# Songs That Give You the Chills **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 3, 2001, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802 "2001-08-03T17:09:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![sewalk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@sewalk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sewalk)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/21 "2001-08-03T21:12:10Z")
_Gold Dust Woman_ - Fleetwood Mac. [sup]No!, Not Hole[/sup] Stevie’s best work. _Rhiannon_ is a close second. _Oklahoma!_ - But only when played at Owen Field. _1812 Overture_ - Tchaikovsky. Stirring. _Amazing Grace_, particularly on the pipes. _Garry Owen_ This one kind of puzzles me, too. ---
**Author:** ![Odieman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a87d85/32.png) [@Odieman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odieman)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/22 "2001-08-03T21:13:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by casdave \* > **The first time ever I saw your face** It was written about Peggy Seeger sister of Pete but I can’t remember the name of the artist except that it was her first husband It was written by Ewan MacColl who also wrote “Dirty Old Town”, which was covered by the Pogues. His daughter was Kirsty MacColl, who recorded “Fairytale Of New York” with the aforementioned Pogues. I would also include “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel on this list and second “Senses Working Overtime” Keith ---
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/23 "2001-08-03T21:16:19Z")
The last verse of Steve Earle’s “Ellis Unit One.” (It helps if you know that the song’s narrator works as a guard on death row): Last night I dreamed that I woke up with straps across my chest And something cold and black was pulling through my lungs. And even Jesus couldn’t save me though I know he did his best But he don’t live on Eliis Unit One. Likewise Earle’s lines from “Billy Austin”: So when the preacher comes to get me and they shave off all my hair Could you take that long walk with me knowing hell is waiting there? Could you pull that switch yourself, sir, with a sure and steady hand Could you then still tell yourself, sir, that you’re better than I am? ---
**Author:** ![PlanMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/2bfe46/32.png) [@PlanMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlanMan)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/24 "2001-08-03T21:35:14Z")
Several I was going to mention have already been listed, but allow me to add two, in part because of when I heard them: **Space Oddity** by David Bowie (“Ground control to Major Thom …”) and **Rocket Man** by Elton John (“She packed my bags last night pre-flight / Zero hour nine am”) These are the first two songs the radio station I listen to played after the Challenger disaster. A classic-rock station, that doesn’t “do” news, had given extensive coverage, and played this pair of songs at the top of each hour - for the rest of the day if I remember correctly. ::shiver:: ---
**Author:** ![Spyderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@Spyderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spyderman)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/25 "2001-08-03T21:40:43Z")
[“Stella Blue”](http://arts.ucsc.edu/GDead/AGDL/stella.html) by the Grateful Dead, is one of the best examples of their works. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/26 "2001-08-03T21:54:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Chum \* > \*\*“ **More Than Words** ” by Extreme. Not only do I get chills, but it also feels as if I had someone’s hand inside my ribcage, squeezing my heart. I will _never_ get sick of this song. > \*\* I know **exactly** what you mean. other ‘chillers’ for me include: **"MMMM MMMM MMMM MMMM"** - Crash test dummies **"Nothing ever happens"** - Del Amitri **"Keeping the dream alive"** - Freiheit **"Everbody hurts"** - REM **"When she loved me"** - Sarah McLachlan (from Toy Story 2) **"Days of our lives"** - Queen In terms of other music, Dvorak’s New World Symphony sends shivers down my spine and sends my senses soaring every time I hear it. ---
**Author:** ![Tyklfe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@Tyklfe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tyklfe)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/27 "2001-08-03T22:06:57Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by LNO \* > \*\ ***Non Nobis** from the Henry V soundtrack. If I let myself get into it, I can feel a shiver in my spine that reaches my face and gives me a warm buzz for a few minutes. > \*\* {staring with mouth open} it can’t be, it just can’t be… someone else who actually knows Non Nobis… {/staring with mouth open} chirp… chirp, chirp… Well then I don’t care about the rest of you, because LNO understands me 😃 (btw LNO, we did Henery V as our marching band show my freshman year in HS - try to picture the sceen - end of a nine min show - very, very sollom, and deeply moving movement begining with a single trupet and slowling building into the entire band. Ahh, gotta go find the video now) ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/28 "2001-08-03T22:10:01Z")
I definitely agree with **More Than Words** and **To Be With You**. Also, **The Way** by Fastball. Always gives me the tingly spine. And if I listen to the cast recording of **Phantom of the Opera** while trying to visualize the play…shivvvers… jayjay ---
**Author:** ![hardygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a3d4f5/32.png) [@hardygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hardygrrl)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/29 "2001-08-03T22:49:47Z")
**Where Did You Sleep Last Night** by Nirvana **Northern Lights** by Hole **Me and a Gun** by Tori Amos **Tears in Heaven** by Eric Clapton ---
**Author:** ![racinchikki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eada6e/32.png) [@racinchikki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racinchikki)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/30 "2001-08-03T23:07:14Z")
Another for **More Than Words**. Also: **Nothing Else Matters** by Metallica **You’re Gone** by Diamond Rio **When You Come Back Down** by Nickel Creek **The Dance** by Garth Brooks **Tonight, Tonight** and/or **Disarm** by the Smashing Pumpkins ---
**Author:** ![flickerwolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/13edae/32.png) [@flickerwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flickerwolf)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/31 "2001-08-03T23:18:37Z")
**Everlong** - Foo Fighters **Tom’s Diner** - DNA (I hope someone out there remembers it…) **Scarborough Fair** and nearly any other song by Simon and Garfunkel…(don’t berate me, please!!!) **Tonight, Tonight** - Smashing Pumpkins aaaaaaand of course **The Long and Winding Road** and **Hey Jude** … Whew…I think I am now addicted to this thread…:rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![orion007](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e480ec/32.png) [@orion007](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orion007)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/32 "2001-08-03T23:41:32Z")
Some of these have been said already and it’s pretty long so forgive me… Deftones: **Digital bath** **Teenager** **Change** **Knife Prty** **Be Quiet and Drive** Tool: **Track 1** Sublime: **Paddle Out Seed** Smashing Pumpkins: **Tonight, Tonight Disarm Mayonaise Adore** Goldfinger: **99 Red Balloons (covered)** Metallica: **No Leaf Clover Fade To Black Sanitarium Motorbreath** Nirvana: **Come As You Are** and there’s a whole bunch more, I just can’t think of them now… ---
**Author:** ![Purd\_Werfect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47c2d/32.png) [@Purd\_Werfect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Purd_Werfect)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/33 "2001-08-03T23:44:39Z")
Blaise Bailey Finnegan by **Godspeed You Black Emperor** Kerosene by **Big Black** Cluster Of Rainbows, For The Angel Who Announces The End Of Time by **Olivier Messiaen** Adagio For Strings by **Samuel Barber** Let Down by **Radiohead** Tabula Rasa by **Arvo Part** My Curse by **Afghan Whigs** We Float by **PJ Harvey** ---
**Author:** ![Lady\_Juliet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/cc9497/32.png) [@Lady\_Juliet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lady_Juliet)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2001, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/34 "2001-08-03T23:47:34Z")
**Mexico** by Cake. Oh and **On My Own** (I think that’s what it’s called) from Les Miserables. That is a pretty song. ---
**Author:** ![capacitor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e47774/32.png) [@capacitor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capacitor)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2001, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/35 "2001-08-04T00:00:20Z")
**Colors** by Ice T **Kim** by Eminem (whew!) ---
**Author:** ![Skydive101](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f07891/32.png) [@Skydive101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skydive101)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2001, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/36 "2001-08-04T00:43:32Z")
**Vide Cor Meum** by Hans Zimmer on the Hannibal soundtrack. **That I Would Be Good** by Alanis Morissette - This one sums up my whole marriage to a girl with manic/depressive disorder. **Unravel** by Bjork (although most of her songs cause good chills). **Call and Answer** by Barenaked Ladies. The ending of this song is pure emotion for anyone who’s ever been fucked over in love and is thinking of giving that person a second chance. **Colorblind** by Counting Crows. You can make sweet lovin to this song, but it also works during sad times. **Hurt** by Nine Inch Nails. **Mississippi** by Paula Cole on the Lilith Fair soundtrack. Oh buddy, you want pure talent - look no further. And then there’s always **Bone Flute Medley** by Yer Mom, that one always brings a tear to my eye. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chockfullofheadygoodness/32/511_2.png) [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2001, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/37 "2001-08-04T00:49:45Z")
**The Ledge** The Replacements. Particularly the scream that fades into the guitar solo shortly after the verse Priest kneels silent, all is still Policeman reaches from the sill Watch him try, watch him try his best There’ll be no medal pinned to his chest ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2001, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/38 "2001-08-04T02:20:08Z")
By chills, I mean songs that are haunting. “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot “Heaven and Hell” (Cosmos theme) by Vangelis “Veni, Veni Emmanuel” by Mannheim Steamroller “Father Figure” by George Michael “In the Ghetto” by Elvis Presley Songs that gave me chills as a kid: “Rollercoaster” by the Ohio Players (urban legend attached) Theme from “Ode to Billy Joe” (the day Billy Joe McAllister jumped off the Tallahachee Bridge) - some artist I can’t remember “Night the Lights went out in Georgia” by Vicki Lawrence ---
**Author:** ![Speleophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/898d66/32.png) [@Speleophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Speleophile)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2001, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/39 "2001-08-04T02:38:52Z")
…in the early/mid 70’s, but I STILL get chills every time I think of it. I don’t know if this was a generally released piece, or just something some DJs put together, but one evening on the radio I heard _What the World Needs Now (is Love, Sweet Love)_ and throughout the song, in the background, were news broadcasts of the JFK assaination. It was **very** powerful. Brought tears to my eyes, and I was only five back in '63. ---
**Author:** ![Katisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bcef8e/32.png) [@Katisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katisha)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2001, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802/40 "2001-08-04T02:44:25Z")
Reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Silent Night/Seven O’Clock News” – another one that gives me chills, now that I think of it… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-give-you-the-chills/74802.md?page=3)