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Grammar in Songs Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Grammar in Songs Quizzes, Trivia

Language in Songs Trivia

Language in Songs Trivia Quizzes

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All these quizzes address, in some way, language use and writing, in songs.
49 quizzes and 686 trivia questions.
Sub-Categories:
1.
  Patter Songs - Tongue-twisters Set to Music! editor best quiz   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The Peerless Peloton bring you a snapshot history of those songs with very fast lyrics that create a wonderful rhythm. Set to music they're brilliant - or perhaps horrid. Let's explore!
Average, 10 Qns, MikeMaster99, Apr 29 23
Average
MikeMaster99 gold member
Apr 29 23
2482 plays
2.
  Hello   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Adele's "25" album includes the hit single "Hello". Over the years, there have been various other hit songs with the word "Hello" in their titles. For this quiz, match the musician/band to their correct song title. Good luck!
Easier, 10 Qns, apathy100, Oct 27 20
Easier
apathy100 gold member
Oct 27 20
489 plays
3.
  It's Not Only Rock and Roll    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Each of the songs or artists have something in common: letters! Specifically, they have initials in their titles or in the artists' names. OK? Well, you will get the picture!
Average, 10 Qns, jaknginger, Jul 20 22
Average
jaknginger gold member
Jul 20 22
1522 plays
4.
  Contradictory Song Titles   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many popular songs by different artists have titles that contradict each other in some way. I'll describe a song, and ask you to pick the opposing song by a named performer from the choices offered. This quiz covers songs from the '60s to the '00s.
Average, 10 Qns, jmorrow, Sep 19 10
Average
jmorrow editor
718 plays
5.
  I "Write" The Songs - Word Play    
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Do you have the WRITE stuff? The typo is intentional. Can you match these ten songs with "WRITE" in the title to the original artist/band?
Easier, 10 Qns, GBfan, Jul 21 22
Easier
GBfan gold member
Jul 21 22
179 plays
6.
  Songs About Words    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Songs that have "word" in the title.
Tough, 10 Qns, shanteyman, Jul 21 22
Tough
shanteyman
Jul 21 22
375 plays
7.
  Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself an Earworm!    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Earworms are songs you can't get out of your head - whether you like them or not! Spanning 100 years of popular music, all these earworms contain lyrics about writing. See how many of them you have written to memory.
Average, 15 Qns, Chavs, Jul 20 22
Average
Chavs gold member
Jul 20 22
425 plays
8.
  Song Lyrics with Unusual Words or Phrases    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
These questions are all about songs which contain a word or phrase not commonly found in pop or rock lyrics. Enjoy!
Average, 10 Qns, Bheth, Jul 20 22
Average
Bheth
Jul 20 22
364 plays
9.
  Who Says Ain't Ain't in the Dictionary?   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Mom always said "ain't" wasn't in the dictionary. Well, Mom was wrong and here are ten songs to prove it. Artist or title may be required. Most songs are from the 60s and 70s and even one from the 50s. Enjoy!
Average, 10 Qns, fredsixties, Oct 27 20
Average
fredsixties
Oct 27 20
511 plays
10.
  Opposites in Song    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I was sitting, contemplating the world in which we live and got to thinking that things are never quite black and white. Then I started thinking that possibly I could find ten questions where there were opposites in song titles.
Average, 10 Qns, DaveH1960, Sep 19 10
Average
DaveH1960
823 plays
trivia question Quick Question
What opposites could you derive from a 1959 Cliff Richard hit and a track from Meatloaf from 1981?

From Quiz "Opposites in Song"




11.
  I Got Rhythm. I Got Terrible Grammar    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Most of the time, an artist's decision to fudge around with the English language is for style and creative purposes, but let's help them clean up these lyrics anyway. All lyrics come from metrolyrics.com
Tough, 10 Qns, Joepetz, Oct 27 20
Tough
Joepetz gold member
Oct 27 20
446 plays
12.
  I Just Had to "Write" this Song!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is a quiz about songs with the word "write" in the title.
Difficult, 10 Qns, workisboring, Jul 21 22
Difficult
workisboring gold member
Jul 21 22
413 plays
13.
  Greetings And Salutations    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Dear Quiz-Taker. Whether it's "Dear," "Hello" or some other form of acknowledgement, there's many a good songwriter who included these greetings and salutations in some of our favorite songs. Regards, TheMats. P.S. Have fun...
Average, 10 Qns, themats, Oct 27 20
Average
themats
Oct 27 20
582 plays
14.
  More Opposites in Song    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Left, Right, Left, Right - No! not a marching song. But more opposites.
Average, 10 Qns, DaveH1960, Sep 20 10
Average
DaveH1960
377 plays
15.
  Hello Titles    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Do you know the right artists?
Tough, 10 Qns, Vermic, Oct 27 20
Tough
Vermic
Oct 27 20
678 plays
16.
  Songs With Poor Grammar    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Select the singer or group who needs to return to grammar school.
Tough, 10 Qns, tracyb555, Oct 27 20
Tough
tracyb555
Oct 27 20
1981 plays
Related Topics
  Grammatical and Lexical Items [Humanities] (78 quizzes)


Language in Songs Trivia Questions

1. Which singer wrote and released a US single titled "Words of Love" in 1957?

From Quiz
Songs About Words

Answer: Buddy Holly

Although "Words of Love" was not a big hit for Buddy Holly when it was released it has become highly regarded as one of his better recordings and covered by many artists. Buddy had Top Ten hits in 1957 with "That'll Be The Day", "Peggy Sue", "Oh Boy" and "Not Fade Away". The Diamonds released a version the same year that fared better than Buddy's, reaching Number 13 on the US Billboard charts. The Beatles recorded a version on their US release "Beatles VI" in 1965. John Lennon and Paul McCartney sang the harmonies that Holly originally double tracked himself. Buddy Knox had a hit in 1957 with "Party Doll". "Diana" was Paul Anka's first hit in 1957. Ricky was on the charts in 1957 with "Be-Bop Baby" and "A Teenager's Romance".

2. Getting this party started, "Y.M.C.A." was recorded by the group, The Village People. Do you know where they are from?

From Quiz It's Not Only Rock and Roll

Answer: United States

The Village People were a disco group that hailed from the United States. "Y.M.C.A." was recorded in New York City and released in 1978. Still today, when the song starts to play, be sure to look around you! You never know who will break out in the "Y.M.C.A." dance!

3. In which Radiohead tune does the singer want to stop hearing the "unborn chicken voices" in his head?

From Quiz Song Lyrics with Unusual Words or Phrases

Answer: Paranoid Android

"Please could you stop the noise, I'm trying to get some rest, from all the unborn chicken voices in my head." "Paranoid Android", from Radiohead's third studio album "OK Computer", made the Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time". It was recorded near the village of St. Catherine in Somerset, UK, in the 15th-century mansion of actress Jane Seymour. The android is of course a reference to Marvin the Paranoid Android, a hilarious character from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" series by Douglas Adams.

4. If Eric Clapton wanted to be grammatically correct, how would he change the title of his song "Lay Down Sally?"

From Quiz I Got Rhythm. I Got Terrible Grammar

Answer: Lie Down Sally

The word "lay" means to put or place something. "Lie" means to be horizontal in position. Since the singer is telling Sally to rest, the correct word is "lie." "Lain" is the past participle of "lie." "Laid" is the past tense of "lay." Definitions are from dictionary.com

5. Bruce Johnston wrote a song called "I Write the Songs" in 1975. This song was recorded by several artists. Which artist's version of this song won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1977?

From Quiz I Just Had to "Write" this Song!

Answer: Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow's version of "I Write the Songs" hit number one on the United States Billboard Hot 100 in January of 1976 and United States Adult Contemporary Chart in December of 1975. Manilow's version of "I Write the Songs" won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1977 and was nominated for Record of the Year in 1977. Johnny Mathis, Tom Jones, Dinah Shore and Bruce Johnston all recorded versions of "I Write the Songs".

6. Going way back to the beginning of the rock and roll era, this song hit the charts in 1955. Who was responsible for "Ain't That a Shame"?

From Quiz Who Says Ain't Ain't in the Dictionary?

Answer: Antoine "Fats" Domino

The 1955 classic "Ain't That a Shame" was co-written and performed by "Fats" Domino. The song reached number ten on the Pop Singles chart (there was no Billboard Hot 100 chart in those days). It also reached number one on the Black Singles chart. It was notably covered by Pat Boone in an attempt to reach a wider audience by Domino's version was the one that took hold, selling a million copies. Rolling Stone Magazines "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" lists the song at number 431.

7. Can you complete the title of this 1966 hit by The Yardbirds? 'Over, --- , Sideways, Down.'

From Quiz More Opposites in Song

Answer: under

The Yardbirds were a British group that spawned the careers of three of the worlds greatest guitarists (OK OK! 'arguably' three of the worlds greatest guitarists). Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. 'Over, Under, Sideways, Down' was released in 1966 reaching number 13 in the US and number ten in the UK.

8. In 1966, Ike and Tina Turner released a song with a title that contained two sets of opposites. The title was 'River ___, Mountain ___'. What are the two missing words in order? DO NOT use punctuation in the answer!

From Quiz Opposites in Song

Answer: Deep High

On its original release in the US, this Phil Spector produced song only reached number 88, even though the record has since been acclaimed as one of the greatest songs of all time. 'Rolling Stone' put it at number 33 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Of course 'River' and 'Mountain' could also be classed as somewhat of opposites.

9. "Dear Sir or Madam, did you read my book? It took me years to write, will you take a look?" The inspiration for this quiz. What Beatles' classic is it?

From Quiz Greetings And Salutations

Answer: Paperback Writer

"Paperback Writer" went to #1 in both the UK and USA. It can be found on Past Masters, Volume II.

10. In 1970, who declared that not even tall mountains could keep her separated from the man she loved?

From Quiz Songs With Poor Grammar

Answer: Diana Ross

'Ain't No Mountain High Enough'

11. In 1963 The Trashmen released a single called "Surfin' Bird" comprised of a medley of "The Bird's the Word" and "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow". Which Doo-Wop group released "The Bird's the Word" (1962) and "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow" (1963)?

From Quiz Songs About Words

Answer: The Rivingtons

The Rivingtons were originally called The Sharps when they released "Little Bitty Pretty One" in 1957. The following year they provided the vocal noises on Duane Eddy's hit "Rebel Rouser". In 1961 they recorded as The Crenshaws before releasing "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow" as The Rivingtons in 1962. They followed up in 1963 with "The Bird's the Word". The Trashmen released a medley called "Surfin' Bird" combining the two songs and had to credit The Rivingtons as writers. Columbia Records dropped The Rivingtons in the early seventies because of lack of commercial success but they continued performing. The Rivingtons appeared in a 1989 episode of "L.A. Law" (1986) as "The Sensations". "Bongo Stomp" by Little Joey and The Flips was a 1962 Top Forty. The Dovells took "Bristol Twistin' Annie" to Number 27 in 1962 and "I Love You' by The Volumes was a Number 22 release in 1962.

12. What heavy metal artist/band released "S.A.T.O." in 1981?

From Quiz It's Not Only Rock and Roll

Answer: Ozzy Osbourne

"S.A.T.O." was a track on Ozzy Osbourne's "Diary of a Madman" album. The album was originally released in 1981 with other re-issues/versions in 1995, 2002 and 2011. There are some interesting theories about the meaning of "S.A.T.O.". One is that it stands for Sharon Arden, Thelma Osbourne. Sharon Arden is the maiden name of Ozzy's second bride. Thelma was his first wife. Another theory is that is stands for "sailing across the ocean", keeping in line with the meaning of the song.

13. In which Barenaked Ladies song does the singer hope that Dr. Landy is something more than a "pedagogue"?

From Quiz Song Lyrics with Unusual Words or Phrases

Answer: Brian Wilson

"Brian Wilson" made Billboard's "The Hot 100" list in 1997, peaking at number 68. The Canadian band did better on their home turf, and the song made number 18 on the "Canadian Singles Chart" in 1992. The singer of this song likens himself to Brian Wilson, the troubled creative genius behind the group The Beach Boys. In the early 1970s Brian Wilson's physical and mental health deteriorated rapidly due to drug use. His wife Marilyn and his family hired therapist Dr. Eugene Landy in October 1975. Landy did help Brian get off the drugs and lose weight. However, the extreme and unconventional counseling sessions and methods, combined with other ethical and license code violations (improper prescribing of drugs, improper personal and professional relationships with patients including Brian Wilson) prompted the State of California Board of Medical Quality to bring charges against Dr. Landy in the late 1980s. Landy voluntarily surrendered his license to practice in California and became Brian Wilson's tyrannical and greedy business partner. His exploitation of the vulnerable Wilson continued until 1992, when Landy was barred by court order from contacting Wilson ever again. A pedagogue is a teacher, particularly a formal and dull one. The singer hopes that Dr. Landy can offer more help for his (and Brian's) troubles than the help available from a simple pedagogue.

14. Elvis Costello and the Attractions scored their first top forty hit on the United States Billboard Hot 100 with which 1983 single?

From Quiz I Just Had to "Write" this Song!

Answer: Everyday I Write the Book

"Everyday I Write the Book" is a song from the 1983 "Punch the Clock" album released by Elvis Costello and the Attractions. The song was a top forty hit in six countries. It reached number thirty-six on the United States Billboard Hot 100 becoming the first top forty hit for Elvis Costello and the Attractions.

15. Marvin Gaye had a solid hit in 1965 with "Ain't That Peculiar". He had a backup group with him when he recorded it. Can you name them?

From Quiz Who Says Ain't Ain't in the Dictionary?

Answer: The Andantes

The Andantes were a session group employed by Motown to sing backup on many of the hits of the 1960s. They found their way on to Marvin Gaye's "Ain't That Peculiar" in 1965, and the result was a million seller and a number eight placing on the Billboard Hot 100 charts that year. The tune was written by members of The Miracles, led by Smokey Robinson.

16. In 1971, which group sang 'Baby, I'm-a want you'?

From Quiz Songs With Poor Grammar

Answer: Bread

17. "Do It Again" and "Word of Mouth" were songs on the 1984 "Word of Mouth" album by the Kinks. Which brothers were founding members of The Kinks in 1963?

From Quiz Songs About Words

Answer: Dave Davies and Ray Davies

"Word of Mouth" was the twentieth studio from The Kinks. Dave Davies, Ray Davies and Pete Quaife formed the London based group in 1963 and added Mick Avory on drums. The group went through several name changes before becoming The Ravens and hiring a manager who could get them club bookings but not a record deal. They changed their name to The Kinks and released a cover version of Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally" which flopped. After a second unsuccessful single release Pye Records was about to let them go when "You Really Got Me" became a hit in 1964 adding the Kinks to the list of British Invasion bands. Gerry Marsden and Freddie Marsden were part of Gerry and the Pacemakers. Mark Knopfler and David Knopfler were original members of Dire Straits. Malcolm and Angus Young formed AC/DC in 1973.

18. "Harper Valley P.T.A." was a song written by Tom T. Hall and released by which female singer in 1968?

From Quiz It's Not Only Rock and Roll

Answer: Jeannie C. Riley

Jeannie C. Riley recorded and released "Harper Valley P.T.A." in 1968. Barbara Eden starred in the movie with the same title in 1978 and then later in a television series in the 1980s.

19. In what Eagles song does the singer smell "colitas"?

From Quiz Song Lyrics with Unusual Words or Phrases

Answer: Hotel California

Colitas is a Mexican slang word for cannabis buds. A strict translation from Spanish to English makes it "little tails". If the singer smelled colitas, then someone nearby is smoking marijuana. Cannabis plants are dioecious (plants with separate sexes), and the most potent part of the plant is the flowering tops (buds) of the female plant, which contains the highest concentration of the active ingredient THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THC binds to receptors in the human brain, and can reduce pain, aggression, and nausea, and stimulate the appetite. In some countries, lab-created THC is used to treat eating disorders, to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, and to help alleviate the symptoms of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). In other countries, the drug is still illegal, even for medical use. "Hotel California", from the album of the same name, was released as a single in February 1977. It earned the top spot on Billboard's "The Top 100" list in May 1977. Written by Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, the song ends with an unforgettable guitar instrumental section by Don Felder and the immortal Joe Walsh.

20. The Rolling Stones are not known for their proper use of the English language, but even they should know that their song title "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" contains what common grammatical error?

From Quiz I Got Rhythm. I Got Terrible Grammar

Answer: double negative

A double negative makes a positive. Apparently, this means the Rolling Stones can get satisfaction.

21. Patter songs were much in vogue before Gilbert & Sullivan! One of the great patter songs in classical music is the 'Largo al Factotum' from 'The Barber of Seville'. Which 19th-century Italian composed this wonderful opera?

From Quiz Patter Songs - Tongue-twisters Set to Music!

Answer: Gioachino Rossini

'Largo al Factotum', translated as 'make way for the factotum' (general servant) is sung at the first entry of Figaro, the title character. This very popular aria, featuring the almost iconic 'Figaro, Figaro, Figaro' and the tongue twisting lyrics make this a challenge for even the best baritones. The libretto comes from the first of the three stories in the comedy 'Le Barbier de Séville' by Pierre Beaumarchais. Mozart also used this story, albeit the second part, in his opera 'Le nozze di Figaro' ('The Marriage of Figaro') which was composed 30 years earlier. Perhaps one unusual indication of the great popularity of Rossini's opera is that it has featured in cartoons including Bugs Bunny as 'The Rabbit of Seville' (1949) and Woody Woodpecker (1944).

22. (1942) Some earworms are so powerful that you only need one line to set you off: "With every Christmas card I write".

From Quiz Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself an Earworm!

Answer: White Christmas

Irving Berlin wrote over 850 songs in his career but after writing "White Christmas" he allegedly said that this was the best song that he or anyone had ever written. Looks like he may have had a point - the Guinness Book of Records lists it as the best selling song of all time.

23. The 1999 song "Write This Down" was a number one hit on the United States Hot Country Songs Chart for which artist?

From Quiz I Just Had to "Write" this Song!

Answer: George Strait

The song "Write This Down" was the second single released from George Strait's 1999 album "Always Never the Same". The single was released in March of 1999 and hit number one on the United States Hot Country Songs Chart and number twenty-seven on the United States Billboard Hot 100.

24. Bob Dylan wrote the tune in 1964, but who recorded the most popular version of "It Ain't Me Babe" in 1965?

From Quiz Who Says Ain't Ain't in the Dictionary?

Answer: The Turtles

Dylan wrote "It Ain't Me Babe" and it first appeared on his album called "Another Side of Bob Dylan" in 1964. The Turtles latched onto the song and released it as their first single of the album of the same name in 1965. The song became an immediate hit and topped out at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.

25. Two more opposites for you; which two groups sang 'GOOD Vibrations' and 'BAD to Me'?

From Quiz Opposites in Song

Answer: Beach Boys / Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas

'Good Vibrations' was a world-wide number one hit for The Beach Boys in 1966. 'Bad to Me' was written by John Lennon (attributed to Lennon/McCartney) especially for Billy J. Kramer. It was released in the UK in 1963 (1964 in the US); this was the song that propelled Billy J. Kramer on the road to stardom. (He was a VERY under-rated performer in my opinion).

26. In 2003, Belle & Sebastian released this "Dear" album. The album features "I'm a Cuckoo," which went to #14 in the UK.

From Quiz Greetings And Salutations

Answer: Dear Catastrophe Waitress

Belle & Sebastian hail from Scotland and are sometimes affectionately known as "twee pop." They have a full sound with Beach Boy like harmonies and a fun groove of their own. In 2005 they released all their EPs on one album entitled, "Push Barman To Open Old Wounds."

27. In 1983, which group demanded 'Gimme all your lovin'?

From Quiz Songs With Poor Grammar

Answer: ZZ Top

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