by John Toscano

Created on: April 29, 2008

Thinking about some of my favourite opening lines in pop and rock songs, it occurred to me that if you asked several knowledgeable pop aficionados to produce lists of their own favourites and compared them with mine, you might well find that their choices had little in common, either with each other or my own. The scope for subjectivity and personal taste is so great that each person might well compile a completely different list. As regards my own choice, I have to admit that my selection is strongly influenced by my enthusiasm for the song that follows. The opening line sets the scene for the remainder of the song and creates in the mind a sense of anticipation for the music and lyrics that follow and in practice I am unable to separate the two.

As an example of this scene-setting effect of an opening line, consider the opening bars of "You're so Vain", by Carly Simon. The song begins with a short but slightly uneasy instrumental, followed by the famous opening line, "You walked into the party, like you were walking onto a yacht!", a line that sets the tone for the whole song.

Where I can, I have arranged my selection very loosely by themes, with a few notes and points of interest. Despite my attempt, some opening lines defy categorisation. Where would I place "I was born in a cross-fire hurricane", the opening line of Jumping Jack Flash by the Rolling Stones? And would that line really attract my attention if it were not for the strength and driving rhythm of the rest of the song? Probably not, but I still think it's a great opener.

I always enjoy looking through musical choices made by other people, as they often remind me of good songs I had forgotten about or help me find new music. I hope you enjoy my choice and find something here that is of interest.

Dark and profound:
"I read the news today, oh boy, about a lucky man who made the grade", A Day in the Life, The Beatles.
How on earth could the producers of BBC Radio One think that this song was unsuitable to play on the air?

Provocative:
"I met her in a bar down in Oh Soho where they drink champagne and it tastes just like cherry cola", Lola, The Kinks.
The theme of the song, about an encounter with a transvestite, was very bold for 1970.

Having and Not Having:
"Us and them, for after all we're only ordinary men" from Us and Them by Pink Floyd. A powerful song about war, violence and the contrast between the haves and have-nots.

A Fallen Hero:
"Say it ain't so Joe, please say it ain't so", from Say It Ain't So,

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