# 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:** 6
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/101 "2023-11-07T16:51:17Z")
(Ghost) Riders in the Sky - Johnny Cash ---
**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, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/102 "2023-11-07T16:55:09Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Nobody has nominated Richard Thompson’s “ **1952 Vincent Black Lightning**.” Oh wow–I only know this song from its cover by my friend’s band, and had no idea where it was from. It’s an amazing song! ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/103 "2023-11-07T17:41:37Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > > [@blondebear](#): > > > > 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall – Traditional > > No good, need a specific artist. Fair enough. I don’t suppose “just about any Boy Scout Troop ever” would qualify? 🙃 The band Atticus released a live version, but it’s pretty awful. I’ll settle for tossing in: 100,000 Years – Kiss (the Alive! version with drum solo and Paul’s “How many people here tonight believe in rock ‘n’ roll!?” rap) ---
**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:** [November 7, 2023, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/104 "2023-11-07T18:18:25Z")
I’ve used up my nominations, but thought of another if anyone wants it: (The System of) Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether, by The Alan Parsons Project ---
**Author:** ![JeffB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeffb/32/188_2.png) [@JeffB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JeffB)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/105 "2023-11-07T18:31:25Z")
Most of the ones I thought of have already been nominated, but I’ll add: 6 in the Mornin’ by Ice-T for it’s place in rap history. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/106 "2023-11-07T18:34:18Z")
> [@Jeff\_Lichtman](#): > > The title is “Sixteen Tons,” and was nominated in the “S” thread. Rockapella did a cover which appears to be officially titled “16 Tons” on their album _[In Concert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Concert_(Rockapella_album))_. So I nominate… 16 Tons - Rockapella ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/107 "2023-11-07T20:15:02Z")
I think I have one left : (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 by…hmm, let’s see…I’ll go with the [Tom Petty live from the Record Plant](https://youtu.be/IAv5MAVIXJg?feature=shared&t=2358) version. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2023, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/108 "2023-11-07T20:22:11Z")
(They Long to be) Close to You — Carpenters ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2023, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/109 "2023-11-08T00:03:32Z")
Iron Maiden - 2 Minutes to Midnight [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/9qbRHY1l0vc/maxresdefault.jpg "Iron Maiden - 2 Minutes To Midnight (Official Video)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qbRHY1l0vc) The Flaming Lips - \*\*\*\*\*\*\*Plastic Jesus [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/b0YeBnCtSe8/maxresdefault.jpg "The Flaming Lips - \*\*\*\*\*\*\*Plastic Jesus (Official Audio)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0YeBnCtSe8) (my copy just has the stars) Boredoms - ◯ [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Tl0BtjyDh28/hqdefault.jpg "Boredoms - ◯ (Circle) [Music Video]") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl0BtjyDh28) Butthole Surfers - 22 Going on 23 [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/FlJRGZ9bUko/maxresdefault.jpg "22 Going On 23") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlJRGZ9bUko) (I know it has no hope on wining, but this one wins in my heart. RIP Teresa.) ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2023, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/110 "2023-11-08T00:20:06Z")
> [@scabpicker](#): > > Butthole Surfers - 22 Going on 23 How the hell did I forget this one. ---
**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:** [November 8, 2023, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/111 "2023-11-08T00:23:43Z")
> [@scabpicker](#): > > Iron Maiden - 2 Minutes to Midnight Oh thank you. I would have thought it was a T song. ---
**Author:** ![ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chockfullofheadygoodness/32/511_2.png) [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2023, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/112 "2023-11-08T00:39:06Z")
(A) Face in the Crowd - The Kinks (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman - The Kinks 409 in Your Coffeemaker - Green Day 316 - Van Halen 2 Much 2 Drink - Dee Dee King (probably the only decent “rap” on that trainwreck of an album) ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2023, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/113 "2023-11-08T00:43:34Z")
Well, of what hasn’t been mentioned off the top of my head (though these are long, long shots as far as a poll is concerned): 12XU - Wire The 15th - Wire 17 - Smashing Pumpkins 1976 - Redd Kross ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2023, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/114 "2023-11-08T00:54:25Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > 12XU - Wire ONE TWO X U! You’re coming up with some real bangers. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2023, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/115 "2023-11-08T00:54:41Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > I’ve done my five, but I’ll just add (since no one has mentioned it) that if you don’t like either Jay-Z’s or Ice-T’s versions of **99 Problems** , you could always go with [this one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swnudbCnccs). I think I’ve got one left, so I’ll take it since it hasn’t been officially nominated yet. I think it deserves to be here for being a well known rap song, even if most of the people here aren’t rap fans. 99 Problems - Jay Z ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2023, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/116 "2023-11-08T01:04:37Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > 17 - Smashing Pumpkins I was actually thinking of 33 here – oops – but it turns out 33 is listed as “Thirty-Three.” 17 is a really short piece that I did not mean to nominate, so you can withdraw it from the list. ---
**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 8, 2023, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/117 "2023-11-08T01:24:00Z")
I feel like we’re winding down on this topic. We have 125 entries. I’ll probably shut 'er down tomorrow. mmm ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2023, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/118 "2023-11-08T01:39:37Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > > [@scabpicker](#): > > > > Butthole Surfers - 22 Going on 23 > > How the hell did I forget this one. Thanks for leaving it for me! 🙂 > [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > > [@scabpicker](#): > > > > ron Maiden - 2 Minutes to Midnight > > Oh thank you. I would have thought it was a T song. I thought so too, so I had to look it up. I loves that riff. ---
**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 8, 2023, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/119 "2023-11-08T10:43:10Z")
What are your favorite numeral or symbol songs? **POLL 1 of 3**. Select up to 10 from this list. _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/119))_ ---
**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 8, 2023, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/120 "2023-11-08T10:45:03Z")
What are your favorite numeral or symbol songs? **POLL 2 of 3**. Select up to 10 from this list. _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-song-that-begins-with-a-numeral-or-a-symbol-see-rules-in-op/992727/120))_ [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=5) [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=7)