Songs You Know But Not By Title, Artist or Description

Cafe Society
1

I saw this song mentioned on another thread and thought of this idea.

In the mid 70s there was a song called Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty, which contains, arguably, the most famous saxaphone solo in the history of pop music.

Now most people will say “I’ve never heard of Baker Street.” Even if you describe it but as soon as they hear that sax solo they say “Oh OK, I know what song you mean.”

Another song is Linda Ronstadt’s (when she was with the Stone Poneys) song called Different Drum. A lot of people will say “I don’t recall that one by her.” Then when they hear the first few words they are like “OH OK, I’ve heard that before.”

One of my favourite artists is Paul Carrack and few people know him by name or any of his songs by name. But when you play them for them they remember his songs

How Long, You’re All I Need (with Ace) Tempted, (with Squeeze), or I Need You or Always Better With You.

Everyone I’ve talked to doesn’t know him by name or description, but when I play the CD for them they recall the songs.

(I will give you he is known for Mike + the Mechanics though)

What other songs do you find are well known to your friends when they hear them but they don’t know if you try to tell them the artist, title or describe the sohng.

Or reverse what other songs didn’t you have a clue about but knew them once someone played them for you

2

“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield. Most people know it, but few know its name.

3

Most blokes of a certain age in the UK will know The Life of Riley by the Lightning Seeds when they hear it, but would have no clue what it’s called or who it’s by. (It was used behind the goal-of-the-month clips on Match of the Day for ages.)

4

And of course the champion is Raymond Scott’s Powerhouse. Everyone knows it, but no one knows the name (though, being an instrumental, that’s not surprising).

5

There’s that one song that goes “dah… dah … dah, dah, DAAAHH!” It has a guitar and drums and a bass, and there’s keyboards in the bridge-- you’ve heard it, right?

Seriously, though, are we talking about songs everyone has heard but does not know the title at all, or songs where everyone thinks the title is the phrase that is repeated in the refrain/chorus?

If we’re going for the latter, I would have to say the Who’s “Baba O’Riley” would be a top contender for mention in this thread. 9 people out of 10 would likely tell you that this song is called “Teenage Wasteland” upon hearing it. Same for David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” (Major Tom).