Just heard The Chambers Brothers’ hit “Time Has Come Today” used to sell cell
phones (I think). By doing so all the original meaning of the original song in its
original context is leached out in the process and then turned on its head. Another
ad played it a few years ago (can’t remember the product-stock brokerage?).
Sorry but it kind of bugs me when they do that-guess ad makers look for a good
melody and don’t ever pay attention to the lyrics…
Look at the bright side. Your phone’s been psychedelicized.
Well, nothing could top the use of CCR’s “Fortunate Son” in a patriotic-themed clothing commercial a few years back (Was it for Wrangler? The Gap? I’m not sure).
The commercial was filled with patriotic imagery, accompanied by John Fogerty singing, “Some folks were born made to wave the flag, ooh the red white and blue…”
Talk about out of context! “Fortunate Son” is one of the most anti-patriotic songs ever, and Fogerty makes it VERY clear that he is NOT one of those flag-waving folks!
I still think the classic example is when Nike used “Revolution” to sell sneakers.
I’ve said it before and I’ve said it again- it’s Wrangler. My permanent mental tape-loop has this song as used in the commercial, complete with tagline “Wrangler: Real. Comfortable. Jeans.”