Why do some song titles have parentheses in them?

Question

Like "Over My Head (Cable Car)" or "Breathe (2 AM)" and "(When You Gonna) Give It Up To Me"

I'm just curious... I've been wondering this for a while.

Answer 1

I think the part in parentheses can also be used, like mentioned above, as an alternative song title so you can refer to the song two ways, just in case if you forgot.

Or the artist couldn't make up their mind.

But if you think about it, "cable car" was mentioned once in the song. "2 AM" was mentioned a couple of times in the song, but not as much as "breathe". "Give It Up To Me" and "When You Gonna" were both mentioned...but when you listen to the song, the accompaniment to the song grew louder when it says "give it up to me". So it's quiet "when you gonna" to a louder "give it up to me", as if they're emphasizing the song title there.

Another example is "I Hate (Everything About You)". When you listen to that song, the phrase is broken up during the song, just like "(When You Gonna) Give It Up To Me", because it's not in the same rhythm/lyrical phrase/etc.

Answer 2

A song title with a parentheses means there is an alternate title. Normally one title is part of the chorus (ex: over my head) and the other title is more broad.

Answer 3

It can be either an alternate title, as in "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)", or an extended version of the title, as in "(When You Gonna) Give It Up To Me". My guess is that the record companies sometimes suggest these additions to make it easier for people to find a song when they've heard it on the radio and don't know the title. There are people on YA every day asking for the title and artist of a song when they know only a line or two of lyrics. Extended titles give them a better chance of matching the title to the lyrics they've heard.

Answer 4

i won't be in a position to %. one, so listed right here are my favorites from that record: suitable Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon chuffed Christmas (conflict Is Over) - John Lennon (i won't be in a position to Get No) delight - The Rolling Stones i choose for You (She's So Heavy) - The Beatles it rather is totally properly Ma (i'm in basic terms Bleeding) - Bob Dylan (purely like) beginning Over - John Lennon residing Loving Maid (She's in basic terms a woman) - Led Zeppelin Norwegian wood (This chook Has Flown) - The Beatles White Queen (because all of it began) - Queen EDIT: Sorry, did not see the bonuses. BQ: the two "i'm in basic terms Bleeding" or "conflict Is Over". BQ2: i'd desire to call plenty, yet they don't belong in R&P. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts club Band (Reprise) - The Beatles (that counts) you recognize My call (look up the kind) - The Beatles instant Karma (all of us Shine On) - John Lennon i might Do something for love (yet I won't try this) - Meat Loaf

Answer 5

its sort of like an alternate title, like if you might no the song by one title but not the other. good songs, btw

Answer 6

i think the parehtheses offer an alternate title

Answer 7

It's an alternate or sub title. often there for clarification.

Answer 8

interesting question.