Play That Song

Weird History

Have you ever sung along or danced to a song thinking it's fun and happy, and then gone back to read the lyrics and realized they were<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/upbeat-songs-dark-lyrics/elle-tharp"> really dark</a>? If so, you're far from alone. Many songs have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/songs-we-didnt-know-were-about-sex/will-morgan-1">been misunderstood</a>, from “romantic ballads” that actually have to do with stalking, to supposedly patriotic anthems that in reality are criticizing life in the US.&nbsp;Let's take a dive into the meanings behind the lyrics of some of the most misunderstood hits of the past 50 years. These seemingly normal songs have subversive lyrics, oddball lyrical meanings, surreal lyrical concepts, or just plain weird lyrics - disguised in an otherwise straightforward pop song. Vote up the ones that hit differently after learning about the intentions of the songwriter/s.

16 Normal-Sounding Songs With Not-So-Normal Lyrics

Song

16 Unexpected Lyrics In Normal-Sounding Songs

TGWrites

Whoa Facts

Whether written with the intent to uplift, inspire, comfort, or draw awareness, musical lyrics have the power to conjure deep emotions and a sense of connection among listeners. If written well, even <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/english-songs-with-foreign-languages/jason-f-collins">song lyrics in other languages </a>can get stuck in our heads for days at a time.&nbsp;And while we may know every word of our favorite songs, we often don't realize that there are surprisingly <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/stories-behind-song-lyrics/lauren-glen">unexpected stories</a> behind the lyrics we so easily recognize. Whether it's an upbeat tune or a dramatically somber melody, songwriters often draw on historical references to inspire the themes of the ballads they write. Historical references in songs from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/historical-references-in-beatles-songs/gordon-cameron">The Beatles</a> to The Beastie Boys, here are some of the most notable nods to history in famous songs we didn't catch before.&nbsp;

Historical References In Famous Songs We Didn’t Catch Before

Real History References In Famous Pop Songs

Lauren Glen

Popular songs are often about something going on in an artist's life, but every so often, a musician or band will lay down a track that references a historical person, place, or event from the past. The artist might want to make a statement of some sort, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/songs-about-real-people/christina-chilin">honor (or dis) a famous person</a>, remind us of where we've come from, or let us interpret the song however we want, with or without historical context. &nbsp;This list features <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/greatest-songs-by-60s-one-hit-wonders/ranker-music">'60s</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/greatest-songs-by-70s-one-hit-wonders/ranker-music">'70s songs</a> that reference history, and some of them might surprise you.

Historical References In '60s And '70s Songs

Jonathan H. Kantor

A closer listen to the decade that brought us everything from Run-DMC to Mötley Crüe to Rick Astley.

Oh Yeah, It's '80s Night

Popular songs are often about something going on in an artist's life, but every so often, a musician or band will lay down a track that references a historical person, place, or event from the past. The artist might want to make a statement of some sort, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/songs-about-real-people/christina-chilin">honor (or diss) a famous person</a>, remind us of where we've come from, or let us interpret the song however we want, with our without historical context. &nbsp;This list features <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/greatest-80s-pop-songs/ranker-music">'80s songs</a> that reference history, and some of them might surprise you.

Historical References In '80s Songs

Historical References In 80s Songs

Sometimes, you just want to put on sweatpants, wrap yourself in a blanket burrito, and listen to sad music. Here are the gloomy jams for your sadsack playlist.

Sad Songs You Love Anyway

Accidents

For as long as there’s been popular music, there have been story songs chronicling <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/suspicious-musician-deaths/sean-kelly">lost love and tragic fates</a>. Audiences eat these up, especially when those who perish are young and innocent. Teenagers (bonus points when they’re in love) are perfect victims that become lessons to future teenagers about what happens when they let their guards down.&nbsp;From hot rods and drag races to train wrecks and the real life Dead Man’s Curve, here are the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/sad-losses-in-teen-dramas/anncasano">teen tragedy</a> car crash songs with the most gruesome and depressing lyrics. Vote up the songs whose lyrics you feel are the most tragic and depressing.

Songs About Tragic Teenage Car Crashes, Ranked By How Depressing The Lyrics Are

These tragic songs detail teen wrecks with depressing lyrics and delivery.

Kelly Carlin

Music Videos

It's that time of year. The days are getting shorter. The air is starting to chill. The dead are creeping closer.There's only one way to deal: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/scariest-horror-movies-ever-made">curl up with the scariest movies</a>, the most disturbing TikToks, and the freakiest, nastiest, spookiest horror-themed music videos on the internet. Ever since <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/list-of-michael-jackson-music-video-releases/music-videos">Michael Jackson's Thriller</a> popularized the idea that horror and music videos could co-exist, artists have mashed the two together in terrifyingly effective ways.This list takes a look at some of the best of the best. They run the gamut, from seemingly pastoral <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/scariest-found-footage-movies/ranker-horror">found footage that hints at something much darker</a>, to some of the most blood-soaked imagery in music. So dim the lights, pour a glass of fresh blood, and vote up your favorites.Which ones chill you to the bone? Which ones wouldn't scare a child?&nbsp;

The Spookiest Horror-Themed Music Videos That Will Give You The Creeps

These music videos bring horror to the medium for extra spooky vibes.

Chris Cullari

Songs

Olivia Rodrigo's highly anticipated follow-up to Sour is upon us. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/disney-channel-supporting-actors-where-are-they-now/elle-tharp">former Disney star's</a> second full-length album, titled Guts, is a ferocious roller coaster of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/pop-punk-bands-and-musicians/reference">teen angst and raucous pop-punk</a> catchiness mixed with surprisingly mature pop sensibilities. The 12 tracks on Guts essentially serve as audible versions of adolescent diary entries sure to transport any elder millennial listener (and those of older generations) back into the throes of high school hysterics and heartbreaks.Which of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/olivia-rodrigo-guts-every-song-ranked/brian-hauntly">the songs on Guts</a> most make you feel like a teen again? Vote up the songs that have you feeling like you're racing to class, getting over an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/on-again-off-again-celebrity-couples/jessica-lawshe">on-again, off-again</a> breakup, or missing your BFFs. Vote down the songs that you just don't quite connect with at an older age.

Songs On Olivia Rodrigo's 'Guts' That Make You Feel Like A Teen Again

General

Ranker Music

Have you ever found yourself standing half-naked in a department store fitting room, surrounded by an army of uncooperative zippers and unforgiving mirrors? Of course you have - we've all been there. But what sets the true connoisseurs of dressing room despair apart is their impeccable taste in fitting room anthems.Your reflection is your harshest critic, and those dreaded fluorescent lights aren't doing you any favors. But fear not, dear shopaholics; below you can vote on the best songs to accompany your tearful <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-worst-fashion-trends-in-history">fashion triumphs and defeats</a>.

Songs You've Likely Cried To In A Department Store Fitting Room

These songs are department store staples and have certainly had an emotional effect on you in the privacy of a fitting room.

Michelle Moscuzza

Are you the "TV Person" on your Zoom Trivia team? Well, study up, pal. We've got some lists for you.

TV for TV Nerds

TV Trivia

TV shows have featured opening (and closing) theme music <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/songs-about/television-theme-songs/">since the 1940s</a>. Although some are as forgettable as the shows they introduce, many are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-tv-theme-songs-of-all-time">catchy earworms </a>people remember and randomly whistle or hum decades after a show has gone off the air.A lot of work goes into making a television series, and much of the creative process revolves around choosing the right music. Choose poorly, and your show may languish in obscurity. Choose something like the Friends theme song, and people will randomly belt out, “I'll be there for you” for the rest of their lives.Theme music is essential, and because people put so much work into composing, writing, and performing them, there are tons of interesting <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/stories-behind-disney-songs/anna-lindwasser">behind-the-scenes stories</a> about how they were made.

Behind-The-Scenes Stories About Popular TV Show Theme Songs

TV Program

Stories About Popular TV Show Theme Songs

Taylor Swift

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-taylor-swift-songs/voteable">Taylor Swift </a>has been one of the most successful recording artists in the world for nearly two decades; after releasing her debut album in 2006 when she was just 16, she has gone on to become one of the top-selling artists in music history and has amassed numerous accolades, including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.grammy.com/artists/taylor-swift/15450">12 Grammys</a>.She <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/taylor-swift-songs-paired-with-white-claw/pablo-alvarez">writes or co-writes all of her songs</a> and has become known for her autobiographical lyrics, particularly about <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-taylor-swift-songs-written-about-her-boyfriends/amylindorff">her romantic relationships</a>. But although Swift has spoken often about her writing process and the inspiration behind her singles, she almost never directly spills the tea on whom any of the songs are about. This has led to many theories being thrown out by both her fans and the media.Below is some of the information Swift has shared about her songs over the years.

What Taylor Swift Has Said About The Inspirations Behind Her Songs

Everything Taylor Swift Has Said About What Actually Inspired These Songs

Fleetwood Mac

There's a reason Fleetwood Mac is one of the best-selling bands in history: from love and loss to sadness and serendipity, their pop-rock songs traverse time and emotion no matter the occasion. One can't help but wonder what inspired such lyrical wizardry.Luckily, the ups and downs of the group are well-documented, down to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/fleetwood-mac-lineup-drama-history/sean-kelly">its many lineup changes</a> and inter-band relationships. Ever wonder why one of their works, Rumours, is known as one of the best breakup albums of all time? If you've ever heard a Fleetwood Mac song and wondered, “But what did they really mean?” chances are at least a clue or two was left behind over the years.&nbsp;

Hidden References In Fleetwood Mac Songs

Rachel Kupfer

The creepiest, most unsettling urban legends ever shared—including some that turned out to be 100% true!

Urban Legends

Myths & Legends

Songs often weave tales of love, heartbreak, and adventure. Yet, beneath the surface, some have become entwined with<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-controversial-songs-ever/sean-kelly"> eerie tales</a> and mysterious urban legends. Even long after they've been disproven, these stories sometimes never go away.&nbsp;From alleged backward masking to tales of murder and the occult, these spooky stories continue to cast a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/songs-with-true-crime-connections/patrick-thornton">haunting shadow</a> over familiar tunes, captivating the curious and leaving listeners with chills, all the while blurring the line between fact and fiction.&nbsp;

Spooky Urban Legends Surrounding Popular Songs

Michelle Nati

Play It Again

Occasionally, a musician or band breaks out with a hit that sounds destined to become an instant classic. Whether inspired by a song's somber, emotion-inducing lyrics or entranced by a refrain's undeniably catchy tune, these songs become deeply entrenched in the minds of even the least-interested listeners.&nbsp;However, as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/musicians-talk-about-controversial-songs/lauren-glen">these songs carry enough impact</a> to become permanent fixtures in pop culture history, the often heart-wrenching and sometimes quirky stories behind these famous song lyrics often go untold. While the melodies are instantly recognizable, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-songs-weird-back-stories/sean-kelly">these songs' backstories</a> may surprise you.&nbsp;

Unexpected Stories Behind Famous Song Lyrics

We are the meme-makers. And we are the memers of memes.

Memes and Macros

Memes

For years, songs have come in and out of our lives in various ways. One old tune can be rejuvenated with its inclusion in a box office smash or a hit TV show. Others can return to the scene thanks to a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/cover-songs-better-than-the-originals/anncasano">popular cover</a>. Through the power of the internet, however, some songs have been <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/trending-tiktok-songs-2022/jared-baly">considered cool again</a>. Whether it's a new dance craze or a meme shared by millions, some tunes worked their way back into the system with newfound energy. Vote for the songs that managed to get a second life through some of the wildest trends seen online.

Songs That Earned A Second Life Through Viral Trends

Songs that got a second chance at popularity through viral trends on TikTok and other platforms.

Terrance W. Pryor

1980s

Is there anything better than an&nbsp;&#39;80s song with saxophone? For this list let&#39;s rank the best saxophone songs of the &#39;80s, from smooth jazz hits to pop singles.

Remember the 1984 hit &quot;Smooth Operator&quot; by Sade? The lyrics tell the story of a slick, jet-setting man who may or may not be a pimp.&nbsp;What about &quot;Who Can It Be Now&quot; by Australian rockers Men at Work? The origin to the lyrics are actually slightly frightening, as lead singer Colin Hay used to live next door to a drug dealer whose clients would often knock on Hay&#39;s door by mistake. Another great &#39;80s sax song is of course &quot;Careless Whisper&quot; by George Michael, where the saxophone is literally the best part of the track.

What&#39;s your favorite song from the 1980s that features a saxophone part? Vote up your favorites below, and add your favorite saxy songs to the list if they&#39;re not already here!&nbsp;

The Best '80s Songs With Saxophones

The Best '80s Saxophone Songs You Still Jam Out To (20+ Songs)

Are you the "music guy" on your virtual trivia team? Read up for some fun facts and little-known info that will score you maj points.

Name That Song

History

Songs hold a lot of power, telling stories about people, places, emotions, and a host of other topics - including history. Songs about historical events may offer insights into a time long ago. They can also evoke a memory of a not-too-distant historical happening.&nbsp;<a href="/list/most-accurate-movies-about-wild-west/mike-mcgranaghan" target="_blank">Much like historical movies</a>, <a href="/list/songs-about-history/ranker-music" target="_blank">historical songs</a>&nbsp;may take license in their content - to minimize, emphasize, or simply avoid key facts. Historically accurate songs, on the other hand, can surprise you with just how much they get right. A lot of mainstream songs about war, for example, include details that can almost transport you into the heat of battle. Songs about historical figures may create a personal connection with that individual, building newfound affinity or disdain.Here's a list of songs that are surprisingly accurate - which one grabs your attention with its historical truth?&nbsp;

The Best Songs About Historical Events

The Best Songs Based on Historical Events, Ranked By Votes

Melissa Sartore

Song lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for hundreds of song lists and rankings.

Song lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for top 10, top 100, best of, funny, factual lists of any kind

Song lists on Ranker

Songs lists on Ranker

Lose Yourself

N.Y. State of Mind

Still D.R.E

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

The Flintstones

DuckTales

Wild Honey Pie

Old Brown Shoe

Savoy Truffle

I'm Looking Through You

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

For No One

Lists about the Fab Four, who changed the entire world of music starting in 1960 Liverpool.

The Beatles

With a band like The Beatles, it's easy to focus on their abundance of hits. Their catalog boasts some of the biggest songs in music history, but that doesn't mean everything else is chopped liver. Some of most underrated Beatles songs are perhaps some of their best, depending on who you ask, of course. For a band like The Beatles that has so many hit songs, it's easy for other great tracks to get lost in the shuffle and there's a batch of songs that, for one reason or another, have been overlooked. So what are the most underrated Beatles songs? Well, this list can include any song outside of their greatest hits (there are a ton of them) and that means even singles are fair game. You'll see a number of songs you're familiar with, and others you aren't. But that's the joy of this list. There are so many Beatles songs - if you think one song is underrated, then add it! Vote or rerank this list to you how deem it to be fit, based on which of these great Beatles tracks you think are the most underrated.

Ballad of John and Yoko

The Most Underrated Beatles Songs

50+ Underrated Beatles Songs Mainstream Fans Don't Know

Even the most award-winning, generation-changing, and absolute best bands in history turn out bad songs every now and then, and the Beatles are no different. This is a crowdranked list, featuring the worst of the worst of the Beatles. &nbsp; What's the absolute worst song that the Beatles made? That's up for you to decide. This list is votable and rerankable, so go through and listen to these songs so you can make the most knowledgeable votes. Don't see a song that deserves top billing on this list? Feel free to add it, and enjoy... or don't.&nbsp;

These Are For Sure the Worst Beatles Songs Ever

The Worst Beatles Songs

Worst Beatles Songs | List of Bad Beatles Tracks & Singles

Lists about films and TV shows told by the visuals-intensive medium that allows storytellers to weave fantastical legends told by unforgettable characters.

Animation Mania

Television Theme Songs

For entire generations of kids, some of their most fond memories are of watching Saturday morning cartoons. The animated shows that became instant classics entertained children across the country and most had a special theme song that was so catchy, kids just couldn't forget it. What are the greatest cartoon theme songs of all time?There are a lot of catchy cartoons on this list, and those that have been voted the top 10 cartoon theme songs have some of the most memorable musical intros in television history, animated or not. They kept kids hooked on the show and still resonate (and are remembered) even today. This list features the greatest theme songs from cartoons including, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Flintstones, Duck Tales, Rainbow Brite, The Legend of Zelda, My Little Pony, The Transformers, The Care Bears, The Simpsons, and The Smurfs.What are the catchiest cartoon theme songs? Are the tunes forever part of your memory high on the list? Vote up the best cartoon theme songs of all time below and be sure to sing along.

Pinky and the Brain

The 200+ Best Cartoon Themes

The 200+ Best Cartoon Themes, Ranked By Fans

Ranker TV

Ranking the top songs in every musical genre, from alternative to zydeco. 

The Best Songs in Every Genre

Ranking the top rap and hip hop songs about every subject, from church to weed.

Rap Songs About Everything

Hip-Hop / Rap

Calling all hip hop heads, we're ranking the greatest rap songs&nbsp;ever. From old school classics and&nbsp;2000s&nbsp;gangsta throwbacks to hype tracks and some of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-rap-songs-2020/music-lover" target="_blank">most popular rap songs today</a>, this list of good rap songs includes famous chart-topping singles everyone&nbsp;knows and underrated tracks only real fans will know.&nbsp;It's hard to keep track of the names of your favorite rap songs, so this essential hip hop playlist should come in handy. Whether you're looking for the hardest tracks, new and current songs hot on the charts right now, or lyrical hits, this list features a bunch of fire songs that will make anyone get lit.&nbsp;Vote up the best raps based on lyrics, the beat, catchy hooks, cool instrumentals, and everything else that goes into making a legendary hit. Do you agree with our top 100 rap songs? How about the top 10?&nbsp;If not, add your favorites and get those votes in!&nbsp;