Listed below are 49 songs the place rockers name-check themselves.
In songwriting, there’s quite a lot of enjoyable available within the technique of crafting characters to seem in songs like actors in a play.
Some are fully fictitious, others are very a lot real-life folks. And that features themselves. There are many situations of artists casually name-checking one other band or fellow musician in a music, normally a signifier of admiration. However what about merely name-dropping your self?
To not be confused with self-titled songs, under we’re looking at 49 Title-Drop Songs that you’re going to wish to take heed to intently.
1. Aerosmith, “F.I.N.E.”
From: Pump (1989)
“Your daddy says I am alright,” Steven Tyler sings in 1989’s “F.I.N.E.,” “and the Tipper thinks I am alright and Joe Perry says I am alright,” references to Tipper Gore, the girl in command of the Dad and mom Music Useful resource Middle censorship marketing campaign at the moment, and Aerosmith’s personal guitarist, respectively. (Honorable Point out goes to 1985’s “The Hop:” “You will be kickin’ ass tonight with the boys in Aerosmith.”)
2. Alice Cooper, “Be My Lover”
From: Killer (1971)
The woman in Alice Cooper’s “Be My Lover” posed the query many individuals had been considering on the time, with Cooper responding with a non-answer: “She requested me why the singer’s identify was Alice / I stated ‘pay attention child, you actually would not perceive.'” (Honorable Point out for 2023’s “I am Alice,” the place Cooper now not feels any must be evasive: “I am Alice, the grasp of insanity, the daddy of fright.”)
3. Anthrax, “I am the Man”
From: Among the many Dwelling (1987)
Anthrax reduce proper to the chase in 1987’s “I am the Man,” introducing themselves within the very first line: “Now we’re Anthrax and we take no shit.” Additionally they point out their very own drummer, Charlie Benante: “Charlie, beat the beats, the beats you beat.”
4. The B-52’s, “Dance This Mess Round”
From: The B-52’s (1979)
“Hey, so Fred, do not that make you’re feeling an entire lot higher, huh?” Cindy Wilson asks her B-52’s bandmate Fred Schneider in 1979’s “Dance This Mess Round.” “I say, do not that make you’re feeling an entire lot higher? / What you say? Properly, I am simply askin.’“
5. The Beatles, “Glass Onion”
From: The White Album (1968)
In 1968’s “Glass Onion,” John Lennon answered the query many Beatles followers had been questioning for almost a yr: “I informed you concerning the walrus and me, man / You understand that we’re as shut as will be, man / Properly, this is one other clue for you all / The walrus was Paul.” (Honorable Point out for Ringo Starr’s enthusiastic shout-out to his bandmate on their 1964 cowl of “Honey Do not:” “Ah, rock on, George, for Ringo one time!“
6. Large Star, “O My Soul”
From: Radio Metropolis (1974)
Large Star’s Radio Metropolis was not precisely a success upon its launch in 1974, however its status developed over time. In “O My Soul,” although, the band was already ruminating on fame and fortune: “I can not get a license to drive in my automotive / However I do not really want it if I am a giant star.”
7. Billy Joel, “Piano Man”
From: Piano Man (1973)
We’re not precisely certain how many individuals, if any, seek advice from Billy Joel as “Invoice,” however the particular person speaking to him in “Piano Man” does it. “Invoice I imagine that is killing me,” he says.
8. Bob Dylan, “Serve Someone”
From: Gradual Prepare Coming (1979)
For these unaware, Bob Dylan was born Robert Zimmerman — he legally modified it to Dylan in 1962. Near 20 years after that, Dylan name-dropped himself in “Serve Someone:” “It’s possible you’ll name me Bobby, chances are you’ll name me Zimmy.”
9. Stylish, “Le Freak”
From: C’est Stylish (1978)
Actually with a band identify like Stylish, you merely should discover a technique to incorporate it in some way right into a music. In “Le Freak,” the title refers to a method of dance that is “c’est stylish” —”it is fashionable” in French.
10. Chicago, “Take Me Again to Chicago”
From: Chicago XI (1977)
It actually simply makes all of the sense on the planet {that a} band known as Chicago from Chicago would sing about their hometown, as they did in 1977’s “Take Me Again to Chicago,” “the place my life was free and simple.” Bonus factors for together with Chaka Kahn as a backing vocalist.
11. The Conflict, “Conflict Metropolis Rockers”
From: The Conflict (1977)
The Conflict even have a number of completely different songs during which they point out themselves. First there was “Conflict Metropolis Rockers” from their 1977 debut album, adopted by “Rudie Cannot Fail” from 1979’s London Calling. And eventually, “Radio Conflict,” a 1981 single.
12. David Bowie, “Teenage Wildlife”
From: Scary Monsters (And Tremendous Creeps) (1980)
Some have interpreted David Bowie’s “Teenage Wildlife” as having to do with “Bowie imitators” so to talk, those that got here up behind him using related methods. “You will take me apart and say ‘Properly, David, what shall I do? They look forward to me within the hallway,’” he sings. “I will say ‘Do not ask me, I do not know any hallways.’” However as Bowie himself as soon as put it, it was extra of a self-reflective piece. “I suppose it could be addressed to a legendary teenage brother if I had one,” he stated [via The Guardian], “or possibly my latter-day adolescent self, making an attempt to appropriate these issues one thinks one’s finished fallacious.”
13. Devo, “Jocko Homo”
From: Q: Are We Not Males? A: We Are Devo! (1978)
“Jocko Homo” is the music from which Devo derived the title of their 1978 launch, Q: Are We Not Males? A: We Are Devo! By then the band had already been enjoying the music dwell for a number of years, encouraging audiences to take part within the call-and-response bit.
READ MORE: The 40 Finest Cowl Songs by Rock Bands
14. Exodus, “The Poisonous Waltz”
From: Fabulous Catastrophe (1989)
Within the phrases of Steve “Zetro” Souza, Exodus’ “The Poisonous Waltz” was written as one thing of a joke. “I did not even suppose that we had been going to make use of it,” he informed Songfacts. “Should you learn the lyrics, they’re form of foolish.” These lyrics included a self-referential second: “And this train helps you brutalize, with us! Exodus!“
15. Weapons N’ Roses, “Get within the Ring”
From: Use Your Phantasm II (1991)
There’s lots happening in 1991’s “Get within the Ring” by Weapons N’ Roses, who took the chance to name out a handful of music critics the band evidently deemed beneath them, Andy Secher, Mick Wall and Bob Guccione Jr. It was, as GNR apparently noticed it, a battle between the 2 sides: “And on this nook, weighin’ in at 850 kilos, Weapons N’ Roses.”
16. Harry Chapin, “Taxi”
From: Heads & Tales (1972)
There’s all the time one thing terribly tender concerning the reunification of outdated flames after a long time aside, which is the premise of Harry Chapin’s “Taxi:” “She stated, ‘How are you, Harry?’ I stated, ‘How are you, Sue? By way of the too many miles and the too little smiles I nonetheless bear in mind you.’“
17. James Brown, “There Was a Time”
From: I Cannot Stand Myself When You Contact Me (1968)
When is comes to bounce strikes, few performing musicians had been extra versatile and charismatic than James Brown. And he completely knew it. “However you’ll be able to wager you have not seen nothing but,” he sang in 1968’s “There Was a Time,” “Till you see me do the James Brown.”
18. Jim Croce, “You Do not Mess Round With Jim”
From: You Do not Mess Round With Jim (1972)
Name it a veiled risk, name it a direct warning, however no matter you do round Jim Croce, let it’s recognized: “You do not pull the masks off that outdated Lone Ranger / And you do not fiddle with Jim.“
19. The Jimi Hendrix Expertise, “Hearth”
From: Are You Skilled (1967)
Because the story goes, Jimi Hendrix was as soon as at his bass participant Noel Redding’s dwelling in England following a New Yr’s Eve present. His intention was to heat himself up by the hearth however Redding’s household canine had apparently already claimed the spot, resulting in Hendrix to utter the strains: “Aw, transfer over, Rover, and let Jimi take over.“
20. John Lennon, “God”
From: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)
John Lennon was not the one main recording artist to have a sophisticated relationship together with his previous work, however he was actually one who voiced his misgivings. The strongest instance of this was maybe his 1970 music “God,” during which he kind of renounces his affiliation with folks and issues that had been as soon as necessary to him, together with his outdated band: “I do not imagine in Beatles.”
21. Child Rock, “Bawitdaba”
From: Satan And not using a Trigger (1998)
In case you forgot it, Child Rock yells his identify at full quantity on his 1998 observe “Bawitdaba:” “My identify is Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiid, Child Rock!” Few different recognizable English phrases will be discovered within the music.
22. King Crimson, “The Court docket of the Crimson King”
From: Within the Court docket of the Crimson King (1969)
Sure, technically this music name-drops the band backwards — as an alternative of “King Crimson” there are a number of references to “the crimson king,” but it surely’s nonetheless worthy of inclusion. “The Court docket of the Crimson King,” which was additionally launched as a single in 1969, was the prog group’s solely Sizzling 100 hit, reaching No. 80.
23. Kiss, “Calling Dr. Love”
From: Rock and Roll Over (1976)
In equity, “kiss” is a fairly frequent phrase in rock lyrics, however when Kiss themselves make it a degree to incorporate, it is worthy of noting. You will discover it in 1976’s “Calling Dr. Love:” “Step one of the treatment is a kiss.”
24. Kool and the Gang, “Hollywood Swinging”
From: Wild and Peaceable (1973)
Whoever the narrator is meant to be on “Hollywood Swinging,” they caught the bug to be within the music business through Kool and the Gang: “I bear in mind not too way back / I went to the theater / And I noticed the Kool and the Gang present.” The music wound up a No. 6 hit on the Billboard Sizzling 100.
25. Leonard Cohen, “Subject Commander Cohen”
From: New Pores and skin for the Outdated Ceremony (1974)
“Subject Commander Cohen, he was our most necessary spy,” Leonard Cohen explains on this 1974 self-referential quantity, “Wounded within the line of obligation.” Cohen would use the phrase once more 5 years later for the title of a dwell album, Subject Commander Cohen: Tour of 1979.
26. Dwelling Color, “What’s Your Favourite Shade? (Theme Tune)”
From: Vivid (1988)
It simply is sensible to incorporate a band theme music in your debut album, no? Dwelling Color’s, titled “What’s Your Favourite Shade? (Theme Tune),” appeared on 1988’s Vivid. Their apparent reply: Dwelling Color.
27. The Mamas and the Papas, “Creeque Alley”
From: The Mamas and the Papas Ship (1967)
The Mamas and the Papas’ “Creeque Alley” is an autobiographical tune, playfully recounting the varied journeys of the respective band members. “John and Mitchy had been gettin’ form of itchy / Simply to depart the people music behind,” the primary few strains go, referring to John and Michelle Phillips. And later: “When Cass was a sophomore, deliberate to go to Swarthmore / However she modified her thoughts at some point.”
28. Manfred Mann, “The One within the Center”
From: Manfred Mann (1965) (EP)
Curiously, Paul Jones of Manfred Mann wrote “The One within the Center” for the Yardbirds. He’d attended one among their gigs the place he seen a lot of the males within the viewers appeared to be there for Eric Clapton, whereas the women favored Keith Relf. However when he provided the music to them, Relf swiftly declined. “He stated: ‘I am not singing that, that is embarrassing,'” Jones informed The Guardian in 2021. So he stored it for his personal band and easily modified the names to his bandmates’ in Manfred Mann.
29. Megadeth, “Set the World Afire”
From: So Far, So Good… So What! (1988)
Actually on his approach dwelling from being kicked out of Metallica, Dave Mustaine discovered himself studying a politcal pamphlet by the California Senator Alan Cranston which learn, partly, “The arsenal of megadeath cannot be rid it doesn’t matter what the peace treaties come to.” Initially, Mustaine wished to make use of the phrase because the title of a music, but it surely ended up the identify of his new band. The music Mustaine wrote was re-titled to “Set the World Afire,” but it surely stored the identical line: “The arsenal of Megadeth cannot be rid of they stated.”
30. Metallica, “Whiplash”
From: Kill ‘Em All (1983)
From the very starting of their profession, Metallica made it clear that they had been going to be round for time and a very long time. “Resort rooms and motorways, life out right here is uncooked,” James Hetfield sang on 1983’s “Whiplash,” the primary single from the band’s debut album, “However we’ll by no means cease, we’ll by no means give up, ‘trigger we’re Metallica.”
31. Mom Love Bone, “Capricorn Sister”
From: Apple (1990)
Mom Love Bone launched just one studio album, 1990’s Apple, but it surely made its mark. Their identify seems on the latter half of the album in a music known as “Capricorn Sister:” “Motherlovebone / mama papa talkin’ to me.“
32. Motley Crue, “Unhealthy Boy Boogie”
From: Ladies, Ladies, Ladies (1987)
Do not say Motley Crue did not warn you on 1987’s “Unhealthy Boy Boogie.” They made their intentions completely clear: “Higher lock up your daughter / When the Motleys hit the highway.”
33. Morrissey, “Ouija Board, Ouija Board”
From: 1989 Single
For those who aren’t conscious — and there is doubtless many — Morrissey’s first and authorized identify is Steven, which he talked about in his 1989 single “Ouija Board, Ouija Board.” In actual fact, he actually spells it out: “S.T.E.V.E.N.”
34. Nirvana, “Paper Cuts”
From: Bleach (1989)
It is virtually laborious to inform what Kurt Cobain is half-singing, half-moaning in between verses on “Paper Cuts,” however pay attention intently and you will discover it is his personal band identify time and again.
35. Pearl Jam, “Soiled Frank”
From: Ten (1991)
A month earlier than Pearl Jam launched their debut album in August of 1991, the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was lastly arrested. He would wind up pleading responsible however insane to fifteen counts of homicide, in addition to confess to consuming the physique elements of a number of of his victims. Pearl Jam’s “Soiled Frank” just isn’t technically about Dahmer — its title is definitely a reference to their bus driver, whom they had been leery of and known as “Soiled Frank” — however the lyrics contain a terrible lot of cannibalistic references, and one which name-checks their very own guitarist: “The place’s Mike McCready? My god he is been ate!“
36. Pink Floyd, “Have a Cigar”
From: Want You Had been Right here (1975)
“There have been an terrible lot of people that thought Pink Floyd was the identify of the lead singer and that was Pink himself and the band,” David Gilmour recalled in 1992. That confusion prompted the lyric: “The band is simply incredible, that’s actually what I feel / Oh, by the way in which, which one’s Pink?“
37. Prince, “My Title Is Prince”
From: Love Image (1992)
“My identify is Prince and I’m funky / My identify is Prince, the one and solely.” Want he say extra?
38. Queen, “Killer Queen”
From: Sheer Coronary heart Assault (1974)
In line with Freddie Mercury, “Killer Queen” was written a couple of high-class name woman, one which drinks Moet et Chandon and wears Parisian fragrance. A number of years after that observe, Queen name-checked themselves once more on “I Go Loopy,” which was initially meant for the Sizzling House album, however did not make the ultimate reduce: “I do not wish to go and see Queen no extra.”
39. Randy Newman, “My Life Is Good”
From: Hassle in Paradise (1983)
There’s not too many songs on the market that contain a dialogue with Bruce Springsteen, however Randy Newman’s “My Life Is Good” is one among them: “He stated, ‘Rand, I am drained. How would you prefer to be the Boss for awhile?’“
40. Robert Cray, “Nothin’ However a Lady”
From: Sturdy Persuader (1986)
There’s all the time one thing type of humorous about an artist referring to youthful variations of themselves within the third particular person, like Robert Cray did in 1986’s “Nothin’ However a Lady,” which notes that “younger Bob” does not require “medicine, whiskey, or greed.” All he wants is “nothin’ however a lady.“
41. Sammy Hagar, “Sam I Am”
From: This Is Sammy Hagar: When the Get together Began Vol. 1 (2016)
When Dr. Suess penned the road “Sam I’m” for his 1960 kids’s e-book Inexperienced Eggs and Ham, there is not any approach he may have imagined that Sammy Hagar would use it for himself a long time later. “I ain’t no Superman,” Hagar sings, “however Sam I’m.“
42. Scorpions, “Lovedrive”
From: Lovedrive (1979)
“I might like to point out why Scorpions bought a sting,” Klaus Meine sings on “Lovedrive” from the band’s breakthrough album of the identical identify. It is not fully clear whether or not that is a risk or a promise of time. It is also each.
43. Skid Row, “Youth Gone Wild”
From: Skid Row (1989)
Naming their debut album after themselves was not fairly sufficient for Skid Row. They dropped it once more in “Youth Gone Wild,” their debut single: “I stated, ‘Hey man, there’s one thing you must know / Properly, I will inform you Park Avenue results in Skid Row.’“
44. Steely Dan, “Present Biz Youngsters”
From: Countdown to Ecstasy (1973)
Steely Dan’s “Present Biz Youngsters” is meant to be a satirical tackle leisure tradition, however you must admit, you understand you’ve got made it within the music enterprise when there’s an entire bunch of individuals on the market sporting shirts along with your band identify on them: “They bought the shapely our bodies / They bought the Steely Dan t-shirt.“
45. Stray Cats, “Stray Cat Strut”
From: Stray Cats (1981)
“Stray Cat Strut” is, in fact, not an actual name-drop, but it surely’s awfully shut, and it is laborious not to consider it as kind of the band’s personal anthem. It wound up going to No. 11 within the U.Okay. and No. 3 within the U.S., and its music video was proven usually on MTV.
46. The Supremes, “Again in My Arms Once more
From: Extra hits by the Supremes (1965)
Diana Ross took lead vocals on the Supremes’ “Again in My Arms Once more,” during which she makes an attempt to reconcile with a damaged coronary heart. Her associates, aka bandmates Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard, are of no assist: “How can Mary inform me what to do / When she misplaced her love so true? / And Flo, she do not know / ‘Trigger the boy she loves is a Romeo.“
47. Candy, “Ballroom Blitz”
From: Desolation Boulevard (1974) (U.S. Model Solely)
Any music that begins off with one member of the band asking the others in the event that they’re able to go is inevitably memorable, as within the case of Candy’s large hit, “Ballroom Blitz:” “Are you prepared Steve? Uh-huh / Andy? Yeah / Mick? Okay / Alright fellas, let’s go!“
48. T. Rex, “Principal Man”
From: The Slider (1972)
“Bolan likes to rock now / Sure he does, sure he does.” Good factor, as a result of Marc Bolan’s The Slider was a giant hit on each side of the Atlantic.
49. The White Stripes, “Properly It is True That We Love One One other”
From: Elephant (2003)
The second line within the White Stripes’ “Properly It is True That We Love One One other” — “I really like Jack White like a bit brother” — is especially notable given that early of their profession the duo claimed to be siblings, not romantic companions. Meg White’s identify can be dropped in all through the music.
20 Bands That Reunited With All of Their Unique Members
It is cool to see a band reunite with all of its authentic members, so we got here up with 20 examples of that taking place. After all, that does not imply they essentially stayed along with all authentic members after. So, right here, we present how lengthy they had been collectively — each initially and on their comeback(s).
Gallery Credit score: Philip Trapp