11 More Songs That Involve the Head in Some Capacity | Playlist

11 More Songs That Involve the Head in Some Capacity features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Jeff Rosenstock, Juice WRLD, Lost Frequencies, and Mad Tsai.

Use your HEAD, peeps! That’s right! This playlist right here is all about anatomy, specifically the head! 11 More Songs That Involve the Head in Some Capacity serves as a follow up to the 2018 playlist, 13 Songs That Involve the Head in Some Capacity. 11 More Songs That Involve the Head in Some Capacity features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Jeff Rosenstock, Juice WRLD, Lost Frequencies, and Mad Tsai among others. What more needs to be said? Use your head and let’s dive into this compelling musical compendium sequel, 11 More Songs That Involve the Head in Some Capacity. 

1. Lost Frequencies & Bastille, “Head Down” 

“Head Down” • Lost & Cie Music SPRL / Epic • 2023

“Don’t hang your head down.” That’s the key lyrical takeaway from “Head Down”, a groovy collaborative single from Belgian DJ/record producer, Lost Frequencies (Felix de Laet), and British indie-pop band, Bastille.  In the chorus, Dan Smith repeats the titular lyrics over and over, ensuring that the uplifting message and vibes don’t fall on deaf ears.  As always, Smith’s British accent is pronounced, part of the charm of his performance.  Notably, he highlights the happenings forcing him to keep his head down.  But, of course, he gets the advice and inspiration he needs to bring him up:  

“And you said  

‘Hearts break, life can knock you to the ground  

Don’t hang your head down, head down  

You’re still young, but know the best is yet to come  

Don’t hang your head down, head down.’”  

Word. As for Lost Frequencies, he puts in work on the instrumental.  To reiterate, the groove is lit – arguably the biggest selling point of the instrumental.  But also, the backdrop is colorful, thanks to the keys, synths, and the rhythm.  “Head Down” was produced by Lost Frequencies and Johan Lindbrandt. Furthermore, Smith, de Laet, and Lindbrant composed the record alongside Dag Lundberg and Nicklas Lif.  All told, “Head Down” is a winner – an electrifying dance joint to spin well into 2024.  

Appears in :  

• 11 Thrilling Songs Where It’s Going DOWN (2024) 
• Bops That Pop: January 2024 

2. Jeff Rosenstock, “HEAD” 

HELLMODE • Polyvinyl Record Co. • 2023 

“I am just an avatar of someone I’ve invented / A messenger of certainties I’m trying to decode.” WOO! The ear-catching, energetic “HEAD” appears as the second track on HELLMODE, the 2023 studio album by punk singer, songwriter, and producer, Jeff Rosenstock.  With “HEAD,” Rosenstock delivers a chaotic, intense, and utterly wild one-and-a-half-minute song.  Rosenstock serves up aggressive, fast-paced shouted vocals during the verse.  The instrumental matches the aggressiveness: the drums pummel, the guitars are jagged, while the bass establishes the foundation like a boss.  Going back to the vocals, in the chorus, “HEAD” is melodic, even tuneful for that matter. “‘Cause there’s a bomb inside my head / And I wish that I could disconnect the threads,” he sings assertively. Even though this is a short record, there is contrast, specifically at the end where Rosenstock informs us, “And I don’t wanna think about it anymore /… And it feels okay / But that doesn’t make it stop.” Um, okay, sure! Rock TF on ! 

3. Mad Tsai, “in my head”  

“in my head” • Mad Tsai • 2023   

“I know it’s selfish to wish that you’re hurting / Just to prove that it was worth the / Pain and the joy that you put me through…” Mad Tsai is the sugar honey iced tea.  The bisexual pop singer/songwriter has a knack for making satisfying bops. Love is often a theme in these bops, and single “in my head” is no different.  What is different is that Tsai opts for balladry. He penned “In my head” alongside Jeremy Zuckerman.  Fittingly, it features amorous production (Tsai and Drew Polovick).  Some of the ear candy includes dramatic strings and a wall of sound during the bridge. As far as those matters of the heart, Tsai has his heart broken. Ugh, how could anyone break this handsome man’s heart? Given the love pain, he sings authentically and expressively with a gorgeous tone. “Broke my heart, said our love was like movies / I’m not the one that you’re choosing / God, why do I always love alone?” he sings in the first verse. He’s been left and he laments his luck when it comes to love. “But in this life, I’m not complete / You found someone I can’t compete,” he sings, adding, “So, guess I’m stuck with loving you inside my head / ‘Cause in another world we’d be again.” This is incredibly relatable, which is one of the reasons why “in my head”, as well as Mad Tsai as artist, is so lovable.  

Appears in :  

• Awesome Songs: May 2023  

4. Ariana Grande, “in my head”  

thank u, next • Republic • 2019

“In my head” appears as the ninth track on thank u, next, arguably the best album by Grammy-winning pop superstar, Ariana Grande.  While “in my head” is sandwiched between two of the very best songs from thank u, next – “ghostin” and the controversial “7 rings” – it still gives Grande another winning moment.  The sound of “in my head” is urban-flavored pop, with superb production by NOVA WAV, Happy Perez, and Pop Wansel.  Grande flaunts her beautiful tone, shows off her range in select moments, and, possesses a swagger from the onset.  Now, the question is, what exactly is in Ariana’s head? And illusion, apparently. “Painted a picture, I thought I knew you well / I got a habit of seeing what isn’t there,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “Caught in the moment, tangled up in your sheets / When you broke my heart, I said you only wanted half of me.” Woo! So taken with him, Grande saw what she wanted to see, even if it was more of her imagination than reality.  In the chorus, she sums it up exceptionally: “I thought you were the one / But it was all in my head / It was all in my head.” Yep, that’s about the size of it, and reality, well, she’s a bitch, unfortunately.   

5. Juice WRLD, “In My Head”  

“In My Head” • Grade A Productions / Interscope • 2022 

“Fill my lungs with ganja / When they fill my brain with drama / From my past, I have all this trauma / Getting cash, hope the racks solve my problems.” Tragically, a traumatized, issue-laden Juice WRLD has long proven to be a highly inspired Juice WRLD.  The rapper, who passed away at the age of 21 in 2019, continues to be a fixture in the hip-hop world.  His emo-tinged, melodic brand of rap hit differently while he was alive and continues to be influential long after his unfortunate demise from an overdose.  Making things even more gut-wrenching is how his music – again, alive, and posthumously – is a cry for help.  The fabulous “In My Head” is a testament to this.  It’s a great song but utterly tragic, to say the least. “In My Head” commences with moody vibes, which suit the Juice WRLD aesthetic.  TrePounds, Max Lord, and Sheldon Ferguson provide the perfect backdrop. Although we’ve heard the late rapper embrace his struggles time and time again – alive and posthumously – it never grows old.  Juice WRLD is honest about his mental health and substance abuse.  “They wondеr why I get high as fuck / They wonder why I gеt high so much,” he raps, adding, “Um, I’m trapped in my head too much.” All told, he shines on “In My Head”.  His melodic performance is beautiful even though he’s clearly plagued by issues.   What’s saddest about “In My Head” is that his coping mechanisms – money and drugs – ultimately didn’t solve his problems.  He admits this in the chorus: “Getting cash, hope the racks solve my problems /… But it don’t work, no, it won’t work out / Yeah, it don’t work, now the pain’s worse.”   

Appears in :  

• Awesome Songs: November 2022  

6. Manchester Orchestra, “Bed Head” 

The Million Masks of God • Loma Vista • 2021

“Blood on the bed head and volumes you left unsaid / Let ‘em talk and let it habit, now I’m afraid you’re alone.” Alternative rock band Manchester Orchestra roars on “Bed Head,” the fourth track (and an advance single) from their sixth studio album, The Million Masks of God (2021). Death plays a key role on the track, appearing explicitly in the first line of the first verse (“Arguing with the dead”), as well as related lyrics (“You and I are panoramic / Now I’m afraid of the ghost”).  Even with references to ghosts throughout, this death doesn’t seem literal…or as literal. Here, there seems to be a struggle to move on beyond the past and live in the present. “Oh, my God,” Andy Hull sings in the terrific, tuneful chorus, “Let me relinquish and start to distinguish the past, and my time.”  “Bed Head” = surefire highlight from The Million Masks of God.  

7. Gunna, “3 Headed Snake” (Ft. Young Thug)  

Drip or Drown 2 • Young Stoner Life / 300 Entertainment • 2020

“Aimin’ at a date, aimin’ at a Wraith, aimin’ at a gate, mmh.” Um, sure, okay… Gunna and Young Thug together on the same track? That screams an interesting listening experience.  The song at hand, “3 Headed Snake,” appears on Gunna’s 2020 album, Drip or Drown 2.  Ultimately, the song has nothing to do with that terrifying creature known as a snake.  That said, Thugga describes what this “3 headed snake” looks like: “Shit, me, Gunna, and Wheezy, that’s a three-headed snake.” In other words, totally metaphorical.  The symbolism dates back years and years and years. Ages, y’all! While the symbolism itself is intriguing, Gunna and Young Thug are much more basic.  Thugga spends the whole first verse concerned with his penis (“You could use my nut to cleanse your face”).  Gunna is no better honestly, segueing from Thug’s final live to assert, “Bitch, drink my nut like E&J.” Mercy! The next two verses are more collaborative but no more ‘refined’ you might say.  It’s all drip and sex over the course of four minutes. Do with that what you want.    

Appears in :  

• 12 Utterly Terrifying Songs About Snakes (2021) 

8. Passion Pit, “Sleepyhead” 

Chunk of Change (EP) • frenchkiss • 2008  

“Sleepyhead” is a fascinating song by indie pop act, Passion Pit, the brainchild of Michael Angelakos. Even though “Sleepyhead” never charted on the pop charts, it has been certified double platinum by the RIAA . This unique record was written by Angelakos and Mary O’Hara. So, how does Irish soprano and harpist Mary O’Hara come into the picture, exactly? Her song, “Oro Mo Bahidin” is sampled. In the intro of “Sleepyhead”, O’Hara sings: “Oíche Fheíl / Oíche Fhéil Eoin / Ní thiochfaidh mé aniar.” The Gaelic lyrics reference St. John’s Eve, a midsummer festivity, while O’Hara famously asserts, “I will not come back.” Prior to O’Hara’s contributions, lyrically and musically, novelist and poet, Jack Kerouac also appears in the intro of this gem from Chunk of Change (EP): “And everything is going to the beat.” Enigmatic, isn’t it?

Providing background on “Sleepyhead”, Michael Angelakos asserts:   

Honestly, the samples usually tell the story. Was really into Mary O’Hara, listening to lots of Irish folk music. But I had been making a lot [of] Passion Pit material. I hadn’t sampled anything that heavily before. But I realized I had a song that was kind of doing what that song was doing already (melodically). In the end, I finished it in less than 2 hours… And the sound in the beginning was an accident — had some plugin turned on accidentally that reversed the whole song and this one drum loop.  

Cool stuff! Chris Zane produced the record, characterized by its thrilling samples, ultra-colorful backdrop, and distinct vocals and lyrics from Michael Angelakos.  Honestly, there are few songs that sound like it. Following the intro, Angelakos gives us two verses. At the end of the first, he sings, “Flicking fire like saltwater into my eyes / You were one inch from the edge of this bed / I drag you back a sleepyhead, sleepyhead.” Intriguing. In the second verse, he sings, about lions “Crowd your bedrooms like some thoughts wearing thin,” and, later adds, “My beard grew down to the floor and out through the doors / And of your eyes, begonia skies like a sleepyhead, sleepyhead.” Wow. The poetic lyrics make “Sleepyhead” the aughts classic that it is.  Depending on who you ask, people have varying interpretations of the song – lots of them. Songfacts notes (via The Sun), Angelakos states, “Originally it [Chunk of Change (EP)] was a Valentine’s gift for my girlfriend that was never supposed to go beyond her ears. She put up with a lot of my shit and was a saint for it and that is the theme of a lot of the EP.” The sleepiness of “Sleepyhead” seems negative, despite the exuberant sounds of the instrumental. Furthermore, the context of Angelakos being an imperfect boyfriend also suggests this record is not-so-happy.   

Appears in :   

• Passion Pit, Sleepyhead: Bangerz N Bopz No. 8 (2023)  
• 11 Songs That are Tired to the nth Degree (2023)  

9. The Police, “Voices Inside My Head”  

Zenyatta Mondatta • A&M • 1980

“Jump, jump, jump!” “Voices Inside My Head” appears as the fifth track of Zenyatta Mondatta, the 1980 album by iconic rock band, The Police.  Zenyatta Mondatta is one of multiple, multiplatinum albums by the collective. A non-single, the aesthetic of “Voices Inside My Head” is a huge selling point. It features an electrifying, infectious groove. Simply put, there is NO WAY you’ll be able to resist body movement. The rhythm section is firmly in the pocket: drums, rhythm guitar, and a super athletic bass line . 

Some additional notes regarding those voices inside Sting’s head.  Sting gives a great vocal performance, serving up unique vocals. Beyond his voice, the vocal production is well-rounded.  Regarding the songwriting, “Voices Inside My Head” keeps the lyrics simple and repetitive: “Voices inside my head / Echoes of things that you said.” Yep, that’s about the size of it! Even with Sting singing uncomplicated text, those lyrics are a vibe. A sick gem from the 1980s, “Voices Inside My Head” never gets in a rush, giving off cool but incredibly potent energy.   

Appears in :   

• The Police, Voices Inside My Head: Bangerz N Bopz No. 6 (2024)  
• 11 Songs That Embrace the Voice (2024)

10. Powfu, “death bed (coffee for your head)” (Ft. beabadoobee)  

  Poems of the Past (EP) •  Columbia • 2020

Canadian rapper/singer Powfu raps about his “death bed (coffee for your head)” (Poems of the past (EP)), getting a mighty assist from indie-pop singer/songwriter, beabadoobee. Beabadoobee plays a big role, thanks to a sample of her song, “Coffee”, fueling the fire.  Otterpop does a nice job producing this chill yet potent and thoughtful record. Powfu rides the beat with ease. He reflects on love, life, and God.  “I been praying for forgiveness, you’ve been praying for my health,” he raps on the first verse, continuing, “When I leave this earth, hopin’ you’ll find someone else…”  The second is shorter but keeps the same energy. He’s happy she’s with him, recollects the memories, but also, sadly tells her, “Soon you’ll be alone, sorry that you have to lose me.” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus on one of the best songs of 2020: 

“Don’t stay awake for too long, don’t go to bed   

I’ll make a cup of coffee for your head   

It’ll get you up and going out of bed.”    

Appears in :   

• Awesome Songs: February 2020   
• BED : 5ive Songs No. 41 (2020)   
• Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 2) (2020)   
• 13 Delightful Songs Coffee Drinkers Can Get Behind (2020)   
• 100 Best Songs of 2020    
• 12 More Songs Associated with the Bed (2021)   
• 15 Songs Where Great Sampling Fuels the Fire (2023)  

11. Paul Anka, “Put Your Head on My Shoulder”   

Put Your Head on My Shoulder: The Very Best of Paul Anka • RCA • 2000

“Put your head on my shoulder / Hold me in your arms, baby / Squeeze me oh-so-tight  / Show me that you love me too.” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” is a gorgeous classic performed and written by singer/songwriter Paul Anka. “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” dates to 1959. Despite its age, this former no. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 exemplifies timelessness. It’s a record that reminds you of the simplicity and sheer beauty of the music of the past.  “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” is inoffensive lyrically – completely unobjectionable. Love is the modus operandi.

“People say that love’s a game / A game you just can’t win / If there’s a way / I’ll find it someday / And then this fool will rush in.” Anka delivers expressive vocals. His tone of voice and the nuance with which he performs is nothing short of sublime.  The production and sound of the record are also impressive. Sure, production has evolved since Anka recorded this gem, but the music is beautiful and uncluttered – it just feels right. Lovely guitar, drums, and smooth backing vocals accentuate Anka’s commanding, love-driven lead.    

“Put your head on my shoulder    

Whisper in my ear, baby    

Words I want to her, baby    

Put your head on my shoulder.”         

Appears in :    

• 13 Utterly Compelling Shoulder Songs (2020)    
• Paul Anka, Put Your Head on My Shoulder: Throwback Vibez No. 14 (2022)    
• Put Your Money on These 15 Put Songs (2022)   
• 13 Engaging YOUR or YOURS Songs (2023)   
• Incredible Songs: 1950s, Vol. 1 (2024)  

11 More Songs That Involve the Head in Some Capacity (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 300 Entertainment, A&M, Columbia, Epic, frenchkiss, Grade A Productions, Interscope, Loma Vista, Lost & Cie Music SPRL, Mad Tsai, Polyvinyl Record Co., RCA, Republic, Young Stoner Life; Axl Nascimento, Seun Oderinde from Pexels]