doctor to stick no needle in
me. Why does it hurt when I pee? I got it from the toilet seat..."
Why I Sing The Blues
By B.B. King. A social justice song about numerous societal problems
including racism, unemployment, and poverty. "...When I first got the
blues They brought me over on a ship Men were standing over me And a lot more
with a whip...I've laid in a ghetto flat Cold and numb I heard the rats tell
the bedbugs To give the roaches some... My kid's gonna grow up Gonna grow up to
be a fool 'Cause they ain't got no more room No more room for him in
school.."
Why Must We Be So Brutal?
By Kathryn Williams. According
to the artist, this
song is part of a 'plea for peace' song cycle of gospel-flavored jazz hymns
that I wrote just after September 11. "Why must we be so brutal Why
must we terrify the world And bloody her knees Why can't we bury our arguments
Instead of so many people Let them free...There's intelligence enough among us
A higher power fair and just Why can't we find a way to live
Peacefully..."
The Wicker Man
By Iron Maiden. Song is based on the 1973 cult classic film "The Wicker Man",
directed by Robin Hardy. "...The ferryman wants his money, you ain't going
to give it back. He can push his own boat as you set off the track. Nothing you
can contemplate will ever be the same...Brothers and their fathers joining
hands and making a chain. The shadow of the wicker man is
rising up again..."
The Wicklow Boy
By Christy Moore. Song is about
Irish Republican Socialist Party founder and member Nicky
Kelly who was framed for a crime and then tortured by authorities until he
signed a confession. "...Seven years ago his torture started. A forced
confession he was made to sign...Give the Wicklow boy his freedom. Give him
back his liberty...The people versus Kelly was the title of the farce we staged
at his appeal..."
Wide Open Spaces
By Keith Secola and Wild Band of Indians.
About the clash of cultures between Native Americans and people of European
decent. In particular this
song examines contrasting views with respect to land use and the environment. In
a larger sense the song reveals the impact of ethnocentric/imperialistic
attitudes and practices on the traditional culture of indigenous peoples. "...The talk
show host of the call in radio program kept saying over the airwaves, I'm sick
and tired of people trespassing on my land, having no respect 4 my fences...So
I calls him up and I say, Did you know that you could go a mile above the earth and look down upon the earth, you won't see yor fences, you
won't see your signs. In fact, you can go to the moon and look down upon the
earth, still won't see your fences...If you can't see your fences, how do you
know it's your land?...Wide Open Spaces. Back to the spirit, Back to the
start..."
Wife Beater
By Drive-By Truckers. Song is about domestic violence and the psychological
effects it has on those being abused. Song points out the inability of the
person being abused to leave the situation. This is a common characteristic of
domestic violence victims. "...Don't give me that bull about how it's for
the children. A man like that could never be a dad. What happens when he kills
you?...You say he's changed, don't be a fool..."
Wild Bill Jones
By The Stanley Brothers. Song is a murder ballad. "...I pulled a
revolver from my side and I destroyed that poor boy's soul...So put them
handcuffs on me boys...They sent me to prison for twenty long years..."
Wild Frontier
By Gary Moore. Singer looks back to
better times in his homeland before the division of Ireland and the ensuing
conflict or time of "troubles".
Lyrics include a reference to a well known Irish folk song.
"...I remember my city streets before the soldiers came. Now armored cars
and barricades remind us of our shame. We are drowning in a sea of blood, the
victims you have seen. Never more to sing again The Forty Shades of
Green..."
Wildside
By Marky Mark. The song addresses problems of urban areas, gang violence,
substance abuse and the struggle for racial
justice. A specific reference is made to Charles Stewart, a resident of
Boston who killed his pregnant wife on October 23, 1989. He called the police
from his car cell and claimed they had been attacked by a black individual.
Once found out, Charles committed suicide. Adaptation of Lou Reed's classic,
"Walk on The Wild Side"
Willie, Waylon And Me
By David Allan Coe. Song title are references to famous Texas
"outlaw"country rock musicians Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and
David Allan Coe. Also, many references made to other famous musical artists.
"...In Texas the talk turned to outlaws like Willie and Waylon and me.
Well, they say Texas music's in the make..."
Will Powers
By Will Powers.
From the 1983 concept album "Dancing For Mental Health" performed and
produced by portrait photographer Lynn Goldsmith in
collaboration with Sting, Steve Winwood, Todd Rundgren and other recording
artists. Songs on the album promote a positive mental health message and deal
with the importance of goal setting, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-image,
and not being afraid to strive
for your dreams and desires. "...No one gets through life without fighting
some battles. The person who runs away from his problems is defeated by them.
The person who faces his problems conquers them...Let's get it straight just
for the record. Let's get it straight. If you want the rewards of life
remember, only you decide your fate..."
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
By Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. A man and his immediate family grieve as they put
their mother to rest. "...Oh, I followd close behind her. Tried to hold up
and be brave. But I could not hide my sorrow when they laid her in the
grave...All of my brothers, sisters crying. What a home so sad and
alone..."
Willy Brown
By King's X. About a vagrant who wanders around the world in search of
meaning and understanding. "....Moving across the great country. Don't
settle in any town. No map to follow, no plan to keep. Just live the life of
Willie Brown..."
Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
By Carole King.
About commitment, honesty, love, and the decision to become sexually active.
"...Tonight the light of love is in your eyes. But will you love me
tomorrow? Is this a lasting treasure or just a moment's pleasure?..."
Winds Of Change
By Scorpions. About the dismantling of Communist Russia in 1989-90.
Scorpions were one of the first groups to play peace concerts in the former
U.S.S.R. They introduced the Russian rock group "Gorky Park" who were
forced to stay "underground" during Communist rule. " I follow
the Moskva down to Gorky Park, listening to the wind of change. In August
summer night, soldiers passing by, listening to the wind of change."
Wind Up
By Jethro Tull. Song is a critique of religious dogma and certain practices,
doctrines, and/or principles of organized religions. This song is about the personal and
individual nature of faith and the importance of choice. "...So I left
there in the morning with their God tucked underneath my arm...So to my old
headmaster (and to anyone who cares): before I'm through I'd like to say my
prayers. I don't believe you: you had the whole damn thing all wrong. He's not
the kind you have to wind up on Sundays..."
Wings Of Freedom
By The German Rock Stars Against Terrorism. Written in response to the
terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on September 11, 2001. Features
many German rock stars including Lenny Wolf, Doro Pesch and Fernando Garcia.
Lyrics unavailable at this time.
The Winner Loses
By Body Count. An anti-drug song. Mentions crack addiction and the risks
people take in order to get high. "My friend's addicted to cocaine. Smokes
day and night...Living his life in the dark light. Every dollar he gets goes to
the pipe...You wanna get high as the sky. You're kissin' your life
goodbye..."
Winning
By Santana. About determination,
optimism, self-reliance, and the power of positive thinking. "One day I
was on the ground. When I needed a hand, it couldn't be found...And in my head
I'd lost before I'd begun...I can see that day that I breathe for...I'm winning
and I don't intend on losing again.."
Winning It All
By The Outfield. About working up to your potential and never
giving up on your goals and dreams. "This time it's right, my time has
come. Gonna give everything that I've got 'til it's over and victory is
won...No second chance, no giving up..."
Wino
By Lynyrd Skynyrd. About street people and their susceptibility to alcohol
abuse. "Wino on the street. Drinkin' a bottle of booze...Times are on his
face. Blisters on his brain. Wonders who's at fault. Knows that he's to
blame..."
Wino Junko
By Paul McCartney and Wings. About the dangers of drug and alcohol
addiction. Song was written by former Wings guitarist Jimmy
McCulloch who succumbed to a drug overdose at the age of twenty-six in
1979. "...Play with fire, getting higher. Higher than a nine foot flame.
My soul is spent and so's my rent but I'll go down again. Wino, junko can't say
no. Wino, junko eyes aglow..."
Winter
By The Stratovarious Network. About the thoughts and feelings that arise in
certain people during the shorter days of fall and winter. Many people that
experience this are suffering from "Seasonal
Affective Disorder". "Silence is all I hear. Blackness feels my
world. Midwinter days...Depression takes over my frozen mind...Winter blows
colder..."
Wisdom Guide Me
By Eileen McGann. Song is a personal prayer for guidance through dark or
confusing times in one's life. "...When the map is lost and the road's
confusing. Wisdom guides me through my fear. When the paths dwindle and theirs
no clear choosing. Oh, wisdom be my guide..."
A Wish For Wings That Work
By Poison the Well. Song deals with a very serious health topic, suicide.
References also made to depression and self esteem. "Could I end my life
with a knife sharpened of problems?...A paper cut bleeds like a cut vein. Could
the sky open up and accept this tortured soul..."
With A Little Help From My
Friends
By The Beatles. Song is about the importance of friendship and being there
for someone in times of need. "...Do you need anybody? I just need someone
to love...I get by with a little help from my friends..."
With Arms Wide Open
By Creed. About the beautiful experience of birth and creating human life.
"Well I just heard the news today. It seems my life is going to
change...Well I don't know if I'm ready to be the man I have to be...We stand
in awe, we've created life...I'll show you everything..".
Wolf In Sheep's Wool
By Corey Jude Findley. Song was written by 15 year old Findley for "The
Creative Writing for Teens Publishing Center". Song is about the dangers
of drug and alcohol use. "Lie to you to start. Choking your poor
heart...Time to die, do the lie. Block everything that makes you cry...Mind's
full of smoke. Everything's a joke..."
Women In Chains
By Joe Perry Project. About discrimination against women and men who feel
that females belong in traditional roles and jobs. "...Suzie, mother,
housewife scrubs the floor. Always drives the kids to school. Never keeps her
husband waiting for a meal. Such a deal...She stays home..."
Women Without Whiskey
By Drive By Truckers. About alcoholism and it's toll on a personal
relationship. If I make it through this year, I think I'm gonna put this bottle
down Maybe as time goes on I'll learn to miss it less than I do now Think I'm
gonna tell her that I'm gonna go away for a while Till I can get this demon
out...When I'm six feet underground, I'll need a drink or two And I'll sure
miss you..."
Wonder
By Natalie Merchant. About a person who is born with a disability and
accepts their fate in life even though other people are judgemental.
"Doctors have come from distant cities just to see me. Standing over my
bed. Disbelieving what they are seeing...They say I must be one of the wonders
of god's own creation..."
Wonderful
By Everclear. About emotional
and psychological pain, and the impact of
divorce on children. Sung from the point of view of a child who is
suffering, and having a difficult time coming to terms with changes in his
family. "...Close my eyes and I count to ten. Hope it's over when I
open them...Hope my mom and I hope my dad will figure out why they get so
mad...They say bad words that make me wanna cry...I don't wanna hear you say
you both have grown in a different way...I don't wanna meet your friends and I
don't wanna start over again...Please don't tell me everything is wonderful
now..."
Won't Get Fooled Again
By The Who. Song was originally
conceived as part of the Lifehouse
Project. About political or
social change and rebellion in society. Singer points out how leaders and
governments born out of revolution often fail to achieve any real or lasting
change and soon come to resemble the
totalitarian system they replaced in both policy and practice. "...The
change it had to come. We knew it all along...And the world looks just the
same. And history ain't changed. 'Cause the banners, they all flown in the last
war...I'll tip my hat to the new constitution. Take a bow for the new
revolution... Then I'll get on my knees and pray. We don't get fooled
again...There's nothing in the street looks any different to me...Meet the new
boss. Same as the old boss."
Woodstock
By Joni Mitchell. About the 1969
Woodstock Music Festival in Bethel, New York. "...I'm going on down to
Yasgur's farm, I'm going to join
in a rock n' roll band...By the time we got to Woodstock we were half a million
strong, and everywhere there was
song and celebration..."
Workin'At The Carwash Blues
By Jim Croce. A man is released from prison and sadly realizes that the only
job he can get is at a car wash. "Well, I had just got out from the county
prison. Doing 90 days for non support. Tried to find me an executive position.
But no matter how smooth I talked they wouldn't listen to the fact that I was a
genius. The man said "we've got all that we can use." Now I've got
the steadily depressing, low down, mind messing, working at the car wash
blues..."
Workin' For A Livin'
By Huey Lewis and the News. About working your tail off in order to pay your
bills. "...Hey I'm not complaining 'cause I really need the work...Hundred
dollar car note, two hundred rent. I get a check on Friday, but it's already
spent. Workin' for a livin'..."
Workin' For MCA
By Lynyrd Skynyrd. About the artist's experience of signing their first
major record deal. "...9000 dollars, that's all we could win. But we
smiled at the yankee slicker with a big ol' southern grin. They're gonna take
me out to California, gonna make me a superstar...Workin' for MCA..."
Workin' Man
By Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Song is about a man who is faced with a
foreclosure on his farm and forced to sell all his possessions due to slow
economic times. "...I need a job for these two hands...One last look at
mny land. Auctioneer with his gavel in his hand and he says its got to
go...Worked this piece all my life...Now I've got nothing to show..."
Working Man
By Rush. The tale of a working class person who feels that their job limits
them from enjoying other aspects of life. "I get up at seven, yeah, and I
go to work at nine. I got no time for livin', yes, I'm working all the time. It
seems to me I could live my life alot better than I think I am. I guess that's
why they call me. They call me the workin' man...
Working On The Highway
By Bruce
Springsteen. A man dreams about leaving his dead end job and starting a
better life with a woman. Unfortunately, the man chooses an underage girl to
fulfill his dream. They run off together and the man ends up getting arrested
and going to jail for his actions."...I work for the county out on 95. All
day I hold a red flag and watch the traffic pass me by. In my head I keep a
picture of my pretty little miss. Someday mister I'm gonna lead a better life
than this...I saved up all my money and put it all away. I went to see her
Daddy but we didn't have much to say. "Son can't you see that she's just a
little girl, she don't know nothin' about this cruel cruel world."...We
lit out down to Florida and we got along alright. One day her brothers came and
got her and they took me in a black and white..."
Working Overtime
By Rick Rowland. A protest song against the business practices and abuses of
corporate America. "You start so early, sleep in your eyes. You have no
choice, there's no compromise. Cold water in your face but still draggin' your
feet. Got to stay late, how you ever gonna make ends meet.."
Working The Midnight Shift
By Donna Summer. About the working class and how many make personal
sacrifices in order to earn a living. "I'm just a working girl, just
earning a living. When the city is waking up, I'm going home. Working the
midnight shift while my friends are all out...Seems like I'm always leaving
when all the others arrive..."
World Full Of Hate
By Sick of It All. A social commentary about societal ills. References to
greed, murder, hatred, and an unfair judicial system. "Living in a
time when no one cares...Senseless killing, no apparent reason. Suffer the
greed of what the others got. Anger and hatred...Nobody cries as the innocent
die and the guilty go free in this world..."
The World I Know
By Collective Soul. Deals with the topic of suicide, and feeling
despondent/overwhelmed by human suffering and the problems of the world.
"Has our conscience shown...Has all the kindness gone?" Song
concludes with a positive message, suicide is not an option, don't give up,
people can work together to help others and make the world a better place.
The World Is A Gutter
By Enuff Z'nuff. Societal problems are highlighted in the song. References
made to drugs, homocide, guns, pollution, poverty, racism and war. "Here
is your world, world that you've made...Crack, junkies, guns, cocaine. Men
killing men, feeling no pain...All the poor are dying, war planes flying...The
world is a gutter..."
World Of Trouble
By Molly Hatchet. A reminder and tribute to our Vietnam veterans. Reference
made to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington, D.C. "...This wall
is for Americans who fought in Vietnam. Who fought and died for rich men who
never hold a gun. Read the name of the boys who went down for me and
you..."
World Turned Upside Down
By Leon Rosselson. Aboutthe
suppression of the "Digger" movement in England, 1649-50. "In
sixteen forty-nine to St. George's Hill a ragged band they called the Diggers came to show the people's
will...They were dispersed but still the vision lingers on. You poor take
courage. You rich take care.This earth was made a common treasury for everyone
to share. All things in common, all people one. we come in peace, the orders
came to cut them down."
A World Without Heroes
By Cher. About the importance of having role models and somebody you can
respect and look up to in one's life. "...You can't look up to anyone
without heroes. And a world without heroes is like a never ending race...A
pointless thing, devoid of grace..."
Worm In A Bottle
By Fish. References in the lyrics to alcohol addiction, denial and
blackouts. "...When you're the worm in the bottle. You're the last one to
leave and there's nowhere to go...You say never again, this is the end and it's
all gonna change. You're determined this time..."
Worried Man
By Johnny Cash. A man struggles to feed and support his family. Song
deals with numerous issues including; hunger, poverty, and unemployment.
"...I'm a very worried man hungry
babies don't understand papa is a worried man...The place I used to draw my
pay slammed the door on me today. Told me just to stay away and don't come back
again..."
Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald
By Gordon Lightfoot. This song
is about the ore carrier, Edmund Fitzgerald,
which sank in Lake Superior during a winter storm, November 10, 1975.
"...The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead when the skies of
November turn gloomy. With a load of iron ore twenty-six thousand tons more
than the Edmund
Fitzgerald weighed empty...The captain wired in he had water comin' in and
the good ship and crew was in peril. And later that night when his lights went
outta sight came the wreck of the Edmund
Fitzgerald..."
Wreck On The Highway
By Bruce
Springsteen. About the tentative, fragile, and unpredictable nature of life
and death. Also about the importance of treasuring each moment we spend with
significant others and not taking our good fortune for granted. "Last
night I was out driving...When I came upon a wreck on the highway...As the rain
tumbled down hard and cold I see a young man lying by the side of the
road...And I thought of a girlfriend or a young wife and a state trooper
knocking in the middle of the night...Sometimes I sit up in the darkness and I
watch my baby as she sleeps. Then I climb in bed and hold her tight..."
The Wreck On The Highway
By Waco Brothers. About the tragedy caused by a person who was drinking and
driving and ended up killing passengers in his car when he crashed. "...I
heard the crash on the highway...There was whiskey and blood all together.
Mixed with glass where they lay. Death played her hand in destruction..."
The Writer
By UFO. About tabloid journalists and their uncanny ability to make a story
out of just about anything. "I'm the writer, got a front page cover. Hot
gossip 'bout who's with their latest lover...I am a writer and I'm the news.
You cross me you know you're gonna lose..."
Wrong Side Of The Tracks
By Biohazard. About gang life, gang loyalty and "turf" ownership.
"You're a fish out of water on the wrong side of the tracks...Catch one
sucker and he gets beat...We'll die for our brethren that we have
chosen..."
Wuthering Heights
By Angra. Song is loosely based on the 1939 Emily Bronte novel 'Wuthering
Heights". "Out on the wiley, windy moors...Bad dreams in the night.
They told me I was going to lose the fight. Leave behind my wuthering heights
Heathcliff. It's me, Cathy..."
Wuthering Heights
By Kate Bush. Song is adapted from Emily Bronte's
novel, "Wuthering Heights". Song/story deal with issues of passion,
revenge, homecoming, and missed opportunity. Classic tale of
star-crossed lovers. "...Heathcliff, it's me, your Cathy, I've come home
now, So cold, let me in your window..."
X (top)
Xanadu
By Rush. Inspired by the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem, Kubla
Khan. "To seek the sacred river Alph, to walk the caves of ice. To
break my fast on honey dew and drink the milk of paradise…To taste my bitter triumph as a mad immortal man. Nevermore
shall I return…”
Xmas In February
By Lou Reed. About a veteran trying to
cope with problems and adjust to civilian life. "...Sam's staring at the Vietnam Wall. It's been a while now that
he's home. His wife and kid have left, he's unemployed. He's a reminder of the
war that wasn't won..."
X-Ray Eyes
By Blue Oyster Cult. A warning
about the risks and dangers of knowing or "seeing" too much. Song
also includes references to actor Ray Milland.
"Do not envy the man
with the x-ray eyes in the '50's Ray Milland
pierced the skies...You think you want to see through all the lies...do not envy
who sees beyond the pale...you think you want to see the truth but if you knew
you can't undo, you'd look away..."
Y (top)
Yearbook
By Hanson. A young person wonders
about a classmate who is gone. The exact nature of this absence and the
circumstances surrounding it are somewhat ambiguous and not fully explained. In
a general sense the song deals with relationships and experiencing a sense of
loss. "...There's a name without a picture, but I can't forget his face.
Tell me where did Johnny go? I want to know where did Johnny go?...It's quiet
in the halls, but I hear echoing off the walls. The rumors of Johnny's
mystery..."
Year Of The Cat
By Al Stewart. Song is about a
romance that results from a chance meeting between a tourist and a woman in an
exotic location. Overcome by love, the man abandons his travel plans and stays
on with the woman. Song includes numerous references to the movie Casablanca. "On a morning from a Bogart movie, in a country where
they turn back time. You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre...Well,
she looks at you so cooly and her eyes shine like
the moon in the sea...You know sometime you're bound to leave her, but for now
you're going to stay. In the year of the cat."
Yesterday
By The Beatles. A man looks back with remorse and saddness about a broken
relationship and wishes things could be the way they used to be. "Yesterday,
All my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to
stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday...Why she had to go I don't know, she wouldn't
say. I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday..."
Y.M.C.A.
By Village People. This satirical
work is about the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and some of its
offered services. This song includes use of irony, parody, and double
entendres. "Young man, there's a place you can go. I said, young man, when
you're short on your dough. You can stay there and I'm sure you will find many
ways to have a good time. It's fun to stay at the YMCA..."
Yo' Baby's Daddy
By Dave Holister. A man starts to develop a relationship with a woman who
has a baby and must deal with the baby's real father. "Been together for a
little while and I knew that you had a child...Yo' baby's dad has alway's been
trippin'. He don't wanna let it be...Tryin' to break up you and me..."
You And Me And The Bottle Makes
Three Tonight
By Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Song is about alcohol use, denial and alcohol
abuse/addiction. "...It's the same thing everytime. But I think another
drinks' gonna make me lose my mind. So I think about my next drink, and it's
you and me and the bottle makes three tonight..."
You Are So Beautiful
By Joe Cocker. A person finds their "soulmate"and expresses strong
feelings of love and devotion for that person. "You are so beautiful to
me...Can't you see, you're everything I hoped for. You're everything I need.
You are so beautiful to me..."
You Better Sit Down Kids
By Cher. A father tries to explain to his children that he is leaving the
family unit. "Better sit down kids, I'll tell you why. You might not
understand kids but give it a try...I've got something to say. You're mother is
staying but I'm going away...I'll still be your Dad and just remember I love
you..."
You Can Be Sure Of Shell
By Peter Hicks. A protest song against the major corporation Shell for their
genocidal treatment of third world peoples in order to make a profit.
References made to natural resource depletion and the sacrifice of history and
people's heritage in order to make money. "Peruvian rainforests...The
proud Nahua people, the only land they've known. Their home, their food, their
shelter, their spirit. Life and more. 'Til Shell discovered gas there. Their
destruction was assured..."
You Can Count On Us
By Awesome Animal Ambulance. About animal activism and environmental
protection. "We can't forget your ocean. We wish you all the best. You
keep the world in motion. Fish, crabs and all the rest. Birds you can count on
us..."
You Can't Always Get What You
Want
By Rolling Stones. For
some, this is one of life's hardest lesson to
learn. Song deals
with the important issues of choice, evaluation, and the decision making process. "...(Now)You
can't always get what you want
(no) (yes) You can't always get what you want And (But) if
you try sometime(s), you('ll) (you just) (might)
find You('ll) get what you need..."
You Can't Grow A Forest
By David Lippman. About environmental activism and preserving nature and its
habitat. References also made to the peace and serenity associated with nature
and wildlife. "...Forest is a world all its own. You can feel it sigh as
the sun goes down. Listen...And leave it alone...Please don't build a mall
here..."
You'd Better Wash Your Hands
By Carl Winter. A
parody song
about the importance of good hygiene. Sung to the tune of the Beatles' song I
Want To Hold Your Hand. "Oh yeah I'll, tell you something I think
you'll understand For the sake of sanitation You'd better wash your hands You'd
better wash your
hands You'd better wash your hands
Before, and after meals And when you use the can Soap and water, for twenty
seconds Should be part of your plan That's how you wash your hands That's how
you
wash your hands... "
You Don't Belong Here
By Tiffany. Song was recorded by the artist for the 1995 benefit CD "In
Harmony With The Homeless." Song was written by homeless person Fred Washington
after a man walked up to him as he was trying to sleep in a park and said
"you don't belong down here." "...This park is an island in a
sea of despair. In the heart of the city of angels who aren't even there...I
see death in your eyes...We don't belong here..."
You Don't Own Me
By Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. A teenage female declares her independence
and individuality by telling her partner that she is her own person and will
make her own decisions. "...Don't tell me what to do. Don't tell me what
to say. And please, when I go out with you. Don't put me on display...So just
let me be myself. That's all I ask of you..."
You Gotta Want It
By Molly Rebekka. About hard work and never giving up when trying to succeed
in life. Theme song from the "Fame L.A." television show.
"...You gotta want it from the bottom of your heart. You gotta give it
everything you got...Give yourself completely. Mind, body and soul..."
You Had Me
By Joss Stone. A woman breaks away
from her partner who is a drug abuser. "...I don't want no part in your
next fix Someone needs to tell you this is it...Make your mistakes on your own
time When you come down you're just no good to have around Instead of making
money you took mine...You had me You lost me You're wasted You cost me..."
You Make Me Feel Brand New
By The Stylistics. Song relates to emotional health. References made to
commitment, love, support and being there for your significant other.
"...My love, whenever I was insecure. You built me up and made me sure.
You gave my pride back to me...With you I'll always have a friend. You're
someone who I can depend...You make me feel brand new..."
Young And Wasted
By Kiss. Song is about drug addiction, partaking in risk behaviors and being
drawn in by negative influences around you when young. "...You been
branded by the iron, you been cut by the knife. There's a monkey on your back
runnin' up and down your spine. You hunger for the fire and run with the pack.
But you know damn well there ain't no turnin' back...Young and wasted..."
Young Fellow, My Lad
By Country Joe and the Fish. A father grieves as his son is killed in war
and the close relationship they shared is no more. "...I'm terribly sorry
to leave you dad but I feel I'm doing right. God bless you and keep you young
fellow, my lad. You're all my life you know...I miss you so much and I'm
awfully sad and it's months since you went away...They've told me the truth,
you'll never come back again..."
Young Grow Old
By Creed. Song is about being faced with decisions as a youth and whether or
not to take part in risky behaviors. "He said he's falling to pieces
fighting the boy and the man. Over his shoulder there was freedom but
consciousness has tied his hands. Now inhibition's in demand...But age doesn't
make you a man..."
Young Roddy McCorley
By The Kingston Trio. Song is about rebel leader Roddy
McCorley who was sentenced to death and hanged for his role in the 1798
uprising in Ireland. "...Up the narrow street he stepped, smiling and
proud and young. About the hemp rope on his neck...As young Roddy McCorley goes to
die on the Bridge of Toome today..."
Youngstown
By Bruce Springsteen. About changing economic times, loss of employment, and
the decline of american steel industry. "Seven hundred tons of metal a
day, Now sir you tell me the world's changed." Specific reference to
Mesabi iron range, Monongahela valley, and Youngstown, Ohio.
You Gotta Be
By Des'ree. Song is about the power of positive thinking and taking
advantage of what life has to offer. "Listen as your day unfolds.
Challenge what the future holds. Try and keep your head up to the sky...Stand
up and be counted..."
You Only Tell Me You Love Me
When You're Drunk
By Pet Shop Boys. Song covers many health related topic areas including
addiction, unhealthy relationships and codependency. "...You only tell me you
love me when you're drunk. It's better than nothing I suppose...All my friends
keep asking me why oh why don't you say goodbye..."
Your Child
By Mary J. Blige. About accepting or
taking responsibility for one's actions. A woman is surprised to learn that her
lover has fathered a child with another woman. Song deals with the larger
issues of choice, honesty, respect, and self esteem. "...Holding a baby
with eyes like yours. She said it's your child and it really messed me up. How
could you deny your own flesh and blood? Gotta face reality, there can never be
anymore us. Won't deny it's hurting me..."
Your Daddy Hates Me
By Drive By Truckers. About
the emotional fallout following a divorce.
"I know your Daddy hates me and I got a room in hell reserved. I know he
wants to kill me and it's the least that I deserve But I always loved your
Daddy, that's something that I know you know. Just sometimes don't do what I
ought to, sometimes I yes when I should no."
You're Not Alone
By Amy Grant. Song relates to emotional health. About being there for
someone in time of need. "...You really think there's no way out. But if
you let me I can help you now. Through all these shattered emotions there's a
lesson to learn..."
Your Life Is Now
By John Mellencamp. About making
the most of everyday life and having a positive effect on those around you.
"...Your life is now...Life your head up above the crowd...Would you teach
your children to tell the truth. This is your time here to do what you will
do..."
Your Racist Friend
By They Might Be Giants. About confronting someone regarding the attitudes
and beliefs of his/her friend. "...Listen to some bullet-head and the
madness that he's saying. This is where the party ends. I'll just sit here
wondering how you can stand by your racist friend..."
You're A Friend Of Mine
By Clarence Clemons with Jackson Browne. About the bond of a deep and
meaningful friendship and being there for somebody in time of need.
"Striking out? Well count me in. I'm gonna stand by your side through
thick and thin...Oh, you can depend on me over and over...All my life you're a
friend of mine..."
You're My Best Friend
By Queen. About the importance of friendship and having someone there
for you."...You're the best friend that I've ever had. I've been with you
such a long time. You're my sunshine and I want you to know I really love you.
You're my best friend...In rain or shine you've stood by me...You're my best
friend..."
You're Only Human (Second Wind)
By Billy Joel. It's okay to stumble and make mistakes in life as long as you
learn from them. Life is full of challenges so don't get discouraged.
"...You're only human. You're allowed to make your share of
mistakes...It's not easy to be living in this world of pain. You're gonna be
crashing into stone walls again and again. It's alright...Don't forget your
second wind..."
You're The Inspiration
By Chicago. Deals with emotional health and feeling unconditional love for
another person. "You know our love was meant to be, the kind of love to
last forever. And I want you hear with me, from tonight until the end of
time...Baby, you're the meaning in my life, you're the inspiration..."
Youth Of The Nation
By P.O.D. Touches on many topics including guns, violence, feelings of
invincibility, suicide, self esteem and societal ills in general. "...Who
knew that this day wasn't like the rest. Instead of taking a test I took two to
the chest...Little Suzy, she was only twelve...Finds love in all the wrong
places...Johnny boy...Often thought of suicide. It's kind of hard when you
ain't got no friends..."
You've Got A Friend
By Carole King.
Touches on emotional health and important bonds and benefits of friendship.
"...You just call out my name and you know wherever I am, I'll come
runnin' to see you again..."
You've Got To Die For The
Government
By Anti-Flag. References made to the Gulf War and the theory that there is a
government cover up about Agent Orange. "...There's a Gulf War vet dying a
slow cold death. And the government says "We don't know the source of his
sickness"...A secret test, government built virus. Select test group, gulf
battle field troops..."
Y2K
By Loudon Wainwright III.
The song is a tribute to the millenium computer bug. "A bunch of nerdy
brainy guys a long way back Invented a crazy little thing they called Univac...No it
ain't a virus it's just a little glitch...Well we've been trucking down the
information superhighway. But we'll be on a dirt road come Y2K...We're
headed for trouble I do believe. It's coming your way on New Year's
Eve..."
Yuppies In The Sky
By Peter, Paul and Mary. About the demise of the "yuppy era", a
group of people who came to the forefront of the American culture in the
1980's. Yuppy stands for young, upwardly, mobile professionals. "...All at
once I heard the sound of yuppies in the sky. Then the herd came down Columbus
for as far as I could see. All the men were wearing Polo and the women wore
Espirit. I saw the sad expressions and I heard their mourning cries...Condos
for sale, condos to buy..."
YYZ
By Rush. (Instrumental). YYZ is the transmitter code for Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport. The
musical introduction of this song is actually morse code for the letters "YYZ".
Z (top)
The Zamboni Song
By Gear Daddies. Song is about the Zamboni,
a device used between periods of hockey games to resurface and smooth the ice.
“Now ever since I was young it’s been my dream that I might drive a Zamboni
machine. I’d get the ice just as slick as could be and all the kids would look
at me…”
Zimbabwe
By Bob Marley. The song is about the
struggle for independence
in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) which was finally achieved on April 18, 1980.
"Every man gotta right to decide his destiny....Africans a liberate
Zimbabwe" Relates to study of nationalism, colonialism, independence
movements, economic
policy, and Pan-Africanism.
Zoe Jane
By Staind. Song is a tribute to lead singer
Aaron Lewis' daughter. "… I want to hold you protect you from all of the
things that this life has in store for you I'll always love you the way that a
father should love his daughter…"
Zombie
By The Cranberries. The song is about death and destruction caused by the conflict in Northern Ireland.
"...child is slowly taken and the violence caused such silence...."
Zombie Stomp
By Ozzy Osbourne. About drug and alcohol
addiction and trying to come to terms with addiction. "...I need
something to kill the pain. Don't know what I'm after but the pressure's
driving me insane...Morning after killing me again. Hiding from the laughter
and the demons dancing round my brain..."
ZZQ
By Blue Mountain.
Tribute to "classic rock" and the radio station WZZQ. "Ten miles
north of Jackson stood a tower with a 100,000 watts of power...Rock me all
night long ZZQ. Going to California, Band on the Run, Southern Man, Fortunate
Son...Rock me all night long ZZQ..."