13 Songs Where the Keyword is SONG

Reading Time: 14 min read

13 Songs Where The Keyword is SONG features music courtesy of AJR, Bruno Mars, Elton John, Sara Wolff, and Toosii.

This playlist right here is all about the songs. Well, actually, they’re all about the songs ! In this case, the keyword is SONG. All 13 of the songs on 13 Songs Where The Keyword is SONG features the keyword – SONG! There have been lots and lots of songs that feature the S-O-N-G in their respective titles. What I’m saying is, this list only scratches the surface! 13 Songs Where The Keyword is SONG features music courtesy of AJR, Bruno Mars, Elton John, Sara Wolff, and Toosii among others. So, be prepared to jam out to these songs where the focus is, well, the SONG !!!

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1. Elton John, “Elton’s Song”

 The Fox •  Mercury •  1981 

Elton John has no shortage of hits – he’s a legend.  Furthermore, he ranks high on the list of gay icons.  That said, while John is a proud LGBTQ musician, much of his music isn’t dominated by sexuality. The marvelous “Elton’s Song” from his 1981 album, The Fox, is an exception. The Fox isn’t the first John album that comes to mind. Furthermore, with an abundance of hits, “Elton’s Song” easily gets lost in the shuffle.  It shouldn’t. Co-written with Tom Robinson (known for “Glad to Be Gay”).  Robinson, like John, is gay and wrote some incredible lyrics.  Those lyrics, of course, reflect same-sex attraction, something misunderstood back then and still irks folks even in the 2020s.  “They say it isn’t real, but I know how I feel and I love you,” John sings at the end of the second verse.  No, the pronouns aren’t explicit, but Elton has confirmed it’s gay, and honestly, it sounds gay.  

The chorus is my favorite section of the song. It also sheds light about this ‘queer’ teenage crush that is misunderstood but the protagonist feels passionately: “If you only knew what I’m going through / Time and again I get ashamed to say your name / It’s hard to grin and bear when you’re standing there / My lips are dry, I catch your eye and look away.”  You don’t have to be gay to relate to those lyrics – they’re applicable to many situations.  The lyric that really hits hard appears at the end of this stunning, underrated piano ballad (with some marvelous instrumental pizazz via orchestra): “But I would give my life for a single night beside you.  “Elton’s Song” = masterpiece.  John sings beautifully, with incredible authenticity and sincerity. 

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2. Toosii, “Favorite Song” 

“Favorite Song” • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2023 

“I’m on the stage right now, singin’ your favorite song / Look in the crowd, and you’re nowhere to be found as they sing along…” When it comes to many styles of music, the lines are heavily blurred.  For example, much of the rap of the 2020s is incredibly melodic.  Sure, un-pitched bars remain alive and well but it’s not unusual to hear more definite pitch. Toosii definitely embraces R&B in his brand of rap, particularly on his big, breakout hit, “Favorite Song”. “Favorite Song” brilliantly samples “You Might As Well” performed by Tatiana Manaois (2022).  Manaois’ vocals appear in the intro as well as the outro.  From, there, Toosii puts in work over this Manaois / ADELSO-produced record.

On “Favorite Song,” Toosii is more than willing to be her EVERYTHING . In the verses, he raps about the insecurities and worries that this lady has.  He lists the things that she wants, wants to avoid and is apprehensive about regarding love. Ultimately, Toosii raps, “Need somebody who can make it better / Somebody who can open up those gates / Open up those gates to your heart / Only if you let me.”  The question is, is she receptive? Regardless, on Toosii’s end of things, he appears to be fully invested on this romantic rap banger.  Honestly, it is refreshing to hear such a chill, beautiful rap record.  I mean, how often is it than a dope rap song eschews f-bombs? There’s one solitary damn, sigh. “Favorite Song” is sure to be a candidate for many people’s favorite songs of 2023.     

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3. Fugees, “Killing Me Softly With His Song” 

The Score • Columbia • 1996 

To reiterate, unbeknownst to many, the legendary Roberta Flack covered “Killing Me Softly With His Song” – she didn’t originally record it.  Regardless, Flack has earned the honors of recording the definitive version of the song, reaching no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning two Grammys for one song. Fugees, led by a soulful Lauryn Hill, recorded their own fabulous interpretation of “Killing Me Softly With His Song” on their Grammy-winning, 1996 rap album, The Score.    

Essentially, Hill and Wyclef Jean update the 1973 version for the 90s.  The beat is indicative of the hip-hop soul sound prevalent at the time.  It naturally infuses freshness – there’s a new swagger.  Furthermore, add in a robust bass line, ad-libs (Hill and Jean), and “Killing Me Softly” has a new identity for a new generation.  Of course, the person who ‘brings it on home’ for us 80s babies and 90s kids is Hill.  Her voice is distinct – starkly different from Flack’s. She’d go on to make one of the greatest albums of all-time in the timeless The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.  Here, she prefaces the brilliance of her sole solo studio album, and it’s awesome.  Her nuance, the runs – it’s glorious over that dusty beat.  “Killing Me Softly With His Song” is in great hands with Fugees too.  Like Flack, they won a Grammy specifically for this song.   

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4. AJR, “The Dumb Song”

“The Dumb Song” • AJR Productions LLC / Mercury / Republic • 2023

“When we go down / When kingdom come / Don’t look at me, don’t look at me / I’m just too dumb.” Um, K… sure. For many, AJR – Adam Metzger, Jack Metzger, and Ryan Metzger –  are an acquired taste.  Sone love the indie-pop trio composed of the Met brothers, while others are far more critical of the collective.  Part of the reason AJR receives criticism is the incredible ornate nature of the production (sometimes characterized as overblown), as well as the consistent millennial, first world problem themes.  “The Dumb Song” is true to self for the collective, pleasing the most dedicated fans while polarizing others.  

As always, the production is colorful, ornate, and picturesque, handled by Ryan Met.  There are some nice moments with the blend of  guitars , keys/programming, pummeling drums , and notably, trumpet . Jack Met sounds as youthful as ever on lead vocal – clear and expressive.  The songwriting is filled with self-deprecation.  It begins with the first verse, where Jack asserts, “You said with certainty / I may be the dumbest person that you’ve ever seen / You think you’re hurtin’ me / Bet you won’t believe it, but you kinda set me free.” Woo! In the second verse, fitting that millennial narrative, Jack asserts, “We’ll get you back to college, you could study somethin’ real.” Interesting .  Also, for good measure, “I’ll text you, ‘That’s enough’ / That’s how empty-headed people get through shitty stuff.”  So, what does one make of “The Dumb Song”? As always, just depends on who’s listening.

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5. ROLE MODEL, “Masturbation Song”

Rx • Interscope • 2022  

“I touch myself / More than I should be / I think of you / Is that a good thing?” These days, musicians are far blunter and more open.  That is why it’s not surprising that a pop album in 2022 ( Rx) features a track titled  “masturbation song”. Honestly, is there any doubt what  Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury) is referencing? Masturbation has become less taboo but still, seeing it used explicitly in a song title is, well, ‘ballsy’ even in 2022.  Worth noting, Rx is Pillsbury’s debut album. 

If you prejudge “masturbation song,” you’ll probably go in expecting Role Model to be anything but a role model – couldn’t resist! Surely, there’s a ‘load’ of dirty talk and swear words.  Honestly, that’s NOT the case at all.  Even the production is totally unexpected, with a tender backdrop ( Spencer Stewart). Pillsbury delivers a sexy, vulnerable performance. Sure, he experiences the pleasure of the act he commits but the focus is on her: “I close my eyes / And I’m right above you / Face in your thighs / You said, ‘I love you.’” In the second verse, the perspective of the ‘solo play’ shifts to her as he sings, “You close your eyes / And I’m right behind you / It’s like I’m inside / When I’m not beside you.”  Sexy. Of course, Tucker does reference the power of photos (hers) and indulging too much (“Lights going dim, my limb is blue”), but again, this ‘blinding’ song is more surprising than not. So, what’s the worst sin that Role Model commits? Probably committing to such an un-nuanced song title like  “masturbation song”.   

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6. Cub Sport, “Songs About It” 

Jesus At The Gay Bar • Cub Sport • 2023 

In the context of Jesus At The Gay Bar, fifth album by Australian indie-pop band, Cub Sport,  love consumes on the groovy “Songs About It.” “This love / Is taking me down / Getting lost in you, baby / I don’t wanna be found,” lead singer Tim Nelson sings in the chorus.  Essentially, he is ignoring everybody and everything else because all he can think about is the guy he loves.  Nelson doesn’t shy away from love – he wants to be taken down by it! What does he do to further express his feelings? “So, I write songs about it.” “Songs About It” continues the excellence of Jesus At The Gay Bar, embracing dance-pop and house ( Styalz Fuego produces).  Furthermore, the style of music definitely matches the soundtrack of a gay bar, where dance music/dance pop dominate.   

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Song: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 31 (2023)

7. Sisqo, “Thong Song” 

Unleash the Dragon • The Island Def Jam Music Group • 1999 

“She had dumps (Ugh) like a truck /… Thighs (Ugh) like what (Ugh) /…Baby, move your butt (Ugh).” Da-yum! Let’s just cut straight to the chase.  “Thong Song”, a no. 3 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 by Sisqo, a key member of Dru Hill, is all about B-O-O-T-Y.  Call “Thong Song” what it is bluntly – an ass anthem.  Sure, club-ready anthems are much raunchier today than they were at the end of the 90s/early 00s, but there is NOTHING refined about “Thong Song.”  The Midnight Heat is sweltering, particularly since there is no bigger picture, transcendent mindset on this horny, boned up R&B record.  Shout out to the slick production by ️ Tim & Bob.  

Objectification is the modus operandi, and Sisqo blames it on her. Why? “Listen, that girl so scandalous / And I know another nigga couldn’t handle it / And she shaking that thing like, ‘Who’s the ish?’ / With a look in her eye so devilish.” Basically, given how hot she is, and the fact she’s shaking her butt, she’s got Sisqo by the… Honestly, all three of the verses are pretty much the same vibe – no extensive analysis necessarily. Notably, lyrically, “’Cause she livin’ la vida loca” is repeated throughout “Thong Song.” There was financial loss for Sisqo and company as a majority of the publishing rights of this song are owned by Desmond Child, who penned “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin.  The sample wasn’t cleared, hence, smaller profits. Refocusing on the song as opposed to legal matters, basically, it is what it is – an entertaining booty anthem.    

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Sisqo, “Thong Song”: Midnight Heat No. 29 (2023)

8. Hozier, “Work Song” 

Hozier • Columbia • 2014 

“When, my, time comes around / Lay me gently in the cold dark earth,” Grammy-nominated Irish singer/songwriter Hozier sings on “Work Song.” “Work Song” is a highlight from his multiplatinum debut LP, simply titled, Hozier (2014).  Hozier continues singing, “ No grave can hold my body down / I’ll crawl home to her.”  It is safe to say, the love that Hozier showcases, from the perspective of a worker, is a deep one.  Clearly,  he LOVES his bae: “Boys, workin’ on empty / Is that the kinda way to face the burning heat / I just think about my baby.” He confirms the depth of his love in the chorus, ludicrously suggesting he’d exit his grave to be with her.  The dedication is lit to the nth degree!  

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Song: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 31 (2023)

9. Bruno Mars, “The Lazy Song”

Doo-Wops & Hooligans • Atlantic • 2010 

“I’m gonna kick my feet up, then stare at the fan / Turn the TV on, throw my hand in my pants / Nobody’s gonna tell me I can’t.” Hmm, Bruno Mars, what exactly are you doing with that hand , buddy ? It is safe to say that “The Lazy Song,” which graces Mars’ 2010 debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, is quite slothful – PERIOD. Sloth, in case you were unaware, is one of the seven deadly sins. So, is Bruno Mars going to hell, then? Well, that’s not my call – who am I to judge? Regardless, the Grammy-winning pop star is being lazy AF.   

“Today, I don’t feel like doing anything 

I just wanna lay in my bed 

Don’t feel like picking up my phone 

So, leave a message at the tone 

Cause today, I swear, I’m not doing anything.”  

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21 Songs Associated with the Seven Deadly Sins (2018)

10. Sara Wolff, “Scarf Song”

“Scarf Song” • orange club • 2018

“I made this scarf to keep you warm / But now I want to tighten it round your neck.” !!! The nameless female protagonist has good reason to strangle this man, a deceptive antagonist, on “Scarf Song” by Norwegian singer/songwriter Sara Wolff. The man took advantage of the protagonist sexually. SHAMEFUL ! This stupendously penned/performed record is not about a scarf but about consent, and shedding light on women who have experienced sexual abuse. While the antagonist initially fools the protagonist – “Ideal man, Christian boy / Pretty blue eyes of joy / Kind smile, Godly boy / Who know how fast you could destroy?” – he ultimately rapes her. “Act as if she’s sleeping / And afterwards you don’t know why she’s weeping,” Wolff sings. In the second verse, there is concern about the safety of the antagonist’s current girlfriend (“I hope she doesn’t sleep at all”) because she doesn’t want her to experience the same horrifying, traumatic experience. Making things even more disturbing is the eerie, enigmatic backdrop, a fitting soundtrack. CONSENT IS NOT OPTIONAL. Sexual abuse is NOT acceptable and should never be swept under the rug. Wolff nails this one, PERIOD.

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Scarf Song – Sara Wolff: Music To Atone To (2019)

11. Led Zeppelin, “The Lemon Song”

Led Zeppelin II • Atlantic • 1969 

“I should have quit you long time ago / Oh, yeah, long time ago.” Woo! Now that’s a mic-drop moment, Robert Plant! In all honesty, isn’t any and everything that Led Zeppelin do – among the greatest bands of all time – a mic-drop moment? In their 1969 album, Led Zeppelin II, they absolutely kill it on the epic, six-minute-plus “The Lemon Song”. In addition to Plant’s autopilot vocals, it’s hard not to be wowed by the incredibly robust bass line of John Paul Jones.  It’s lit ! But, of course, Jimmy Page is electrifying on guitar, and John Bonham’s pummeling drums provide a serious anchor to this blues rock gem, like BOOM, BOOM, POW!!!  

Plant’s regret to quit her ranks among the most memorable lines.  That said, the second verse might yield an even more memorable moment: “I should’ve listened, baby, to my second mind.” Oh, snap, is Plant talking about what I think he’s talking about? Thinking with his… thinking within the wrong head? It’s been happening for generations, people! Of course, later, in the fifth verse, there’s no possible way that “Squeeze me, baby, till the juice runs down my leg” is innocent, right? His vocal performance is wildly entertaining and incredibly refreshing north of 50 years after the fact. Besides the energetic, fun lyrics and assertive vocals, the instrumental break/chorus, with an increase in tempo is utterly sublime.  The musicianship exhibited is absolutely awesome.  “The Lemon Song” is one of those one-in-a-lifetime songs.  Of course, Led Zeppelin is a once-in-a-lifetime band, too . 

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12. Matt Jaffe, “Favorite Song on Repeat” 

“Favorite Song on Repeat” • Matt Jaffe • 2022   

Question: did you know, “You are my favorite song on repeat?” Just think about how authentic, poetic, and truly dedicated that statement is.  It’s so incredibly romantic! Well, incredibly talented, independent singer/songwriter Matt Jaffe delivers those sensational words on his latest single, “Favorite Song on Repeat”. “Favorite Song on Repeat” commences with a ravishing intro which sets the tone for the rest of the record.  It is clear, merely from the instrumental that the song feels dedicated.  That indeed proves to be the case lyrically and thematically as Matt Jaffe embraces L-O-V-E.  He brings alluring, tender lead vocals to the table.  He’s compelling without dare over-singing, performing with incredible ease and expression.  The verses are incredibly melodic – tuneful to the ear the first time you hear the music.  

A lovely melody isn’t simply reserved for the verses. Like the verses, the chorus is gorgeous and also incredibly tuneful.  Furthermore, some of the most memorable songwriting appears during the centerpiece:    

“When I breathe, I know the rhythm matches up with your heartbeat,  

Still, you are my favorite song on repeat 

I believe, that if I listen long enough, I’ll be complete 

Still, you are my favorite song on repeat.”    

Those lyrics aren’t the only ones that resonate.  “Like a book of poems, we read each other’s mind / until the rhyme is lost beyond repair,” he sings poetically during the second verse, continuing, “We exchange our thoughts until their so entwined / The telepathic verses fill the air.” Now those are mic-drop-worthy lyrics! Anytime telepathy can be incorporated, you know the song is special! One final note that is worth mentioning is the stellar contrast provided during the bridge. Despite the contrast, Jaffe also makes it clear that the bridge and chorus are related.  The bridge maintains the dreamy, romantic aesthetic that has been a fixture from the onset. All told, Jaffe delivers an absolutely stunning record – fancy sufficiently tickled!   

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13. Elton John, “Border Song”  

Elton John • Mercury • 1970   

Elton John, with the help of his long-time lyricist, Bernie Taupin, is a hit machine.  He’s written and performed numerous songs, all of which are classics.  That said, even some of John’s gems are greatly overshadowed by others.  One truly awesome record that doesn’t get the love of his bigger hits is “Border Song,” which appears on his 1970 self-titled album.  You could say that “Border Song” has received more of its just due after the fact than it did back in the day. “Holy Moses, I have been removed,” John sings soulfully in the first verse, continuing, “I have seen the specter, he has been there too.” The record has a gospel-tinged rock sound, something that John has done consistently throughout his career.  Arguably, “Border Song” leans even more heavily on the soul side of things, directly borrowing cues from the genre.  It’s a rousing record that features choral vocals (from the gospel music playbook) as well as strings. It is a delightful gem from the Elton John collection.  It deserved better than its no. 92 peak on the Billboard Hot 100!  

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13 Songs Where the Keyword is SONG [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; AJR Productions LLC, Atlantic, Columbia, Cub Sport, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Matt Jaffe, Mercury, orange club, Republic, UMG Recordings, Inc.; Andrea Piacquadio, Budgeron Bach, Eren Li, George Milton via Pexels; Pixabay]