# The worst song of all time is....... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 8, 2001, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123 "2001-11-08T03:47:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/81 "2001-11-09T18:03:06Z")
> [@](#): > > Another sure candidate for worst is a son whose title I think is “Deacon Blue” or something like that by Steely Dan. 😕 What’s wrong with _Deacon Blue_ specifically? I think it’s a great song. I think the worse song of all time is a different Steely Dan song-Reeling in the Years. God, I hate that song. Oh, and “Ride Captain Ride” I don’t even like to think about this song, so I don’t know who did it. There’s anothre song by Crosby, Stills, and Nash that I really hate with a passion. But, fortunately for me, my memory has blocked it, so I can’t say which one it is exactly. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/82 "2001-11-09T18:09:57Z")
I think we should have a special category for songs that are instantly hateable, by established artists who should be embarassed to show their faces in public after releasing them. My first nomination for this category is Sir Elton John’s new song - “I Want Love”. I’ll even throw in the nightmare-inducing video with Cokehead of the Year Robert Downey wandering around mouthing lyrics and making googoo eyes at the camera. Two talented people who really, really should know better. ---
**Author:** ![plnnr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@plnnr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plnnr)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/83 "2001-11-09T18:32:25Z")
Minnie Ripperton, who did “Lovin’ You,” ain’t exactly forming opinions one way or another anymore. She died of breast cancer several years ago. I cast my vote for Have You Ever Been Mellow, or anything else performed by Olivia Newton John. The “saccarinity” (to coint a term) of her output gives me cavities and puts me in insulin shock just thinking about it. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/84 "2001-11-09T18:37:51Z")
Okay, I can’t pass this thread by… First off, I _like_ Macarthur Park. Okay, I’ve admitted it. I agree that I’ve Never Been to You \, Ebony and Ivory \, and Achy Breaky Heart \ \ \ are so bad that they’re dangerous to mental health. Until now , for years, I had successfully forgotten that that wretched piece of aural torture, Coward of the County, even existed. \ Also on my death list, however, are: [ul]The Woman in Red (by someone who mercifully I can’t remeber). ARRGGHHHH!!! Saccharine level rising!!! Nikita by **Elton John**. I referred to the song as ‘the power tool song’ because every time I heard it, I thought, ‘Makita’. Now there’s an artist whose later works (anything from the eighties on) never lived up to the promise of his earlier works… Almost anything by **Celine Dion**. Her stuff has got to be some kind of revenge for globalisation or NAFTA or something.[/ul]Incidentally, with the recent publicity about **Paul McCartney** , has anyone noticed how much he’s starting to look like **Ronald Reagan**? And the current Entertainment section of [The Toronto Star](http://www.thestar.com/) has an article titled _Britney bursts bubblegum_ that says, and I quote: > [@](#): > > **Britney Spears** is in training to be the new Madonna. Aiieee!!! Just when **Madonna** seemed to be starting to redeem herself from such horrors as Like a Virgin and Papa Don’t Preach with actually-quite-good things like the Ray of Light album (although Ray of Light was co-produced by William Orbit), there’s another performer stepping up to take over that tacky desperate plasticky commercial-fake-sexuality schtick. \ I’d link to the story, but, um, the Star has really long and difficult-to-paste-into-the-SDMB URLs. Yeah, that’s it. Honest. \ ---
**Author:** ![Pucette](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/278dde/32.png) [@Pucette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucette)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/85 "2001-11-09T19:02:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Superdude \* > \*\*All these responses, and no one’s mentioned _House of the Rising Sun_ by the Animals? \*\* NOOOOOOOO!!! ---
**Author:** ![plnnr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@plnnr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plnnr)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/86 "2001-11-09T19:12:49Z")
Muskrat Love, while made famous by the C&T (who sang backup on Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” - yes, she’s listed in the credits), was written by a guy named Willis Allan Ramsey. You can’t tell it by that song, but he’s actually a pretty good songwriter. Everyone gets to make one big mistake. Midnight at the Oasis, by Maria Muldaur, I happen to like. It has a great guitar part. Whoever mentions anything by Steely Dan as being in the same league as “Seasons in the Sun” or anything else coughed up in the thread should see a doctor quickly - they’ve obviously suffered some sort of head trauma. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/87 "2001-11-09T19:14:02Z")
Sorry, **Pucette** , but I’d rather pound my nuts flat with a wooden hammer than listen to this song EVER again. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/88 "2001-11-09T19:14:02Z")
Sorry, **Pucette** , but I’d rather pound my nuts flat with a wooden hammer than listen to this song EVER again. ---
**Author:** ![RiverRunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/977dab/32.png) [@RiverRunner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RiverRunner)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/89 "2001-11-09T19:36:33Z")
“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” and what appears to be the same song, “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim,” both by Jim Croce. “Muskrat Love” – The Captain and Tennille “(She’s) Having My Baby” – Paul Anka “Teen Angel” – someone I thankfully don’t remember Dave Barry did a couple of columns on this subject a few years ago. They are among the most hysterically funny pieces I have ever read. Somebody even sent him a song called “Hooty Sapperticker” or something like that. RR ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/90 "2001-11-09T20:07:46Z")
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” - **Wham** ---
**Author:** ![Algernon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a183cd/32.png) [@Algernon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algernon)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/91 "2001-11-09T20:49:36Z")
(sigh)… all this trashing of MacArthur Park. For _years_ it was my favorite song. OK, I admit the Richard Harris original is a little cheesy… but the Maynard Ferguson version really rocks! (and Dave Barry is wrong, it’s NOT the worst song ever… I still maintain the worst song is Muskrat Love, and it appears my sentiments are shared by many posters here.) ---
**Author:** ![psychogumby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c0e974/32.png) [@psychogumby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychogumby)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/92 "2001-11-09T21:02:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mogwei22 \* > \*\*Whoever sings: > > _I love you > Always forever > Near and far > blah blah blah_ > > \*\* **Donna Lewis** I hate that song too, it is so nauseating. If anyone needs a good squicking, it’s that talentless bitch. Oh yeah, speaking of bitches … I LOATHE that song by Meredith Brooks, oddly enough called ‘Bitch’. Ferchristsakes, Meredith … why don’t you just do a duet with Alanis Morrissette and whine about your periods or something … ---
**Author:** ![psychogumby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c0e974/32.png) [@psychogumby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychogumby)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/93 "2001-11-09T21:09:08Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Frank O. Pinion \* > \*\*I Am The Walrus. It’s just wierd, and it makes no sense. It actually creeps me out a little, and I don’t go for songs that scare me. \*\* :eek: I don’t believe what I am hearing! This is a classic! Lyrics like “I am the eggman, I am the walrus, coo coo g’joob” just don’t write themselves. It takes a genius like John Lennon and sizeable quantity of LSD before powerful, inciteful lyrics like this are produced! ---
**Author:** ![sturmhauke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sturmhauke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sturmhauke)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/94 "2001-11-09T22:33:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by featherlou \* > \*\*…Robert Downey…talented people who really, really should know better. \*\* I wasn’t aware that he was talented. [Rocky Horror] Brad: I’ve learned a lot Audience: …about drugs Brad: and I’ve done a lot Audience: …of drugs [/Rocky Horror] ---
**Author:** ![shelbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@shelbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shelbo)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/95 "2001-11-09T22:57:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ozonebaby \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by xanadu \* > > \*\* > > > > > [@](#): > > > > > > \*Originally posted by LunaSea \* > > > \*\*Higher Love by Steve Windwood. \*\* > > > > Lastly, (and I think that no one will argue about this one:D) - “Hit Me Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears is the worst song ever recorded. \*\* > > You’re right, I do agree. \*\* Well . . . her new song (I’ll be a Slave 4 you) is worse. Man, she sounds horrible. The new video, however, well that’s just like . . . art, or something. ---
**Author:** ![ozonebaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/eb8c5e/32.png) [@ozonebaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ozonebaby)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2001, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/96 "2001-11-09T23:13:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by sturmhauke \* > \*\*“Doll Parts” by Hole. This song incites me to my own personal riot. Also, anything else by Hole, Bush, Smashing Pumpkins, Britney Spears, boy bands, rap that rips off - oh, I mean samples - from good rock songs… There’s such a variety of songs from the midden heap, it’s hard to select the most putrid and vile. \*\* Hole is ok but they can be bad. Also, to shelbo, I have heard that song and I think it could definetly qualify for worlds all time worst song. ---
**Author:** ![Frank\_O.Pinion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/839c29/32.png) [@Frank\_O.Pinion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank_O.Pinion)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/97 "2001-11-10T01:07:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jomo Mojo \* > \*\*“I Am the Walrus”???!!! Are you kidding? That song kicked ass! That song kicked the cosmic ass of the universe! 🆒 Look, just because it was too deep or difficult for you doesn’t make it a bad song. It was sheer frickin’ genius. If it disturbed you—hey, it was meant to be disturbing. To shake you up and make you think a little. > > If you thought “I Am the Walrus” was too much to handle, I guess you haven’t heard “Tomorrow Never Knows.” :eek: > > \*\* Yeah, I’ve heard Tomorrow Never Knows. It’s wierd, but it’s not one you hear very much unless you listen for it. You’re right. It was too deep. It was one of those pretentious John Lennon “I’m-so-enlightened-because-I’m-stoned-and-have-really-long-hair” songs that didn’t make any sense, but everyone keeps insisting their is some deep meaning to it. Same as Strawberry Fields Forever. I don’t like songs that are supposed to have a deep meaning. I don’t like vapid, mindless dreck, either. But, hey, it’s just my opinion. Don’t worry about it, I’m just blowin’ of some steam.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Tabithina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f04885/32.png) [@Tabithina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabithina)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/98 "2001-11-10T01:36:25Z")
Hmmmmm…I grew up in the seventies…so much fodder for this thread… Many atrocities from those days have been mentioned already, but I feel compelled to add _The Night Chicago Died_. And allow me to add my voice to the chorus of those nominating _The Year 2525_! Unspeakable musical “ickyness”…:eek: ---
**Author:** ![Frannie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Frannie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frannie)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/99 "2001-11-10T02:29:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Frank O. Pinion \* > \*\*I Am The Walrus. It’s just wierd, and it makes no sense. It actually creeps me out a little, and I don’t go for songs that scare me. \*\* I listened to _Magical Mystery Tour_ on the way home this evening, so _I Am the Walrus_ immediately came to mind. I’m not sure that’s “fair,” but it _was_ the first song to come to mind. As I often do with songs that I just don’t “get,” I replayed it and tried my very best to understand even a line or two, but to no avail. I just don’t understand it. And, yeah, it _is_ sorta spooky, isn’t it! ::Shiver:: Many of the songs mentioned here are on my list, but I’d like to add one. Now, don’t get me wrong, cuz I love the song when it’s performed by its writer, but when Manfred Mann – or Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – or whatever/whomever – covers _Blinded by the Light_, I almost become physically ill. ::Shiver:: ---
**Author:** ![Spavined\_Gelding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@Spavined\_Gelding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spavined_Gelding)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2001, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123/100 "2001-11-10T02:36:28Z")
An old coot’s nominee: P **eeee** pole who need p **eeee** pole Are the luckiest p **eeee** pole In the w **ooo** rld… Time after time, night after night, as angora sweatered sorority girls threw dimes in the juke box and demanded slo gin fizzes. 40 years later it still gives me the heeby-jeebies. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-worst-song-of-all-time-is/92123.md?page=6)