AoTW top songs with names in the title!

It’s hard to find anything more validating in this world than having a song written expressly about you. Here’s a little list we’ve compiled of some of our Favourite Songs With Peoples Names In The Title.

Alison – Elvis Costello
He’s always been pretty tight-lipped about the identity of the song’s namesake, but there’s no mistaking the fact that this soul-soaked ballad of regret is the Elvis Costello version of an apology. Apology accepted. (Gentlemen: take note.)

Angie – Rolling Stones
Rumoured to have been about Mick’s relationship with David Bowie’s then-wife Angie, the desperation in Jagger’s vocals is so poignant and the heavy acoustic guitar strums weigh on your shoulders like a falling wall. The lyric “Angie… I still love you baby” still makes karaoke-goers everywhere clutch the microphone sorrowfully, bowing their head, eyes closed.

Debra – Beck
It’s no secret that one of our writers has more than a passing interest in the multi-talented guero from LA. Beck’s classic three-way proposition (delivered in Prince-style falsetto no less) speaks for a generation of men who dream about reaching the ultimate sexual summit: nailing two sisters at once. I seriously hope they said ‘yes’...

Rhiannon – Fleetwood Mac
One of Stevie Nicks’ most haunting vocal performances in a song about a medieval witch she read about in her “mystic” phase. I totally effing hate medieval times – serfs, moats and all that shite... but Rhiannon sounds like an outrageously flighty temptress and the way Stevie sings it is wrenching. Italicise that: wrenching.

Hey Lloyd, I’m Ready to be Heartbroken – Camera Obscura
With one of the most wistful, sweet voices available to your ears, Camera Obscura’s TracyAnne Campbell sings the all-too-familiar tale of unrequited love: it's hard to see heartbreak coming sometimes when you're lost in romance. We hear you, sister.

Sweet Jane – Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground song that people who don’t like The Velvet Underground actually like. There’s something very pure and uncomplicated about the lyrics and the three-chord guitar riff (that is being strummed somewhere in the world by novice guitarists this very minute). Sometimes the plainest Jane can be the most beautiful.

Eddie You Should Know Better – Curtis Mayfield
Ever listened to ‘Super Fly’? No? You really mean that? – No??
Sigh. Get on it then! The soul record by the amazing Mr Mayfield is as all-time as it gets. Poor Eddie... he should have known better, baby.


Kim & Jessie – M83
The impossibly (and yet somehow possibly) beautiful M83 used otherworldly shoegaze/electronic magic to create one of our favourite tracks on the list. Beautiful, lush, exquisite, French… Damn. M83 – also known as the incredibly talented Anthony Gonzalez - has openly professed his inspiration came from Tears For Fears tune “Head Over Hills” – and Kim & Jessie was a result of wearing his influences well and truly on the sleeve. Gorgeous.

John I’m Only Dancing – David Bowie
Rad Bowie tune from his homo period (after his infamous interview during which he outed himself), where the narrator (presumably DB himself) soothes his jealous boyfriend, John, after being spotted dancing with a girl. Ironic…

William, it was really nothing – The Smiths
From sexually ambiguous Bowie to the sexual certainty of Morrissey. This is one of The Smiths great B-sides where Moz implores to the William of the title “How can you stay with a fat girl?”

Michael – Franz Ferdinand
Another gay-theme. Hands down the best Franz Ferdinand tune available to your ears with Alex Kapranos at his most haughty. Michael is sexy, Scottish, a little bit punk and outrageously good for the dancefloor. The song’s not bad either. (titter titter).

Gloria – Them
G. L. O. R. I. A…. Van Morrison might be a deranged, bad-tempered, ugly little man, but by gosh he could write a rock n roll song. Just try to avoid getting the mental picture of him pleasuring Gloria…


This list could have gone for miles, we realised once we got started.
A few other Songs With Peoples Names In The Title that we love like nobodies business include:

Amelia – Cocteau Twins
Kelly Watch The Stars - Air
Bennie and the Jets – Elton
Elizabeth on the Bathroom Floor – Eels
Sheila Take A Bow- The Smiths
James – Camera Obscura
Roscoe – Midlake
Making Plans for Nigel – XTC
Stella Was A Diver and She Was Always Down – Interpol
And a whole heap of Tom Waits songs.

Remind us of the ones we’ve forgotten – especially your own special namesake songs.


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