15 Intriguing Songs Where The Keyword is SONG | Playlist 🎧

15 Intriguing Songs Where The Keyword is SONG features songs by beabadoobee, Benson Boone, Brenton Wood, Conan Gray, ericdoa, and Shaboozey.

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”S” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]ONG. This playlist is all about songs with songs! Are you confused yet? Let me explain.  The keyword is SONG.  All 15 of the songs on 15 Intriguing Songs Where The Keyword is SONG feature the keyword, song! Clear as mud? Hopefully! There have been lots and lots of songs that feature the S-O-N-G in their respective titles.  This list is the third installment of song-driven playlists following 13 Songs Where The Keyword is SONG (2023) and 13 More Songs Where The Keyword is SONG (2023). 15 Intriguing Songs Where The Keyword is SONG features songs by beabadoobee, Benson Boone, Brenton Wood, Conan Gray, ericdoa, and Shaboozey. So, without further ado, let’s embrace these song-driving songs, shall we?![/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”	2. Conan Gray, “This Song”	3. beabadoobee, “Girl Song”
4. Earth, Wind & Fire, “Sing A Song”	5. Benson Boone, “Momma Song”	6. Luna Li, “Confusion Song”
7. ETHAN, “ONE MORE SONG”	8. Klovis Gaynor & The Urinal Cakes, “THE METH SONG”	9. Stephanie Mabey, “The Zombie Song”
10. The Lumineers, “Same Old Song”	11. ericdoa, “song for when the bar closes”	12. Ezra Williams, “A Shitty Gay Song About You”
13. Mindless Self Indulgence, “Last Gay Song”	14. The Meters, “Hand Clapping Song”	15. Brenton Wood, “Oogum Boogum Song”

 

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1. Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”

Where I’ve Been, isn’t Where I’m Going » American Dogwood / EMPIRE » 2024

Shaboozey (Collins Obinna Chibueze) delivers an entertaining country record with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, the second track on his 2024 album, Where I’ve Been, isn’t Where I’m Going. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was written by Shaboozey, Nevin, Sean Cook, and Mark Williams. Nevin and Sean Cook also produced it. Fun is the modus operandi. Shaboozey doesn’t hold back on the personality. “My baby want a Birkin, she’s been tellin’ me all night long,” he sings in the first verse, later adding, “This 9 to 5 ain’t workin’, why the hell do I work so hard?” Birkins aren’t ‘country,’ but the reference to work – that’s country to the core! Also, ‘country’ is the pre-chorus and chorus, where he drowns his sorrows: “Tell ‘em, ‘bring another round,’ we need plenty more,” and “Someone pour me a double shot of whiskey / They know me, and Jack Daniel’s got a history.” Woo! The follow-up in the second verse is entertaining too – a drunk Shaboozey: “Woke up drunk at 10 a.m., we gon’ do this shit again / Tell your girl to bring a friend.” Shaboozey brings plenty of energy and fun to the table. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has been a dominant force on the Billboard Hot 100. Also, the hit earned Chibueze four of his five Grammy nominations.

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: April 2024 40 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far) 13 Compelling Songs That Raise the Bar (2024) 60 Best Songs of 2024

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2. Conan Gray, “This Song”

Wishbone » GirlyBoy, Inc. / Republic » 2025

[nx_pullquote]“You know that I love you / And I have a feeling that you love me back.”[/nx_pullquote] Matters of the heart appear in the first line of the first verse of “This Song”, the first single from Wishbone, the fourth studio album by the handsome and talented Conan Gray. “This Song” finds Gray being shy about confessing to a close friend that he loves them. “I’m too shy to tell you the words of my mind,” he sings, “I hope you can see if you read through these lines.” This is a common, relatable occurrence. Gray wrote “This Song” while Ethan Gruska and Dan Nigro produced it.  The musical accompaniment shines, delivering gorgeous folk-pop and pop/rock vibes.  In addition to the standard instrumentation (keys, guitar, bass, and drums), the strings up the ante.

As always, Conan Gray impresses with his beautiful voice. He masterfully brings the terrific, tune melodies to life. He is authentic and sincere as he sings about his relationship with this person, including “You joke ‘bout your mother / She can’t help but cry when she hears Elton John,” and “Your brown racer jacket, my hands through the sleeves / The smell of your perfume is all over me.” Cleverly, Gray references other songs throughout his career, which makes “This Song” feel even more accomplished. Of course, the section to be is the chorus, which soars. Gray’s expression and nuance are particularly exceptional:

“That I wrote this song about you

Something I wish you knew

Something I’ve tried to say

But now I’ll say it straight

I wrote this song for you.”

There is another component to “This Song” that makes it potent: a music video.  The music video is queer, depicting a desire between two boys.  There is apparent sexual confusion from Gray’s love interest, played by Corey Fogelmanis, while Gray, like in the song, is in love, beyond friendship, with him.  A big moment happens – maybe the biggest of Gray’s career: they eventually share a kiss and their mutual love, beyond friendship, is confirmed. Aww! Jam-packed, “This Song” is authentic, beautiful, honest, and vulnerable.

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3. beabadoobee, “Girl Song”

This Is How Tomorrow Moves  » Dirty Hit » 2024

[nx_pullquote]“In a way, I’m figuring it out at my own pace,”[/nx_pullquote] British Filipino singer/songwriter beabadoobee (Beatrice Ilejay Laus) sings in the first verse of “Girl Song”.  She continues, introspectively and vulnerably, “Just a girl who overthinks about proportions on her waist / The creases on her face.” Real talk. Laus wows on the sixth track from her third studio album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves.  She penned the marvelous piano ballad while Jacob Bugden and Rick Ruben produced it.

“Day like no other, and just another bad day.” Ugh, Laus’s no terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day is our listening pleasure.  She brings radiant, tender vocals.  The melodies are gorgeous.  The songwriting is reflective but also depressing.  “Waking up to hardly recognizing my own face,” Laus sings in the second verse. “‘Oh, what a shame, didn’t think she’d look this way’,” she responds regarding her ‘less than ideal’ reflection in the mirror.  Ugh 😢.  The chorus marks another honest and highly memorable moment:

“All I want to do is find the words to make it up to you

Making all the same mistakes

I guess there’s still a lot to prove

And there’s something I can’t say in an ordinary way.”

Adding the brilliance of “Girl” beyond fabulous vocals and poetic lyrics is the harmonic progression.  It’s not too outlandish, mind you, but extends beyond I, IV, and V. It’s sad hearing about beabadoobee’s struggles – you can empathize/sympathize/relate to her pain. Still, “Girl Song” is moving from the first time you it. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!

Appears in:

beabadoobee, Girl Song: Bangerz N Bopz No. 7 (2025) Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 1 (2025) A Gripping Cluster of G Songs (2025)

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4. Earth, Wind & Fire, “Sing A Song”

Gratitude » Columbia » 1975

[nx_pullquote]“When you feel down and out / Sing a song (it’ll make your day).”[/nx_pullquote] Agreed, Maurice White (1941 – 2016).  The late, great founder, producer, songwriter, and co-lead vocalist of Earth, Wind & Fire, encourages us to lift our spirits through song on “Sing a Song”. He penned alongside Albert McKay. Furthermore, White produced the enthusiastic, major-key funk gem. “Sing” is the 11^th track from EW&F’s 1975 LP, Gratitude.  The backdrop is sublime, with bright, articulated horns, robust, rhythmic bass line, colorful keys and synths, and sick guitar riffs.  Unsurprisingly, the track performed superbly on both the R&B and pop charts.  It peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.

Maurice White impresses with his energetic, expressive, and soulful vocals.  Of course, he shares lead vocal duties with Philip Bailey (b. 1951) who is equally dynamic. Bailey blesses this positive song with his falsetto – some of the ripest you’ll ever hear. The stirring background vocals up the ante, too. The colorful backdrop and the dynamic vocals catch the ears. The simple but thoughtful lyrics have a compelling argument for why “Sing a Song” is one of soul’s best.

“Well, bring your heart to believing

Sing a song (it’ll make your day)…

Give yourself what you need

Sing a song (it’ll make your day)…

Smile, smile, smile and believe

Sing a song (it’ll make a way).”

Sure, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but the power of singing a song is quite therapeutic! White, Bailey, and Earth, Wind & Fire put their foot into “Sing a Song”, PERIOD!

Appears in:

Earth, Wind & Fire, Sing a Song: Throwback Vibez No. 87 (2024)

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5. Benson Boone, “Momma Song”

American Heart » Night Street / Warner » 2025

[nx_pullquote]“Momma, don’t you know / There’s nothing to be sorry about? / I’m so proud of all you’ve done.”[/nx_pullquote] Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter Benson Boone is always good for a big, sentimental ballad. On “Momma Song”, he shows us his sincere, thoughtful side.  Despite his critics, Boone excels at his marketing ability – his delicious shirtless poses, ambitiously wild outfits – as well as his voice, even if he is not everybody’s cup of tea. Boone penned “Momma Song” with Jack LaFrantz and producer Jason Evigan. The sound fits his aesthetic perfectly. It’s a pop/rock ballad.  The melodies are tuneful, and he sings the notes and lyrics authentically. For much of this song, Benson exhibits control, never overextending himself vocally. He does rise to the occasion, showing off his big instrument, however. Thematically, he highlights both Momma (“Momma, I’m missing home / And California’s getting colder /… I miss you”) and his father (“Lately, it’s getting hard / I’ve started looking like my father / And it makes me cry a little bit / ‘Cause he should’ve made it big”). Benson feels nostalgic, appreciating home, old times, and, of course, his parents. He shines brightly in the chorus:

“Take me down your old street

Tell me your memories of when you were young and when you fell in love

Drive me through the country

Tell me your story and you can play all of your favorite songs…”

Ultimately, “Momma Song” is beautiful, period. I appreciate his sincerity on the sixth track from  American Heart.

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6. Luna Li, “Confusion Song”

When a Thought Grows Wings » Real Life Music » 2024 

[nx_pullquote]“I thought we were taking space / Held my heart in a suspended place / Never said that I missed your face / Can love regenerate?”[/nx_pullquote] Ah, a state of confusion! Korean Canadian multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Luna Li (Hannah Kim) goes on to ask in the chorus of her “Confusion Song”, “How do you see it? / How?” “Confusion Song” is the opener from When a Thought Grows Wings. She penned and produced this marvelous song alongside Andrew Lappin and Monsune. What makes “Confusion Song” marvelous? The production is utterly sublime. The instrumental touches are gorgeous. I love the dreamy vibes of the backdrop, which musically paints a portrait of confusion and uncertainty.  Also, contributing to the confusion is the way the music is written metrically.  Certain ideas are written across the bar line in opposition to the meter – a clever and cool effect.  Li also plays a key role in the marvelousness with her easy-going, cool, calm, and collected vocals. Does she break a sweat? It doesn’t sound like it.  Besides her voice, the lyrics are sensational too. They support the confusion of this romance. “Broke your heart into a million men / You’re falling back, I’m running way ahead,” she sings in the second verse, adding, “Could you be the one to make amends?” Yes, there is confusion lyrically and thematically on “Confusion Song”. Regarding quality and musicality, Luna Li ‘put her foot’ into this song.

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: May 2024 A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs (2025)

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7. ETHAN, “ONE MORE SONG”

“ONE MORE SONG” » ETHAN » 2025

[nx_pullquote]“And I know when I go out / It could go so wrong / Red eyes, sleep-deprived  / But I just numb it all.” [/nx_pullquote] Word. Regardless, ETHAN (Ethan Choryin Luo) is headed to the club, specifically the dancefloor, on “ONE MORE SONG”. He penned “ONE MORE SONG” alongside producer klipo. (Johannes Bruun). Choryin Luo makes our ears perk up with his ripe, sexy pipes, particularly his falsetto.  This man is sex on the track.  He sings over a beautiful, sleek musical accompaniment comprised of a great danceable, thudding beat, warm pads, and synths. He superbly details his ‘going out’ experience: “Barely anybody left here / Staying ‘til it’s just the two of us / I’m seeing stars, stumbling to the bar / ask for another.”

The chorus is quite memorable:

“Last a little longer

Pushin’ it, pushin’ it

‘Til I get what I want

Vision wearing thinner

Pushin’ it, pushin’ it

‘Til the lights come on.”

Ooh-la-la! Somethin’ ‘bout that “pushin’ it” ETHAN gets me hot! Speaking of hot, I’d be remiss not to mention the sensual cover art. Ooh-wee! “ONE MORE SONG” marks another enjoyable gem from the talented musician.

 

Appears in:

11 Songs Associated with Number One, Vol. 3 (2025) Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025 Bops from 2025 That Make You Beam with Pride

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8. Klovis Gaynor & The Urinal Cakes, “THE METH SONG”

SAVE ME 4 THE SPANK BANK » klovisgaynor » 2025

[nx_dropcap]N[/nx_dropcap]ew York City-based queer musician, Klovis Gaynor, is one of a kind. In 2025, Klovis Gaynor and The Urinal Cakes (Klovis, Brayden Baird, Dane Bundschuh, Josh Hausman, and Larah Helayne) released an ambitious debut album, SAVE ME 4 THE SPANK BANK. The title alone implies the raw and unapologetic nature of Gaynor and company, described on their website as “the sound of crying, the sound of fucking, the sound of banging pianos, distorted guitars, fear, lust, hate, cum, cum & more cum.” One of the most ear-catching songs from SAVE ME 4 THE SPANK BANK is “THE METH SONG”. Not only is cum involved in “THE METH SONG,” but so are drugs: “Meth, PCP, Four Loko / And fuck me!” Holy fuck! Even though this queer punk song is raw and rough around the edges, the musicianship is elite: creative songwriting, an authentic, playful vocal performance, brilliant, distorted guitars, and clever riffs. “THE METH SONG” is weird as fuck (and also, about fucking, too), but that is big part of its charm.

From the beginning, a lot is going on. You see, “THE METH SONG” is one of those epic musical selections where you hear something new with every listen. After listening to this gem several times, I found myself more and more drawn to it.  It grows more impressive as Klovis sings about drugs, icky boys, and what sounds like filthy sex. Gaynor delivers a dramatic, emotional, and playful vocal performance.  Sometimes, his pitch is flawed.  That is intentional and part of the allure.  The lyrics are poetic and raw to the nth degree.  Klovis dips into spiritual matters, with ample blasphemy, of course! “I know Jesus was a slut / He told me in the shower,” Gaynor sings, continuing, “He showed me with his powerful tool / He made me drink, he made me vomit / Neon green, 4 Loko…” Damn, or maybe, damned… The use of Jesus’ body ‘hits different’ at the hands of Klovis.  As ear-catching as the Jesus lyrics are, some of the most memorable moments occur during the centerpiece, the chorus.  Here, Klovis shouts. “Old men, older the better! / Strange men, stranger the better! / Love me, know me ‘til I can’t remember / Fuck me, drug me, ‘til I get better!”  Wow… speechless 😶! Also, if you were unaware, “The best lay of your life / Has always been laying down to die.” And that is how “THE METH SONG”  ends. Ultimately, it is a breath of musical fresh air, even as filthy, raw, and unrefined as it is🤘. 

Appears in:

Klovis Gaynor & The Urinal Cakes, THE METH SONG: Wacky Wednesday No. 20 (2025) Bops from 2025 That Make You Beam with Pride 15 Addictive Songs About Alcohol, Drugs & Substances (2025) A Marvelous Sampling of M Songs (2025)

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9. Stephanie Mabey, “The Zombie Song”

Wake Up Dreaming » Stephanie Mabey » 2012 

Stephanie Mabey ate on “The Zombie Song”, PERIOD.  “The Zombie Song” is the fourth track from her 2012 album, Wake Up Dreaming. Mabey penned and produced “The Zombie Song.” “The Zombie Song” starts strong with its electronic intro. Those synths are sweet.  Also, the song has a lightness about it. Even though it is light, it still packs a mean punch.  The melodies, which Mabey brings to life sensationally, are rhythmic.  She sings with incredible ease, delivering a decadent, tasteful performance.  The lyrics are a treat!

“We’d meet at a post-apocalypse / Yeah, I’d be slowly walking / In a group stalking you,” Mabey sings in the first verse, and continues, “You’d be the only man alive / That I could not resist.” Oh, wow! That is zombie-like to the nth degree! Keeping things captivating, in the second verse, she sings “Double-barrel shotgun, taking out the slow ones / Then you’d see the passion burning in my eye.” It should come as no surprise that the chorus is quite tuneful, featuring some of the songs most unforgettable lyrics. “If I were a zombie / I’d never eat your brain,” Mabey sings, and adds, “I’d just want your heart.” The bridge section is a welcome contrast, led by rich piano. Once more, the lyrics catch the ears. “And I’d try not to bite and infect you / Because I’d respect you too much,” she sings, adding after marriage, they’d pick “Off all your friends / And they’d see a love this deep won’t stay buried.” Okay… All told, “The Zombie Song” is a surefire bop from 2012 that hasn’t lost the least bit of its luster.  This song still slaps!

Appears in:

Stephanie Mabey, The Zombie Song: Wacky Wednesday No. 40 (2025) 13 Spectacular Songs About Zombies (2025)

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10. The Lumineers, “Same Old Song”

Automatic » Dualtone Music Group » 2025

[nx_pullquote]“Hey, Mama, would you pay my rent? / Would you let me crash in your basement?”[/nx_pullquote] Wesley Schultz sings in the first verse of “Same Old Song”. “Same Old Song” is the opening track from The Lumineers’ (Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites) fifth studio album, Automatic.  Schultz and Fraites penned the sub-three-minute song. David Baron, Simone Felice, and ​The Lumineers produced it. Pummeling drums that appear from the beginning are a selling point. Their percussiveness piques the ears and gives “Same Old Song” early momentum.  The first verse evolves gradually with instrumentation expanding.  Eventually, the instrumental gains more stability.  Schultz sings expressively, bringing the tuneful melodies to life.  In the first verse, there is ample hypothetical lyricism.  The second verse continues the excellence of the first with a more developed musical backdrop. I love the unique, specific lyrics: “In La Brea where the tar pit’s black like a starving mouth for the innocent / You said the boulevard was not that bad and they jacked the van with the instruments.” The pre-chorus follows each verse, where Schultz sings, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, I killed the mood so naturally / The guests begin to make me feel alone.” Bummer, Wesley! The moment to beat, however, is the chorus, where his voice is its most robust:

“Same old song

We sing the same old song

We sing the same old, same old song.”

The Lumineers ‘bring it’ on “Same Old Song”.  Are they automatic on this one? More like autopilot!

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11. ericdoa, “song for when the bar closes”

why suffer for us? » ericdoa / LISTEN TO THE KIDS » 2024

[nx_pullquote]“I don’t wanna leave yet, when the lights come on / I just wanna dance (Give me one more song).”[/nx_pullquote] 22-year-old, Connecticut-based, genre-blurring artist ericdoa (Eric Lopez) always seems to have tricks up his sleeves.  Better yet, he always seems to be releasing new music. Firmly entrenched in the hyperpop realm, ericdoa dropped the short, striking “song for when the bar closes”, which appears on his EP, why suffer for us?. Lopez penned and produced the sub-two-minute record. “Song for when the bar closes”  features messy musical accompaniment/production.  It seems intentional.  It’s loud, muddy, heavily distorted, lacking refinement, and unsettling.  Also, it’s rhythmic.  The unrefined, rhythmic nature is part of the charm. Ericdoa gives us expressive vocals, remaining true to himself.  His M.O.? To woo a girl, of course! “She think I’m important / Maybe ‘cause my cards are silver and my whip’s imported,” he asserts in the second verse, adding, “I know you got a lifestyle, does your man support it? /…Your lil’ shit be mild, I be really scorchin’.” Confident! The chorus is the most melodic section – the one to beat!

“I know you’re not the type that’s gonna play on both sides

I just wanna see you at the end of my night-night

Said that you were perfect, girl, I knew the whole time-time

I just wanna see you at the end of my night.”

All in all, “song for when the bar closes” is another fun joint from ericdoa, loud, distorted musical backdrop and all!

Appears in:

13 Compelling Songs That Raise the Bar (2024) 13 Fantastic F-O-R For Songs (2025)

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12. Ezra Williams, “A Shitty Gay Song About You”

“A Shitty Gay Song About You” » Smoothboi » 2018

[nx_pullquote]“Watching my fish swim in my room / Floating around, I think of you.”[/nx_pullquote] Noted, Ezra Williams (they/them). The Irish singer-songwriter continues, “No rhyme or reason, you’re just in my head / And I’m alone in my bed.” That loneliness is a bear… I know from experience. Williams keeps things succinct in their 2018 single, “A Shitty Gay Song About You”. How succinct? Well, the shitty gay song, which isn’t shitty at all, clocks in under two minutes in duration.  Throughout, Williams expresses their feelings about someone they like. In the second verse, they listen to songs that their love interest is into, even if they don’t like them.

In the third verse, they assert, “I know that I can make [your shitty life] better,” adding, “And I’m not saying I’d be the best boyfriend / But I’d always lend you my sweatshirt / When you’re cold.” Unfortunately for Ezra, her love is an unrequited one.  In the chorus, she reveals, “When I’m not around you don’t care / And when I make a sound you don’t know that I’m there.” This is confirmed in the fourth and final verse, where Williams sings, “You’re oblivious to my feelings and that’s fine,” hoping they’ll add “A Shitty Gay Song About You” to “a playlist of your favorite songs of all times.” Williams’ unrequited experience is universally experienced. It sucks, but, they turn it into a compelling song. A little ukulele, glockenspiel, and vocals go a long way.

Appears in:

Ezra Williams, A Shitty Gay Song About You: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 62 (2025) Utterly Thrilling Gay Songs, Vol. 3 (2025)

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13. Mindless Self Indulgence, “Last Gay Song”

MSI B-SIDES vol. 1 » UCR, LLC » 2024

[nx_pullquote]“I’m not / That gay / B-b-but you are!”[/nx_pullquote] Noted, Jimmy Urine (James Euringer) and, of course, Mindless Self Indulgence. “Last Gay Song” is the ninth track on the band’s 2024 compilation, MSI B-SIDES vol. 1.  Notably, the song appeared in digital versions of their 2013 album, How I Learned To Stop Giving A Shit And Love Mindless Self Indulgence. After clearing the air about his non-gayness but pointing the finger at us, he sings in the first verse, “S-s-s-s-s-s-s-suck my dick / N-n-n-n-n-never gettin’ tired of it / M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-make me come / I n-, I n-, I never wanna be done.” Ooh-wee, MSI!

Mindless Self Indulgence keeps things brief.  Even so, “Last Gay Song” is jam-packed. It’s gay, but it’s also instrumentally striking.  Those electro-punk vibes are turned up to the nth degree, and who would have it any other way? There are wacky, ultra colorful synths and programming, and pummeling drum programming that hits you right in the chest.  Perhaps the best description is that this gayness feels and sounds like an adrenaline rush. And we’re here for it. “This is the last gay song that I will ever write / So it’s a shame that it’s almost over.” It truly is Jimmy, but what a pre-chorus. Of course, his vocals are as wacky as everything else in this record.

“S-s-s-s-s-s-slip me your tongue

B-b-b-b-b-batter up

F-f-f-f-f-f-finger this

L-l-l-l-l-l-like I give a shit.”

What a gay second verse! Other striking moments include the chorus, where, when it kicks in, Jimmy asserts, “You know, you know, you know, you know I’m gonna fuck it up.” Woo! F-f-f-f-f-f-fuck yeah! There is also the bridge, where, “Motherfuckers, what you want, what you need? / Oh my God / Damn, damn, hit the ropes / Flip the door, raise ‘em up.” Sigh, this “Last Gay Song” by Mindless Self Indulgence is a d-d-d-d-d-damn g-g-g-g-g-good o-o-o-o-o-one!

Appears in:

Mindless Self Indulgence, Last Gay Song: Wacky Wednesday No. 32 (2025) Utterly Thrilling Gay Songs, Vol. 3 (2025)

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14. The Meters, “Hand Clapping Song”

Struttin’ » Atlantic » 1970

[nx_pullquote]“Clap your hands now, people clap now / Clap your hands now, people clap your hands.”[/nx_pullquote] New Orleans funk band The Meters encouraged making music with one’s hands on “Hand Clapping Song”. The original members of the band included Art Neville (keys and vocals, 1937 – 2019), Leo Nocentelli (guitar), George Porter Jr. (bass), and Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste (drums). The sub-three minute joint is a relatively simple song but infectious to the nth degree. Furthermore, despite its simplicity, the musicianship is lofty. “Hand Clapping Song” is the seventh track from the group’s 1970 album, Struttin’. Although not a big-time pop hit, “Hand Clapping Song” did peak at number 89 on the Billboard Hot 100. Porter Jr., Nocentelli, Modeliste, and Neville penned “Hand Clapping Song.” Marshall Sehorn (1934 – 2006) and Allen Toussaint (1938 – 2015) produced it.

So, what makes “Hand Clapping Song” a surefire vibe? It begins with the music, which exemplifies being in the pocket.  The percussive groove anchors the backdrop, in all its funky glory.  Nocentelli’s guitar riffs and soloing are fierce.  The bass line by Porter Jr. is the sugar, honey, iced tea – active and robust. Also, can’t neglect how awesome Neville sounds tickling those keys (organ). Woo! With hand clapping being key, it’s no surprise that hand claps are a crucial part of the accompaniment.  The vocals are terrific – playful and filled with S-O-U-L. After encouraging the hand clapping in the chorus, dynamics are incorporated into the mix: “A little softer, people get softer,” and “A little louder, people get louder.” Another terrific moment from this gem is the vocals singing alongside the guitar solo.  “Hand Clapping Song” continues to slap as it pushes sixty years old.

Appears in:

The Meters, Hand Clapping Song: Throwback Vibez No. 143 (2025)

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15. Brenton Wood, “Oogum Boogum Song”

Oogum Boogum » The Bicycle Music Company » 1967 

[nx_pullquote]“Oogum, oogum, boogum, boogum / Boogum, now, baby, you’re castin’ your spell on me.”[/nx_pullquote] “The Oogum Boogum Song” is a novel, playful song by Louisiana-born Cali-bred R&B/pop singer/songwriter Brenton Wood (Alfred Smith, 1941 – 2025). “The Oogum Boogum Song” is the sixth track from his 1967 debut album, Oogum Boogum. “One of Wood’s biggest hits, it peaked respectably at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Smith penned the classic while Joseph Hooven and Hal Winn produced it. It only takes one listen to hear the magic of “Oogum Boogum.”

[nx_pullquote]“You got me doin’ funny things like a clown / Just look at me.”[/nx_pullquote] Word, Brenton Wood! First and foremost, the lyrics of “The Oogum Boogum Song” are fun and infectious.  The chorus, excerpted above, is the crème de la crème.  Beyond the chorus, the verses are incredibly entertaining.  “When you wear your high-heeled boots / With your hip-hugger suit / It’s all right, you’re outta sight,” Wood sings in the first verse. In the second, he is entranced by her bell-bottom pants.  In the third, it is “big earrings / Long, hair, and things.” Oh, snap, oogum boogum! Wood brings ample personality. Besides personality, his nuanced and soulful vocals showcase his versatility.  His falsetto is particularly impressive.  The musical accompaniment accentuates the excellence of “The Oogum Boogum Song”. A one-of-a-kind song, Wood struck gold with this one!

Appears in:

Brenton Wood, The Oogum Boogum Song: Throwback Vibez No. 206 (2024)

 

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15 Intriguing Songs Where The Keyword is SONG (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; American Dogwood, Columbia, Dirty Hit, Dualtone Music Group, EMPIRE, ericdoa, ETHAN, GirlyBoy, Inc., klovisgaynor, LISTEN TO THE KIDS, Night Street, Real Life Music, Republic, Smoothboi, Stephanie Mabey, The Bicycle Music Company, UCR, LLC, Warner; Jamal Umar, Larry Jenkins from Pexels;  AcatXIo, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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