Witty, mischievous absurdity, hairy hopelessness, irrelevant incidents, or audible anticlimax and a pointless punchline? It’s time to examine the art of tall storytelling in song. Enjoy some examples in comedy and literature here, but how will your suggestions end up?
Read moreGreat expectations: songs about social mobility
On the move or stuck in one place? Class snobbery to pride, social control to aspiration, it’s a hugely potent part of human life, something that never seems to disappear in stories, situations, and above all the feelings it generates
Read moreYou can call me Alias: songs about nicknames and pseudonyms
Nom de plume to nom de guerre, moniker, handle to sobriquet, this week let’s dig out songs that mention substitute names, from youth and the unknown to the famous, whether they come from affection, fear, pure description or hype
Read moreTo reflect on life's passing: songs and music to play at funerals
What might be played at yours? The tranquil and reflective? Songs humorous, loud, brash or celebratory? Lyrics personal or universal? This week we create a cultural range as much for those present as the departed
Read moreFork handles to four Handels: songs about tools
From hand-held hammering to skilful sawing, sewing, screwing, or searching, take a good look in your musical shed for top tool-related tunes and place them in the suggestion box below
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