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POPULAR MUSIC QUIZZES COVER/HOMEWORK PACK

Singers and Backers 1


Using the internet, research and complete the names of these groups by naming
the singer most closely associated with the backing band.

1. and the Pacemakers


2. and the Shadows
3. and the Blockheads
4. and the Banshees
5. and Wings
6. and the Range
7. and the Medics
8. and Cockney Rebel
9. and the Vandellas
10. and the Attractions
11. and the Blackhearts
12. and the Revolution
13. and the Waves
14. and the Four Seasons
15. and Crazy Horse
16. and the G. B. Experience
17. and His Skiffle Group
18. and the Paramount Jazz Band
19. and The Jordanaires
20. and the Bluetones
21. and the Medicine Show
22. and the Hurricanes
23. and the Dinosaurs
24. and the Hotrods

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POPULAR MUSIC QUIZZES COVER/HOMEWORK PACK

Singers and Backers 2


Using the internet, research and complete the names of these groups by naming
the singer most closely associated with the backing band.

1. and the Family Stone


2. and the Comets
3. and the Dominos
4. and the Bunnymen
5. and the MGs
6. and the Supremes
7. and the Heartbreakers
8. and the Commotions
9. and the New Power Generation
10. and the Plastic Population
11. and the Blowfish
12. and the Mechanics
13. and the Modern Lovers
14. and Wizzard
15. and His Jazzmen
16. and the Stooges
17. and the Tijuana Brass
18. and the Impressions
19. and the Magic Band
20. and the Egyptians
21. and the Bruvvers
22. and the Famous Flames
23. and the Luvvers
24. and the Mindbenders

Page | 2 © W W W . M U S I C A L C O N T E X T S . C O . U K
POPULAR MUSIC QUIZZES COVER/HOMEWORK PACK

Singers and Backers 3


Using the internet, research and complete the names of these groups by naming
the singer most closely associated with the backing band.

1. and the Ants


2. and the Sunshine Band
3. and the Miami Sound Machine
4. and the Pips
5. and the Plastic Ono Band
6. and the Wailers
7. and the Gang
8. and the News
9. and the E Street Band
10. and the Coconuts
11. and the Dreamers
12. and the Bad Seeds
13. and the Crickets
14. and Tubeway Army
15. and the Drifters
16. and the Mothers of Invention
17. and the E-Train
18. and the Miracles
19. and the Rebelettes
20. and the Refugee Allstars
21. and the Dakotas
22. and the Tremeloes
23. and the Blue Flames
24. and the Tuxedos

Page | 3 © W W W . M U S I C A L C O N T E X T S . C O . U K
POPULAR MUSIC QUIZZES COVER/HOMEWORK PACK

First Lines of Pop Songs 1


Using the internet, research the titles of these songs from the list of first lines
presented. The year each song was a hit is supplied to assist you. Also give the name of
the performers.
First Line of Song... Song Title Artist/Band/Group
‘Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman’
(1975)
‘This hit that ice cold Michelle Pfeiffer
that white gold’ (2015)
‘A few questions that I need to know,
how you could ever treat me so’ (1997)
‘There’s nothing you can do that can’t be
done’ (1967)
‘ There’s dancing behind the movie
scenes’ (1998)
‘I bet you’re wondering how I knew’
(1969)
‘I used to think maybe you loved me,
now baby I’m sure’ (1985)
‘Today is gonna be the day that they’re
gonna throw it back to you’ (1995)
‘When I’m feeling blue, all I have to do,
is take a look at you’ (1988)
‘I wonder if one day that you’ll say that
you care’ (1967)
‘Fire in the disco’ (2003)
‘The silicon chip inside her head’ (1979)
‘Just shoot for the stars if it feels right
and aim for my heart if you feel like’
(2010)
‘You keep saying you’ve got something
for me’ (1966)
‘ Remember those walls I built, well baby
they’re tumbling down’ (2008)
‘ I know I stand in line until you think you
have the time to spend an evening with
me’ (1967)
‘ Some people might say my life is in a
rut’ (1980)
‘I get knocked down’ (1997)
‘I got my head checked by a jumbo jet’
(1997)
‘The Mississippi Delta was shining like a
national guitar’ (1986)
‘Sometimes you’re better off dead,
there’s a gun in your hand, it’s pointing
at your head’ (1986)
‘Look into my eyes, you will see what
you mean to me’ (1991)
‘When I was young, it seemed that life
was so wonderful, a miracle’ (1970)
‘I’m here just like I said, though it’s
breaking every rule I’ve ever made’
(2003)
Page | 4 © W W W . M U S I C A L C O N T E X T S . C O . U K
POPULAR MUSIC QUIZZES COVER/HOMEWORK PACK

First Lines of Pop Songs 2


Using the internet, research the titles of these songs from the list of first lines
presented. The year each song was a hit is supplied to assist you. Also give the name of
the performers.
First Line of Song... Song Title Artist/Band/Group
‘There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters
is gold’ (1971)
‘I remember when, I remember, I
remember when I lost my mind’ (2006)
‘We skipped the light fandango’ (1967)
‘Like the legend of phoenix all ends with
beginnings’ (2013)
‘As I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death’ (1995)
‘It’s close to midnight and something
evil’s lurking in the dark’ (1983)
‘Please, please tell me now’ (1983)
‘They say we’re young and we don’t
know’ (1965)
‘I’m coming up’ (2002)
‘And you may find yourself living in a
shotgun shack’ (1981)
‘I met a gin-soaked-bar-room queen in
Memphis’ (1969)
‘Yes! So crazy right now’ (2003)
‘You were working as a waitress in a
cocktail bar when I met you’ (1981)
‘You’re insecure, don’t know what for’
(2011)
‘I heard you on the wireless back in ‘52’
(1979)
‘Well you’re dirty and sweet, clad in
black, don’t look back, and I love you’
(1971)
‘Well, I don’t know why I came here
tonight’ (1973)
‘Now there’s a backstreet lover that is
always undercover’ (1986)
‘Holding you closer it’s time that I told
you everything’s going to be fine’ (2000)
‘Ever seen a blind man cross the road?’
(2001)
‘Every night I grab some money and I go
down to the bar’ (1981)
‘In my imagination, there is no
complication, I dream about you all the
time’ (1988)
‘You think I’m pretty without any make-
up on’ (2010)
‘Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking
when I said I’d like to smash every tooth
in your head’ (1986)

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First Lines of Pop Songs 3


Using the internet, research the titles of these songs from the list of first lines
presented. The year each song was a hit is supplied to assist you. Also give the name of
the performers.
First Line of Song... Song Title Artist/Band/Group
‘Right about now’ (1998)
‘Enjoy this trip, enjoy this trip – and it is
a trip’ (1988)
‘Why do birds suddenly appear?’ (1970)
‘There lived a certain man in Russia long
ago’ (1978)
‘I wanna hold ‘em like they do in Texas
please’ (2008)
‘Hell is gone and heaven’s here’ (1998)

‘What you want, baby I got’ (1967)


‘One, two, three, four, five, everybody in
the car, so come on let’s ride’ (1999)
‘I make it alone’ (1980)

‘Poor old Johnny Ray’ (1982)


‘I am just a poor boy though my story’s
seldom told’ (1969)
‘It might seem crazy what I’m about to
say’ (2014)
‘Street’s like a jungle so call the police’
(1994)
‘I feel so extraordinary something’s got a
hold on me’ (1987)
‘There must be some kind of way out of
here’ (1968)
‘Holly came from Miami FLA’ (1973)
‘We’ll do it all, everything on our own’
(2006)
‘Once upon a time not so long ago’
(1986)
‘I was searchin’ on a one-way street’
(1978)
‘Who knows what tomorrow brings?’
(1983)
‘You never close your eyes any more
when I kiss your lips’ (1965)
‘We walked in the cold air, freezing
breath on the windowpane’ (1981)
‘I wake up every day it’s a daydream’
(2009)
‘If you like to gamble, I tell you I’m your
man’ (1980)

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First Lines of Pop Songs 4


Using the internet, research the titles of these songs from the list of first lines
presented. The year each song was a hit is supplied to assist you. Also give the name of
the performers.
First Line of Song... Song Title Artist/Band/Group
‘I heard that you’ve settled down’ (2011)

‘Get up, get on up’ (1970)


‘Oh baby baby, how was I supposed to
know?’ (1999)
‘Goodbye Norma Jean’ (1974)
‘Help me escape this feeling of
insecurity’ (1993)
‘On a dark desert highway’ (1977)
‘We’ve got stars directing our fate’
(1998)
‘My baby don’t mess around because
she loves me so’ (2004)
‘Hey there, here I am, I’m the man on
the scene’ (1968)
‘I see you driving around town with the
girl I love’ (2010)
‘You could have a steam train if you’d
just lay down your tracks’ (1986)
‘Nobody on the road, nobody on the
beach’ (1985)
‘Though I’ve tried before to tell her of
the feelings I have for her in my heart’
(1981)
‘I’m the trouble starter, punkin’
instigator’ (1996)
‘My tea’s gone cold, I’m wondering why I
got out of bed at all’ (2001/2000)
‘You’ve done it all, you’ve broken every
code’ (1975)
‘I want you to love me like I’m hot pie’
(2010)
‘You’ve been around all night and that’s
a little long’ (1982)
‘There’s no point in asking, you’ll get no
reply’ (1977)
‘I want to run, I want to hide’ (1987)
‘Down, down, you bring me down’
(1992)
‘Time goes by so slowly’ (2005)
‘Yeah, I’m out that Brooklyn, now I’m
down in Tribeca’ (2009)
‘Here comes Johnny Yen again’ (1996)

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First Lines of Pop Songs 5


Using the internet, research the titles of these songs from the list of first lines
presented. The year each song was a hit is supplied to assist you. Also give the name of
the performers.
First Line of Song... Song Title Artist/Band/Group
‘Out on the wily, windy moors’ (1978)

‘In the deserts of Sudan’ (1978)


‘You’ve got a great car, yeah, what’s
wrong with it today?’ (2001)
‘I met her in a club down in north Soho’
(1970)
‘I thought I saw a man brought to life’
(1997)
‘Sometimes I feel I’ve got to run away’
(1981)
‘You, you’re such a big star to me’ (2006)
‘She came from Greece, she had a thirst
for knowledge’ (1995)
‘The lights are on, but you’re not home’
(1986)
‘I made it through the wilderness’ (1984)
‘Look at the stars, look how they shine
for you’ (2000)
‘Once I had a love and it was a gas’
(1979)
‘So if you’re lonely you know I’m here
waiting for you’ (2004)
‘How many times have you woken up
and prayed for the rain?’ (1986)
‘May I have you attention please?’
(2000)
‘It’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for
something dumb to do’ (2010)
‘When the moon is in the seventh house
and Jupiter aligns with Mars’ (1969)
‘Well I guess it would be nice if I could
touch your body’ (1987)
‘I’ve been cheated by you since I don’t
know when’ (1975)
‘I’ve known a few guys who thought they
were pretty smart’ (1999)
‘Oh, yeah, I’ll tell you something’ (1963)
‘Sexy, everything about you is so sexy’
(2002)
‘Guess it’s true I’m not good at a one-
night stand’ (2014)
‘Are you gonna take me home tonight’
(1978)

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Boy Bands
Using the internet, identify the Boy Bands from these clues.

1. Gary, Mark, Robbie, Jason, Howard

2. Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall, Zayn

3. Ronan, Stephen, Mikey, Shane, Keith

4. Aston, JB, Marvin, Oritsé

5. Micky, Davy, Michael, Peter

6. Alan, Donny, Merrill, Jay, Wayne

7. Les, Eric, Woody, Alan, Derek

8. Luke, Matt, Craig

9. Joe, Kevin, Nick

10. Bryan, Shane, Mark, Nicky, Kian

11. Antony, Duncan, Lee, Simon

12. Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, Tito

13. Danny, Donnie, Joey, Jonathan, Jordan

14. JC, Justin, Chris, Joey, James

15. J, Ritchie, Scott, Richard, Sean

16. Danny, Dougie, Harry, James, Matt, Tom

17. Nick, Howie, Brian, AJ, Kevin

18. Tony, Brian, John, Terry

19. Danny, Donnie, Joey, Jonathan, Jordon, AJ, Brian, Howie, Nick

20. Wanya, Michael, Shawn, Nathan

21. George, Jaymi, JJ, Josh

22. Barclay, Casey, Charlie, Chris, Jake, James, Reece, Tom

23. Phil, Mark, Jason


Page | 9 © W W W . M U S I C A L C O N T E X T S . C O . U K
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Rock and Pop Names 1


Using the internet, identify the name of the groups or artists from the clues of their names.

1. After a character in the film Barbarella (and also the name of the club in Birmingham
where the band first performed)

2. From ‘Boys Entering Anarchistic States Towards Inner Excellence’

3. A shock name referring to the assassination of two prominent US politicians

4. From ‘Ladies Love Cool James’

5. After a medieval torture instrument

6. Inspired by the answer to the meaning of life (according to Douglas Adams)

7. From the name of a famous agriculturalist and author of Horse-Hoeing Husbandry

8. After the band’s home town in Somerset

9. Taken from a French magazine title and meaning ‘fast fashion’

10. After a German art movement of the 1920’s and 1930’s

11. After a pair of characters in the Tintin cartoons by Hergé

12. Inspired by the band’s cramped living conditions while working on their debut album

13. Named after the Austrian whose assassination precipitated the First World War

14. After a term for obsessive computer enthusiasts

15. From a Muddy Waters song

16. Inspired by the Velvet Underground and their song ‘Venus in Furs’

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17. From the title of a ‘video nasty’ featuring a large number of enraged antagonists

18. From a book by J. R. R. Tolkein

19. Originally as a parody of Fats Domino’s name

20. After the silver ball in the Woody Allen film, Sleeper, which had a drug-like effect

when touched

21. Taken from the title of a Steely Dan song

22. After the high priestess of Vulcan in Star Trek

23. After the German word for ‘power plant’

24. From the names of the two founder members added to that of a trucking magazine

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Rock and Pop Names 2


Using the internet, identify the name of the groups or artists from the clues of their names.

1. After the lead singer’s bleached hair

2. Taken from the name on an unemployment benefit form

3. Changed their name from the ‘Chicago Transit Authority’ after legal action by the City
of Chicago

4. Prompted by a newspaper headline reporting Frank Sinatra’s move to California

5. Inspired by the term ‘rhythmic gymnastics’, a method of teaching music

6. From the desperate financial situation the band members once found themselves in

7. After the French town and football team

8. After a children’s programme on French TV about a little boy and his dog

9. From the slang term for the drug Dexedrine

10. As a parody of many groups whose names start with ‘the’

11. Named after the river in Greek mythology that separates the earth from the
underworld

12. From the slang term for lesbian

13. Taken from the name of a chain of cinemas

14. Meaning ‘beyond the voice’ in Latin

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15. From a joke once made about the band’s future prospects ‘going down like a lead
balloon’

16. Based on the Italian phrase for ‘political writings’

17. Named after a character in the Back to the Future series of films

18. The nickname for the bouffant hairstyle sported by its female members

19. Originally named after a children’s book called Mr Crowe’s Garden

20. Spanish for ‘the Wolves’

21. After a book written by Herman Melville, this artist’s great-uncle

22. From the nicknames of the two lead singers, Joseph Simmons and Darryl McDaniels

23. After a slang term for a drug user who takes a lot of speed

24. From a term for the detached gaze of a battle-weary or shell-shocked soldier

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Novelty Records
Using the internet, research and identify the artists responsible for these novelty records.

1. ‘Can We Fix It?’ (2000)


2. ‘Combine Harvester (Brand New Key) (1976)
3. ‘ Say Eh-Oh!’ (1997)
4. ‘Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West’ (1971)
5. ‘There’s No-One Quite Like Grandma’ (1980)
6. ‘The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?) (2014)
7. ‘Shaddap You Face’ (1981)
8. ‘Gangman Style’ (2012)
9. ‘Grandad’ (1971)
10. ‘Eat It’ (1984)
11. ‘Chocolate Salty Balls’ (1999)
12. ‘The Chicken Song’ (1986)
13. ‘Star Trekkin’’ (1986)
14. ‘Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Please’ (1980)
15. ‘My Ding-a-Ling’ (1972)
16. ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ (1960)
17. ‘The Ketchup Song (Aserejé) (2002)
18. ‘I’m Sexy and I Know It’ (2011)
19. ‘I’m too Sexy’ (1991)
20. ‘Barbie Girl’ (1997)
21. ‘Crazy Frog’ (2005)
22. ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ (1974)
23. ‘We All Stand Together’ (1984)
24. ‘Jilted John’ (1978)

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Singers and Backers 1


Using the internet, research and complete the names of these groups by naming
the singer most closely associated with the backing band.

ANSWERS
1. Gerry and the Pacemakers

2. Cliff Richard and the Shadows

3. Ian Dury and the Blockheads

4. Siouxsie and the Banshees

5. Paul McCartney and Wings

6. Bruce Hornsby and the Range

7. Doctor and the Medics

8. Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel

9. Martha Reeves and the Vandellas

10. Elvis Costello and the Attractions

11. Joan Lett and the Blackhearts

12. Prince and the Revolution

13. Katrina and the Waves

14. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

15. Neil Young and Crazy Horse

16. Gary Byrd and the G. B. Experience

17. Lonnie Donegan and His Skiffle Group

18. Acker Bilk and the Paramount Jazz Band

19. Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires

20. Harold Melvin and the Bluetones

21. Dr Hook and the Medicine Show

22. Johnny and the Hurricanes

23. Terry Dactyl and the Dinosaurs

24. Eddie and the Hotrods

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Singers and Backers 2


Using the internet, research and complete the names of these groups by
naming the singer most closely associated with the backing band.

ANSWERS

1. Sly and the Family Stone

2. Bill Haley and the Comets

3. Derek and the Dominos

4. Echo and the Bunnymen

5. Booker and the MGs

6. Diana Ross and the Supremes

7. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

8. Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

9. Prince and the New Power Generation

10. Yazz and the Plastic Population

11. Hootie and the Blowfish

12. Mike and the Mechanics

13. Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers

14. Roy Wood and Wizzard

15. Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen

16. Iggy Pop and the Stooges

17. Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass

18. Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions

19. Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band

20. Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians

21. Joe Brown and the Bruvvers

22. James Brown and the Famous Flames

23. Lulu and the Luvvers

24. Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders

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Singers and Backers 3


Using the internet, research and complete the names of these groups by naming
the singer most closely associated with the backing band.

ANSWERS

1. Adam and the Ants

2. KC and the Sunshine Band

3. Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine

4. Gladys Knight and the Pips

5. John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band

6. Bob Marley and the Wailers

7. Kool and the Gang

8. Huey Lewis and the News

9. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

10. Kid Creole and the Coconuts

11. Freddie and the Dreamers

12. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

13. Buddy Holly and the Crickets

14. Gary Numan and Tubeway Army

15. Cliff Richard and the Drifters

16. Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention

17. Sheila E and the E-Train

18. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

19. Duane Eddy and the Rebelettes

20. Wyclef Jean and the Refugee Allstars

21. Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas

22. Brian Poole and the Tremeloes

23. Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames

24. Bobby Angelo and the Tuxedos


Page | 17 © W W W . M U S I C A L C O N T E X T S . C O . U K
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First Lines of Pop Songs 1


ANSWERS

First Line of Song... Song Title Artist/Band/Group


‘Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman’
(1975)
‘Stand By Your Man’ Tammy Wynette
‘This hit that ice cold Michelle Pfeiffer
that white gold’ (2015)
‘Uptown Funk’ Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars
‘A few questions that I need to know,
how you could ever treat me so’ (1997)
‘Never Ever’ All Saints
‘There’s nothing you can do that can’t be
done’ (1967)
‘All You Need is Love’ The Beatles
‘ There’s dancing behind the movie
scenes’ (1998)
‘Brimful of Asha’ Cornershop
‘I bet you’re wondering how I knew’
(1969)
‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ Marvin Gaye
‘I used to think maybe you loved me,
now baby I’m sure’ (1985)
‘Walking on Sunshine’ Katrina and The Waves
‘Today is gonna be the day that they’re
gonna throw it back to you’ (1995)
‘Wonderwall’ Oasis
‘When I’m feeling blue, all I have to do,
is take a look at you’ (1988)
‘Groovy Kind of Love’ Phil Collins
‘I wonder if one day that you’ll say that
you care’ (1967)
‘Puppet on a String’ Sandie Shaw
‘Fire in the disco’ (2003) ‘Danger High Voltage’ Electric Six
‘The silicon chip inside her head’ (1979) ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ The Boomtown Rats
‘Just shoot for the stars if it feels right
and aim for my heart if you feel like’ ‘Moves like Jagger’ Maroon 5
(2010)
‘You keep saying you’ve got something ‘These Boots Are Made for
for me’ (1966)
Nancy Sinatra
Walking’
‘ Remember those walls I built, well baby
they’re tumbling down’ (2008)
‘Halo’ Beyoncé
‘ I know I stand in line until you think you
have the time to spend an evening with ‘Somethin’ Stupid’ Frank and Nancy Sinatra
me’ (1967)
‘ Some people might say my life is in a
rut’ (1980)
‘Going Underground’ The Jam
‘I get knocked down’ (1997) ‘Tubthumping’ Chumbawamba
‘I got my head checked by a jumbo jet’
(1997)
‘Song 2’ Blur
‘The Mississippi Delta was shining like a
national guitar’ (1986)
‘Graceland’ Paul Simon
‘Sometimes you’re better off dead,
there’s a gun in your hand, it’s pointing ‘West End Girls’ The Pet Shop Boys
at your head’ (1986)
‘Look into my eyes, you will see what
you mean to me’ (1991)
‘Everything I Do (I Do it for You)’ Bryan Adams
‘When I was young, it seemed that life
was so wonderful, a miracle’ (1970)
‘The Logical Song’ Supertramp
‘I’m here just like I said, though it’s
breaking every rule I’ve ever made’ ‘Leave Right Now’ Will Young
(2003)

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First Lines of Pop Songs 2


ANSWERS

First Line of Song... Song Title Artist/Band/Group


‘There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters
‘Stairway to Heaven’ Led Zeppelin
is gold’ (1971)
‘I remember when, I remember, I
‘Crazy’ Gnarles Barkley
remember when I lost my mind’ (2006)
‘We skipped the light fandango’ (1967) ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’ Procol Harum
‘Like the legend of phoenix all ends with
‘Get Lucky’ Daft Punk
beginnings’ (2013)
‘As I walk through the valley of the
‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ Coolio feat. LV
shadow of death’ (1995)
‘It’s close to midnight and something
‘Thriller’ Michael Jackson
evil’s lurking in the dark’ (1983)
‘Please, please tell me now’ (1983) ‘Is There Something I should Know?’ Duran Duran
‘They say we’re young and we don’t
‘I Got You Babe’ Sonny and Cher
know’ (1965)
‘I’m coming up’ (2002) ‘Get the Party Started’ Pink
‘And you may find yourself living in a
‘Once in a Lifetime’ Talking Heads
shotgun shack’ (1981)
‘I met a gin-soaked-bar-room queen in
‘Honky Tonk Woman’ Rolling Stones
Memphis’ (1969)
‘Yes! So crazy right now’ (2003) ‘Crazy in Love’ Beyoncé
‘You were working as a waitress in a
‘Don’t You Want Me’ The Human League
cocktail bar when I met you’ (1981)
‘You’re insecure, don’t know what for’
‘What Makes You Beautiful’ One Direction
(2011)
‘I heard you on the wireless back in ‘52’
‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ The Buggles
(1979)
‘Well you’re dirty and sweet, clad in
black, don’t look back, and I love you’ ‘Get it On’ T-Rex
(1971)
‘Well, I don’t know why I came here
‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ Stealers Wheel
tonight’ (1973)
‘Now there’s a backstreet lover that is
‘Walk This Way’ Run DMC
always undercover’ (1986)
‘Holding you closer it’s time that I told
‘Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love) Spiller
you everything’s going to be fine’ (2000)
‘Ever seen a blind man cross the road?’
‘Handbags and Gladrags’ Stereophonics
(2001)
‘Every night I grab some money and I go
‘Dead Ringer for Love’ Meatloaf
down to the bar’ (1981)
‘In my imagination, there is no
complication, I dream about you all the ‘I Should be so Lucky’ Kylie Minogue
time’ (1988)
‘You think I’m pretty without any make-
‘Teenage Dream’ Katy Perry
up on’ (2010)
‘Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking
when I said I’d like to smash every tooth ‘Big Mouth Strikes Again’ The Smiths
in your head’ (1986)

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First Lines of Pop Songs 3


ANSWERS

First Line of Song... Song Title Artist/Band/Group


‘Right about now’ (1998) ‘Rockafeller Skank’ Fatboy Slim
‘Enjoy this trip, enjoy this trip – and it is
‘Theme from S Express’ S Express
a trip’ (1988)
‘Why do birds suddenly appear?’ (1970) ‘(They Long to Be) Close to You’ The Carpenters
‘There lived a certain man in Russia long
‘Rasputin’ Boney M
ago’ (1978)
‘I wanna hold ‘em like they do in Texas
‘Poker Face’ Lady Gaga
please’ (2008)
‘Hell is gone and heaven’s here’ (1998) ‘Let Me Entertain You’ Robbie Williams

‘What you want, baby I got’ (1967) ‘Respect’ Aretha Franklin


‘One, two, three, four, five, everybody in
‘Mambo No.5’ Lou Bega
the car, so come on let’s ride’ (1999)
‘I make it alone’ (1980) ‘One Day I’ll Fly Away’ Randy Crawford

‘Poor old Johnny Ray’ (1982) ‘Come on Eileen’ Dexy’s Midnight Runners
‘I am just a poor boy though my story’s
‘The Boxer’ Simon and Garfunkel
seldom told’ (1969)
‘It might seem crazy what I’m about to
‘Happy’ Pharrell Williams
say’ (2014)
‘Street’s like a jungle so call the police’
‘Girls and Boys’ Blur
(1994)
‘I feel so extraordinary something’s got a
‘True Faith’ New Order
hold on me’ (1987)
‘There must be some kind of way out of
‘All Along the Watchtower’ Jimi Hendrix
here’ (1968)
‘Holly came from Miami FLA’ (1973) ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ Lou Reed
‘We’ll do it all, everything on our own’
‘Chasing Cars’ Snow Patrol
(2006)
‘Once upon a time not so long ago’
‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ Bon Jovi
(1986)
‘I was searchin’ on a one-way street’
‘Sweet Talkin’ Woman’ Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
(1978)
‘Who knows what tomorrow brings?’
‘Up Where we Belong’ Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
(1983)
‘You never close your eyes any more
‘You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling’ The Righteous Brothers
when I kiss your lips’ (1965)
‘We walked in the cold air, freezing
‘Vienna’ Ultravox
breath on the windowpane’ (1981)
‘I wake up every day it’s a daydream’
‘Bonkers’ Dizzee Rascal
(2009)
‘If you like to gamble, I tell you I’m your
‘The Ace of Spades’ Motorhead
man’ (1980)
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First Lines of Pop Songs 4


Using the internet, research the titles of these songs from the list of first lines
presented. The year each song was a hit is supplied to assist you. Also give the name of
the performers.
First Line of Song... Song Title Artist/Band/Group
‘I heard that you’ve settled down’ (2011) ‘Someone Like You’ Adele
‘Get Up (I Feel Like Being) A Sex
‘Get up, get on up’ (1970) James Brown
Machine’
‘Oh baby baby, how was I supposed to
‘Baby One More Time’ Britney Spears
know?’ (1999)
‘Goodbye Norma Jean’ (1974) ‘Candle in the Wind’ Elton John
‘Help me escape this feeling of
‘Relight my Fire’ Take That/Lulu
insecurity’ (1993)
‘On a dark desert highway’ (1977) ‘Hotel California’ The Eagles
‘We’ve got stars directing our fate’
‘Millennium’ Robbie Williams
(1998)
‘My baby don’t mess around because
‘Hey Ya!’ OutKast
she loves me so’ (2004)
‘Hey there, here I am, I’m the man on
‘Hard to Handle’ Otis Reading
the scene’ (1968)
‘I see you driving around town with the
‘Forget You’ CeeLo Green
girl I love’ (2010)
‘You could have a steam train if you’d
‘Sledgehammer’ Peter Gabriel
just lay down your tracks’ (1986)
‘Nobody on the road, nobody on the
‘The Boys of Summer’ Don Henley
beach’ (1985)
‘Though I’ve tried before to tell her of
the feelings I have for her in my heart’ ‘Every Little Thing She Does is Magic’ The Police
(1981)
‘I’m the trouble starter, punkin’
‘Firestarter’ The Prodigy
instigator’ (1996)
‘My tea’s gone cold, I’m wondering why I
‘That You’ (Dido) or ‘Stan’ Eminem
got out of bed at all’ (2001/2000)
‘You’ve done it all, you’ve broken every
‘Make Me Smile’ Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel
code’ (1975)
‘I want you to love me like I’m hot pie’
‘Only Girl (In the World)’ Rihanna
(2010)
‘You’ve been around all night and that’s
‘Mickey’ Toni Basil
a little long’ (1982)
‘There’s no point in asking, you’ll get no
‘Pretty Vacant’ The Sex Pistols
reply’ (1977)
‘I want to run, I want to hide’ (1987) ‘Where the Streets have No Name’ U2
‘Down, down, you bring me down’
‘I Am the Resurrection’ The Stone Roses
(1992)
‘Time goes by so slowly’ (2005) ‘Hung Up’ Madonna
‘Yeah, I’m out that Brooklyn, now I’m
‘Empire State of Mind’ Jay Z and Alicia Keys
down in Tribeca’ (2009)
‘Here comes Johnny Yen again’ (1996) ‘Lust for Life’ Iggy Pop
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First Lines of Pop Songs 5


ANSWERS

First Line of Song... Song Title Artist/Band/Group


‘Out on the wily, windy moors’ (1978) ‘Wuthering Heights’ Kate Bush

‘In the deserts of Sudan’ (1978) ‘Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick’ Ian Dury and the Blockheads
‘You’ve got a great car, yeah, what’s
‘Bohemian Like You’ Dandy Warhols
wrong with it today?’ (2001)
‘I met her in a club down in north Soho’
‘Lola’ The Kinks
(1970)
‘I thought I saw a man brought to life’
‘Torn’ Natalie Imbruglia
(1997)
‘Sometimes I feel I’ve got to run away’
‘Tainted Love’ Soft Cell
(1981)
‘You, you’re such a big star to me’ (2006) ‘Shine’ Take That
‘She came from Greece, she had a thirst
‘Common People’ Pulp
for knowledge’ (1995)
‘The lights are on, but you’re not home’
‘Addicted to Love’ Robert Palmer
(1986)
‘I made it through the wilderness’ (1984) ‘Like a Virgin’ Madonna
‘Look at the stars, look how they shine
‘Yellow’ Coldplay
for you’ (2000)
‘Once I had a love and it was a gas’
‘Heart of Glass’ Blondie
(1979)
‘So if you’re lonely you know I’m here
‘Take Me Out’ Franz Ferdinand
waiting for you’ (2004)
‘How many times have you woken up
‘Always the Sun’ The Stranglers
and prayed for the rain?’ (1986)
‘May I have you attention please?’
‘The Real Slim Shady’ Eminem
(2000)
‘It’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for
‘Marry You’ Bruno Mars
something dumb to do’ (2010)
‘When the moon is in the seventh house
‘Aquarius (Let the Sun Shine In) Fifth Dimension
and Jupiter aligns with Mars’ (1969)
‘Well I guess it would be nice if I could
‘Faith’ George Michael
touch your body’ (1987)
‘I’ve been cheated by you since I don’t
‘Mamma Mia’ Abba
know when’ (1975)
‘I’ve known a few guys who thought they
‘That Don’t Impress me Much’ Shania Twain
were pretty smart’ (1999)
‘Oh, yeah, I’ll tell you something’ (1963) ‘I Want to Hold your Hand’ The Beatles
‘Sexy, everything about you is so sexy’
‘Just a Little’ Liberty X
(2002)
‘Guess it’s true I’m not good at a one-
‘Stay with Me’ Sam Smith
night stand’ (2014)
‘Are you gonna take me home tonight’
‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ Queen
(1978)
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Boy Bands
ANSWERS

1. Gary, Mark, Robbie, Jason, Howard Take That

2. Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall, Zayn One Direction

3. Ronan, Stephen, Mikey, Shane, Keith Boyzone

4. Aston, JB, Marvin, Oritsé JLS

5. Micky, Davy, Michael, Peter The Monkees

6. Alan, Donny, Merrill, Jay, Wayne The Osmonds

7. Les, Eric, Woody, Alan, Derek The Bay City Rollers

8. Luke, Matt, Craig Bros

9. Joe, Kevin, Nick Jonas Brothers

10. Bryan, Shane, Mark, Nicky, Kian Westlife

11. Antony, Duncan, Lee, Simon Blue

12. Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, Tito The Jackson 5

13. Danny, Donnie, Joey, Jonathan, Jordan New Kids on the Block

14. JC, Justin, Chris, Joey, James N Sync

15. J, Ritchie, Scott, Richard, Sean 5ive

16. Danny, Dougie, Harry, James, Matt, Tom McBusted

17. Nick, Howie, Brian, AJ, Kevin Backstreet Boys

18. Tony, Brian, John, Terry East 17

19. Danny, Donnie, Joey, Jonathan, Jordon, AJ, Brian, Howie, Nick NKOTBSB

20. Wanya, Michael, Shawn, Nathan Boyz II Men

21. George, Jaymi, JJ, Josh Union J

22. Barclay, Casey, Charlie, Chris, Jake, James, Reece, Tom Stereo Kids

23. Phil, Mark, Jason Big Fun


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Rock and Pop Names 1


ANSWERS

1. After a character in the film Barbarella (and also the name of the club in Birmingham
where the band first performed) Duran Duran

2. From ‘Boys Entering Anarchistic States Towards Inner Excellence’ Beastie Boys

3. A shock name referring to the assassination of two prominent US politicians

Dead Kennedys

4. From ‘Ladies Love Cool James’ LL Cool J

5. After a medieval torture instrument Iron Maiden

6. Inspired by the answer to the meaning of life (according to Douglas Adams) Level 42

7. From the name of a famous agriculturalist and author of Horse-Hoeing Husbandry

Jethro Tull

8. After the band’s home town in Somerset Portishead

9. Taken from a French magazine title and meaning ‘fast fashion’ Depeche Mode

10. After a German art movement of the 1920’s and 1930’s Bauhaus

11. After a pair of characters in the Tintin cartoons by Hergé The Thompson Twins

12. Inspired by the band’s cramped living conditions while working on their debut album

Crowded House

13. Named after the Austrian whose assassination precipitated the First World War

Franz Ferdinand

14. After a term for obsessive computer enthusiasts The Propellerheads

15. From a Muddy Waters song The Rolling Stones


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16. Inspired by the Velvet Underground and their song ‘Venus in Furs’

The Psychedelic Furs

17. From the title of a ‘video nasty’ featuring a large number of enraged antagonists

10,000 Maniacs

18. From a book by J. R. R. Tolkein Marillion

19. Originally as a parody of Fats Domino’s name Chubby Checker

20. After the silver ball in the Woody Allen film, Sleeper, which had a drug-like effect

when touched The Orb

21. Taken from the title of a Steely Dan song Deacon Blue

22. After the high priestess of Vulcan in Star Trek T’Pau

23. After the German word for ‘power plant’ Kraftwerk

24. From the names of the two founder members added to that of a trucking magazine

Bachman Turner Overdrive

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Rock and Pop Names 2


ANSWERS

1. After the lead singer’s bleached hair Blondie

2. Taken from the name on an unemployment benefit form UB40

3. Changed their name from the ‘Chicago Transit Authority’ after legal action by the City
of Chicago Chicago

4. Prompted by a newspaper headline reporting Frank Sinatra’s move to California


Frankie Goes to Hollywood

5. Inspired by the term ‘rhythmic gymnastics’, a method of teaching music


Eurythmics

6. From the desperate financial situation the band members once found themselves in
Dire Straits

7. After the French town and football team St. Etienne

8. After a children’s programme on French TV about a little boy and his dog
Belle and Sebastian

9. From the slang term for the drug Dexedrine Dexy’s Midnight Runners

10. As a parody of many groups whose names start with ‘the’ The The

11. Named after the river in Greek mythology that separates the earth from the
underworld Styx

12. From the slang term for lesbian Scissor Sisters

13. Taken from the name of a chain of cinemas Roxy Music

14. Meaning ‘beyond the voice’ in Latin Ultravox

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15. From a joke once made about the band’s future prospects ‘going down like a lead
balloon’ Led Zeppelin

16. Based on the Italian phrase for ‘political writings’ Scritti Politti

17. Named after a character in the Back to the Future series of films McFly

18. The nickname for the bouffant hairstyle sported by its female members
The B52’s

19. Originally named after a children’s book called Mr Crowe’s Garden The Black Crowes

20. Spanish for ‘the Wolves’ Los Lobos

21. After a book written by Herman Melville, this artist’s great-uncle Moby

22. From the nicknames of the two lead singers, Joseph Simmons and Darryl McDaniels
Run DMC

23. After a slang term for a drug user who takes a lot of speed Motorhead

24. From a term for the detached gaze of a battle-weary or shell-shocked soldier
Thousand Yard Stare

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Novelty Records
ANWERS

1. ‘Can We Fix It?’ (2000) Bob the Builder


2. ‘Combine Harvester (Brand New Key) (1976) The Wurzels
3. ‘ Say Eh-Oh!’ (1997) Teletubbies
4. ‘Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West’ (1971) Benny Hill
5. ‘There’s No-One Quite Like Grandma’ (1980) St. Winifred’s School Choir
6. ‘The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?) (2014) Ylvis
7. ‘Shaddap You Face’ (1981) Joe Dolce Music Theatre
8. ‘Gangman Style’ (2012) Psy
9. ‘Grandad’ (1971) Clive Dunn
10. ‘Eat It’ (1984) Weird Al Yankovic
11. ‘Chocolate Salty Balls’ (1999) Chef
12. ‘The Chicken Song’ (1986) Spitting Image
13. ‘Star Trekkin’’ (1986) The Firm
14. ‘Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Please’ (1980) Splodgenessabounds
15. ‘My Ding-a-Ling’ (1972) Chuck Berry
16. ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ (1960) Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren
17. ‘The Ketchup Song (Aserejé) (2002) Las Ketchup
18. ‘I’m Sexy and I Know It’ (2011) LMFAO
19. ‘I’m too Sexy’ (1991) Right Said Fred
20. ‘Barbie Girl’ (1997) Aqua
21. ‘Crazy Frog’ (2005) Axel F
22. ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ (1974) Karl Douglas
23. ‘We All Stand Together’ (1984) Paul McCartney and The Frog Chorus
24. ‘Jilted John’ (1978) Jilted John

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