# What is the best song that begins with a numeral or a symbol? See rules in OP **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music, mmm-song-poll\ **Created:** [November 7, 2023, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727 "2023-11-07T01:54:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/61 "2023-11-07T14:04:14Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > This is pretty much my feeling. I’ll go with this unless someone offers a compelling reason to do otherwise. I’d vote for the “No orchestral music” option as well ( If Classical/Baroque/Romantic is out, Big Band and Instrumental Movie Themes should be out too. I think that still allows instrumentals.) > [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Done. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/62 "2023-11-07T14:09:01Z")
These folks still have slots available if they want them. Some are due to duplicate entries. **4 available:** @EinsteinsHund , @Left_Hand_of_Dorkness , @Jeff_Lichtman , @Q.Q.Switcheroo , @Thudlow_Boink **3 available:** @pkbites i, @running_coach , @blondebear , @John_DiFool ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/63 "2023-11-07T14:09:09Z")
**2 available:** @Alessan , @Elmer_J.Fudd , @pjd , @Tabco **1 available:** @Banksiaman , @Beckdawrek , @burpo_the_wonder_mutt , @digs , @GESancMan , @WildaBeast ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/64 "2023-11-07T14:09:50Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Wow, I’m impressed with the number of entries in this category. 1swydt… ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/65 "2023-11-07T14:10:48Z")
If anyone is stuck, here are some entries that I have considered: (Antichrist Television Blues) – Arcade Fire (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville – R.E.M. (Nice Dream) – Radiohead (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes – Elvis Costello (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right to Party – The Beastie Boys (You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin 13 Steps Lead Down – Elvis Costello 3’s and 7’s – Queens of the Stone Age 30,000 Pounds of Bananas – Harry Chapin 38 Years Old – The Tragically Hip mmm ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/66 "2023-11-07T14:20:10Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > These folks still have slots available if they want them. > Some are due to duplicate entries. > > **4 available:** > @Left_Hand_of_Dorkness , Can you clarify? I thought I had put in five entries, four of which are legit, if John Cage counts as classical music. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/67 "2023-11-07T14:22:24Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > These folks still have slots available if they want them. > Some are due to duplicate entries. > > **4 available:** > @EinsteinsHund I think I have only two left, searching the thread I found that “$1000 Wedding”, “400 Years” and “51st State” were first posted by me. But at the moment, I have a hard time coming up with more because most of my favorites have been taken. ETA: thought of one more (the lyrics are not my cuppa, but the melody is strong) “40” - U2 ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/68 "2023-11-07T14:23:04Z")
> [@John\_DiFool](#): > > > [@blondebear](#): > > > > 20th Century Man – Kinks > > 21st Century Schizoid Man - King Crimson > 1000 Miles - Ride > 25 or 6 to 4 - Chicago > 52 Girls - B-52’s > (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville - REM. 20th Century Boy - T. Rex. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/69 "2023-11-07T14:23:26Z")
Oh, good one! ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/70 "2023-11-07T14:28:55Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Can you clarify? I thought I had put in five entries, four of which are legit, if John Cage counts as classical music. Oops, sorry about that. I missed it because it was formatted differently than the other 4. You’re good. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/71 "2023-11-07T14:44:19Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > I think I have only two left, searching the thread I found that “$1000 Wedding”, “400 Years” and “51st State” were first posted by me. But at the moment, I have a hard time coming up with more because most of my favorites have been taken. > > ETA: thought of one more (the lyrics are not my cuppa, but the melody is strong) > > “40” - U2 Well, yes and no. 🙂 I did mis-count, and you do have just two left. However, “40” was already submitted by @Thudlow_Boink, so you still have 2 available. mmm ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/72 "2023-11-07T14:54:32Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > **2 available:** > @Alessan , @Elmer\_J.Fudd , @pjd , @Tabco I’ve only submitted 2 so far … ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/73 "2023-11-07T14:54:38Z")
Not arguing, but given the slim pickings in this category I’m saving my 3. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/74 "2023-11-07T14:58:09Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > However, “40” was already submitted by @Thudlow_Boink, so you still have 2 available. Dang, I swear I did a search first. What about: (I Don’t Wanna Go To) Chelsea - Elvis Costello and the Attractions ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/75 "2023-11-07T15:05:03Z")
I only submitted 2 because at some point it becomes just thinking of songs that qualify rather than songs that belong on any “best of” list. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/76 "2023-11-07T15:13:55Z")
(What’s So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love And Understanding - Brinsley Schwarz (What’s So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love And Understanding - [Nick Lowe, little known acoustic version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qemGN7_FH80) [2HB](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX6WEY2Wh8w) - Roxy Music 1984 - David Bowie And the worst record ever made: (Win Place Or Show) She’s A Winner - The Intruders j ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/77 "2023-11-07T15:16:32Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > (I Don’t Wanna Go To) Chelsea - Elvis Costello and the Attractions Have to correct myself, the proper title is “(I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea”. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/78 "2023-11-07T15:19:11Z")
I can think of a few more starting with numerals (4 Minutes - Madonna, 3030 - Deltron 3030, 47 Reasons - The Bobs) but nothing of great import. If there’s still room on the list it’ll probably be one of the parenthetical ones. ---
**Author:** ![Meurglys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/258eb7/32.png) [@Meurglys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meurglys)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/79 "2023-11-07T15:19:34Z")
10538 Overture - E.L.O. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/80 "2023-11-07T15:25:26Z")
> [@pjd](#): > > I’ve only submitted 2 so far … I need to have a talk with my accountants. It looks like I…I mean, _they_, messed up several of the counts. Stay tuned. mmm [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727.md?page=5)