Only Real Music Junkies Will Be Able To Match The Lyrics With The Hit Pop Song
- by Danielle Lasher
- – on
- in Entertainment
There are two types of people in the world: those who have Shazam on their phones and those who don’t. Some people just aren’t as knowledgeable about music and want to know what every song is that they like listening. Then there are those who already know all about music. They know every song and artist and are an encyclopedia of popular music.
So what, right? Anyone can recognize a song when they hear it. But what about matching the song to its lyrics? Only someone truly knowledgeable—and a downright junkie—of popular music could ever pass this quiz. While it’s pretty easy to get a song stuck in your head, it’s not always the easiest to remember the lyrics. Most of the time, people just sort of mumble their way through a song, sounding out the words but not really knowing what’s being said.
Anyone who can identify a song from the lyrics alone is a pro when it comes to music today. Otherwise, they’re just out of touch with what’s in. Are you a master when it comes to popular music? Or are you in the dark when it comes to these hit songs? The only way to find out is to take this quiz.
"When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath..."
We’ll start out the quiz with an easy one, just to get you warmed up. This song is a recent one by a popular artist (he currently sits at six top 10 hits, including two at number one on the Billboard charts). The chorus goes, “Baby, I’m dancing in the dark with you between my arms / Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song / When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath.” What song and artist do these lyrics belong to?
“What do I stand for?”
A song about this band’s front man’s family, evident in such lines as “My heart is breaking for my sister and the con that she called love, but when I look into my nephew’s eyes, man you wouldn’t believe the most amazing things that can come from some terrible nights.” Throughout the entire song, the lyrics “What do I stand for?” are repeated. Can you name this hit song and artist that peaked at number three on the Billboard charts?
“She’s up all night ‘till the sun"
Here are the lyrics to this song: “She’s up all night ‘till the sun / I’m up all night to get some / She’s up all night for good fun.” It’s a song you can’t help but dance to when it comes on. It was the first single from this artist’s album and was produced by Pharrell Williams. The song was such a hit when it released that it broke streaming records on Spotify. Can you name this song and artist?
"You used to call me on my cellphone"
There was a time when everyone, everywhere could quote this song. It’s by one of hip hop’s biggest artists today. The singer laments, “Ever since I left the city you / Got a reputation for yourself now / Everybody knows and I feel left out / Girl you got me down, you got me stressed out.” He goes on to say how much she’s changed, wearing less and going out more, mentioning glasses of champagne out on the dance floor, and hanging with girls he’s never seen before. Ring any bells?
"Beautiful Girls, all over the world. I could be chasing"
“Beautiful girls all over the world / I could be chasing but my time would be wasted,” sings the vocalist on this track. It also features the vocals of a well-known R&B singer who’s familiar with top Billboard hits. As the lyrics reveal, it’s about being true to one girl and choosing not to fall for all the other girls out there. “An’ so I lost more than I had ever won / And honestly I ended up with none.” What song is it?
"...Sometimes it lasts in love / But sometimes it hurts instead.”"
The singer of this track has pipes. She can really belt it and has become a major favorite in recent years. She has a number of hits, but this one has to be near the top. The lyrics are about a recent break up where she sings, “I wish nothing but the best / For you too, don’t forget me / I beg, I’ll remember you said / Sometimes it lasts in love / But sometimes it hurts instead.” Can you guess this song?
“Pour up, drank, head shot, drank / Sit down, drank, stand up, drank"
Kendrick Lamar has risen to acclaim in recent years since the release of his hit album “To Pimp a Butterfly” back in 2015. But before that, on his sophomore album “Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City” in 2012, he had a set of hit songs much different than what he currently has on the charts. The chorus to this hit song goes like, “Pour up, drank, head shot, drank / Sit down, drank, stand up, drank / Pass out, drank, wake up, drank / Faded, drank, faded, drank.” What Kendrick song is this?
"I want you ugly / I want your disease / I want your everything"
The singer of this song goes all out, belting it with attitude. The song lyrics say, “I want you ugly / I want your disease / I want your everything / As long as it’s free / I want your love / Love-love-love / I want your love.” The artist of this track once wore razor-blade sunglasses in order to show how tough the “female spirit” is, which is something she shows in all her performances and the music video for this song. Do you know what song and artist it is?
"All the young kids with their..."
Sorry, we’ve got to admit it, this one’s a bit of a modern one-hit wonder. This was a popular song, but what else has this artist really done since? Anyway, the lyrics open as, “He’ll look around the room, he won’t tell you his plan / He’s got a rolled cigarette, hanging out with mouth he’s a cowboy kid.” Sound familiar? The real question is, can you identify the song and artist from the options below?
“I’m gonna pop some tags / Only got 20 dollars in my pocket"
A rap song that sort of parodies rappers, it ended up being a big hit (and even bigger in Australia and New Zealand where it was at the top of the charts for six weeks). While it’s technically a hip-hop song, it actually sounds different from most songs in its genre. At one point in the song, the lyrics go, “I’m gonna pop some tags / Only got 20 dollars in my pocket / I’m, I’m, I’m hunting / Looking for a come up.” What song is this?
“I’ve been roaming around / Always looking down at all I see"
This American rock band hails from Nashville, Tennessee. They’ve had a series of hit songs, including one which starts with these lines: “I’ve been roaming around / Always looking down at all I see / Painted faces, fill the places I can’t reach.” The band members are even related to each other, with three of them brothers and one a cousin. According to the songwriter, this one was written to be about “being far from home.” Which song is it?
"Turn to stop me/ shine me when I'm alone/ Cause they're calling, calling..."
Believe it or not, this song is about the artist’s fear of the dark. So much so, they admitted to sleeping with the lights on. The lyrics at the start of the song go like this: “I had a way then / Losing it all on my own / I had a heart then / But the queen has been overthrown / And I’m not sleeping now / The dark is too hard to beat / And I’m not keeping up / The strength I need to push me.” Do you know what it is?
"Can I show you a few things"
This was his first major hit after going on a hiatus. Once known for being in a boy band, his solo career took off in the early 2000s. In this hit song, he sings, “I can’t wait ‘til I get you on the floor, good-looking / Going out so hot, just like an oven / And I’ll burn myself, but just had to touch it / It’s so fly and it’s all mine.” What singer and song matches these lyrics?
“Cause you make me feel like, I’ve bee...for too long.”
From this artist’s sophomore album, it was a major hit song. Although the song was accused of sounding similar to music by the Police—a claim the artist denies—it went on to reach the second spot on the Billboard charts. Near the beginning of the song, after a series of “Oh yeah yeahs,” the artist sings, “Never had much faith in love or miracles / Never wanna put my heart on the line.” Is that enough for you to know which song below matches these lyrics?
“The scars of your love remind me of us / They keep me thinking that we almost had it all"
This is (arguably) the most popular song by Adele, though she’s had lots of hits over the years. The lyrics to this song are, “The scars of your love remind me of us / They keep me thinking that we almost had it all / The scars of your love they leave me breathless, I can’t help feeling / We could have had it all (you’re gonna wish you never had met me).” Which song by Adele was it?
“If you want it, take it / I should have said it before"
The song starts with, “If you want it, take it / I should have said it before / Tried to hide it, fake it / I can’t pretend anymore.” It’s by a prominent, young musical artist who recently experienced tragedy in Manchester after a bomb went off at her concert. The chorus starts with, “This is the part when I say I don’t want ya / I’m stronger than I’ve been before.” Do you know what hit song and artist this is?
“I’ve been drinkin’, I’ve been drinkin’/ Surfboard"
The chorus to this song—by one of the world’s biggest artists—simply goes, “We be all night, love, love / We be all night, love, love.” During this song, it also features a third verse by JAY-Z, who has a personal connection with the artist of this song. The first lyrics of the song are, “I’ve been drinkin’, I’ve been drinkin’.” Are you able to pick which of the following songs and artist this lines up with?
"Because I'm...."
While he’s mostly known for producing these days, here he’s front and center as a vocalist. The chorus of the song is also the name of the track. In it, he sings, “It might seem crazy what I’m ‘bout to say / Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break / I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space / With the air, like I don’t care baby by the way.” No, it’s not about being high (it’s more family friendly instead). Do you know which song it is?
“But you didn’t have to cut me off / Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing"
This song was not only a hit, but also had a clever (and iconic) music video to go along with it. While there hasn’t been much else from this artist in recent years, it managed to win Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards, with this artist taking one of the show’s top honors. The lyrics are, “But you didn’t have to cut me off / Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing / And I don’t even need your love.” What is it?
“This hit, that ice cold / Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold"
A major hit when it was released, it proved that whatever songs this vocalist touched turned to platinum. The singer treats the song with a “tongue-in-cheek” attitude, opening the song with these lyrics: “This hit, that ice cold / Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold / This one for them hood girls / Them good girls straight masterpieces / Stylin’, wilin’, livin’ it up in the city / Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent / Got kiss myself, I’m so pretty.” Can you name this song and artist?
“Lately I been, I been losing sleep / Dreaming about the things that we could be"
At the beginning of this hit song, the vocalist sings, “Lately I been, I been losing sleep / Dreaming about the things that we could be / But baby I been, I been prayin’ hard.” The song is uplifting, as the songwriter originally intended, finding inspiration from bands like U2 when choosing the lyrics. Later in the song, the lyrics go, “I see this life / Like a swinging vine / Swing my heart across the line.” What song is this?
“Another shot of whiskey, can’t stop looking at the door / Wishing you’d come sweepin’ in the way you did before"
Breakups seem to be the most popular subject when it comes to hit songs. It’s probably because they’re relatable (which this next one is no exception to). This song also has its share of drinking (we can’t recommend you follow the same path as this song’s point-of-view, who sings, “Another shot of whiskey, can’t stop looking at the door / Wishing you’d come sweepin’ in the way you did before / And I wonder if I ever cross your mind / For me it happens all the time.” Can you guess what song?
“We were both young when I first saw you / I close my eyes and the flashback starts / I’m standing there on a balcony in summer air"
This artist is one of the biggest today. A song from a few years back, the lyrics start off the song with, “We were both young when I first saw you / I close my eyes and the flashback starts / I’m standing there on a balcony in summer air / See the lights / see the party, the ball gowns / See you make your way through the crowd / And say hello.” Only a true music junkie can possibly get this one correct.
“There’s a stranger in my bed / There’s a pounding in my head / Glitter all over the room"
The start of this song drops a beat and the lyrics go, “There’s a stranger in my bed / There’s a pounding in my head / Glitter all over the room / Pink flamingos in the pool.” It’s a song about letting go and what happens when it goes too far (but it’s all in good fun). The singer reflects, “We danced on table tops / And we took too many shots / Think we kissed but I forgot.” Can you guess which song it is?
“You took your time with the call / I took no time with the fall"
The song is about a girl giving her phone number out to someone. The lyrics in one part are, “You took your time with the call / I took no time with the fall / You gave me nothing at all / But still you’re in my way / I beg and borrow and steal / At first sign and it’s real / I didn’t know I would feel it / But it’s in my way.” Another victim of the one-hit wonder, what song and artist is this?
“You could travel the world / But nothing comes close to the golden coast"
Alluding to the Beach Boys song, this features Snoop Dogg towards the end. “I know a place where the grass is really greener,” sings the vocalist. “Warm, wet and wild / There must be something in the water.” During the chorus, the words are, “You could travel the world / But nothing comes close to the golden coast / Once you party with us / You’ll be falling in love.” Do you know what famous artist and song this is?
“In New York / Concrete jungle where dreams are made of"
Everyone knows this song, which goes like, “In New York / Concrete jungle where dreams are made of / There’s nothin’ you can’t do / Now you’re in New York / These streets will make you feel brand new / Big lights will inspire you / Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York.” It’s by one of the world’s most famous rappers, who’s from—you guessed it—New York City. Do you know what it is?
"I love this record baby but I can’t see straight anymore keep it cool"
It was this artist’s first major hit. It even features artists Colby O’Donis and Akon on this track. The artist claims to have written this song after having trouble fitting in at a party. The lyrics in building up to the chorus go, “What’s goin’ on, on the floor? / I love this record baby but I can’t see straight anymore keep it cool / What’s the name of this club? / I can’t remember but its alright, I’m a-alright.” Do you know what it is?
“You’re gonna be, a shinin’ star / In fancy clothes, and fancy cars"
The song starts out with a speaking part and then Rihanna comes in singing, “You’re gonna be, a shinin’ star / In fancy clothes, and fancy cars / And then you’ll see, you’re gonna go far / ‘Cause everyone knows, just who ya are.” Shortly after that, the beat drops and the chorus breaks out. You’ll have to think back a little bit to remember this one, but at the time it was a big hit. Can you name the song and artist?
“I get a little bit bigger, but then I’ll admit / I’m just the same as I was"
Part of the chorus of this song goes, “I get a little bit bigger, but then I’ll admit / I’m just the same as I was / Now don’t you understand / That I’m never changing who I am.” On the songwriting for this song, the band member admitted to waking up at three in the morning to compose a lyric or melody idea. From there, the idea just built, and eventually turned into a hit song. What song do these lyrics belong to?
“One second I’ma strike all you / Diamond, platinum, no more for you"
Marking the first single from this rapper, it comes off the album “Wild Ones.” Sampled throughout this track are parts from the song “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” by legendary singer Etta James, considered the original “Queen of Soul.” A part in the song goes, “One second I’ma strike all you / Diamond, platinum, no more for you / Got adrenaline, never giving in / Giving up’s not an option, gotta get it in.” This one is a little tricky (Hint: the chorus contains the title of the song). What is it?
"The party don't start till I walk in"
Time is running out on for you to decide on a song and artist. Look, we’re in a good mood, so we’ll make this one easy (just this one time) and give you the opening lyrics: “Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy / Grab my glasses, I’m out the door; I’m gonna hit this city.” It’s a song where the vocalist pronounces that the party doesn’t start ‘til she walks in. What song and artist is it?
"Because it's all about that... no treble!"
This song is all about something that we can’t say without giving it away (but no treble). Really, this song doesn’t have too much variety when it comes to lyricism. This up-and-comer star started writing and singing songs at the tender age of 11. The song—although it sounds in reference to an audio level—is actually about a female’s booty (in case you didn’t know). What song and artist do you got?
“I fly with the stars in the skies, / I am no longer trying to survive"
This song starts out with the vocalist saying, “I fly with the stars in the skies, / I am no longer trying to survive, / I believe that life is a prize, / But to live doesn’t mean you’re alive.” The song also features Drake, where he says a long-running lyric about tying the knot with this artist. “Clap for the heavyweight champ, me!” she sings. “But I couldn’t do it all alone, we!” Which song and artist do these lyrics match up with?
“And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love"
A song that is about the Roman city ultimately ruined by a volcano long ago. This song is known for its male vocals throughout the song going, “Eh, eheu, eheu.” But if there’s a clue that’s going to help, it’s going to be the lead up to the chorus, where the lyrics are, “And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love / Great clouds roll over the hills, bringing darkness from above.” Do you know the song?