by Christina Pomoni

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: March 08, 2011

Often, good first lines just open the door a crack. And once this crack is open, the song carries the audience away, sweeping thoughts, creating feelings and reflecting the magnitude of music.

Having strong opening lines is important because interesting and mystifying first lines capture the listeners' attention inviting them to listen more. And normally great opening lines are followed by great lyrics.

My approach on deciding on the songs that have great opening lines is purely based on personal preferences.

1. "Bizarre Love Triangle" New Order from the album "Substance" (1987)

Rooting in the melancholy and self-distraction of Joy Division, Bizarre Love Triangle's philosophical lyrics affect the listener uniquely. "Every time I think of you, I get shot right through in a bolt of blue". And then, personal responsibility gives its place to self-defence. "It's no problem of mine but it's a problem I find living a life that I can't leave behind".

2. "City of blinding lights" U2 from the album "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" (2004)

Rooting in the great ability of U2 to produce not only great tunes, but also great lyrics, "City of blinding lights" reflects the reality of our era where people endure communication breakdown and information overload ending up knowing nothing. "The more I see the less I know, the less you find out as you go, I knew much more then than I do now".

3. "Honeymooners" - Lucky Jim from the album "Our Troubles End Tonight" (2007)

Atmospheric ballad, with consistent guitar chords anchored to a slightly military drum pattern, and a deeply personal performance reflecting the psyche of a tormented love affair. "Darling I am shaking and my limbs are made of fire and though all heaven is revealed you are my one desire".

4. "Infidelity (Only you)" - Skunk Anansie from the album "Stoosh" (1997)

Subtle, moody, and melodic expression of intense emotion, anger, and lament anchored with the outrageous tenderness of Skin's voice and a mature metal sound, breeding elements of funk. "Lost infidelity, we never said a word, so black and white you see it's all the lies we've heard".

5. "You Look So Fine" Garbage from the album "Version 2.0" (1999)

Purely fresh melody expressed through a humid voice anchored in obscure guitar riffs, while reflecting mature pop scene. "You look so fine, I want to break your heart and give you mine, you're taking me over".

Other songs that would fit in my list are:

"Here without you" - Three Doors Down from the album "Away from the Sun" (2002) - "A hundred days have made me older since the last time that I saw your pretty face" .

"Ocean of noise" - Arcade Fire from the album "Neon Bible" (2007) - "In an ocean of noise, I first heard your voice".

"Hate Me" - Blue October from the album "Foiled" (2006) - "I have to block out thoughts of you so I don't lose my head".

"Ordinary Morning" - Chicane from the album "Behind The Sun" (2000) - "If there was nothing that I could say, turned your back and you just walked away."

"Crawling" Linkin Park from the album "Hybrid Theory" (2000) - "Crawling in my skin, these wounds they will not heal."

"Monsoon" Tokio Hotel from the album "Room 483" (2007) - "I'm staring at a broken door, there's nothing left here anymore."

My list is not comprehensive or final. I'm pretty sure that sitting in front of my laptop and listening to the songs I like I would come up with many others.

Long live lyrics!

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