ListoPedia

Songs That Tell a Story

The dataset consists of a collection of song titles along with their respective artists, albums, release years, and a brief summary of the themes or stories conveyed in the lyrics. Each entry portrays a unique narrative or emotional experience found within the songs, showcasing a diverse range of musical styles and historical contexts.

  1. Title: The name of the song.
  2. Artist: The performer or group who recorded the song.
  3. Album: The title of the album on which the song appears.
  4. Year: The year the song was released.
  5. Story Summary: A brief description outlining the main themes or narrative of the song.

Sample Data

Title Artist Album Year Story Summary
The Ballad of Lucy Jordan Marianne Faithfull Broken English 1979 A woman reflects on her life and choices as she reaches middle age.
Jolene Dolly Parton Jolene 1973 A woman pleads with another woman not to take her man.
American Pie Don McLean American Pie 1971 A nostalgic tale of the loss of innocence in American music and culture.
The River Bruce Springsteen The River 1980 A story of love and lost dreams in the working class.
Fast Car Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman 1988 A tale of escape and the struggle for a better life.
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia Vicki Lawrence Vicki Lawrence 1972 A murder ballad that unfolds in a Southern town.
Careless Whisper George Michael Make It Big 1984 A story of lost love and regret after a romantic betrayal.
Hotel California Eagles Hotel California 1976 An allegorical tale of excess and entrapment in the music industry.
Long Black Veil Johnny Cash Johnny Cash Sings Ballads of the True West 1965 A man falsely accused of murder reflects during his execution.
26 Miles across the Sea The Four Preps The Four Preps 1958 A story of longing and love set on Catalina Island.
Dead Man's Curve Jan & Dean Jan & Dean's Little Old Lady from Pasadena 1964 A cautionary tale about street racing and its tragic consequences.
Carmen Eric Clapton Slowhand 1977 A contemporary adaptation of the classic opera about a love triangle.
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia Vicki Lawrence The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia 1972 A brother seeks revenge after being wrongfully accused of murder.
Brown Eyed Girl Van Morrison Blowin' Your Mind 1967 Nostalgia for youthful love and carefree days.
We're Not Gonna Take It Twisted Sister Stay Hungry 1984 An anthem of rebellion and personal empowerment.
The River Bruce Springsteen The River 1980 A story of love and hard times centered around a young couple.
Me and Bobby McGee Janis Joplin Pearl 1971 A tale of love and freedom, and the loss of a traveling companion.
El Paso Marty Robbins Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs 1959 A cowboy's tragic love story set in El Paso, Texas.
Wildfire Michael Murphy Blue Sky – Night Thunder 1975 A story of a lost horse and the memories it evokes.
Landslide Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac 1975 A reflection on growth, change, and the passage of time.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 1973 An exploration of fame and the search for a simpler life.
Concrete Jungle Bob Marley Catch a Fire 1973 A vivid portrayal of life in the urban landscape of Jamaica.
Train in the Distance Paul Simon One-Trick Pony 1980 A narrative of personal growth and missed opportunities.
Streets of Laredo Traditional Various 1790s A cowboy's dying wish and the story of his last moments.
The Last Goodbye Jeff Buckley Grace 1994 A haunting tale of love and loss that combines elements of Shakespeare.
Ballad of the Green Berets Barry Sadler Ballads of the Green Berets 1966 A tribute to soldiers and their courage during the Vietnam War.
She's in Love with the Boy Trisha Yearwood Trisha Yearwood 1991 A young love story facing familial disapproval.
Delilah Tom Jones Tom Jones 1968 A man's heartache as he learns about his lover's betrayal.
Roxanne The Police Outlandos d'Amour 1978 A man begs a woman to leave her life of prostitution.
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) Green Day Nimrod 1997 A reflective song about transitions and moments in life.
Vincent Don McLean American Pie 1971 A tribute to Vincent van Gogh and the beauty of his art amidst tragedy.
Hotel California Eagles Hotel California 1977 A mysterious tale of a traveler trapped in a luxurious but sinister hotel.
Whiskey Lullaby Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss Mud on the Tires 2003 A story of heartbreak and the tragic aftermath of love lost.
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia Vicki Lawrence The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia 1972 A story of betrayal and wrongful execution in the South.
You Don't Know Me Ray Charles Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music 1962 A man expresses his unrequited love and hidden feelings.
Hey Jude The Beatles The Beatles (The White Album) 1968 A comforting message to someone going through a difficult time.
Spill the Wine The Animals The Best of the Animals 1970 A whimsical tale involving a chance encounter and a party.
Tim McGraw Taylor Swift Taylor Swift 2006 A tale of nostalgia and lost love tied to a favorite country song.
Big Iron Marty Robbins Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs 1959 A story of a ranger's hunt for an outlaw with a big iron on his hip.
Running to Stand Still U2 The Joshua Tree 1987 A narrative about addiction and the struggle for redemption.
Folsom Prison Blues Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison 1968 A prisoner's regret and longing for freedom.
Where the Streets Have No Name U2 The Joshua Tree 1987 A journey for a better life beyond societal divisions.
Black Velvet Alannah Myles Alannah Myles 1989 A tribute to the music of Elvis Presley set against a backdrop of longing.
The Night Before Christmas The Brian Setzer Orchestra Brian Setzer Goes Instru-Mental! 2000 A musical retelling of the classic Christmas poem.
Middle of the Road The Pretenders Learning to Crawl 1984 A personal narrative about self-identity and belonging.
Chasing Cars Snow Patrol Eyes Open 2006 A story of love and the desire to simply be together.
Love Story Taylor Swift Fearless 2008 A modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, featuring young love.
Angel from Montgomery John Prine John Prine 1971 A woman's yearning for a better life and connection.
I Will Always Love You Dolly Parton Hello, I'm Dolly 1974 A bittersweet farewell to a loved one while expressing enduring love.
Little Red Riding Hood Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs Wooly Bully 1966 A playful take on the traditional fairy tale.
Young, Wild & Free Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa Mac & Devin Go to High School 2011 A fun anthem about living carefree and enjoying youth.
Love Is a Battlefield Pat Benatar Get Nervous 1983 A portrayal of romantic struggles and the fight to stay together.
Desperado Eagles Desperado 1973 A ballad about a man's sorrow and desire for freedom.
Everybody Hurts R.E.M. Automatic for the People 1992 A comforting anthem for those dealing with pain and loneliness.
It Wasn't Me Shaggy Hot Shot 2000 A humorous tale of infidelity and the consequences of being caught.
I Will Survive Gloria Gaynor Love Tracks 1978 A story of empowerment after a breakup.
The Boys of Summer Don Henley Building the Perfect Beast 1984 A reflective song about lost love and memories of summer.
Long Train Runnin' The Doobie Brothers The Captain and Me 1973 A story about a wandering spirit seeking a place to belong.
Simple Man Lynyrd Skynyrd Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd 1973 A mother's advice to her son on living a fulfilling life.
Sundown Gordon Lightfoot Sundown 1974 A story of love and jealousy set against the backdrop of night.
American Girl Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 1976 A tale of dreams and despair in America.
Me and You Kenny Chesney No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems 2002 A simple narrative about love and togetherness.
Baker Street Gerry Rafferty City to City 1978 A melancholic story of longing and life in a big city.
Time in a Bottle Jim Croce You Don't Mess Around with Jim 1973 A contemplative song about cherishing moments with loved ones.
Gemini Kacey Musgraves Star-Crossed 2021 A modern story of the complexities of love and relationships.
Valerie Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures 2011 A story of longing for a loved one who has left.
Summer of '69 Bryan Adams Bryan Adams 1984 A nostalgic look back at youth and carefree days.
Tell Me the Truth Hootie & the Blowfish Cracked Rear View 1994 A quest for honesty in relationships.
American Dream MKTO MKTO 2013 A commentary on modern youth and the elusive American Dream.
Someone Like You Adele 21 2011 A tale of moving on after heartbreak and wishing the best for an ex.
Billie Jean Michael Jackson Thriller 1982 A man confronts his past and allegations regarding fatherhood.
Wild Horses The Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers 1971 A story of love that endures despite adversity.
Romeo and Juliet Dire Straits Making Movies 1980 A modern retelling of the classic Shakespearean love story.
Love Shack The B-52's Cosmic Thing 1989 A fun narrative about a place of love and joy.
Fire and Rain James Taylor James Taylor 1970 A reflective story of loss, addiction, and recovery.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together Taylor Swift Red 2012 A playful declaration of independence from a toxic relationship.
Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 1973 A search for authenticity amidst fame.
Two Princes Spin Doctors Pocket Full of Kryptonite 1991 A lighthearted story of a love triangle.
Heard It Through the Grapevine Marvin Gaye In the Groove 1968 A tale of infidelity and heartbreak upon discovering betrayal.
Fields of Gold Sting Ten Summoner's Tales 1993 A nostalgic look at love and memories shared in a beautiful field.
Angel Eyes Jeff Healey Band See the Light 1988 A story of love entwined with heartbreak and memory.
Dirty Water The Standells The Standells 1966 A tale about a man's love for his city despite its flaws.
Somebody's Baby Jackson Browne Lawyers in Love 1983 A story of young love and longing.
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) Bruce Springsteen The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle 1973 A romantic story of a couple's desire to break free together.
Islands in the Stream Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Eyes That See in the Dark 1983 A duet about a love that can withstand challenges.
Bad, Bad Leroy Brown Jim Croce Life and Times 1973 A narrative about a tough man who meets his fate.
Year of the Cat Al Stewart Year of the Cat 1976 A story that blends time, love, and history in a mystical way.
Take Me Home, Country Roads John Denver Poems, Prayers & Promises 1971 A longing for rural roots and a simple life.
Circle of Life Elton John The Lion King 1994 A portrayal of the interconnectedness of all living things through the cycle of life.
Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin IV 1971 An allegorical tale of a woman's quest for happiness and spiritual enlightenment.
Please Forgive Me David Foster David Foster 1994 A heartfelt plea for forgiveness in a troubled relationship.
Still D.R.E. Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg 2001 A story of resilience and returning to one's roots in the music industry. NaN
Easy Street The Doodletown Pipers The Doodletown Pipers 1972 A catchy tune narrating the pursuit of wealth and ease.
Sweet Child O' Mine Guns N' Roses Appetite for Destruction 1987 A declaration of love and the beauty seen in a significant other.
Behind Blue Eyes The Who Who's Next 1971 A reflection on loneliness, betrayal, and longing.
Walkin' on Sunshine Katrina and the Waves Katrina and the Waves 1985 An upbeat story of joy and the excitement of new love.
Goodbye to You Michelle Branch The Spirit Room 2001 A poignant tale of infidelity and the end of a relationship.
I Shot the Sheriff Bob Marley Burnin' 1973 A narrative about a man claiming to have shot a sheriff but insisting he was justified.
Graceland Paul Simon Graceland 1986 A journey of healing and self-discovery after loss.
I'm My Own Grandpa Lonzo & Oscar Lonzo & Oscar 1947 A humorous tale of complicated family relationships.
Waitin' on a Sunny Day Bruce Springsteen The Rising 2002 A hopeful narrative during difficult times, waiting for brighter days.
Sweet Home Alabama Lynyrd Skynyrd Second Helping 1974 A tribute to Southern pride amid cultural tensions.
Black Betty Ram Jam Ram Jam 1977 An energetic tale about a woman named Black Betty and her struggles.
Goodbye to You Scandal War & Peace 1982 A reflection on the end of a relationship and moving on.
I Don't Want to Talk About It Rod Stewart Every Picture Tells a Story 1971 A confession of sorrow after a painful breakup.
Good Times Bad Times Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin 1969 A story of life's ups and downs as experienced by young love.
How Do You Sleep? John Lennon Imagine 1971 A confrontational song addressing a former friend and collaborator.
Somebody's Watching Me Rockwell Somebody's Watching Me 1984 A narrative of paranoia and being constantly observed.
Sunny Afternoon The Kinks Face to Face 1966 A witty tale about wealth, leisure, and the burdens that come with them.
Chasing Cars Snow Patrol Eyes Open 2006 A romantic yearning and desire to stay with a loved one in the moment.
Only the Good Die Young Billy Joel The Stranger 1977 A young man's persuasive plea to a girl to defy her strict upbringing.
Yellow Ledbetter Pearl Jam Lost Dogs 2003 A story implied through cryptic lyrics about a letter not received.
Black Water The Doobie Brothers Toulouse Street 1974 A tale of longing to return home to a familiar place.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Gordon Lightfoot Summertime Dream 1976 A recount of the tragic sinking of a freighter in Lake Superior.
A Horse with No Name America America 1972 A reflective journey through a hot desert landscape.
It's My Life Bon Jovi Crush 2000 An anthem about living life on one's own terms.
Take It Easy Eagles Eagles 1972 An uplifting story about enjoying life's journey.
Old Town Road Lil Nas X 7 2019 A cross-genre anthem about cowboy culture and living freely.
Don't Stop Believin' Journey Escape 1981 A story of hope and perseverance through life's challenges.
Time of the Season The Zombies Odyssey and Oracle 1968 A narrative reflecting the emotional times of youth and love.
Buffalo Soldier Bob Marley Confrontation 1983 A story of African American soldiers fighting for freedom in the U.S.
The Boxer Simon & Garfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water 1970 A narrative of struggle and resilience in life.
Island in the Sun Weezer Weezer (Blue Album) 2001 A carefree narrative about finding happiness in paradise.
Fighting for My Life Mikky Ekko Time 2014 A struggle for survival after heartbreak.
Mr. Bojangles Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Will the Circle Be Unbroken 1972 A reflective story about an encounter with a street performer.
Good Old Days Macklemore featuring Kesha Gemini 2017 A nostalgic look back at youth and meaningful moments.
Your Song Elton John Elton John 1970 A heartfelt declaration of love and admiration.
Raspberry Beret Prince Around the World in a Day 1985 A story of young love inspired by a girl's fashion choice.
Carolina in My Mind James Taylor James Taylor 1968 A longing for home and memories tied to a specific place.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World Tears for Fears Songs from the Big Chair 1985 A reflection on power and the human experience.
Baker Street Gerry Rafferty City to City 1978 A narrative about life in the city and searching for meaning.
Badlands Bruce Springsteen Darkness on the Edge of Town 1978 A story of rebellion and aspiration against hard times.
Little Red Corvette Prince 1999 A metaphorical tale about a fleeting romance. NaN
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 1973 A man's search for a more authentic life after fame.
I Wanna Be Your Dog The Stooges The Stooges 1969 A bold statement about longing for connection and submission.
We Are Family Sister Sledge We Are Family 1979 A celebratory anthem of familial bonds and community.
City of New Orleans Steve Goodman Steve Goodman 1971 A narrative about the journey of a train and the people it sees.
Forever Young Bob Dylan Planet Waves 1974 A heartfelt wish for a loved one to stay safe and young.
Take It to the Limit Eagles One of These Nights 1975 A yearning for love and the consequences of pushing limits.
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow The Shirelles Sha La La 1960 A woman's longing for reassurance in love.
Mack the Knife Bobby Darin Bobby Darin at the Copa 1959 A jazzy narrative about a charming criminal.
Good Day Sunshine The Beatles Revolver 1966 A light-hearted song celebrating the joy of a sunny day.
Strange Mercy Sufjan Stevens Strange Mercy 2011 A narrative about the complexities of human relationships.
Wonderful Tonight Eric Clapton Slowhand 1977 A romantic depiction of an evening spent with a loved one.
All Along the Watchtower Bob Dylan John Wesley Harding 1967 A mysterious tale of impending change and urgency.
Woody Guthrie's This Land Is Your Land Woody Guthrie Dust Bowl Ballads 1945 An anthem celebrating America's landscapes and inclusivity.
Jungleland Bruce Springsteen Born to Run 1975 An epic story of youth, love, and the harsh realities of urban life.
Behind Closed Doors Charlie Rich Behind Closed Doors 1973 A look at the hidden struggles of a couple's relationship.
38 Special 'Hold On Loosely' 38 Special Wild-Eyed Southern Boys 1981 A narrative on maintaining relationships without suffocating.
I Want You Back The Jackson 5 Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 1969 A plea for love from someone who regrets a breakup.
In the Ghetto Elvis Presley From Elvis in Memphis 1969 A poignant tale of life and hardship in urban America.
We're Not Gonna Take It Twisted Sister Stay Hungry 1984 An anthem of rebellion and standing against control.
Summer In The City The Lovin' Spoonful Hums of the Lovin' Spoonful 1966 A story capturing the heat and rhythms of summer.
Murder in the City The Avett Brothers Emotionalism 2007 A narrative about life choices and the importance of love.