“13 ‘Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire’ Songs” features music courtesy of Britney Spears, Ezra Furman, Khalid & Normani, and Selena Gomez among many others.  

We are in desperate need of a “Lie Detector”! Hey, Lil Xan took one and passed! It’s time to tell the truth, dang it! The honest truth is, that this playlist is chocked-full of lies.  Lie after lie after lie. In pool with a number of songs about liars and the lies associated with them, we’ve selected 13 to highlight.  Ultimately, 13 ‘Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire’ Songs features music courtesy of Britney Spears, Ezra Furman, Khalid & Normani, and Selena Gomez among many others.

=1. Ezra Furman, “Compulsive Liar”

Transangelic Exodus • Bella Union • 2018

“I’ve got one fatal flaw: I’m a compulsive liar.” Gender-fluid rock musician Ezra Furman maintains something of cult-following. Self-described as a ‘Queer Outlaw Saga,’ Transangelic Exodus is probably one of the best albums of 2018 that only a few people have heard.  That’s unfortunate, considering its incredibly unique concept (transangelicism), as well as topics including spirituality, body transformation, and a number of issues affecting the LGBTQ community.  Among the highlights is “Compulsive Liar,” the sixth song off the album.

On “Compulsive Liar,” Furman discusses about hiding and lying about his sexuality. Speaking about the act of lying and his feelings, he sings, “And I can trace the habit / To when I was eleven / And I thought boys were pretty / And I couldn’t tell no one.” He continues to impart his story, singing about that “all-protective closet”:

“It opens at a young age: / That all-protective closet / Just lock the door / And settle in among the raincoats / The longer you stay in there / The More you’ll get distorted/ The more contorted all your lies will have to be.”

Deep. Obviously, Furman’s solution is to be honest and tell the truth: “Stand up and turn the doorknob.”

2. Khalid & Normani, “Love Lies”

Love, Simon (OMPS) • RCA • 2018

The biggest attraction from the original motion picture soundtrack from Love, Simon is “Love Lies”, a sweet collaboration between Khalid and Normani (Fifth Harmony). “Love Lies” is set in a minor key.  Instantly, the record has a darker, sexier vibe. Adding to the vibe is sensational, urban contemporary production, including excellent use of guitar accompaniment, as well as snaps within the production. It should also be noted that lies have a different meaning in the context of “Love Lies” (technically it breaks the parameters of the list, but so what!).

Khalid starts things off with smooth, distinct vocals on the first verse, showcasing his commanding, unique presence.  Normani is no slouch, dropping bomb vocals on the second verse, contrasting Khalid with her own distinct, nuanced, and powerful vocals. Together they exhibit excellent blend and chemistry on the chorus and bridge sections. The chorus represents the crème de la crème of “Love Lies.”

“So, baby, tell me where your love lies / Waste the day and spend the night / Underneath the sunrise / Show me where your love lies / Tell me where your love lies/ Waste the day and spend the night / Underneath the sunrise / Show me where your love lies.”

3. Pennywise, “American Lies”

Never Gonna Die • Epitaph • 2018

“Glad you’re in America, there’s hatred everywhere / Those people always judge a book, but no one seems to care.” Oh ‘sugar foot,’ veteran punk rock band Pennywise are socially-conscious and politically-charged on “American Lies.”  “American Lies” serves as the second track from their 2018 album, Never Gonna Die.  The band’s passion is indisputable; the up-tempo gem is electric from the start.  The middle fingers are up as we “Salute the flag and puppet the lie” and struggle to “tell…children the truth, our youth are fucked.”

4. Selena Gomez, “Bad Liar”

Bad Liar – Single • Interscope • 2017

“Ooh, you’re taking up a fraction of my mind / Ooh, every time I want you serpentine.”  Selena Gomez dropped a bombshell in 2017 – she’s a “Bad Liar”. Well, maybe or maybe not, but “Bad Liar” is indeed the name of her hit single. The record has an interesting sound which distinguishes itself from other singles on the radio.  In regards to its quality, it’s polarizing; some loved it, while others weren’t quite as high on it. Regardless, there’s definitely something intriguing beyond the half-truths.  Maybe a cover by a different musician would unify the skeptics… 

 5. Sondre Lerche, “Bad Liar”

Bad Liar – Single • PLZ • 2017 

“I was walking down the street the other day / Tryna distract myself / But then I see your face / Oh wait, that’s someone else.” Those lyrics sure sound familiar… Hmm. Brooklyn-based, Norwegian singer/songwriter Sondre Lerche is undoubtedly a “Bad Liar.” Somehow, he convinces us that this version of “Bad Liar” is actually a completely different song from the original by Selena Gomez.  It’s not – same song, unique interpretation. Lerche is struggling to cover up his feelings for a particular lady.

“Tryna play it coy / Tryna make it disappear / But just like the battle of Troy / There’s nothing subtle here / In my room there’s a king size space / Bigger than it used to be / If you want you can rent that place / Call me an amenity / Even in my dreams.”

The innuendo and his sense of tension are prevalent throughout this six-and-a-half-minute take, with his admission of sins arriving at the end of the intriguing alternative number: “With my feelings on fire / Guess I’m a bad liar.”

6. Halsey, “Lie” (Ft. Quavo)

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom • Astralwerks • 2017

“Breakfast is cold, as cold as our bed / I’m watching you choke down the words that you said / I watch you devour, mistake me for bread / Well boy, is you fed? Or are you misled?” How alternative is Halsey? – That seems to be the question. In my eyes, while her 2017 album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom had alternative elements, it felt very much like an eclectic pop album. Whatever – labels are just labels.  On the brief “Lie,” Halsey continues to showcase the ambitious nature of the album.  The guest appearance by Quavo is surprising, with the record embracing a dash of hip-hop sensibility. Halsey manages to make that ‘sensibility’ suit her unique personality and style.

7. NF, “Lie”

Perception • Capitol • 2017

“I heard you told your friends that I’m just not your type / If that’s how you really feel, then why’d you call last night.” On “Lie,” the 13^th song from Perception, NF focuses on love, specifically a relationship.  This isn’t the first time that love and relationships play a role on Perception.  Earlier (in the context of the album), on the lengthy “You’re Special,” NF raps about his love for his girlfriend.  On “Lie” however, one member in this particular relationship seems to be skeptical yet continues to be a participant.

“…You say all I ever do is control your life

But how you gonna lie like that, how you gonna lie like that?”

8. Anti-Flag, “Liar”

American Fall • Spinefarm • 2017

“Where do you go when they tell you they don’t love you anymore? / Do you need another reason to feel insecure?” Oh, the questions Anti-Flag ask on the incredibly aggressive, intense “Liar,” the sixth track off of their 2017 album, American Fall.  Clocking in south of two minutes, perhaps the duration isn’t there, but the band uses the brevity to their advantage on this hard-hitting, up-tempo burner.

“I’ll never trust you, you’re just a liar

Closing the border of the fallen empire

I never thought that it would end like this

A finger on the button and a trigger to the kids.” 

9. Dirty Heads, “God Damn Liar”

SWIM TEAM • Five Seven Music • 2017 

“Lady, lady, lady, let me show you how it’s supposed to be / Every lie you tell’s another bead upon your rosary / Baby, baby, baby, count your sins before you sleep / You may not be praying, but I know you been down on your knees.”  Despite the fact that Dirty J is expressing the sins of this nameless lady, he may not be in the best graces with G-O-D himself, at least that’s how it comes off on “God Damn Liar,” which has nothing to do God save for “taking his name in vain”.

The point that Dirty J and Duddy B make with their savage lyrics and performance is that this lady is “a god damn liar.” Going back to the spiritual aspects, while the production work is heavenly with its fantastic reggae cues, between the pre-chorus and the chorus, god damn is uttered an ungodly nine times!

10. French Montana, “A Lie” (Ft. The Weeknd & Max B)

Jungle Rules • Bad Boy / Epic • 2017

“Ooh, he do it better, that’s a lie / He at my level, that’s a lie…” French Montana enlisted The Weeknd and Max B for “A Lie,” a highlight from his sophomore album, Jungle Rules.  The Weeknd plays true to his style, tackling pop-rap, infused melodic lines like a champ, singing the first verse and chorus. Montana adds contributions to the chorus, rapping the full second verse with a rather predictable flow (“Me, me and max hit the block like Karl Malone, Stockton / And if I ain’t the new Chapo, that’s a lie”). As for Max B, he finishes the meat of the song on the third.  All are backed by respectable production…yeah, that’s about the size of it.

11. Neck Deep, “Heavy Lies”

The Peace and the Panic • Hopeless • 2017

“Baby, there’s a world inside your room tonight / And it’s yours and mine / The sun goes down / But we stay up all night.” Okay Ben Barlow, okay.  So, what exactly does this Neck Deep song, “Heavy Lies,” from their 2017 album The Peace and the Panic have to do with the absence of the truth? As Barlow sings on the chorus, to his girlfriend:

“I’ve heard some heavy lies

So, say you’re true

And take off your disguise

‘Cause I want you.”

After saying she’s “Better off with [him]” on the bridge, Barlow concludes, “And I’ve heard some heavy lies / Like ‘I love you.’”

12. Britney Spears, “Liar”

Glory (Deluxe Edition) • RCA • 2016

“You know I know that you know I know / That you’re a liar.” Some folks who purchased Glory, the 2016 album by pop icon Britney Spears (and her best album in years) may have missed out on “Liar.” Why? “Liar” only appeared on the deluxe edition of the LP.  Like the rest of Glory, it’s well produced, chocked-full of ‘that attitude’ that Spears conjures up like a champ.  “It’s too late for apologies / Nothing you can offer me now,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “I’m look at you on your knees / And I’m all listened out.” Simply put, Britney not putting up with any BS: “I ain’t fuckin’ wit ya dirty, dirty-dirty laundry.”

13. Run the Jewels, “Lie, Cheat, Steal”

Run the Jewels 2 • Mass Appeal • 2014

“Lie, cheat, steal, kill, win, win.” Run the Jewels are willing to do whatever on “Lie, Cheat, Steal” from their second album, Run the Jewels 2.  Obviously, the title alone breaks numerous commandments – take your pick.  Killer Mike does have a fair point on the hook when he asserts, “everybody’s doin’ it.” El-P speaks on the hardships of life, when justifying the actions: “Cause death by electrocution’s like life in New York, isn’t it?” On his verse, Killer Mike asserts:

“You might have to pull your AK, send one to the cemetery

We over worked, underpaid, and we underprivileged.”

Photo Credits: Bad Boy, Bella Union, Capitol, Epic, Epitaph, Five Seven Music, Hopeless, Interscope, Mass Appeal, PLZ, RCA, Spinefarm