How many songs can you think of that have serious/sad lyrics but an upbeat tune? For an example, Dirty Blvd. by Lou Reed. If you just listen to the music, you'd never guess the lyrics are a bit depressing....
2007-10-14 14:07:21 · 17 answers · asked by Isis 4 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music ➔ Rock and Pop
Doctor My Eyes - Jackson Browne
Very bouncy melody, but very introspective lyrics, considering he was about 20 when he wrote it.
Also,
Acute Schizophrenia Paranoia Blues - The Kinks
It has a Dixie-Ragtime melody, which completely goes against the lyrics, which is part of what makes it so great.
Sue Me, Sue You Blues - George Harrison
This was recorded when The Beatles had first split-up and the lawsuits were flying. It's basically a waltz talking about how miserable he is with all the lawsuits by the other Beatles(mainly Paul).
All Those Years Ago - George Harrison
Another Harrison song, this one a tribute to John Lennon after his murder. Very good lyrics about his friendship with John, but it might be the most poppy, bouncy melody I've ever heard. But still a great song.
Keep the Customer Satisfied - Simon & Garfunkel
Peppy song about a weary traveler.
That all I can think of for now!
EDIT
I thought of a couple more:
When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) - The Beach Boys
Very good lyrics set to typical Beach Boys pop. Actually quite a sad song considering what happened to Brian Wilson.
Borrowed Time - John Lennon
Kind of a reggea song talking about living on borrowed time and not worring about the future. Considering this was one of the last songs he recorded, I've always thought that this is a very sad song, even if it wasn't meant to be
2007-10-14 14:32:48 · answer #1 · answered by wingspan1985 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oooh! I always say this exact thing everytime "The Passenger" by Iggy Pop comes on. The music is so jangly and optimistic sounding, but then the vocals and lyrics sound so detached and hopeless. One of the greatest songs ever recorded and almost solely for that reason, a great juxtopposition.
And everytime he sings "la la la la la-lalala" it gets me.
Since it's still open, I'll add another. "Real Situation" by Bob Marley is really good and sounds very upbeat and cheery even. And if you didn't really pay attention to the words you might not notice how hopeless it is until the chorus chimes in
"Well it seems like
Total destruction, the only solution,
There ain't no use, no one can stop them now,
Ain't no use, nobody can stop them now"
Great song though.
2007-10-15 10:54:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Basically anything by this Indie band called Beulah.... amazing band... it just sounds really out of place
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8S3k2TWaJo
PS- I was just gonna ask this question!
*edit:
Almost forgot. Whiskey in the Jar, both the Thin Lizzy and Metallica version sound pretty happy to me, but the lyrics aren't. I'm not sure if most people will consider the song to have a upbeat tune though....
2007-10-14 14:15:48 · answer #3 · answered by meep meep 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
properly what I do is a play the beat then I basically sit down there for a million to 3 min. and then i think of extremely perplexing with regard to the words. I now via fact I even have made 5 songs like Does he observe me and those lyrics circulate like this Does he observe me with my golden brown hair and my vivid brown eyes that shins interior the sky and that's all i'm telling P.s in case you're taking those lyrics I properly hunt you down and kill you
2016-10-06 22:50:35 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will follow you into the dark by Death cab for cutie. It is one of the greatest songs ever, but it is kind of sad, but also sweet and romantic. Also (you're going to laugh at this) the Yeah Yeah Yeah song by the Flaming Lips. It has serious lyrics about how we don't know what we'll do with power (and it talks about what our government is doing).
2007-10-14 14:58:51 · answer #5 · answered by novak253 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sublime - Poolshark
Elliott Smith - Baby Britain
2007-10-15 02:57:49 · answer #6 · answered by Dani G 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
"Even Flow" by Pearl Jam. If you listen to the lyrics, you'll realize Eddie's singing about homelessness.
2007-10-14 14:10:30 · answer #7 · answered by Air Guitar Goddess 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Serious lyrics wit upbeat tune... perfect example is --T.I Tell 'Em I Said That.... that song owns all, yet its so true....
2007-10-14 14:10:47 · answer #8 · answered by cannon_primed 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
today by the smashing pumpkins come to mind first. the song is pretty happy-sounding, and the lyrics are pretty happy at first listen, but when you actually read them and know what they mean, it's a really sad song.
hmmm . . . i can't think of anything else.
good question!
2007-10-14 14:43:11 · answer #9 · answered by We Hope That You Choke 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
"Alfie" By Lilly Allen. Its funny its a happy song with depressing horrible(Not bad lyrics , but the meaning is horrible) lyrics.
2007-10-14 14:21:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋