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“There is a thin line between love and hate.” That legendary song title could be applied to the song titles on this list, as many of them we actually really love because they’re just so creative. Yet, there could also be an argument made for criminal behavior in the world of grammar. Either way, these lists are always about promoting great music, and most of the songs on this list are really good, written and performed by brilliant artists. So please don’t take this as any disrespect. It is a fun showcase of great music with odd titles and poorly written grammar. Something we’ve been accused of many times ourselves.
20 – “Foamy Soaky” – Frank Zappa
“Foamy Soaky” is from Frank Zappa’s Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch, released in 1982. Written by Zappa, this album includes elements of experimental rock and satirical lyrics, reflecting his unique style and humor.
Read More: Top 10 Frank Zappa Love Songs
19 – “Yoga Is as Yoga Does” – Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley recorded “Yoga Is as Yoga Does” in 1967 for the soundtrack of his film Easy Come, Easy Go. Written by Gerald Nelson and Fred Burch, the song is often remembered for its unusual subject matter, contrasting Presley’s typical rock-and-roll image.
Read More: 25 Essential 1950’s Elvis Presley Songs
# 18 – “No No Song” – Ringo Starr
“No No Song,” released in 1974 on Ringo Starr’s album Goodnight Vienna, was written by Hoyt Axton and David Jackson. The humorous track, about rejecting various vices, reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Starr’s most successful solo hits.
Read More: Top 10 Ringo Starr Songs
17 – “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” – Crash Test Dummies
“Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” was released in 1993 on Crash Test Dummies’ album God Shuffled His Feet. Written by the band’s lead vocalist, Brad Roberts, the song became a commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning international recognition for its distinctively odd lyrics and delivery.
16 – “The Rain, the Park & Other Things” – The Cowsills
Released in 1967, “The Rain, the Park & Other Things” was included on The Cowsills’ self-titled debut album. Written by Artie Kornfeld and Steve Duboff, this sunshine pop classic became a major hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
15 – “Gimme Dat Ding” – The Pipkins
“Gimme Dat Ding,” released in 1970, was featured on the album of the same name by The Pipkins. Written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood, the novelty song gained attention for its quirky style and reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.
14 – “Betcha by Golly, Wow” – The Stylistics
“Betcha by Golly, Wow” was released in 1972 on The Stylistics’ self-titled debut album. Written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, this smooth ballad became a signature hit for the group, climbing to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying its place as a classic of the Philadelphia soul era.
Read More: Top 10 Stylistics Songs
13 – “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini” – Brian Hyland
Released in 1960 on The Bashful Blond, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini” was written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss. The song became a cultural phenomenon and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Brian Hyland’s breakout hit.
12 – “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” – Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty
Released in 1978 on the album Honky Tonk Heroes, “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” was written by L.E. White and Lola Jean Dillon. The song was performed as a duet by country legends Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, blending humor with their signature vocal chemistry.
11 – “Warm Beer and Cold Women” – Tom Waits
Released in 1975 on the album Nighthawks at the Diner, “Warm Beer and Cold Women” was written and performed by Tom Waits. The track captures his signature jazzy, melancholic storytelling style, embodying the smoky atmosphere of late-night dives.
10 – “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” – Isaac Hayes
“Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” was released in 1969 on Isaac Hayes’ iconic album Hot Buttered Soul. Written by Hayes and Alvertis Isbell, this soulful and funk-infused track blends poetic wordplay with an extended instrumental groove, showcasing Hayes’ innovative approach to soul music.
Read More: Top 10 Isaac Hayes Songs
9 – “Troglodyte (Cave Man)” – The Jimmy Castor Bunch
Released in 1972 on the album It’s Just Begun, “Troglodyte (Cave Man)” was written by Jimmy Castor. This funk track became a surprise hit, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning recognition for its comedic storytelling and infectious groove.
8 – “Fuh You” – Paul McCartney
“Fuh You” was released in 2018 on Paul McCartney’s album Egypt Station. Co-written by McCartney and producer Ryan Tedder, the song sparked mixed reactions due to its suggestive lyrics, but it charted modestly on adult contemporary and rock charts.
7 – “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” – Pearl Jam
Released in 1993 on Pearl Jam’s album Vs., “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” was written by band members Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, Mike McCready, and Dave Abbruzzese. This acoustic-driven track became a fan favorite, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
6 – “The Eggplant That Ate Chicago” – Norman Greenbaum
Released in 1966, “The Eggplant That Ate Chicago” was written and performed by Norman Greenbaum under the name Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band. This novelty song gained some cult attention with its quirky lyrics and offbeat humor, foreshadowing Greenbaum’s later success with “Spirit in the Sky.”
5 – “Wart Hog” – The Ramones
“Wart Hog” appeared on The Ramones’ 1984 album Too Tough to Die. Written by Dee Dee Ramone and Johnny Ramone, the punk track is known for its aggressive energy and chaotic, irreverent lyrics, showcasing the band’s rebellious spirit.
4 – “I Wanna Find a Woman That’ll Hold My Big Toe Till I Have to Go” – Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band
Released in 1972 on Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band’s album The Spotlight Kid, this song, written by Don Van Vliet (Captain Beefheart), exemplifies the artist’s surreal lyrical style and his avant-garde approach to blues-rock.
# 3 – “You’re The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk” – Budgie
“You’re The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk” appeared on Budgie’s 1973 album Never Turn Your Back on a Friend. Written by Burke Shelley, Tony Bourge, and Ray Phillips, the track showcases the band’s mix of hard rock and quirky lyrical choices.
2 – “Disco Duck” – Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots
“Disco Duck” was released in 1976 as part of the album The Original Disco Duck. Written by Rick Dees, this novelty track became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing its place as one of the most unusual disco hits of the era.
1 – “My Ding-a-Ling” – Chuck Berry
Released in 1972 on the album The London Chuck Berry Sessions, “My Ding-a-Ling” was written by Dave Bartholomew. The song became Chuck Berry’s only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, despite its controversial and playful double entendre.
Read More: Top 10 Chuck Berry Songs
20 Worst Song Titles Of All Time article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
