# Songs that make you say, "WTF?" **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 29, 2007, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005 "2007-03-29T17:32:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Smitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@Smitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smitty)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/1 "2007-03-29T17:32:56Z")
I heard **Escape (The Pina Colada song)** yesterday and all I could think was, “WTF?” Everyone and their uncle has heard it, but to sum up: A man is bored with his girlfriend (or maybe wife. He refers to her as “my old lady”) and finds a personal ad in the paper that catches his eye (This was the '70’s, youngsters. No internet). He responds to the ad and arranges a meeting the next day. The woman from the ad shows up, and it is his “old lady”! What is both of their responses to this sure and certain knowledge that both of them are at the very least attempted philanderers? The laugh and say, “Oh. It’s you.” Huh? There’s no way this scene doesn’t end with, “You cheating bastard!” “Me? You cheating bitch!” This brought to mind another song. **Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?** Every time that song comes on, my first reaction is, “Well…yeah.” Any other songs that just puzzle you as to the mindset of the writer? ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/2 "2007-03-29T17:38:20Z")
The Smiths’ **Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others** always made me wonder what Morrissey was on about. ---
**Author:** ![cher3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/da6949/32.png) [@cher3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cher3)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/3 "2007-03-29T17:41:07Z")
Here’s one that bugs me: In the song _Big Girls Don’t Cry_ there’s a line where he says, “Told my girl we had to break up. Thought that she would call my bluff.” And she dumps him. So didn’t she call his bluff? Or would calling his bluff be saying “Oh, honey, you don’t really mean that” ? I can never decide. And anyway, what was he hoping to accomplish in the first place? ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/4 "2007-03-29T17:54:20Z")
_Rio_, by Duran Duran. Okay, no. That one is a paragon of clarity compared to _The Reflex_, by Duran Duran: > [@](#): > > You gone too far this time > But Im dancing on the valentine > I tell you somebodys fooling around - > With my chances on the dangerline What. The. Fuck…were they smoking? And where can I get some of that shit? The words all seem like they should make sense, but nothing in it ultimately does. It’s like word salad with a good rhythm. ---
**Author:** ![pinkfreud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pinkfreud/32/17603_2.png) [@pinkfreud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinkfreud)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/5 "2007-03-29T17:57:14Z")
I’ve heard explanations, but I still have a “WTF?” reaction to the alleged fact that “the lights went out in Georgia” when they “hung an innocent man.” Were they using one of those high-wattage electric gallows? ---
**Author:** ![pinkfreud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pinkfreud/32/17603_2.png) [@pinkfreud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinkfreud)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/6 "2007-03-29T17:59:16Z")
And, come to think of it, what kind of idiot would go to MacArthur Park and leave a cake out in the rain? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Rieux](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Dr.Rieux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Rieux)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/7 "2007-03-29T18:00:11Z")
[QUOTE=WhyNot] _Rio_, by Duran Duran. Okay, no. That one is a paragon of clarity compared to _The Reflex_, by Duran Duran: What. The. Fuck…were they smoking? And where can I get some of that shit? The words all seem like they should make sense, but nothing in it ultimately does. It’s like word salad with a good rhythm. [/QUOTE] I think you can safely say that about every Duran Duran song. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/8 "2007-03-29T18:11:08Z")
And why would the mountain people write “peace on earth” on a slip of paper and bury it under a rock? ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/9 "2007-03-29T18:16:20Z")
The ultimate “WTF?” song for me has always been Elton John’s “Solar Prestige A Gammon.” And I quote (this is the second verse; you can find the whole thing [here](http://www.eltonography.com/songs/solar_prestige_a_gammon.html) ): Solar prestige a gammon Kool kar kyrie kay salmon Hair ring molassis abounding Common lap kitch sardin a poor floundin I have no idea what he’s talking about, and haven’t since I first heard the song back around 1975. If anybody can enlighten me, I’d be most appreciative. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/10 "2007-03-29T18:20:33Z")
Guilty Feet Have Got No Rhythm? ?? ---
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/11 "2007-03-29T18:22:10Z")
Just about any song by America. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/12 "2007-03-29T18:26:58Z")
[QUOTE=CalMeacham] Guilty Feet Have Got No Rhythm? ?? [/QUOTE] Oh, that one makes sense. He’s cheating on his girl (okay, probably boy) friend and feels bad 'cause he got caught. The song takes place as they’re dancing their last dance and he knows it’s over, because the rumor mill has ratted him out. He’s begging his SO to not leave him, but he knows it’s not working and he’s about to be single again. [Careless Whisper lyrics.](http://www.lyrics007.com/George%20Michael%20Lyrics/Careless%20Whisper%20Lyrics.html) ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/13 "2007-03-29T18:38:46Z")
If you mean mysterious lyrics, then Keith Reid of Procol Harum was a master. Exhibit one: > [@A Whiter Shade of Pale](#): > > We skipped the light fandango > turned cartwheels 'cross the floor > I was feeling kinda seasick > but the crowd called out for more > [@A Christmas Camel](#): > > My amazon six-triggered bride > now searching for a place to hide > still sees the truth quite easily > but shrouds all else in mystery > [@Magdalene (My Regal Zonophone)](#): > > Though I know the night has fallen and the sun’s sailed out to sea > I will wait here for the band to play the trumpet voluntary > And with one foot on the seashore and the other in the sand > I will stand here plaiting daisies whilst you play the piano-grand > [@The Devil Came from Kansas](#): > > I am not a humble pilgrim > there’s no need to scrape and squeeze > and don’t beg for silver paper > when I’m trying to sell you cheese ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/14 "2007-03-29T18:46:27Z")
[QUOTE=cher3] Here’s one that bugs me: In the song _Big Girls Don’t Cry_ there’s a line where he says, “Told my girl we had to break up. Thought that she would call my bluff.” And she dumps him. So didn’t she call his bluff? Or would calling his bluff be saying “Oh, honey, you don’t really mean that” ? I can never decide. And anyway, what was he hoping to accomplish in the first place? [/QUOTE] I think she was supposed to break down in tears, to force him to change his mind. But she didn’t, then, but did later. I think the bluff was that he cared less about the relationship than she did, but she called it by pretending to not be hurt. What did it accomplish? Practice for psychological abuse? I understand it, but it’s still a WTF song to me. ---
**Author:** ![want2know](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/50afbb/32.png) [@want2know](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/want2know)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/15 "2007-03-29T18:47:48Z")
[QUOTE=Smitty] I heard Escape (The Pina Colada song) yesterday and all I could think was, “WTF?” Everyone and their uncle has heard it, but to sum up: A man is bored with his girlfriend (or maybe wife. He refers to her as “my old lady”) and finds a personal ad in the paper that catches his eye (This was the '70’s, youngsters. No internet). He responds to the ad and arranges a meeting the next day. The woman from the ad shows up, and it is his “old lady”! What is both of their responses to this sure and certain knowledge that both of them are at the very least attempted philanderers? The laugh and say, “Oh. It’s you.” Huh? There’s no way this scene doesn’t end with, “You cheating bastard!” “Me? You cheating bitch!” [/QUOTE] [Tom Servo]" And since 80% of the people in this country live in a landlocked state, how would they even know if they like making love at midnight in the dunes on the cape?"[/TS] 😃 In _Missing_ by **Everything but the Girl** , I never quite understood if the line “I miss you like the deserts miss the rain” is supposed to be sarcastic or not. I mean, do deserts \*really \* miss the rain? ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/16 "2007-03-29T18:48:20Z")
[QUOTE=CalMeacham] Guilty Feet Have Got No Rhythm? ?? [/QUOTE] I think that is a line Dylan or Cohen would have been proud of. ETA: I mean this in a good way! ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/17 "2007-03-29T18:51:22Z")
[QUOTE=Dung Beetle] And why would the mountain people write “peace on earth” on a slip of paper and bury it under a rock? [/QUOTE] What?! Where is this slip of paper?? I must have it! Give it now, or I’ll kick your ass!! ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/18 "2007-03-29T18:57:11Z")
[QUOTE=Hal Briston] What?! Where is this slip of paper?? I must have it! Give it now, or I’ll kick your ass!! [/QUOTE] Why, I’d be happy to share this extremely valu…hey! Ow! Help! What are you do…_ack._ ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/19 "2007-03-29T19:04:50Z")
[QUOTE=Hippy Hollow] The Smiths’ **Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others** always made me wonder what Morrissey was on about. [/QUOTE] Well, I always thought it was about a guy with a girlfriend who wouldn’t have sex with him, but then the girl’s mother did. Of course, why Morrisey would sing a song about having sex with a woman is beyond me. Maybe it’s in character. Or “girl” means “boy” because it’s opposite day. Or maybe it’s about how he met a drag queen with a giant unit. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2007, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005/20 "2007-03-29T19:05:57Z")
> [@](#): > > Oh, that one makes sense. He’s cheating on his girl (okay, probably boy) friend and feels bad 'cause he got caught. I’m familiar with the song. I just can’t imagine someone Not Having Rhythm because he (or his feet) are Guilty. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-make-you-say-wtf/398005.md?page=2)