Music is a universal art form. No matter the genre or language, music can inspire millions of people worldwide. And there are certain songs so popular that practically everyone knows at least some of the lyrics. From holiday classics to songs you hear at weddings and sporting events, these are 13 songs everyone knows.
1. “Happy Birthday” — Various
Arguably the most well-known song of all time, we sing “Happy Birthday” at parties, restaurants, and everything in between for people’s special day. The simple lyrics help us celebrate births, typically before blowing out candles on a cake. Is there anyone who doesn’t know this song?
2. “Jingle Bells” — Various
Many Christmas songs could be on this list. But the non-secular “Jingle Bells” reigns supreme. Even those who don’t celebrate the holiday know the chorus “jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…” at the very least. It’d be a reasonable assumption that most know the opening line “Dashing through the snow…” also. You also learn a song’s reach if there are parody versions.
3. “Y.M.C.A” — The Village People
Multiple generations know this 1970s hit. A staple at weddings, at least one reception has probably caught you singing the chorus with its companion choreography. No one would call the song great art. But we cannot deny “it’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.”
4. “Sweet Caroline” — Neil Diamond
Speaking of wedding staples, we also hear Neil Diamond’s charmer at sporting events regularly. People typically don’t know every word but are familiar with the chorus. Even those unfamiliar with Diamond engage in the popular sing-alongs of “Sweet Caroline! Ba! Ba! Ba! Good times never seemed so good. So good, so good, so good!”
5. “We Will Rock You” — Queen
Is there ever an American football or hockey game that doesn’t play this Queen Rock anthem? Chances are, every lyric eludes most. But the simple chorus that repeats “We will rock you” three times will not. On the contrary, we’ll sing this at the top of our lungs.
6. “Over the Rainbow” — Judy Garland
A childhood staple like The Wizard of Oz inspires countless generations. The film’s most famous song also lives in the hearts of so many. But those who’ve never seen the movie still know “Over the Rainbow.” It is one of the most iconic songs in history, and almost anyone knows the lyrics “Somewhere over the Rainbow, way up high. There’s a land that heard of, once in a lullaby.”
7. “I Want It That Way” — Backstreet Boys
Anyone who doubts the widespread popularity and familiarity of the Backstreet Boys classic should watch a particular scene from the comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine. In that hilarious moment, a line-up of possible criminals starts singing the song. Some may balk, but this is entirely believable.
8. “Hit the Road Jack” — Ray Charles
The ultimate kiss-off song, “Hit the Road Jack,” feels timeless and universally well-known. Some may forget that it’s a Ray Charles song. But that’s likely because the most familiar part of the song comes from Margie Hendrix and the Raelettes, Charles’ backup singers. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who can’t sing the chorus, “Hit the road, Jack, and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the road, Jack, and don’t you come back no more.” Expressing our displeasure with someone by calling him “Jack“ must also be because of this song!
9. “Wannabe”- Spice Girls
Tell me what you want, what you really, really want. Even the most anti-pop music individual surely knows these Spice Girls lyrics. Undeniably, a girl power anthem, “Wannabe,” sold 10 million copies and rose to the top of multiple charts in 1996. Nowadays, almost anyone enjoys this fun party and karaoke classic.
10. “I Will Always Love You”- Whitney Houston
Even national treasure Dolly Parton will admit that Whitney Houston took her song to a higher plane. No one can deny this song’s iconic status. And the simple lyrics of the chorus are known by almost everyone. We cannot all sing like Whitney. Very few can. But that doesn’t stop us from belting, “And I will always love you!”
11. “Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)” — Steam
We regularly hear Steam’s rock anthem at football, baseball, and other games. Typically, we use it to taunt an opposing team, when a player leaves a game, or if a team cannot possibly win. It’s more widespread than that, heard in multiple films and on radio airplay. Memorably utilized in Remember the Titans, this song feels synonymous with sports.
12. “Twist and Shout” — The Beatles
A list of world-famous songs would be incomplete without a Beatles hit. The best-selling group ever, numerous songs fall under the criteria. But arguably, “Twist and Shout” has the easiest and catchiest lyrics. Plus, its use in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off catapults the song even higher.
13. “Respect” — Aretha Franklin
How many of you instantly heard “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me” in their heads? That instant recognition speaks to the timeless and seminal quality of Aretha Frankin’s soul anthem. We all deserve a little respect. And anytime that feels lacking, we likely start enthusiastically belting this tune.
10 Hilarious Lightweight Comedies About Rich People
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Get ready to dive into a world of luxury, laughter, and extravagant antics. We’re taking you on a whirlwind tour of ten sidesplitting lightweight comedies that revolve around the lives of the exceptionally wealthy. Having a lot of money can lead to plenty of absurd situations, and where there’s absurdity, there’s hilarity. From Crazy Rich Asians to Ruthless People, these ten films about rich people are perfect for a hilarious light viewing that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 10 Hilarious Lightweight Comedies About Rich People
10 Popular Movies With Perfect Endings Ruined by Lame Sequels
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When a movie becomes fans’ favorite, it’s not unusual to see filmmakers wanting to further explore its captivating storylines through sequels that may sometimes be below par. Lackluster follow-ups have been the death of perfect cinematic delivery in recent times, and a group of cineasts considers these popular movies ruined by successors that should never have been produced.
10 TV Shows People Wish They Could Watch for the First Time Again
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It feels like the first time. It feels like the very first time (I watched The Sopranos). As you endlessly scroll through the streaming verse of mediocre shows you know will leave you disappointed, why not fantasize about those shows that made you feel things you didn’t see a TV show could make you feel?
10 Actors and Actresses People Watch No Matter What They Star In
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Great actors progress through stages. Early in their careers, fans catch a glimpse of the talent and, each time they see the actor in a new role, realize that the talent is no fluke. Once the actor has built a long enough resume, the great ones enter must-see-at-all-costs territory. These actors and actresses have achieved near cult-leader status, and boy, have they earned it.
10 Movies Everyone Should See at Least Once in Their Lifetime
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If you haven’t seen these movies, what are you waiting for? You won’t find any hidden gems on this list; you may have already seen most of them. If there are any on this list that you still need to see, bump them up your watchlist. These are bucket-list movies you can’t possibly justify leaving unwatched.
This article was initially published and syndicated by The Cents of Money.
