Not every song is eloquently penned with substantial or outward depth – this is definitely true in modern musical times. Some songs are born from a random place and because of little context or the idiosyncratic artists/songwriters; the final product sometimes comes over, well ridiculously. Sometimes ridiculous isn’t even the appropriate word – sometimes the results show great ambitiousness, uniqueness or maybe even misunderstood genius. Regardless of the characterization, the 10 songs that grace this list are all captivating, thanks to being either random, ridiculous, or a mixture of both.   

1. System of A Down, “She’s Like Heroin”

Hypnotize

 [2005]

The best way to describe “She’s Like Heroin” is it is a trip. Without being analytical, the listener has the question what the heck System of a Down is getting at. Examine closer beyond the manic if memorable “Ass! Selling ass for heroin,” and it seems it’s tale of how desperate one is for sex and drugs – specifically heroin. The genius of this song is how SOAD balance seriousness, silliness, and a captivating listen.

2. Paul McCartney & Wings, “Jet”

Band On The Run

[1973]

“Jet” is a rock and roll classic – no one will dispute that! Furthermore, no one will dispute the fact that Paul McCartney is the [bleeping] man. But, what exactly is the song actually about? Honestly, it’s sort of silly. Jet is supposedly about a puppy, though later McCartney suggests its about a pony – go figure. Cleverly, McCartney sings throughout, “And Jet, I thought the major was a lady suffragette.” Get it – ‘jet’ rhymes ‘suffragette’ that has nothing to do with anything.

3. Nicki Minaj, “Roman’s Holiday”

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

 [2012]

Nicki Minaj is one of a kind – this is an undisputed truth. “Roman Holiday,” the opener for her sophomore album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded definitely affirms that characterization. Sure, “Roman Holiday” isn’t the first instance Minaj’s ‘Roman’ personality has appeared, but arguably it’s the most, um, odd. When a song opens abruptly with lyrics “Take your medication, Roman / take a short vacation, Roman / you’ll be okay,” then you know you’re in for a ‘trip.’ Her 2012 Grammy performance of “Roman’s Holiday” certainly raised eyebrows…

4. Panic! At The Disco, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”

A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out

[2005]

When your debut album is entitled A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, you KNOW there has to be a ‘random’ sometimes ridiculous element to the music. That is definitely the case for Panic! At The Disco’s breakthrough single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” The lyrics are wedding-centric, with folks in the wedding criticizing the bride and the groom’s reaction. This is evidenced by the bold line:

“The poor groom’s bride is a whore.”

Even as memorable as that lyric is, the most memorable is:

“Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door? / No it’s much better to face these kinds of things / with a sense of poise and rationality.”

5. Tyler, The Creator, “Goblin”

Goblin

 [2011]

Underground rapper Tyler, The Creator is definitely among the most unapologetic in the game. His entire Goblin album – his major introduction to most – confirmed he gives no f*cks. It’s one thing to be brash, but opening joint “Goblin” finds Tyler conversing with his therapist over the course of seven minutes. It’s definitely NSFW, with a brutally honest line like

“College wasn’t working and I wasn’t working / so I was at home jerking…”

6. Asher Roth, “Lark On My Go-Kart”

Asleep In The Bread Aisle

 [2010]

Everyone knows Asher Roth for two things: (1) his love for weed and (2) his chill hit “I Love College.” While “I Love College” would be Roth’s one breakthrough, its parent album “Lark On My Go-Kart” actually maybe more intriguing. The lyrics are ridiculous, suggesting Mr. Roth is already ‘flying high as a kite.’ So what’s the song about – carefree, adult fun – smoking and sex.

7. Father John Misty, “Holy Shit”

I Love You, Honeybear

 [2015]

Characterizing Father John Misty as ridiculous would be a ridiculous statement in itself – he’s among today’s most brilliant musicians. But “Holy Shit” is written in random fashion, which solidifies its brilliance. Furthermore, “Holy Shit” is ‘ridiculous’ in the sense Misty raises all sorts of random situations and things.

“Age-old general roles / infotainment, capital / Golden bows, and mercury / Bohemian nightmare, dust bowl chic…”

Truthfully, the title is appropriate from both Father John Misty’s perspective as well as the listener’s – it’s a lot to take in, inciting the reaction, holy shit!

8. Rae Sremmurd, “Safe Sex Pay Checks”

Sremmlife

[2015]

Oh boy! Apparently living the Sremmlife is something else – or just pretty simple. Rae Sremmurd delivers one of the most ridiculous songs with an undoubtedly catchy title. These are the same dudes that have “No Type” so why is it really shocking that they characterize life as being about sex and money? Give them credit for the fact they are all about ‘safe’ sex. Still, isn’t there more to life than that?

9. Chase Rice, “Jack Daniels and Jesus”

Ignite The Night

 [2014]

There are so many country songs that could be grouped in the realm of both the random and ridiculous. How many songs have been written about sexy trucks and tractors? But even greater is when it comes to alcohol, a prominent theme that gets ever so overexposed. Here the overexposure just might be affecting Chase Rice’s salvation. After all, he’s

“Taken a ride in the devil’s Cadillac / I’ve been so high I thought I wasn’t coming back / and just when I think I’m too far gone / ringin’ in my head’s the 23^rd Psalm.”

Priorities Chase, priorities? 

10. Lil Wayne, “Abortion”

Tha Carter IV

 [2011]

First and foremost, abortion itself is a polarizing issue. Traditionally, it’s not practice to name songs with such controversial titles, etc. But this is Lil Wayne, who doesn’t come over as particularly, um traditional. Anyways, “Abortion” has little to do with the hot- button topic. The most notable reference comes by way of lyrics,

“I know your name, yeah / your name is unimportant / we in the belly of the beast / and she thinking ‘bout abortion.”

Ok so, what’s the song about exactly? Well, it seems to be the hardships of life and being successful through obstacles.

Photo Credit: Columbia Nashville