13 Entertaining Songs That Reference Musical Instruments | Playlist 🎧

1. Jeezy, “White Keys”

TM104: The Legend of the Snowman • Def Jam • 2019

Instrument referenced: Piano

While he offers nothing particularly innovative on TM104: The Legend of the Snowman, Jeezy serves up plenty of bangers that celebrate his career. The rapper has ‘gone hard’ from day one. Unlike some contemporaries, he’s definitely remained ‘true to self.’ Jeezy doesn’t ‘change the game’ on his purported final album, but the southern, “Soul Survivor” rapper who “Put On” for his city definitely flexes his muscles and takes his victory lap. A prime example is the pianistic banger, “White Keys.”

“White keys, piano / Roll clips, banana / My plug got manners / Brought gifts like Santa…” “White Keys” deserves a shout-out for featuring beautiful piano lines, as well as the aforementioned excerpt from the chorus – memorable to the nth degree. Additionally, the record relates the white keys of a piano to – wait for it – BRICKS, of course.  The best line of the entire song is undoubtedly, “Bitch, I’m the Beethoven of the block /… They call me Beethoven of the block.” When Jeezy says he’s ‘the Beethoven of the block,’ well, he’s composing and performing a different kind of symphony…

2. Party Pupils & MAX, “Sax on the Beach”

“Sax on the Beach” – Single • Dim Mak • 2018

Instrument referenced: Saxophone

“Same spot on the sand today and I see you walking by / Two-piece and a French beret, got a few things on my mind…” Hmm, like what, I wonder… hehe. Coming in at track number two on this musical instrument-themed playlist is “Sax on the Beach,” arriving courtesy of Party Pupils.  Who are Party Pupils, you ask? Great and totally applicable question! Party Pupils are is a duo comprised of New York pop singer MAX (Max Schneider), known for hits like “Lights Down Low” (Hell’s Kitchen Angel, 2016) and multi-instrumentalist and producer, Ryan Siegel.

“Sax on the Beach” features awesome, soulful vocals from MAX from the jump.  As always, the pop singer, who deserves much wider recognition, has a magnificent tone.  This is a sleekly produced, funky dance-pop record, produced by the duo.  As the aforementioned excerpts from the first verse confirm, “Sax on the Beach” is built on ample sexual innuendo. MAX, of course, sells it sensationally, particularly on the chorus:

“Sax, sax on the beach
Sounds so sweet
When you put your hands on me
Sax, sax on the beach
Can he hit that G?
And I’m feeling so horny
Put your hands on me…”

Can he hit that G? Whoa! Anyways, naturally, there is a heaping dose of saxophone (Dominic Lalli) within the production – fitting, of course, given the title.  Also, Mr. Schneider lets loose, dropping the bomb on the risqué second verse, where there’s:

“Good kush and tequila, babe, really does that body right
Mystery like a masquerade but I’ma fuck you mask off tonight…”

3. B3nte & Treyy G, “Trombone”

“Trombone” • B3nte Music • 2018

Instrument referenced: Trombone

“I do not know why they want to play with my trombone /… Everywhere we go they want to play the trombone.” Wow! Clearly, B3nte and Treyy G aren’t literally referencing the low brass instrument on the single, “Trombone.” To provide some background, B3nte (Marcus Benteby) is a music producer from Stockholm, Sweden.  Treyy G is a producer, DJ, and vocalist based in Denver, Colorado.

On “Trombone,” B3nte handles the production work, while Treyy G drops the vocals – a tongue-in-cheek rap essentially. If there was any confusion or a lack of clarity, Treyy G informs us of the credits on the second verse (“It’s B3nte on the beat and Treyy G on the flow”).  Of course, that’s not all he spits on the second verse.  Expectedly, “When they [girls] feeling horny they come play with our trombones…” The sexual innuendo to the max.  Clearly, Treyy G isn’t referencing the tenor trombone I played during my high school years, or the bass trombone I played in orchestra during my collegiate years… or is he?

4. Pusha T, “Hard Piano”

Ft. Rick Ross

DAYTONA • Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc. / Def Jam • 2018

Instrument referenced: Piano

“Never trust a bitch who finds love in a camera / She will fuck you, then turn around and fuck a janitor…” Clearly, this list, with references to musical instruments, is chocked full of sex as well – don’t blame me, I’m just the list-compiling-messenger! Anyways, “Hard Piano,” the third track from DAYTONA, the superb, Grammy-nominated, 2018 album by rapper Pusha T, is driven by the piano in its production work.  Of course, “Hard Piano” is certainly “not that innocent”, sigh.  The cocaine references are abundant – there’s no escaping the bricks here: “Still do the Fred Astaire on a brick.”

Again, the coke is ripe, but Pusha T also references prominent men accused of sexual abuse (Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer) and art (“The Warhols on my wall paint a war story”).  Featured guest Rick Ross contributes to the brick-talk, asserting, “Chillin’ in a condo full of ready rock,” later spitting, “All these K-9 units still sniffin’ me.”  Besides being “Rich Off Cocaine” (see what I did there?), he’s just stinking rich.  After all, “It’s double M, baby, money monopolies.” By the way, the piano is never explicitly referenced

5. Russ, “The Flute Song”

ZOO • Columbia • 2018

Instrument referenced: Flute

“I do whatever I want, whenever I want, I love it / People keep talkin’, I just keep winning / I’m just like ‘Fuck it’.” To copy and quote myself from a previous entry on another playlist (The 17 Worst Songs of 2018), I asked the question of Russ, “What the hell were you thinking man?” ZOO was among the worst albums of 2018. That godawful, suspect LP kicks off in equally suspect fashion with the fifth song to appear on this list, “The Flute Song”.

Essentially, the two-and-a-half-minute ‘flute’ feature was played out by the time Russ dropped his edition of hip-hop fluting. Yes, by the arrival of “The Flute Song” in 2018, rappers had already over obsessed about the woodwind instrument way, WAY too much.  As usual, Russ is confident to the nth degree, using the joint as a flex-fest. He exhibits an agile flow, oscillating between straight rhymes and pop-rap – nothing wrong with that, if he doesn’t bring anything particularly innovative to the table. The chorus, aforementioned, is relatively catchy and definitely carefree. Again, even with a couple of positives thrown in, Russ simply offers nothing new, particularly interesting, or dynamic. Still, if you like your hip-hop flute, and relatively simplistic songs, well maybe you’ll appreciated “The Flute Song” more than I do.

6. Sting & Shaggy, “Sad Trombone”

44/876 • A&M • 2018

Instrument referenced: trombone

Sting has no shortage of musical honors – #FACTS.  He’s been nominated for 45 Grammy Awards, winning 17 (as of publication).  His biggest win, of course, arrived in the 80s, when “Every Breath You Take” won Song of the Year.  Shaggy is also a Grammy winner, nominated seven times and winning twice.  His two wins include his 1995 album, Boombastic, as well as his 2018 collaborative reggae album with Sting, 44/876. That’s where our musical instrument referencing song, “Sad Trombone” hails from.

There is no doubt that “Sad Trombone” is a full-fledged reggae record.  From the onset, the listener is bestowed with the signature, lazy, chilled-out reggae feel and groove.  Furthermore, the trombone is the featured instrument, asserting itself with melodies within the soulful, tropically tinged backdrop.  Sting handles the majority of the singing, handling three of the four verses, as well as the memorable chorus:

“‘There’s a sadness in your playing,’ she said
‘That penetrates my bones
Something in your intonation, something in your tone
Always understated, never overblown
My name for you is Sad Trombone
Yes, my name for you is Sad Trombone.’”

There are variations to the chorus, which keeps things fresh.  Vocally, Sting sounds incredibly smooth, never ‘too high’ or ‘too low.’  He keeps in character of the style. Shaggy does provided contrast, making an appearance on the third verse, which is pretty sweet in its own right.

7. Alt-J, “Hit Me Like That Snare”

Relaxer • Atlantic • 2017

Instrument referenced: snare drum

Alt-J – a Mac command for a triangle (∆) as well as a critically acclaimed, British indie-rock band.  In 2017, the band returns with its third studio album, Relaxer.  Relaxer is an intriguing album, but not without flaws. The collective definitely showcase their sexual side, on the kinky “Hit Me Like That Snare.”

“Hit Me Like That Snare” is risqué, but the give Alt-J credit for the concept. Chocked-full of energy and swagger, sex ‘dominates’ – no pun intended.  On the first verse, Joe Newman sings:

“I’m fucking loose, you’re gorgeous, I don’t care
Come closer, baby, slap me like that snare.”

Wow… Ultimately, the record is over the top.  Even the suggestive moments are nasty to say the least.  At the end, Newman continues to flex unapologetic lustfulness, bitingly singing:

“We are dangerous teenagers
We are dangerous teenagers
Fuck you, I’ll do what I want to do.”

Yeah, that snare drum is, um, something else, and quite oversexed. It should also be noted that another song on Relaxer, “3WW,” incorporates “making it do” as well:

“Well that smell of sex
Good like burning wood
The wayward lad lay claim
To two thirsty girls from Hornsea
Who left a note when dawn came.”

8. Macklemore, “How to Play the Flute”

Ft. King Draino

GEMINI • Bendo, LLC • 2017

Instrument referenced: Flute

“In the summer watch me fuck around, I’m ‘bout to drop the roof / She hopped up in the whip and then I taught her how to play the flute, play the flute…” Hmm, okay… Macklemore returned in 2017, without the services of producer Ryan Lewis, who played an integral role on the Grammy-winning rap album The Heist and This Unruly Mess I’ve Made.  Gemini ended up being one big, fat album, running an hour in duration.  Though overstuffed, it has its fair share of enjoyable, worthwhile moments.  I wouldn’t necessarily classify “How to Play the Flute,” featuring King Draino, among the crème de la crème, but let’s talk about it anyways, shall we?

 If nothing else, “How to Play the Flute” drips in swagger and embraces a ‘cliché’ modern hip-hop palette.  Worth noting, this particular ‘flute song’ arrived prior to Russ’ aforementioned annoying version (“The Flute Song”, ZOO, 2018).  Naturally, “How to Play the Flute” features that flute sound, in all its ‘annoying glory.’ While I didn’t classify it as the best of GEMINI when reviewing the album, it’s a decent record, but a single that’s not quite as memorable on an album that features even better and stronger moments.  Of course, “Play the Flute” isn’t actually about the woodwind instrument, which is just an absolute shame, well, unless you’re as dirty-minded and horny like Macklemore here, sigh.

9. Behemoth, “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel”

The Satanist • Metal Blade • 2014

Instrument referenced: Trumpet

“I saw the virgin’s cunt spawning forth the snake / …I watched disciples twelve, dissolved by flame / Looked down on Son ov God, snuffed in vain…” Wow, Behemoth, wow! It should come as no surprise that “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel” is quite… um… atheistic, better yet, satanic. “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel” serves as the loud, totally unsettling, hellish opener to the metal collective’s 2014 album, The Satanist.  The reason why this highlight from a previous playlist, 11 Songs That Totally Blow (In the Most Awesome Way Possible), makes its way on this particular playlist is because it references the brass instrument, the TRUMPET!

“Blow your trumpets Gabriel! /… Break the bread, and crumb by crumb into the Leviathan’s den…” The Leviathan, a sea monster, appears in numerous instances in the Bible, in a negative context.  Basically, Behemoth, known for their blasphemy and reversal of all things Christian and spiritual, show an example of reversal in this lyrical excerpt.  In 2018, Nergal and company would drop  a totally superb, though twisted LP where the blasphemy was at an all-time high (I Loved You at Your Darkest). “Havohej Pantocrator,” featured on the playlist 13 Disturbing Songs About the Antichrist, is another prime example of reversal, opting for the satanic so far as to spell ‘Jehovah’ backwards (Havohej). The Biblical references continue to run rampant on “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel,” but there’s nothing ‘redeeming,’ particularly when Nergal sings:

“Hosanna! (hosanna)
Let wine ov Sodom fill our mouths
Hosanna! (hosanna)
May Sin ov Gomorrah grace our hearts.”

Biblically, Sodom and Gomorrah aren’t considered the holiest of places you might say…

10. Beck, “Heart is a Drum”

Morning Phase • Capitol • 2014

Instrument referenced: Drum

When I reviewed Beck’s album, Morning Phase, back in 2014, I asserted in the introduction:  2014’s Morning Phase likely won’t win Beck enduring commercial success, but from a critical standpoint, Beck is on-point, as usual.  Morning Phase won’t be proclaimed to be Beck’s best album, particularly given the depth of his discography, but the acoustic-driven effort definitely shines and never falters greatly if any. Beck is still Beck, whether it’s twenty years ago or present day when it’s all said and done. Critically, plenty of folks approved of Morning Phase.  The voting members of The Recording Academy were among them, awarding Morning Phase Album of the Year in a shocker.  Regardless of where you stand, this was a well-rounded album from the veteran alternative musician, and the song “Heart is a Drum” is pretty sweet as well.

In the context of Morning Phase, “Heart Is a Drum” has a tough act to follow.  “Morning,” which precedes it, is absolutely stunning.  Luckily, “Heart is a Drum” keeps the momentum rolling, matching the strength of “Morning.” “Free as a turning wheel / Circling around your iron will,” Beck sings on the first verse, “See only what you feel / Keeps you turning.”  In true ‘Beck’ fashion, “Heart Is A Drum” finds him at his truest artistically.  The use of sound collages adds extra spice to another beautiful production.  Where does the actual drum come into play? Why, that would be during the chorus, which is varied each time.

“You tried to run from trouble; when it comes
You follow the drum
Keeping time with everyone.”

Also, the coda/outro section references a drumbeat.

“Going, ‘beat, beat, beat’
It’s beating me down
‘Beat, beat, beat, beat’
It’s beating me down
Day after day
It’s turning me round
Till all my days are drowning out.”

11. Jason Derulo, “Trumpets”

Talk Dirty • Warner • 2014

Instrument referenced: Trumpets

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Jason Derulo.  If you said his catchy pop/R&B songs, I’d totally agree.  If you also said his handsome looks, or his abs, I’d concur as well.  The point is, Derulo not only has proven throughout his career he has a fantastic voice and can write catchy songs, he also looks the part of a pop star.  He’s the total package. The thing is, on “Trumpets,” a highlight from his 2014 album, Talk Dirty, it’s clear that Mr. Derulo is totally thinking with his package…

Sexual fantasies are clearly Derulo’s ‘bread and butter’ in a number of songs from Talk Dirty.  “Trumpets,” co-written and produced by Jon Bellion, is no exception.  He sings:

“Every time that you get undressed
I hear symphonies in my head
I wrote this song just looking at you, oh, oh
Yeah, the drums they swing low
And the trumpets they go…”

Right on cue, the trumpets enter, in all their brilliance.  Adding to the brilliance is a hard-hitting, punchy beat that anchors “Trumpets” down.  While “Trumpets” is catchy, ludicrous lines like “Is it weird that your ass / Reminds me of a Kanye West song?” or “Is it weird that I hear / Angels every time that you moan” are questionable to the nth degree.

12. B.o.B., “Play the Guitar”

Ft. André 3000

“Play the Guitar” – Single • Atlantic • 2011

Instrument referenced: Guitar

A total injustice happened people! “Play the Guitar,” a single by rapper B.o.B., failed to appear on his 2012 sophomore album, Strange Clouds.  Ugh – this is some total BS! “Play the Guitar” could’ve totally appeared, as it was released at the tail-end of 2011, while Strange Clouds didn’t arrive until April 2012.  But, the André 3000 featured single apparently wasn’t meant to make the album, despite being one hell of a fun single.

The reason why “Play the Guitar” is such a bop is because it brings two outlandish rappers together.  B.o.B. and André 3000 have always been left of center, which was part of their charm.  Backed by superb production work by Salaam Remi, everything feels totally right about “Play the Guitar.” Look no further than the simple but infectious chorus, which arrives at the hands of T.I. complimenting B.o.B.’s guitar skills: “B.o.B. play the guitar…” Following the intro/chorus, B.o.B. raps like the badass he is, dropping all kinds of dimes (stellar rhymes that is).  That said, it is André 3000 that absolutely goes H.A.M.  Notably, he explicitly mentions guitar playing:

“3000 got a big old ‘dick’-tionary full of words
He must know how to use ‘em
It also say, I play the violin and that ain’t true but
You give me six strings and a pick
And I will make a guitar talk, why I ain’t gotta say shit
And I encourage any child to pick up some instrument
Cuz if you’re mad at your dad or mum, you can grab it and strum…”

13. Taylor Swift, “Teardrops on my Guitar”

Taylor Swift • Big Machine • 2006

Instrument referenced: Guitar

“Drew looks at me / I fake a smile so he won’t see…” Ah, we close out 13 Entertaining Songs That Reference Musical Instruments with a classic – “Teardrops on my Guitar.” “Teardrops on my Guitar” graced Taylor Swift, the 2006 debut album by then rising country artist, Taylor Swift.  This was record in particular that really helped propel Swift to superstar status.  Her sophomore album, Fearless (2009), would eventually earn Swift the first of two Grammys for Album of the Year.  But enough about where Swift is now.  Let’s focus on a then 17-year old upstart.

As the aforementioned lyrics confirm, Taylor Swift was singing about boys from the start.  “Drew” serves as a catalyst for so many gems Swift would pen about the opposite sex.  “Drew talks to me / I laugh ‘cause it’s so damn funny,” she sings on the second verse, continuing, “That I can’t even see / Anyone when he’s with me.”  Later, the third verse is also dominated by the center of her affection, DREW.  Besides DREW of course, the biggest attraction on “Teardrops on my Guitar” is the incredibly catchy, memorable chorus.  Sigh, I remember singing it one suspect Friday night (during my collegiate years) while in a hotel room with some friends at a music convention:

“He’s the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He’s the song in the car
I keep singing, don’t know why I do...”

Oh, Drew!