Some musicians opt for their music to be deeply referential–referential to things like books, movies, and, at times, music itself. We’re focusing on the latter list today. Check out four songs below that see artists make nods to their medium.
Videos by American Songwriter
4 of the Best Songs About Music
1. “I Love Rock N’ Roll” – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Joan Jett delivered a love letter to her genre with “I Love Rock ‘N Roll.” Donning a leather jacket, Jett takes to a seedy bar in this song’s accompanying music video. The jukebox is playing the titular song, entertaining the patrons of the dingy, yet intoxicating establishment. Many songs pay homage to other rock giants, but few celebrate the genre in and of itself. Jett stepped up to the plate in that goal.
“I love rock ‘n roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock ‘n roll
So come and take your time and dance with me”
2. “I’ll Have to Say I Love You In a Song” – Jim Croce
Jim Croce’s “I’ll Have to Say I Love You In a Song” sees the artist plan to write a song for his love interest–this song, if we’re being specific. It’s a swirling maze of a reference in that the we’re hearing the finished product of the song he plans to write. It’s confusing if you dive too deeply into it. However, the beauty of this song is in its simplicity, so perhaps we will let it rest.
Every time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong
So, I’ll have to say “I love you” in a song
3. “Mountain Music” (Alabama)
Alabama harkens back to the music they heard growing up in “Mountain Music.” Like Jett’s track, this song is referential to an entire genre: Appalachian folk. To round out the reference, the band adopted a folkier sound than they usually allow.
Oh, play me some mountain music
Like grandma and grandpa used to play
Then I’ll float on down the river
To a Cajun hideaway
4. “Your Song” (Elton John)
Much like Croce’s entry on this list, Elton John references a song within a song in this classic track. “Your Song” is one of John’s most powerful efforts, with its lulling melody and tender lyrics. The chorus sees him address the listener, in a way, dedicating the very song he is singing to a loved one.
And you can tell everybody
This is your song
It may be quite simple, but
Now that it’s done
I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind
(Photo by Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
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