Best Songs Ever Written?

[pk500]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

I am surprised no one has mentioned Bon jovi's I am a cowboy.

Because with lyrics like "I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride ... I'm wanted, dead or alive," it doesn't deserve to be anywhere near a list of great songs.

That's cliched pap that any 17-year-old could write in half an hour.

Agree with you on "Shine On Part II" by Floyd, though. One trippy tune.

Take care,
PK

[pk500]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

Lyrics from Wilco's "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," which I think is brilliant:

>>>>>>>

I am an American aquarium drinker
I assassin down the avenue
I'm hiding out in the big city blinking
What was I thinking when I let go of you?

Let's forget about the tongue-tied lightning
Let's undress just like cross-eyed strangers
This is not a joke, so please stop smiling
What was I thinking when I said it didn't hurt?

I want to glide through those brown eyes dreaming
Take it from the inside, baby hold on tight
You were so right when you said that I've been drinking
What was I thinking when I said good night?

I want to hold you in the Bible-black predawn
You're quite a quiet domino, bury me now
Take off your Band-Aid because I don't believe in touchdowns
What was I thinking when I said hello?

I'd always thought that if I held you tightly
You'd always love me like you did back then
Then I fell asleep and the city kept blinking
What was I thinking when I let you back in?

I am trying to break your heart
I am trying to break your heart
But still I'd be lying if I said it wasn't easy
I am trying to break your heart

Disposable Dixie-cup drinking
I assassin down the avenue
I'm hiding out in the big city blinking
What was I thinking when I let go of you?

loves you
I'm the man who loves you

<<<<<<<

But you cats are right: One man's jewel is another man's cubic zirconium. This is a damn good thread because hopefully it opens some new musical doors of experimentation for all of us.

Take care,
PK

[GBrushTWood]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

I wasn't saying the song was the Beatles best by any means, but I was saying that if I had to pick one Beatles song to encompass their entire catalogue, "A Day in the Life" would be it.

I agree, however, isn't this thread supposed to be best songs ever written?

If you take Day In The Life and had Ben Stein read it while staring into a camera, I don't think it would be that impressive. If you did the same thing for 'Something', I think people would be like 'holy $hit, that's amazing stuff right there!"

Perhaps that's what makes John and Paul so flipping brilliant; their ability to take material that for most others appear average, and turn it into legendary, time transcending music. Day In The Life is brilliant because of John's child-like, sheepish delivery: "I read the news today", the mellow, sublime acoustic guitar chord opening, the head-swirling, vortex like orchestra cacophony, Paul's change of pace middle third, and then the final orchestra bit, best desribed as everything and nothing all at once. What a damn song.

But not lyrically brilliant, I'd say.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

Since I said ABB's "Dreams" first, I guess I'll give a run-down as to why I think its one of the greatest songs ever written.

First, the atmosphere the song as a whole creates is awesome - late night listening at its finest. Gregg's vocals, as usual, are outstanding with his signature country-blues style. The listener feels his depression, his sadness of dreams he'll never see. The high-point lyrically, for me, is after the chorus when Gregg puts on a "new face." He sees the world falling down before him, realizes the dreams he never sees, but manages to carry-on and continue "the race."

Instrumentally the song reflects Gregg's vocals perfectly, furthering the early morning/late night feeling of the song. The start, with soft drumming, humming organ, and spaced out guitar strums build up to the chorus, where, added to Gregg's vocals, the atmosphere of the song really sets in. Duane Allman's, a usual strong feature on ABB songs, slide-guitar is dreamy, almost lulling the listener to sleep, not because its boring, but because its beautifully soft and awing. The gradual build-up to the climax at the end is worth the six minute wait as guitar, drums, organ, and Gregg's vocals explode into a sensation one would only think possible in a dream.

[Misfit]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

helloween-halloween
edguy-the piper never dies
avantasia-the seven angels
sodom-agent orange
dream theater-pull me under
rush-red barchetta
death-the philospher

the list can go on forever...

Listen to this man!

Though I would take Pharoah or Theater of Salvation over The Piper Never Dies. The Seven Angels is a true rock/metal masterpiece though, I never want it to end when I'm listening to it even though its nearly 15 minutes long.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

I agree, however, isn't this thread supposed to be best songs ever written?

If you take Day In The Life and had Ben Stein read it while staring into a camera, I don't think it would be that impressive. If you did the same thing for 'Something', I think people would be like 'holy $hit, that's amazing stuff right there!"

Perhaps that's what makes John and Paul so flipping brilliant; their ability to take material that for most others appear average, and turn it into legendary, time transcending music. Day In The Life is brilliant because of John's child-like, sheepish delivery: "I read the news today", the mellow, sublime acoustic guitar chord opening, the head-swirling, vortex like orchestra cacophony, Paul's change of pace middle third, and then the final orchestra bit, best desribed as everything and nothing all at once. What a damn song.

But not lyrically brilliant, I'd say.

Ben Stein would make anything sound like absolute rubbish.

And yes, this is the best songs ever written thread, but I was replying to Brandon's pick, not adding the song to my personal list.

[NovaStar]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

The lyrics to the song I suggested, House Carpenter by Hurt:

Our mistake was the love we made
I didn't deliberate
But I never meant you wrong
No I didn't mean it

If you've ever lost a loved one
I pray for you, I really do
If you've ever lost a loved one
I pray for you...

'Cause there's a sad and lonely comfort
In the hollow of your eyes
But don't you let it take you over
'Cause it will eat you up inside

I heard you're married to a house carpenter
And your love will never be mine...

If you're not breathing
why am I
Left alone in this ship
If you're not breathing
Why am I left alone?
With a sad and lonely comfort
Of the hollow in your eyes
But don't you let it take me under
'Cause it will eat me up inside

I'm sure you're married to your house carpenter
And your love will never be mine
...
All the pain and the way it was
All of the shame and the hate, because
I was in love with the way it was
All that I do I do for you

All the pain and the way it was
All of the shame and the hate, because
I was in love with the way it was
All that I do I do for you
...
If you're not breathing
Why am I? left alone in this ****.
If you're not breathing Why am I
left alone?

With a sad and lonely comfort
Of the hollow in your eyes
But won't let it take me over
'Cause it will eat me up inside

I'm sure you're buried with your house carpenter
And your face I'll never see no more
Your face I'll never see no more
Your face
Your face
Your face
Your face...[Each repetition getting progressively darker and stronger]

With a sad and lonely comfort
Of the hollow in your eyes
But I won't let it take me under
'Cause it will eat me up inside

Yeah I heard your married to a house carpenter
And your love will never me mine
No, your love will never be mine...


^Not to mention that the song is a musical masterpiece. It actually has 2 crescendos; one is very quickly over with, and the other explodes as he screams the word face on the last repetition. If you have not heard that song, it is HIGHLY recommended that you do.

EDIT: I forgot I had uploaded that song to putfile when they started circulating their sampler for people to listen to. http://media.putfile.com/Hurt---House-Carpenter <- you can listen to it there. and no, do not ask for me to email the song to you.

Yeah, that is a strong song! You really can't appreciate the lyrics until you hear them with the music. I really like that. I have never heard of it. Thanks for putting it here. I wish I could or someone could download Shine on you crazy Diamond 2, so you guys can feel me on that one.

[Brandon13]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

Interestingly, I happen to think Strawberry Fields is lyrically better than Day In The Life,

Yes, I'd actually agree with you that Strawberry Fields is a better written song than A Day In The Life. In fact look at my signature and you'll see which song I'm quoting. I probably should have payed more attention to the thread's title.

[NovaStar]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

Because with lyrics like "I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride ... I'm wanted, dead or alive," it doesn't deserve to be anywhere near a list of great songs.

That's cliched pap that any 17-year-old could write in half an hour.

Agree with you on "Shine On Part II" by Floyd, though. One trippy tune.

Take care,
PK

What's up PK. Yeah, that bon jovi tune reminds me of that tune desperado (although I think I like desperado better). It is kind of popcornish but I figured someone would probably mention it because I figure it is kind of main stream.

I saw your post about John coltrane earlier, every time that time life commercial came on about the great jazz collection I try and get the number because there is one song on there that I really like just by hearing the sample. I am thinking it is the one you mention (there is a strong sax rif that leads the song) I am going to go try and find it so be sure, if it is I will definitely buy it.

Lastly, no Peter Frampton comes alive candidates? Do you feel like I do?

[NovaStar]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

Since I said ABB's "Dreams" first, I guess I'll give a run-down as to why I think its one of the greatest songs ever written.

First, the atmosphere the song as a whole creates is awesome - late night listening at its finest. Gregg's vocals, as usual, are outstanding with his signature country-blues style. The listener feels his depression, his sadness of dreams he'll never see. The high-point lyrically, for me, is after the chorus when Gregg puts on a "new face." He sees the world falling down before him, realizes the dreams he never sees, but manages to carry-on and continue "the race."

Instrumentally the song reflects Gregg's vocals perfectly, furthering the early morning/late night feeling of the song. The start, with soft drumming, humming organ, and spaced out guitar strums build up to the chorus, where, added to Gregg's vocals, the atmosphere of the song really sets in. Duane Allman's, a usual strong feature on ABB songs, slide-guitar is dreamy, almost lulling the listener to sleep, not because its boring, but because its beautifully soft and awing. The gradual build-up to the climax at the end is worth the six minute wait as guitar, drums, organ, and Gregg's vocals explode into a sensation one would only think possible in a dream.

If this song is anything like "Tied to the Whipping post" then I have got to hear it. Whenever I hear "TTTWP" I stiop whatever it is I am doing and listen, that is a damn powerful song. The voice of the singer is soulful and strong and the music flows righ along with vocals. I will give dreams a listen because I have never heard of it.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

If this song is anything like "Tied to the Whipping post" then I have got to hear it. Whenever I hear "TTTWP" I stiop whatever it is I am doing and listen, that is a damn powerful song. The voice of the singer is soulful and strong and the music flows righ along with vocals. I will give dreams a listen because I have never heard of it.

"Whipping Post", while another fantastic Allman Brothers Band song, is completely different from "Dreams," at least the overall atmospheres. "Whipping Post" would be in my top 5 favorite ABB songs definitely. Gregg's gut-wrenching vocals when singing "tied to the whipping post" is one of my favorite rock moments in terms of vocals. The combination of hard rock, blues, soul, jazz, and country on that song is wonderful.

[blackgoatsemen]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

Listen to this man!

Though I would take Pharoah or Theater of Salvation over The Piper Never Dies. The Seven Angels is a true rock/metal masterpiece though, I never want it to end when I'm listening to it even though its nearly 15 minutes long.

i hear you on that man,the seven angels is a masterpiece,the whole damn album is...hopefully they'll get around to that 3rd album someday!!!

[Victor99]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

Is this a classic rock radio play list or a list of great songs? These are all pop hits.

"Who Made Who" on a list of great AC/DC songs? Wow. That, among many, caught me off guard.

Take care,
PK

Eh, it's all subjective PK. IMO those were some truly great songs.

[Blzer]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

Help Pour Out the Rain - Buddy Jewel


The moment was custom-made to order:
I was ridin' with my daughter on our way back from Monroe.
An' like children do, she started playin' twenty questions,
But I never could've guessed one would touch me to my soul.

She said: "Daddy, when we get to Heaven, can I taste the Milky Way?
"Are we goin' there to visit, or are we goin' there to stay?
"Am I gonna see my Grandpa? Can I have a pair of wings?
"An' do you think that God could use another Angel,
"To help pour out the rain?"

Well, I won't lie: I pulled that car right over,
An' I sat there on the shoulder tryin' to dry my misty eyes.
An' I whispered: "Lord, I wanna thank you for my children.
"'Cause your innocence that fills them often takes me by surprise."

Like: "Daddy, when we get to Heaven, can I taste the Milky Way?
"Are we goin' there to visit, or are we goin' there to stay?
"Am I gonna see my Grandpa? Can I have a pair of wings?
"An' do you think that God could use another Angel,
"To help pour out the rain?"

Well, I thought about it later on,
An' a smile came to my face.
An' when I tucked her in to bed,
I got down on my knees an' prayed.

Lord, when I get to Heaven, can I taste the Milky Way?
"I don't wanna come to visit 'cause I'm comin' home to stay?
"An' I can't wait to see my family and meet Jesus face to face.
"An' do you think, Lord, you could use just one more Angel,
"To help pour out the rain?"

Mmmm, can I help pour out the rain?

[BGarrett7]

Re: Best Songs Ever Written?

Help Pour Out the Rain - Buddy Jewel

Just when I thought you couldn't get any more hilarious than your first reply in this thread, you go and make this post. Kudos, Blzer.