13 Songs That Feature Names in Their Title features music courtesy of Halsey, Hozier, Isaac Dunbar, Lil Wayne & XXXTENTACION. 

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”S” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]ometimes, song titles are random, and don’t necessarily have a significant meaning.  An example that comes to mind is the album 3.15.20 by Childish Gambino, where most of the songs feature timestamps as their title as opposed to traditional names.  While most of those timestamped title songs actually have more fitting names (“42.26” was originally “Feels Like Summer”), they aren’t outwardly presented.  In other cases, song titles can convey much more significant meaning and carry more weight.  When a song is named after a specific person, or at least a proper name, that certainly brings a more meaningful, biographical, or in some cases, autobiographical sensibility.[/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

There have been a number of songs penned with proper names in their titles over the years.  A preeminent example comes from Michael Jackson on “Billie Jean” from Thriller (1982), where he famously sung, “Billie Jean is not my lover / She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one / But the kid is not my son!” Another late musical soldier Prince informed us of his own name on “My Name is Prince,” among the highlights of his superb The Love Symbol Album from 1992:

“My name is Prince and I am funky
My name is Prince, the one and only
I did not come to funk around
‘Til I get your daughter I won’t leave this town.”

“Funky” and “One and only” indeed Prince.  One more example from the aughts comes by way of soul singer Charlie Wilson, who used his name to help him ask out a lady he was feeling on “Charlie, Last Name Wilson” (Charlie, Last Name Wilson, 2005):

“Hey girl, how you doin’
My name is Charlie, last name Wilson
I was wonderin’ if I could take you out
Show you a good time, invite you to my house
Here is my number, girl you can call me
And don’t forget it baby, the name is Charlie.”

After that extended but hopefully compelling intro, we dive into 13 SONGS THAT FEATURE NAMES IN THEIR TITLE.  The criteria is clear – the songs must feature a proper name in some form or fashion.  It could be the full name, first name, last name, and could have biographical or even autobiographical sensibilities.  Musicians dropping tunes on 13 SONGS THAT FEATURE NAMES IN THEIR TITLE include Halsey (“clementine”), Hozier (“Nina Cried Power”), Isaac Dunbar (“Isaac’s Insects”), Lil Wayne (“Harden”), and XXXTENTACION (“Jocelyn Flores”) among others.  Without further ado, let’s drop some proper names, shall we!

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1. Isaac Dunbar, “Isaac’s Insects”

“Isaac’s Insects” • RCA • 2020

Question: “Why are all of Isaac’s Insects insane? / Terrorize his life and pick apart his brain.” Good and quite intriguing question, by all means – thought provoking! Pop musician Isaac Dunbar may be young, but he’s an incredibly talented individual, something he impressively exhibits on the unique single, “Isaac’s Insects”. 

Apparently, the ‘insects’ know too much about Isaac, something he emphasizes throughout the course of the song.  From the onset of this minor key cut, he sings, on the first verse, “Insects know my secret life / They on my walls only at night / To judge me / Oh, how they judge me.” On the second verse, the ‘creepy crawlers’ are even worse: “Insects wish the worst for me / And they befriend my enemy / And it shocks me / Oh, how it shocks me.” Sigh, as much as he tries to rid of them, they simply won’t go away, best exemplified by the crowning achievement, the chorus:

“Stomp on them, they’ll come right back
This time they’re back with more times ten
I’ve had enough of beady eyes
And men in black who know my lies…”

The lyrics are quite compelling.  Obviously, Isaac Dunbar isn’t talking about literal insects, but fans who go to the absolute extreme.  Beyond the theme, though, what about the vocals? Dunbar sounds fantastic, whether he’s singing in harmony, falsetto, or even dabbling in some autotune/pitch shift.  The backdrop is also pretty sweet, with the synths and the infectious, if enigmatic groove.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2020

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2. Halsey, “clementine”

Manic • Capitol • 2020

“Standing now, in the mirror that I built myself / And I can’t remember why the decision wasn’t mine…” Manic, the third studio album by Grammy-nominated alt-pop sensation Halsey (Ashley Frangipane), is an intriguing affair overall, with its fair share of moments. Among the most elite moments include the likes of “Without Me”, “Finally // beautiful stranger”, and “You should be sad”, among others.  There are actually a couple of proper named songs on Manic, beginning with “Ashley” that commences the album, named after her! That said, we’re going to focus on “clementine”, which should be capitalized but isn’t.  It still represents a proper name – promise!

Halsey brings enigma, poetry, and allure on “clementine,” which was the third advance single from Manic.  Co-written with John Cunningham who also produces, notable features include a backdrop comprised of timely robust drums and hypnotic piano lines.  Although the record is enigmatic, it’s set in a ‘happier’ major key. The inspiration for the song is the character Clementine from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, via an interview with Halsey that appeared in Rolling Stone. Lyrically, “Clementine” is quite alluring. “Because in my world, I’m constantly havin’ a breakthrough / Or a breakdown, or a blackout,” she sings on the first verse.  Part of “clementine” comes from a poem Halsey wrote, specifically an excerpt from the bridge:

“My face is full of spiderwebs, all tender yellow-blue
And still with one eye open, well, all I see is you.”

Vocally, Halsey delivers a solid performance, with her most expressive moments arriving on the chorus. She oscillates between moments of restraint, and more passionate, biting moments.  A perfect example is the intensity exhibited on the strong-willed chorus, where she sings, “I don’t need anyone / I just need everyone and then some.”

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3. Lil Wayne, “Harden”

Funeral • Young Money • 2020

Tha Carter V finally materialized in 2018, following a five-year hiatus by Grammy-winning southern rapper, Lil Wayne.  While Tha Carter V had its fair share of moments, it didn’t have the same impact as Tha Carter IV, let alone the Grammy-winning gem, Tha Carter III (2008).  The good news for Weezy fans is he dropped a surprise album in 2020 with Funeral. One of the best moments from funeral, “Harden,” is a perfect fit for this proper-named playlist – “No cap!”

“She love me or leave me / I gave her a reason, she don’t want a reason / She don’t wanna see me, she don’t wan’ believe me…” On “Harden,” Weezy hearkens back to his classic days, backed by a soulful sample (Band of Thieves’, “Love Me or Leave Me”).  Besides the killer sample, “Harden” is also pretty rad because (1) the song is named after NBA star James Harden and (2) talks about the Ls the rapper has taken regarding L-O-V-E.  “I feel like James Harden, you blocked my jumper, goddamn, Funeral.”

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4. Jeremy Zucker, “Julia”

“Julia” • Republic • 2020

Following terrific standout singles “Always, I’ll Care” and “not ur friend”, ascending pop singer/songwriter Jeremy Zucker delivers his best single of 2020 with “Julia”,  where he reminisces on a now defunct relationship. “Julia” is true to Zucker’s style – it’s never overblown or overwrought regarding the production, sound, or even the vocal performance.  Even though it never gets too high, “Julia” never sounds safe, stoic, or underwhelming; there’s a great sense of balance and space. Zucker does a terrific job using space on this nearly four-and-a-half-minute record, balancing cooler and warmer moments.

“You saw me sing last week / I was hopin’ you might ask / ‘Is this one about me?’ / but how could you just say nothin’ at all?” Thematically, as aforementioned, matters of the heart drive “Julia.” Zucker recalls a relationship, with Julia that’s no more. “Julia, I’m through with ya,” he sings on the chorus, adding, “Thought we’d never see the sun fade / Now we’ll never see that shit shinin’ / Did we use to fear the dark days / ‘Cause now I’m dancin’ in the moonlight…” Poetic, expressive, and emotional to say the least.  Though I mentioned the balance, it should be noted that Zucker does rise to the occasion vocally when the oomph feels right. Similarly, the music does the same. “Julia” is another winner from Jeremy Zucker.  The personal nature of this record is quite relatable, while the name of the ex-lover is unimportant. Still, Julia has quite a nice ring to it.

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Totally Relatable Songs About Exes

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5. Baby Goth, “Mary”

 Baby Goth • Republic • 2019

“Mary dropped a new record / And she won the best new flexer / So high you cannot measure / So rich like I am the treasure.” “Mary,” a gem by heavily tatted pop artist Baby Goth, first appeared on the playlist, 11 Totally Merry, Mary, Marry Songs. “Mary” appears as the fourth track off of her seven-song, 21-minute-long debut album, Baby Goth (2019).  The sound is idiomatic of modern pop, filled with urban and hip-hop production cues (Boom, Staccato, and Winch) that give it a tough sound.  Those cues include killer synth action and hard-nosed, bass-heavy 808s ad clapping snares. Call it what it is, a pop banger.

Not only does the sound of the record rival hip-hop, so does Baby Goth’s performance.  While she sings as opposed to pop-rapping, she approaches her performance with the confidence of a rapper.  This is evident when Baby Goth sings lyrics like “Roll up in the city / Roll like G at home” (verse one) and “We stay high as fuck / Mary, take me away / … Mary rolling heavy / Foreign whips and diamond wrist” (verse two). Also, interestingly, there’s a coolness and nonchalance about the performance that embraces the ‘goth’ vibe as well.  And, did I fail to mention that nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is in play throughout “Mary?” Why?  Because OF COURSE it is, sigh.

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6. Denzel Curry, “Ricky”

ZUU • Loma Vista • 2019

“Ricky,” the second track off of ZUU, the 2019 album by Florida rapper Denzel Curry, is nothing short of elite. “Ricky” thrives in part thanks to its sick, malicious production work, which fuels Curry’s fire.  The pre-chorus is pitch-shifted, giving “Ricky” a gimmicky sound before Curry’s standard vocals come through in all their glory on the catchy, rather prudent chorus:

“My daddy said, ‘Trust no man but your brothers

And never leave your day ones in the gutter’
My daddy said, ‘Treat young girls like your mother
My mama said, ‘Trust no ho, use a rubber.’”

The prudence doesn’t stop beyond the chorus.  At the end of the first verse, Curry goes on to quote ‘Ricky’ (his dad), “‘And fear no man but the man above your head’,” before once more quoting his mama, “‘Pray before you go to bed.’” On the second verse, Denzel remains charged up, reminiscing back to his first album (Nostalgic) and again, paying ode to Ricky. “Ricky” was selected as the 35^th best song of 2019.

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7. Hozier, “Nina Cried Power”

Wasteland, Baby! • Columbia • 2019

“It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’ / It is the groundin’ of a foot uncompromisin’ / It’s not forgoin’ of the lie / It’s not the openin’ of eyes / It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’.” Hozier commences Wasteland, Baby! powerfully with “Nina Cried Power”. He’s in full-on soul mode (think gospel), fitting given his legendary collaborator, Mavis Staples.

Both artists pay ode to various musicians who were unafraid to protest via their songs including legends like Nina Simone, James Brown, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon.  The chorus, with names changing, is the crème de la crème of the record.

“And I could cry power (power)
Power (power)
Power, lord
Nina cried power
Billie cried power
Mavis cried power.”

Appears in 🔻:

• 13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs
• 101 Best Songs of 2018 (#2)
• 13 Contemporary Protest Anthems
• 11 Energetic, Powerful and or Strong Songs

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8. Logic, “BOBBY”

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind • Def Jam • 2019

Grammy-nominated rapper Logic didn’t have a great musical year in 2019 (he did have a bestselling novel though).  Both of his albums manage to make the list of 13 FORGETTABLE AND/OR WORST ALBUMS OF 2019.   The lesser of two evils is his proper studio album, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.  While Confessions of a Dangerous Mind has its fair share of moments (“Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”, “Homicide”, “clickbait”, and “Keanu Reeves” among them), much of the album feels much less inspired than Everybody (2017) or YSIV (2018).

While Confessions of a Dangerous Mind manages to fall short, we do get a proper name song worth mentioning: “BOBBY.” “BOBBY,” of course, is named after Logic – Sir Robert (Bobby) Bryson Hall II.  Worth noting, Logic features his dad (credited as My Dad) on the track.  Here, Logic doesn’t say much, spitting cocky, hella egotistical rhymes.  Even so, the production helps to atone for the dumb lyrics, which includes the millionth penis reference of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (“Who’s biracial only in his penis?”).  As for Logic’s dad’s most memorable line, well it also involves the same organ: “This is Logic’s dad, this is Bobby Smokey Hall / And he came out of my balls (Bobby).” It’s not transcendent in the least, but hey, it fits our criteria, as sketchy as it might end up being.

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9. Prince, “Mary Don’t You Weep”

Piano & A Microphone 1983 • Warner • 2018

Prince, rather the manager of his estate and Warner Records, released a new album in 2018. Piano & a Microphone 1983 officially arrived on September 21, 2018.  In advance, listeners were treated to “Mary Don’t You Weep”, a single that accurately foreshadowed the sound and vibe of the posthumously released album.  Piano & a Microphone 1983 as a whole is an intimate LP, with a rawer nature that clearly contrasts The Purple One’s more elaborately arranged hits.  That said, the musicianship is incredibly impressive, particularly on our song at hand.

“Mary Don’t You Weep” isn’t only one of the best moments from Piano & A Microphone 1983, it’s also one of the most surprising.  Why? It’s a traditional spiritual, often performed in the church setting.  The spiritual references a variety of Biblical things, including MaryThe spiritual references a variety of Biblical things, including most notably, Mary (“Oh, Mary don’t you weep / Tell Martha not to mourn”). Famously, Aretha Franklin tackled “Mary Don’t You Weep” on her famous Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings recorded live in 1972. Another reason why the appearance of “Mary Don’t You Weep” comes as a surprise is the fact that it’s NOT an original, something that isn’t usually associated with Prince.

All that considered, this spirited performance certainly makes the spiritual feel like it was composed or at least totally transformed and tweaked by Prince.  Think of this as a ‘testament’ to his artistry – the total musician.  His voice is bluesy and fierce, chocked-full of grit and nuances.  His piano skills continue to impress. This is among his best moments in a more intimate setting.  Also, you should check out the late, legendary Inez Andrews perform the rousing spiritual as well as an awesome, folk-rock take by ‘The Boss,’ Bruce Springsteen.

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Totally Merry, Mary, Marry Songs

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10. Father John Misty, “Mr. Tillman”

God’s Favorite Customer • Sub Pop • 2018

“Mr. Tillman, good to see you again / There’s a few outstanding charges just before we check you in.” The opening line of “Mr. Tillman”, as well as the rest of the song, comes from the perspective of a hotel concierge (“Let’s see here, you left your passport in the mini fridge / And the message with the desks says here the picture isn’t his…”).  Let the record show that Father John Misty (Josh Tillman), remains ‘true to self’ on the promo single from his fourth studio album, God’s Favorite Customer.

“What a beautiful tattoo that young man had on his face / And oh, will you need a driver to Philly? / Jason Isbell’s here as well / And he seemed worried about you.” Mr. Tillman” is groovy, singer-songwriter/alternative rock at its best.  The lyrics are incredibly entertaining, novel, and tongue-in-cheek, while ultimately painting a picture of Tillman’s compromised mental health.  Even with mental health playing a sizable role on “Mr. Tillman” and several other records on God’s Favorite Customer, the chorus is surprisingly hella catchy:

“I’m feeling good
Damn, I’m feeling so fine
I’m living on a cloud above an island in my mind
Okay babe, don’t be alarmed this is just my vibe
No need to walk around
No, it’s not too bad a crime.”

Appears in 🔻:

• 101 Best Songs of 2018

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11. Jay-Z, “Kill Jay Z”

4:44 • Roc Nation • 2017

Rap icon Jay-Z returned after a four-year hiatus with 4:44, arguably, his most personal album to date.  He’s on autopilot. Prior to the release of 4:44, the last we’d heard from the MC arrived in 2013 with the release of Magna Carta Holy Grail.  While Magna Carta Holy Grail had its moments, it was one of the rapper’s weakest, least memorable albums.  The same can’t be said of 4:44, which lacks clear-cut radio hits, but manages to be a personal album with more substance compared to most of the albums in his discography.  With its personal touches, why not highly one of the proper name cuts from the album: “Kill Jay Z.”

“Kill Jay Z” commences 4:44 abruptly. It’s superbly produced, but don’t call it a banger – it’s not intended for the club.  There is no hook, only a verse, hence, heavy reliance on the bars by Jay-Z. Fueled by a sample from The Alan Parsons Project (“Don’t Let It Show”), he wastes no time.

“Kill Jay Z, they’ll never love you
You’ll never be enough, let’s just keep it real, Jay Z
Fuck Jay Z, I mean, you shot your own brother
How can we know if we can trust Jay Z?”

Reflective, the opener is representative of that personal nature that characterizes the entirety of 4:44.  That’s really about the size of it.

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12. XXXTENTACION, “Jocelyn Flores”

17 • Bad Vibes Forever / EMPIRE • 2017

“I’m in pain, wanna put ten shots in my brain / I’ve been trippin’ ‘bout some things, can’t change / Suicidal, same time I’m time…” “Jocelyn Flores” marked one of the most notable songs from the late XXXTENTACION (Jahseh Onfroy, 1998 – 2018). Appearing as the second track on his 11-track, 22-minute project 17, “Jocelyn Flores” references suicide throughout the course of the two-minute selection.  Jocelyn Flores, an acquaintance of the rapper, was depressed and committed suicide, deeply affecting him.

On the sole verse, beginning with the aforementioned lyrics, XXXTentacion keeps it real regarding his own suicidal thoughts, and how Flores’ suicide bothered him.

“Picture this, in bed, get a phone call
Girl that you fucked with killed herself
That was this summer when nobody helped
And ever since then, man, I hate myself
Wanna fuckin’ end it, pessimistic
All wanna see me with no pot to piss in
But niggas been excited ‘bout the grave I’m diggin’.”

Besides the Flores’ suicide, XXX’s own depression, and his many troubles, the rapper also references his uncle’s suicide (“Memories surface through the grapevine / ‘Bout my uncle playin’ with a slip knot…”).

Appears in 🔻:

• Songs Centered Around or Referencing Suicide, Vol. 2.

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13. Charlie Puth, “Marvin Gaye” (Ft. Meghan Trainor)

Nine Track Mind • Artist Partner Group • 2016

“Marvin Gaye” is quite the polarizing record. Many cited the Charlie Puth record (Nine Track Mind) among the worst songs of 2015. YouTube music critics in particular definitely went-in on Mr. Puth.  It also didn’t help that he enlisted Meghan Trainor for the assist…  Can I argue that it would fit on the list of ‘whitest’ songs ever? Nope, sure can’t – Sorry Charlie!

The main problem is that while the record is inoffensive, it’s way too schmaltzy to embrace the passion of the soul artist it’s named after.  I mean, Marvin Gaye sung about sex more overtly in the 70s and 80s compared to how Charlie Puth could ever hope to on this sanitized pop record. “Let’s Get it On,” “Got to Give it Up,” “Rocking After Midnight,” “Sexual Healing” were NOT tame, so why would Puth drop such a safe record about sex?  Don’t get me wrong, pop music is infested with overindulgence in sex as a central theme, but Puth should’ve truly taken the aforementioned soul gems to heart. Like most of Nine Track Mind, “Marvin Gaye” lacks oomph, yet closes out this list on the basis of being named after a proper name.  Congratulations?

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13 Songs That Feature Names in Their Title [Photo Credits: Artist Partner Group, Bad Vibes Forever, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Columbia, Def Jam, EMPIRE, Loma Vista, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Republic, Roc Nation, Sub Pop, Warner, Young Money]

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