15 Songs Where the Titles Aren’t Part of the Lyrics

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15 Songs Where the Titles Aren’t Part of the Lyrics features songs by Doja Cat, Elton John, Lana Del Rey, System Of A Down, SZA, and Tommy Richman.

Often, a title provides insight into what a song is about. The title typically appears in sections of the song, most prevalently, the chorus. However, sometimes, the song titles aren’t explicitly part of the lyrics 🤯. The lyrics may embody or reflect what the title represents, but a titular lyric is absent. That’s what ‘goes down’ in 15 Songs Where the Titles Aren’t Part of the Lyrics. The title is not explicitly mentioned in the song lyrics. 15 Songs Where the Titles Aren’t Part of the Lyrics features songs by Doja Cat, Elton John, Lana Del Rey, System Of A Down, SZA, and Tommy Richman. So, without further ado, let’s dissect these musical selections lacking a titular lyric!

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1. Tommy Richman, “WHITNEY”

2. Megan Thee Stallion, “COBRA”

3. Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem, “The Hillbillies”

4. Billie Eilish, “CHIHIRO”

5. Blink-182, “EDGING”

6. Doja Cat, “Balut”

7. The Weeknd, “After Hours”

8. Lana Del Rey, “The Grants”

9. Panic! At the Disco, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”

10. SZA, “Ghost In The Machine” (Ft. Phoebe Bridgers)

11. Jay-Z, “4:44”

12. PinkPantheress, “Mosquito”

13. System Of A Down, “B.Y.O.B.”

14. Portishead, “Glory Box”

15. Elton John, “Elton’s Song”

1. Tommy Richman, “WHITNEY”

COYOTE // ISO Supremacy / PULSE / CONCORD // 2024

“Baby / You are not the same in my dreams (Ooh-ooh) / If not for anything, for anything.” Breakout singer/songwriter Tommy Richman has spoken in the chorus of “WHITNEY”. “WHITNEY” is one of many singles released by Richman in 2024 including “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” and “DEVIL IS A LIE”. Oddly, neither of those two songs appear on his debut album, COYOTE (arrives September 27, 2024). “WHITNEY” marks the second single from the LP following the release of “THOUGHT YOU WERE THE ONE”. “WHITNEY” was penned by Richman and Jonah Roy. Roy produces alongside John Wehmeyer and lim0. Interestingly, the name Whitney is never mentioned in the song. “WHITNEY” features only one verse. Early on, Richman repeats a pair of lines: “If we’re made in the image of God /… Why do things get odd?” He answers, “I don’t know, I said bitch, I don’t know,” before sharing his feelings of disappointment with her. He asserts by the end, “You were always in my dream, but it’s a one-way street / I would never go back, never go back home.” Oh, snap! Beyond that, “WHITNEY” isn’t deep from a songwriting perspective. There is a bridge filled with “No(s).” There is also a spoken outro, where the image of God is mentioned again. The sound of “WHITNEY” is intriguing, characterized by its detuned synths and infectious drum programming groove. Vocally, Richman showcases a wild falsetto and his unique middle and upper register pipes (similar to his other 2024). Ultimately, “WHITNEY” is a vibe, with a bit more of a minimalist, experimental spirit than previous singles he’s released. Do I ‘totally’ get it after several listens? No, but, it’s engaging.

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2. Megan Thee Stallion, “Cobra”

MEGAN // Hot Girl Productions LLC // 2024

“I’m killin’ myself when bitches would die to be me.” Now that’s a mic-drop moment, Megan Thee Stallion. Produced by Bankroll Got It, Shawn “Source” Jarrett, and Derrick Milano, “Cobra” features intense production, which blends hip-hop and some rock cues. The fuel is there for the fire! Thee Megan’s flow is agile on this standout from MEGAN. More notable than the flow, however, is what she raps about. Megan opens up about being depressed even though she’s blessed financially (“How can somebody so blessed wanna slit they wrist”). In the second verse, she continues to reflect on her pain and depression: “Never thought a bitch like me would ever hit rock bottom.” Also, in the same verse, furthering the pain, she “Pulled up, caught him cheatin’, gettin’ his dick sucked in the same spot I’m sleepin’ / Lord, give me a break, I don’t know how much more of this shit I can take.” There’s a lot to take in on the verses, but the chorus embraces that cobra mindset: “This pussy depressed, hmm, I’m about to stress him, yeah / Pink nails ‘round his neck, huh, but this ain’t domestic.” The personal nature of “Cobra” helps to make it incredibly successful. She doesn’t sacrifice her bite or toughness, but she also shows a more vulnerable side – she has feelings and pain, too, celebrity be damned!

Appears in 🔻:

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3. Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem, “The Hillbillies”

“The Hillbillies” // Baby Keem, LLC / pgLang LLC / Columbia // 2023

“We gon’ fuck up the world (Here right now) / Excuse me, but is that your girl? (Here right now).” WOO! Grammy-winning rappers (and cousins) Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem make musical magic when they collab – the synergy is real! There is no shortage of magic in the colorful single, “The Hillbillies.” “The Hillbillies” was produced by EVILGIANE, and samples Drake (“Sticky”) and Bon Iver (“PDLIF”). Justin Vernon sounds heavenly in the unique backdrop, complementing the rappers who reference themselves as soccer superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. K-Dot asserts, “They gon’ think that you rep me, girl, 5’7”, I’m Messi, girl.” He adds, in the second verse, “I’ma pass you to Neymar, he got time for your bestie, girl.” Baby Keem adds, before the end, “Messi, get them girls off the stage, ‘cause somebody’s gonna get taken.” Distinct, idiosyncratic, and unique, “The Hillbillies” is one of the more fun rap songs of 2023. The way Kendrick and Baby Keem trade bars = FANTASTIC!

Appears in 🔻:

51 Best Songs of 2023

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4. Billie Eilish, “CHIHIRO”

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT // Darkroom / Interscope // 2024

“Did you take / My love away / From me? Me / Me.” Chihiro, rather, Billie Eilish sings in the refrain of “CHIHIRO”. The five-minute song is the third track from the Academy- and Grammy Award winner’s platinum-certified third studio album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. It has a hard act to follow in the context of the album (“LUNCH”) but impresses in its own right. If you’re unfamiliar with the 2001, Academy Award-winning animated fantasy/adventure film, Spirited Away, you probably have no idea who Chihiro Ogino is. Chihiro is the protagonist of the film. The song by Eilish is inspired by the character, who isn’t explicitly named in the lyrics.

“CHIHIRO” features beautiful, tuneful melodies. Eilish shows off the radiance of her instrument, particularly in her upper register. Co-written with her brother and producer, FINNEAS (Finneas O’Connell), the musical backdrop is elite. The sound is rhythmic. There is a ‘cool energy’ for much of the song. Still, the crescendoing synths are ear-catching, adding punch during the bridge. Beyond the accompaniment and Eilish’s vocals, the songwriting is the biggest selling point – the crème de la crème. Eilish references the film and her life too. “When I come back around, will I know what to say / Said you won’t forget my name,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “Not today, not tomorrow / Kinda strange, feelin’ sorrow.” In the second verse, she memorably sings, “Said, ‘I need to be alone now, I’m takin’ a break’ / How come when I returned, you were gone away?” It may be Spirited Away, but it also sounds like matters of Billie’s heart. The ‘chorus’ (there are lots of distinct sections) marks another winning moment:

“Open up the door, can you open up the door?

I know you said before you can’t cope with anymore

You told me it was war, said you’d show me what’s in store

I hope it’s not for sure, can you open up the door?”

“LUNCH” is the crowning achievement from HIT ME HARD AND SOFT without question. However, “CHIHIRO” is superb too! Another commercially successful song by Eilish, it debuted and peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Appears in 🔻:

Billie Eilish, CHIHIRO: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 81 (2024)

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5. Blink-182, “EDGING”

ONE MORE TIME… // Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC / Columbia // 2023

“I ain’t that cool, a little fucked in the head / They’ll be hangin’ me quick when I’m back from the dead.” Woo! Mic-drop-worthy lyrics! More mic-drop-worthy is the reunion of the original lineup of blink-182–Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and Travis Barker. Blink-182 returned to form with the inappropriately titled single, “Edging”, which appeared on their 2023 album, ONE MORE TIME… It’s awesome hearing DeLonge with blink-182 again. He’s biting and unapologetic in his first verse and the following chorus. Hoppus takes the reins in the second verse, asserting, “I got a fire in my eye, a little blood on my shirt / Let’s hit the road, hit the road.” In the pre-chorus, he says, “I know there’s a special place in hell / That my friends and I know well / There’s a perfect place to go / When it’s time to lose control.” Woo! Also, can you help but giggle when Hoppus talks about the time to lose control given the song title? Just saying! The music matches the lyrics – it’s bright and boisterous, which is the perfect fuel for that punk-rock fire! Perhaps the most important lyrics hail from the chorus, seeming to reference DeLonge’s exits from the band in the past:

“No way, no, I leaven them broken-hearted

…Oh no, I lead the broken hearts this way.”

Yes, they are aging punks – all in their late 40s (Hoppus was 50 when the single was released) – but the nostalgia is undeniable. “Edging” is short, sweet, and utterly satisfying!

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6. Doja Cat, “Balut”

Scarlet // Kemosabe / RCA // 2023

“Balut”, the 15^th track from Scarlet, the fourth studio album by Grammy-winning rapper/singer Doja Cat (Amala Dlamini), commences with a Ric Flair sample, which reappears at the end. Before Doja raps one note, the tone is set. “Balut” features sophisticated production courtesy of Yeti Beats and Rogét Chahayed with its sound hearkening back to jazz-rap and boom bap.  Even in the chorus, given the classy backdrop, Doja is kinder and gentler:

“Ah, uh, yeah, uh

Wow, uh, yeah, uh

Wow, uh, yeah,

It’s like takin’ candy from a baby.”

Following the chorus, which isn’t deep, Doja goes in on the first verse. In the first, she spits, “Dishes on my ass, still I’m thicker than some oatmeal / Glass houses, I don’t really like to keep my stones there / Oh, well, I’ll buy another property for four mill’.”  Um, wow! Later, in the second, she asserts, “Copy this (Copy this), copy that (Copy that) / Every bitch that is her copycat / Copy the greats, that’s my number one strategy / But beware that you can’t copy stats.” All told, “Balut” marks another entertaining, worthwhile song from Doja Cat, named balut because “it’s a metaphor for Twitter stans and the death of Twitter toxicity”. WOO!

Appears in 🔻:

Awesome Songs: September 2023

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7. The Weeknd, “After Hours”

After Hours // Republic // 2020

“After Hours” (After Hours) is a throwback for The Weekend (Abel Tesfaye); it sounds like his ultra-moody music of the past. It’s long (north of six minutes), but the vibe, vocal performance, and production compensate. The production is satisfying to the nth degree: dark and moody (in a minor key) with cutting-edge synths and an infectious groove. It’s the potent falsetto atop the backdrop that seals the deal. Beyond the sound and vocals, the theme encompassing matters of the heart amplifies excellence. Tesfaye thrives on heartbreak. The crowning achievement is the chorus. He’s in his zone here, and that’s always a winning formula.

“Oh, baby

Where are you now when I need you the most?

I’d give it all just to hold you close

Sorry that I broke your heart, your heart

I said, baby

I’ll treat you better than I did before

I’ll hold you down and not let you go

This time, I won’t break your heart, your heart, yeah.”

Are after-hours ever explicitly mentioned lyrically? Nope.

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8. Lana Del Rey, “The Grants”

Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd // Interscope // 2023

In advance of her ninth studio album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, Grammy-nominated alternative pop standout  Lana Del Rey released three singles.  The third single, “The Grants”, was arguably the best. Interestingly, “The Grants” commences with a mistake by gospel vocalists (Melodye Perry, Pattie Howard, and Shikena Jones) while they were learning the chorus. Del Rey loved this mistake and informed the co-producer to include it at the top of the song, which is also the first song from the album.  After the intro, there is a change of pace with  more structure, just before the one-minute mark. Here, Del Rey takes over, sounding true to self. Melodically, “The Grants” is utterly sublime. The arrangement and production are gorgeous (Del Rey, Drew Erikson, Zach Dawes, and Mike Hermosa), including a blend of piano, acoustic guitar, and strings.  As the record progresses, it expands in scope with a more dynamic instrumental, and of course those soulful, gospel-infused choral backing vocals.

Beyond elite vocals, background vocals, and production, the songwriting is elite too! The lyrics are not complicated but poignant and marvelously penned.  The pre-chorus stands out, as Del Rey sings, “Do you think about heaven? / Oh-oh, do you think about me? / My pastor told me when you leave, all you take / Oh-oh, is your memory.” Some key takeaways regard legacy and memory, related to family (“My sister’s first-born child / I’m gonna take that too with me / My grandmother’s last smile”). “The Grants” is an awesome way to commence Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.

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9. Panic! At the Disco, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”

A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out // Fueled by Ramen // 2005

“‘What a beautiful wedding! / What a beautiful wedding!’ says a bridesmaid to a waiter / ‘And yes, but what a shame, what a shame / The poor groom’s bride is a whore.’” Say what? Sigh, when your debut album is entitled, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, you know there is a ‘random,’ ridiculous element to the music. That is the case for Panic! At the Disco. The colorful, theatrical single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” was a breakthrough moment for Brendon Urie and P!ATD in 2005. Musically, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” features brilliant production work, notably mixing Baroque pop elements (those pizzicato strings) with pop-punk. As the excerpted lyrics confirm, the lyrics throughout “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” are wedding-centric, with folks in the wedding criticizing the bride and the groom’s reaction (“The poor groom’s bride is a whore”). Of course, we all know that the most memorable lyrics come from the groom’s mouth, during the chorus:

“I chime in with a

‘Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?!’

No, it’s much better to face these kinds of things

With a sense of poise and rationality.”

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10. SZA, “Ghost In The Machine” (Ft. Phoebe Bridgers)

SOS // Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA // 2022

Ask yourself this question. Did you EVER anticipate a collaboration between SZA and Phoebe Bridgers? Well, regardless of the answer, that’s what goes down on “Ghost in the Machine”, one of the best moments from the Grammy-winning musician’s epic 2022 sophomore album, SOS. The collaboration speaks to the versatility of both musicians. SZA is brutally honest, whether it’s lyrics like, “I just wanna fuck, eat, sleep, love happy,” as well as questions like, “Can you distract me from all the disaster?” The lyrics and theme intrigue with references to robots and social media catching the ear. Bridgers arrives in the third verse and like SZA, drops that salty language too 🤬. Besides the songwriting, the sound and production of “Ghost in the Machine” (Carter Lang, Rob Bisel, and Matt Cohn) stands out too. It’s one of the best moments from SOS, PERIOD.

Appears in 🔻:

13 Utterly Ghostly Ghost 👻 Songs

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11. Jay-Z, “4:44”

4:44 // Roc Nation // 2017

In 2017, Jay-Z returned following a four-year hiatus with 4:44, an LP lacking clear-cut radio hits, but sublime thanks to its personal, substantive nature. “4:44” features one of the most awesome samples of the album, courtesy of British soul singer Hannah Williams & the Affirmations (“Late Nights & Heartbreak”).  Notably, Kim Burrell provides additional vocals, which fit seamlessly into the music. Interestingly, the title track was conceived at 4:44 A.M. While the production and overall sound are radiant, the message is truly ear catching.  Jay-Z apologizes to Beyoncé for his infidelity – starting from the opening tip.

“Look, I apologize, often womanize

Took for my child to be born, see through a woman’s eyes

Took for these natural twins to believe in miracles

Took me too long for this song, I don’t deserve you.”

Ultimately, “4:44” is the crown jewel of the LP – the crème de la crème. Notably, the song title is never explicitly mentioned in the lyrics.

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12. PinkPantheress, “Mosquito”

Heaven knows // Warner Music UK Limited // 2023

“On a Monday, can I see you? / Can I check my numbers? ‘Cause I want to.” PinkPantheress is a whole vibe, PERIOD. She delivered a surefire pop bop with “Mosquito”, a short and sweet advance single from her debut album, Heaven knows. What’s interesting is the fact that she never explicitly mentions the pesky, blood-sucking insect on “Mosquito.” Instead, her focus is on money – the mean green, baby! Even as matters of material things are the focal point, PinkPantheress serves up sweet vocals, singing with ease, as always. Her backdrop is rhythmic (Pink Pantheress, Greg Kurstin, and Mura Masa), but like her vocals, maintains a cool aesthetic and energy. The groove is a big talking point, with its bossa nova sensibilities 🤘. The section to beat is the chorus:

“‘Cause I just had a dream I was dead

And I only cared ‘cause I was taken from you

You’re the only thing that I own

I hear my bell ring, I’d only answer for you.”

WOO! Even so, the verse, which gets spiritual, to an extent, is fab too. The power of money and material is real, y’all: “Now you’re sittin’ in accounts ‘cause I’m too scared to take you out / Now save me.” All told, “Mosquito” is fabulous, even more so without mention of those pesky, bloodsucking insects!

Appears in 🔻:

Awesome Songs: October 2023

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13. System Of A Down, “B.Y.O.B.”

Mezmerize // Sony Music Entertainment // 2005

“Why do they always send the poor?” Food for thought. Also, food for thought: “You depend on our protection, yet you feed us lies from the tablecloth.” Mic drop! Once upon a time, System Of A Down was kind of a big deal. Sadly, the last album released by the Armenian American band was in 2005. Serj Tankian and company released two albums that year: Mezmerize and Hypnotize. Both debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. While both albums are sensational, Mesmerize is fueled by one potent protest song, “B.Y.O.B.”. No, Tankian isn’t encouraging you to bring your own booze. In this case, “B.Y.O.B.” is an acronym for bring your own bombs. War was firmly planted on the minds of System Of A Down and they didn’t hold back! Notably, their ambition, top-notch musicianship, and brutal honesty earned them a well-deserved Grammy (Best Hard Rock Performance). Also, for a hard rock/metal song, “B.Y.O.B.” performed well on the pop charts, earning SOAD their highest-charting song peaking at no. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.

What makes “B.Y.O.B.” one of System Of A Down’s best songs? The music is electrifying and often raucous. The collective provides contrast between the verses (wilder) and the chorus (more accessible and melodic), keeping things fresh and engaging. In the first verse, Serj sings of “Barbarisms by Barbaras with pointed heels” as well as “Marching forward, hypocritic and hypnotic computers.” Say what?! He doesn’t stop there folks. In the second verse, there are “Kneeling roses disappearing in Moses’ dry mouth” and “Hangars sitting dripped in oil, crying, ‘Freedom!’” Damn! The chorus, however, is the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement:

“Everybody’s going to the party, have a real good time

Dancin’ in the desert, blowin’ up the sunshine.”

Ah, a sarcastic, cynical view of war – noted! The guitar riffs are quick and jagged, the bass provides a mean foundation, while the drums pummel something fierce. Later, the bridge and refrain separate themselves from the verse and chorus, led by raw, screamed vocals. This is intentional for Daron Malakian (guitarist and the band’s second vocalist) to make his point. Malakian drops bombs – f-bombs! “Blast off, it’s party time / And where the fuck are you?” Protest songs often earn a controversial label, particularly when the protest is either extremely right-wing or left-wing. Protesting wars of any kind always raises eyebrows, particularly the Iraq War in the 2000s, during the George W. Bush presidency, and post 9/11. Interestingly, System Of A Down performed the song, with its f-bombs on Saturday Night Live in 2005. The censors were successful in bleeping out “where the fuck are you,” but, Malakian’s rogue “fuck yeah!” went uncensored (live, mind you) and got the band banned. HOLY F**K 🤭! Although “B.Y.O.B.” is controversial, it is one of the best rock songs of the 2000s, PERIOD. System Of A Down, you f**king did that 🤭!

Appears in 🔻:

System Of A Down, B.Y.O.B.: Controversial Songs 6 (2024)

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14. Portishead, “Glory Box”

Dummy // Go! Discs Ltd // 1994

“I’m so tired of playing / Playing with this bow and arrow / Gonna give my heart away / Leave it to the other girls to play / For I’ve been a temptress too long.” The most important album from British alternative, trip-hop collective Portishead was their 1994 debut, Dummy. “Glory Box,” the closing cut, is one of the highlights from the LP. Beth Gibbons shines with her expressive vocals on this epic, five-minute-plus gem. “Glory Box” samples “Medley: Ike’s Rap II / Help Me Love” by late soul legend Isaac Hayes. Specifically, it’s the “Ike’s Rap II” portion that helps fuel “Glory Box.” While the sample is vital to the record’s success, there’s also some great added music specifically Adrian Utley’s use of Hammond Organ and superb guitar playing and soloing. The lyrics are awesome, memorable, and telling. Gibbons is done with games when it comes to love and men. She is tired of bending over backward to please and try to attain love – she’s evolving and becoming much more mature. She desires the same of a man, whom she addresses in the stellar chorus: “Give me a reason to love you / Give me a reason to be a woman / I just wanna be a woman.” “Glory box” is never mentioned explicitly in the lyrics.

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15. 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 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.

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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15 Songs Where the Titles Aren’t Part of the Lyrics (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Baby Keem, LLC, Columbia, Concord, Darkroom, Fueled By Ramen, Go! Discs Ltd, Interscope, ISO Supremacy, Kemosabe, Mercury, pgLang LLC, PULSE, RCA, Republic, Roc Nation, Sony Music Entertainment, Top Dawg Entertainment, Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC, Warner Music UK Limited; OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

15 Songs Where the Titles Aren’t Part of the Lyrics | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on October 28, 2024October 28, 2024