Language in Songs Trivia

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".

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!

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.

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

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

From Quiz Songs With Poor Grammar

Answer: Diana Ross

'Ain't No Mountain High Enough'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From Quiz Songs With Poor Grammar

Answer: Bread

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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."

From Quiz Songs With Poor Grammar

Answer: ZZ Top

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