The theme for this week was to share songs that tell a story.
My favorite kind.
So, without a lot of intro, here are some of my favorite songs that tell a story.
#1 Hurricane by Bob Dylan
I used to teach this song when I did a short unit on songs with meaning because a lot of music today doesn’t have much meaning beyond ‘let’s dance,’ ‘I love you,’ ‘I hate you,’ and ‘let’s dance a little more.”
The story of Reuben “Hurricane” Carter has always grabbed me, because I can’t fathom how completely corrupt the entire system was and how huge the helping of disservice that was done to this man.
Great, great song…awful, awful story.
2. Copacabana by Barry Manilow
Need I say more?
3. Paradise by the Dashboard Light by Meat Loaf
I always feel like I need to take a shower after I see or hear Meat Loaf, but this song had to be included in this list.
This song drives me insane because I’ve seen grown adults turn into utter fools when this one comes on, acting it out, creeping me out beyond belief.
And yet…
I know every word.
4. My Name is Luka by Suzanne Vega
Always made me sad when I heard it.
Still does.
5. Hazard by Richard Marx
I always thought this song was strange. Like, did Richard Marx kill someone and this is his confession?
Having just thought of it, I just looked it up and it turns out that he wrote the song, hated it, but published it anyway, because he wanted to prove his wife wrong, who said it would be a hit.
It went to #1 in a bunch of countries and pissed Richard Marx off.
Whatever.
6. Don’t Stand So Close to Me by the Police
I know you know this one.
Everyone does.
7. The Devil Went Down to Georgia by the Charlie Daniels Band
This one makes you move like no other.
You just can’t listen to this song and keep your foot still.
And, the story is captivating.
Love this.
8. Brick by Ben Folds Five
Heartbreaking.
You feel for everyone in the story and want to go into the song and hold them close.
Hope you enjoyed story time!!!
Love Luka and Copacabana, though the moods are so different! Thanks for sharing this awesome list with us!
Comment by Michelle Liew — November 12, 2013 @ 8:47 am |
Suzanne Vega made my list as well. I almost used The Police song too since it referenced Nabakov’s Lolita. I’ll admit, I love Paradise by the Dashboard Light as well.
Comment by Dream — November 12, 2013 @ 10:10 am |
I put the Charlie Daniels’ tune in my tape, too. But I didn’t think of Meatloaf. That one is definitely epic.
Comment by cynkingfeeling — November 12, 2013 @ 11:42 am |
Good picks! So many delightful earworms here!
Comment by Quickstepp — November 12, 2013 @ 1:47 pm |
“It went to #1 in a bunch of countries and pissed Richard Marx off.” – I don’t know why, but I found this HILARIOUS and am still laughing. That’s what he gets for being a brat, =)
Comment by Tracy@CrazyAsNormal — November 12, 2013 @ 3:11 pm |
love ‘Paradise..’ such a great story! lol (I mentioned it somewhere else today), there’ve been more “damn! why didn’t I think of that!” moments this week for me than in any recent TMT
enjoyed your entire list
Comment by thewakefielddoctrine — November 12, 2013 @ 4:48 pm |
Hmmm… so, Also know every word to Paradise by the Dashboard Lights. Frightening. Also, I know Richard Marx’s wife, they shop at my store (long IRL story) she’s super nice so I’m glad she won!
Comment by Jen — November 12, 2013 @ 5:41 pm |
I wanted to include The Devil Went Down To Georgia but I had used it recently and want to try to avoid repeats. I’m glad it made an appearance on your list!
Comment by Jillian — November 12, 2013 @ 8:36 pm |
When when I first heard Luka when I was young I thought it was a nice, happy song without understanding the lyrics. Then I grew up. Sometimes it’s better being that innocent. I love Brick too !
Comment by Steve — November 13, 2013 @ 4:27 pm |
I ALMOST know the words to Paradise by the Dashboard Light (and love it). BTW, if I could sing, I would sing with Patti Russo anytime! But my favorite Meat Loaf song has a kind of mini-story: Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad. And my all-time favorite song that tells a story is Aaron Neville’s Louisiana 1927. Unfortunately, it is only played on radio or tv news when there is a hurricane.
Comment by Dave — November 13, 2013 @ 6:15 pm |