10 Essential Rock Songs About Liars And Lying

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It’s kind of sad that this one was so easy to do. So many songs have been written about liars, lying, deception, and betrayal that it forces the question, what is wrong with all of us? Why is it so easy to lie, and why do we all do so much of it? Well, thankfully, this is not a class in psychology but rather a celebration of some of the greatest rock songs ever written about liars. Hmmm, I’m not sure if that makes it any better.

# 10 – Would I Lie to You? – Eurythmics

Opening our list of essential rock songs about liars and lying is Eurythmics’ electrifying 1985 single “Would I Lie to You?” With its bold lyrics, commanding vocal performance by Annie Lennox, and driving rock-soul fusion, the song captures the raw emotion of a person fed up with deceit and ready to reclaim their power. “Would I Lie to You?” was recorded at Studio Miraval in Correns, France, and The Church Studios in London, produced by Dave Stewart and Lennox themselves. It marks a departure from the duo’s earlier synth-pop sound, embracing a more guitar-driven rock approach, a change that resonated deeply with listeners and further solidified Eurythmics’ place in the 1980s rock scene.

Read More: Top 10 Eurythmics Songs

# 9 – Sammy Hagar – Little White Lies

“Little White Lie,” the lead single from Sammy Hagar’s 1997 album Marching to Mars, captures the Red Rocker in a moment of raw introspection, addressing the nature of deceit and the consequences that follow. Recorded at The Plant Studios in Sausalito, California, the track marks Hagar’s first solo release after his departure from Van Halen, and it quickly became a definitive statement of his return to the rock scene. Produced by Hagar himself, along with Mike Clink, known for his work with Guns N’ Roses, the song features a tight ensemble of musicians, including Denny Carmassi on drums, Jesse Harms on keyboards, and Victor Johnson on guitar, creating a sound that’s both hard-hitting and emotionally resonant.

Read More: Top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s Songs

# 8 – Hands Off The Man (Flim Flam Man) – Laura Nyro

Laura Nyro’s “Hands Off the Man (Flim Flam Man)” is probably a song that was not at the forefront of most music fans’ minds when they are thinking of songs about liars. That’s a shame, because more people need to know about the beautiful music of Laur Nyro. The song was released on Nyro’s 1967 debut album More Than a New Discovery. Recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York City and produced by Milt Okun, the song captures Nyro’s unique blend of jazz, soul, and pop while serving as a biting commentary on deceit and the dangers of falling for a charming con artist. “Flim Flam Man” is a term used to describe a swindler, and Nyro’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a silver-tongued hustler whose mind is “up his sleeve” and whose talk is “make believe.” With its memorable melody and sharp lyrical observations, the song became one of Nyro’s signature compositions, reflecting her knack for storytelling and complex musical arrangements.

Read More: Top 10 Laura Nyro Songs

# 7 – Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You – Sheryl Crow

“Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You” is a powerful collaboration between Sheryl Crow and St. Vincent, featured on Crow’s 2019 album Threads. Recorded at The Village Studios in Los Angeles, California, and produced by Crow, the song marks a biting return to her roots in rock and blues while incorporating a contemporary edge with St. Vincent’s unique style. The track features Crow on vocals and guitar, St. Vincent (Annie Clark) on guitar, Fred Eltringham on drums, and other session musicians. The production combines a gritty rock sound with layered guitars and a driving beat, underscoring the song’s acerbic lyrics.

# 6 – All Men Are Liars – Nick Lowe

Nick Lowe’s “All Men Are Liars,” from his 1990 album Party of One, offers a clever and sardonic take on the age-old theme of dishonesty. Recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Dave Edmunds, this track showcases Lowe’s trademark wit and musical versatility, blending rock, country, and pop elements to create a catchy and thought-provoking sound. With a straightforward arrangement featuring Lowe on vocals and guitar, along with contributions from Paul Carrack (keyboards), Jim Keltner (drums), and John Hiatt (backing vocals), “All Men Are Liars” stands out as an irreverent critique of the male species’ propensity for dishonesty.

# 5 – Lying Eyes – The Eagles

Eagles - One of These Nights [Vinyl LP] (1 LP)

We thought about not adding this song to the list because it’s so obvious, and we try to pick some songs out that most people may not have thought of or at least not the first ones that come to mind. However, we knew if we had not placed this song on this list, we would have gotten so many grievances it would have been like eating the last piece of shrimp and Thanksgiving dinner if we had not included it. “Lyin’ Eyes,” released in 1975 on The Eagles’ fourth studio album, One of These Nights, is a masterful narrative song that explores themes of infidelity, deception, and the inevitable consequences that follow. Recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, and produced by Bill Szymczyk, “Lyin’ Eyes” stands out in The Eagles’ catalog as a perfect example of their seamless blend of country and rock. Written by band members Glenn Frey and Don Henley, the song captures the bittersweet melancholy that comes from living a double life and the harsh truths that lie behind a forced smile. It’s a narrative-driven track that paints a vivid picture of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who finds solace in an affair but ultimately faces the futility of her choices.

# 4 – Little Lies – Fleetwood Mac

“Little Lies,” one of Fleetwood Mac’s most recognizable hits, comes from their 1987 album Tango in the Night. Recorded at the band’s own Studio D in Sausalito, California, and produced by band members Lindsey Buckingham and Richard Dashut, “Little Lies” showcases Fleetwood Mac’s signature blend of rock, pop, and synth-driven soundscapes that defined their music in the late 1980s. Written by keyboardist Christine McVie and her then-husband, Eddy Quintela, the song reflects the bittersweet themes of disillusionment, regret, and the complex dance between truth and deception in relationships. McVie’s clear, wistful vocals are supported by rich harmonies from Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, creating a sound that is both polished and emotionally resonant.

# 3 – Liar – Three Dog Night

Oh, this is such a good one. “Liar” was released by Three Dog Night on their 1971 album Naturally. Recorded at Wally Heider Studios in Los Angeles, California, and produced by Richard Podolor, the song was originally written by Russ Ballard of Argent. Three Dog Night’s version takes Ballard’s composition and amplifies its emotional intensity, transforming it into a soulful, gritty exploration of dishonesty in relationships. The band’s characteristic three-part harmonies—courtesy of vocalists Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, and Cory Wells—are on full display, set against a backdrop of powerful instrumentation that builds in intensity throughout the track.

Read More: Top 10 Three Dog Night Deep Tracks

# 2 – Liar – Queen

This is one of those songs that longtime Queen fans love. We couldn’t leave this one off the list, and we had to make sure to rank this one pretty high. It’s so legendary. “Liar” was released on Queen’s 1973 self-titled debut album. Recorded at Trident Studios and De Lane Lea Studios in London, “Liar” was produced by Roy Thomas Baker and the band members themselves. Written by Freddie Mercury, the song showcases Queen’s early penchant for blending rock, operatic elements, and theatrical storytelling into a cohesive musical experience. The track is an early example of Queen’s ability to craft complex songs that traverse various moods and tempos, driven by Mercury’s commanding vocals and Brian May’s signature guitar work.

# 1 – Liar – Rollins Band

We close this one out with hands-down the greatest song and video about liars ever created. “Liar,” the standout track from Rollins Band’s 1994 album Weight, is a searing examination of deceit and psychological manipulation. Recorded at Echo Creek Ranch in Lake Sherwood, California, and produced by Theo Van Rock, “Liar” showcases the raw, visceral power of Henry Rollins’ intense vocal delivery paired with the aggressive, hard-hitting instrumentation of his bandmates: Chris Haskett (guitar), Melvin Gibbs (bass), and Sim Cain (drums). The song is an unflinching, confrontational declaration of duplicity, delivered with the fury and conviction that have become hallmarks of Rollins’ career.

Read More: Top 10 Henry Rollins Songs