THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

103-Bob Dylan-Blowin’ in the Wind.

1963-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 2.21. This was the first song to make Bob Dylan financially secure. He had released the song as a single himself, but without any success, but after letting the Folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary record a version, which reached Number 2 on Billboard, things were to change forever. Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) recalled that when he told Dylan he would make more than $5,000 (equivalent to around $48,000 in 2022) from the publishing rights, Dylan was speechless!

‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ was written by Bob Dylan, (see also best songs 792-621-358-36 and 7) and first recorded by him in July 1962, and became the opening track on his second studio Album ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan,’ which was released in May 1963. ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ was produced by John Hammond, (1910-1987) who played a major part in the early development of Dylan’s music career, as well as helping many other major artists of the 20th Century.

Bob Dylan has said that it took him around 10 minutes to write ‘Blowin’ in the Wind,’ taking some inspiration for the song from his idol the Folk singer Woody Guthrie, (1912-1967) whose autobiography ‘Bound for Glory’ includes Guthrie comparing his political sensibility to newspapers blowing in the winds of New York City’s streets and alleys. The melody to ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ is not totally a Dylan original, and he has stated that it was adapted from an old African/American slave song called ‘No more auction Block/We Shall Overcome.’

‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ is a protest song, it tells us that peace and freedom are achievable, as is the ending of war, the answer to all of these questions are right in front of us, yet we do not see it. The song also caught the attention of the ‘Civil Rights Movement,’ with the American singer Mavis Staples stating her surprise that these words had come from a 21 year old white man. Another singer who was heavily influenced on first hearing the song was Sam Cooke, (1931-1964) who is said to have been inspired to write ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ (see also best songs 156.)

In June 1962 Bob Dylan spoke about the song in the Folk Music journal ‘Sing Out!’ ‘There ain’t too much I can say about this song except that the answer is blowing in the wind. It ain’t in no book or movie or TV show or discussion group. Man, it’s in the wind, and it’s blowing in the wind. Too many of these hip people are telling me where the answer is, but oh I won’t believe that. I still say it’s in the wind, and just like a restless piece of paper it’s got to come down some, but the only trouble is that no one picks up the answer when it comes down, so not too many people get to see and know and then it flies away. I still say that some of the biggest criminals are those that turn their heads away when they see wrong and know it’s wrong. I’m only 21 years old and I know that there’s been too many wars. You people over 21, you’re older and smarter.’

‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ marked a big step forward lyrically for Bob Dylan, and it was the music critic Andy Gill (1953-2019) who wrote,’A song as vague as ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ could be applied to just about any freedom issue. It remains the song with which Dylan’s name is most inextricably linked, and safeguarded his reputation as a civil libertarian through any number of changes in style and attitude.’

‘How many roads must a man walk down, before you call him a man? How many seas must a white dove sail, before she sleeps in the sand? Yes, ‘n’ how many times must the cannon balls fly, before they’re forever banned? The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind, the answer is blowin’ in the wind.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

104-Dexys Midnight Runners-Geno.

1980-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.39. I’ve never been the greatest fan of Brass Band music, but if it all sounded like this, then convert me quick.

Dexys Midnight Runners were formed in Birmingham, England, in 1978 by Kevin Rowland, and Kevin ‘Al’ Archer, who had both previously been members of the Punk Rock group ‘The Killjoys,’ who released two singles in 1977. Dexys Midnight Runners remained active until 1986, but reformed again in 2003, and at the time of writing they are still performing. The bands name was derived from ‘Dexedrine,’ which was commonly used as a recreational drug among ‘Northern Soul’ fans, in order to give them energy to dance all night. In total there have been 53 different members of Dexys Midnight Runners come and go, with Kevin Rowland being the bands one constant. They have released five studio Albums between 1980-2016, and 25 singles, of which nine have made the UK top 40, and two have made Number 1 (see also best songs 913.) In America the band are a ‘one hit wonder,’ because ‘Come On Eileen’ is their only charting single, which reached Number 1 on Billboard in 1982.

‘Geno’ was the second single released by Dexys Midnight Runners, and the first of two from their debut studio Album ‘Searching for the Young Soul Rebels’ from July 1980. ‘Geno’ was co-written by Kevin Archer, (music) and Kevin Rowland (lyrics) and was produced by Pete Wingfield, who is probably best remembered for his 1975 hit ‘Eighteen with a Bullet,’ which reached Number 7 in the UK, and Number 15 in America.

‘Geno’ is a tribute song to the American Soul singer Geno Washington, who was born William Francis Washington, in December 1943, in Evansville, Indiana. As ‘Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band,’ they were active between 1965-1968 having no success in America, but in the UK they achieved two top 40 singles, with ‘Walter,’ and ‘Michael (the Lover’) both reaching Number 39 in 1966. In fact after ‘Geno’ was a hit, Geno Washington became far more famous than he had been in his heyday in the 1960’s. Kevin Rowland who wrote the lyrics to ‘Geno’ has said,’I saw Geno Washington in 68 at the Railway Hotel in Harrow. I was 15 years old and out with all the older kids, you had to be 18 to get in, short haired, cool-looking mods, turning into skinhead types. Looking back, it’s probably not the best gig I’ve ever been to, but I didn’t have anything to compare it to.’

‘Geno’ was very much written in the style of the type of music that Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band would perform live, the ‘Geno,’ Geno,’ Geno,’ chant at the beginning and end of the song is reminiscent of Washington’s 1960’s live performances, where the shows compare would excite the audience before Washington took to the stage. The ‘Geno’ chant was actually sampled from the crowd noise on Van Morrison’s (see also best songs 762) 1974 live Album ‘It’s too Late to Stop Now.’ I would also urge you to take a listen to the 1964 song ‘One and Only Man,’ by the British R&B group ‘Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band,’ and you will hear where Kevin Archer got his ideas for ‘Geno’s’ melody from.

‘Back in ’68 in a sweaty club, before Jimmy’s Machine and The Rocksteady Rub. On a night when flowers didn’t suit my shoes, after a week of flunkin’ and bunkin’ school. The lowest head in the crowd that night, just practicin’ steps and keepin’ outta the fights.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

105-Village People-Y.M.C.A.

1978-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.02. Village People band members dress as policemen, naval officers, leather clad bikers, construction workers, Native American Indians, and cowboys. They say that ladies are attracted to men dressed in uniform, but I don’t think they will have much luck with this lot.

The Village People were formed in Greenwich Village, New York City, United States, in 1977, by Jacques Morali, (1947-1991) Henri Belolo, (1936-2019) and Victor Willis (see also best songs 630.) Prior to the forming of the Village People, both Morali, and Belolo had worked successfully together creating the female Disco group ‘The Ritchie Family,’ who had hits with ‘Brazil.’ (1975) and ‘The Best Disco in Town’ (1976.) Morali got the idea for creating the Village People after attending a costume ball at ‘Les Mouches,’ a gay disco in Greenwich Village, as he gazed around the room, he was impressed by all the ‘macho male stereotypes’ portrayed by the party guests.

The six members of the Village People who sang the vocals on ‘Y.M.C.A.’ and performed in the video were Victor Willis, (policeman) Felipe Rose, (Native American) Glenn Hughes, (1950-2001) (leather clad biker) Alex Briley, (soldier) David Hodo, (construction worker) and Randy Jones (cowboy.) In total there have been 24 different members of the Village People come and go, and they remain active with Victor Willis being the only original member. The discography of the Village People includes 10 studio Albums issued between 1977-2018, and 34 singles released between 1977-2020. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, three of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘Y.M.C.A.’ reaching Number 2, while in the UK, they have achieved seven top 40 singles, including the 1993 remix of ‘Y.M.C.A.’ which peaked at Number 12, and also the 1999 ‘Millennium Mix’ of the song which made Number 35.

At the time of writing ‘Y.M.C.A.’ is currently the 21st best selling song of all time, with worldwide with sales in excess of 12 million copies. It was co-written by Jacques Morali, and Victor Willis, and produced by Morali, and first appeared as the opening track on the Village People’s third studio Album ‘Cruisin’ from September 1978.

The ‘YMCA’ which stands for ‘Young Men’s Christian Association’ was originally founded in London, England,in 1844 by George Williams (1821-1905.) In the United States, the YMCA began building single room occupancy facilities in the 1880’s to house people from rural areas who moved into cities to look for work. By the 1970’s, the typical YMCA tenants were more likely to be homeless people, and youth’s facing life issues, rather than people migrating from rural areas. The YMCA that Jaques Morali saw that inspired the song was the ‘McBurney YMCA,’ on West 23rd Street, in New York City, between 7th and 8th avenues. This is the building that the Village People perform in front of in the songs video.

‘Y.M.C.A.’ has become a staple at celebrations, mainly because of it’s now famous dance moves that people perform to it. The dance moves incorporate the moving of your arms to spell out the songs letters. It came about in 1979 when the Village People were appearing on the ‘Dick Clark American Bandstand’ television programme (similar to ‘Top of the Pops’ in the UK.) Legend has it that audience members randomly began doing the now famous actions, after the show Dick Clark showed Victor Willis the tape of the hand gestures. Clark said to Willis,’Victor, think you can work this dance into your routine? Willis responded,’I think we’re gonna’ have to.’

‘Young man, there’s a place you can go, I said, young man, when you’re short on your dough. You can stay there, and I’m sure you will find many ways to have a good time. It’s fun to stay at the YMCA.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

106-Kings of Leon-Sex on Fire.

2008-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.56. They say sex sells anything, but I have a sneaky feeling this would have sold anyway.

The Kings of Leon were formed in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, United States, in 1999, by Caleb, Jared, and Nathan Followill, along with their cousin Matthew Followill, for the discography of the band see best songs 551.

Prior to the release of ‘Sex on Fire’ the Kings of Leon had already achieved some success, especially in the UK, with their three previous Albums, but it was this single which greatly helped take the band to the next level, particularly in America where up until then their success had been very limited. ‘Sex on Fire’ was the first of six singles released from the King of Leon’s fourth studio Album ‘Only by the Night’ from September 2008, the lyrics were written by the groups lead singer Caleb Followill, with all four band members credited with writing the music. The song was jointly produced by Angelo Petraglia, and Jacquire King, who has also produced three other Kings of Leon Albums to date.

Caleb Followill wrote the lyrics with his then girlfriend Lily Aldridge in mind (they married in 2011.) Nathan Followill has said that the band never intended the song to be named ‘Sex on Fire,’ and that it was not intended to be about sexuality. He has said,’They were totally different lyrics. Depending on whether a song starts with a melody or starts with lyrics, you know if it starts with a melody you just keep playing the melody over and over until you get it down and just throw in any lyrics that fit the verbal flow. It was actually going to be “Set Us on Fire”, but one of the sound mixers in the studio walked in as we were playing and said, “‘Sex on Fire’, huh?” And it just kind of became a running joke, and we stuck with it. Commenting on the song Caleb Followill has jokingly said,’There’s always been an element of sex in our music, so I thought I’d just wrap it all up in one song and be done with the sex for the rest of the record.’ Caleb has also said, ‘It’s about a great sexual relationship with hot, hot sex that you remember for ever.’

As well as reaching Number 1 in the UK, ‘Sex on Fire’ also made Number 1 in Australia, Ireland, and Finland, although in America on the Billboard Hot 100 it stalled at Number 56. It did find greater success in the States though by reaching Number 1 on the ‘Alternative Airplay’ chart, and Number 10 on the ‘Hot Rock & Alternative Songs’ chart, greatly helping to raise the bands profile in their home country. With sales in excess of 1.2 million copies ‘Sex on Fire’ is one of the best selling songs of the 21st Century in the UK. It has also spent a total of 90 nonconsecutive weeks in the UK top 40, which makes it the third most charted single of all time in that country.

‘Hot as a fever, rattle of bones. I could just taste it, taste it. But it’s not forever, but it’s just tonight. Oh we’re still the greatest, he greatest, the greatest.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

107-Paul McCartney and Wings-Band on the Run.

1974-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 2.15. On the Album sleeve of ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ there are 58 different people depicted, while on the Album sleeve of ‘Band on the Run’ there are just nine. Paul McCartney. Linda McCartney, (1941-1998) Denny Laine, Michael Parkinson, Kenny Lynch (1938-2019) James Coburn, (1928-2002) Clement Freud, (1924-2009) Christopher Lee, (1922-2015) and John Conteh.

After the Beatles (see also best songs 599-238-218-157-141-80-51-10 and 6) parted ways in 1970, Paul McCartney (see also best songs 646) released his first two solo Albums ‘McCartney,’ (1970) and ‘Ram.’ (1971) He then formed the band ‘Wings’ in 1971, with his wife Linda, Denny Seiwell, and Denny Laine, ‘Wings’ remained active through until 1981, with a total of 10 members coming and going. As ‘Wings’ there were seven studio Albums issued between 1971-1979, and 29 singles released between 1972-2016, with 20 of those reaching the UK top 40, and ‘Mull of Kintyre’ making Number 1 in 1977, and becoming the first single to sell over 2 million copies in the UK. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart top 40, ‘Wings’ have achieved 24 hits, with six of those songs reaching Number 1, including ‘Band on the Run.’

All of McCartney’s four previous Albums post the Beatles had met with a mixed reception from the music press, and the general public, so McCartney felt that he needed to re-establish his career. In order to give himself a fresh start he decided to record his next Album ‘Band on the Run’ somewhere exotic, so he chose Lagos in Nigeria, but it was not the glamorous location he was expecting. The ‘EMI’ recording studio turned out to under equipped, and to add to their woes Paul and Linda were robbed at knife point while out walking in Lagos, and among the things taken were a notebook full of handwritten lyrics, and cassettes containing demos for songs already recorded.

‘Band on the Run’ was written by Paul and Linda McCartney, with Paul being the songs producer, the only other member of Wings at that time was Denny Laine who played lead guitar on the track, Linda played synthesizers, and Paul played all the other instruments on the song and sang the vocals. ‘Band on the Run’ is a song about escaping, McCartney was under pressure to prove he could still do it without the Beatles, he was being hounded by the law over his Cannabis use, and legal wranglings from his days with the Beatles had still not fully been sorted out. ‘Band on the Run’ was also inspired by something George Harrison (1943-2001) (see also best songs 737 and 726) had said back in 1969 when the Beatles were trying to get out of their contract with Alan Klein, (1931-2009) and the ‘Apple’ record label. During a business meeting Harrison had said,’We were all prisoners in some way,’ a remark which resonated with McCartney in his current situation, at that time.

Paul McCartney has said that ‘Band on the Run’ is about several different things, it was symbolic, he has said, ‘If we ever get out of here all I need is a pint a day.’ In the Beatles we’d started off as just kids really, who loved our music and wanted to earn a bob or two so we could get a guitar and get a nice car. It was very simple ambitions at first, but then, you know, as it went on it became business meetings and all of that, so there was a feeling of “if we ever get out of here”, yeah. And I did.’

‘Stuck inside these four walls, sent inside forever, never seeing no one nice again like you, mama you, mama you.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

108-Status Quo-Caroline.

1973-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. They were first called ‘The Scorpions,’ (1962-1963) then they changed to ‘The Spectres,’ (1963-1967) this was followed by another name change to ‘Traffic,’ (1967) and then ‘Traffic Jam (1967.) Yet another change of name occurred when they became ‘The Status Quo,’ (1967-1969) before finally settling on just ‘Status Quo,’ (1969-present) which is their current ‘existing state of affairs.’

Status Quo (see also best songs 905) were formed in London, England, in 1962, by Francis Rossi, and Alan Lancaster, (1949-2021) while they were still schoolboys. The classic lineup, who also played on this song was completed by Rick Parfitt (1948-2016) who joined the band in 1967, and the bands drummer John Coghlan, who had joined in 1962, and left in 1982. Status Quo remain active, and in total there have been 14 different members come and go, with Francis Rossi being the bands one constant. For the discography of Status Quo see best songs 905.

‘Caroline’ was the only single released from Status Quo’s sixth studio Album ‘Hello,’ from September 1973, and was co-written by Francis Rossi, and Bob Young, with the songs production credited to all of the bands members. Bob Young who was born on May 16th, 1945, in Basingstoke, England, had been working with Status Quo in many capacities since 1968, and although he was never an official member of the band, he was known as ‘the 5th member.’ Along with Francis Rossi, he co-wrote several Status Quo songs, including ‘Paper Plane,’ and the bands only UK Number 1 single ‘Down Down.’

‘Caroline’ had been written as far back as 1971, and in it’s original form it was a slow ‘Blues’ song, it became the song we all know today after Rick Parfitt came up with the guitar riff. Bob Young has recalled how the song came about,’We stayed in a right grotty hotel because it was all we could afford and continued writing the song there in the dining room on a rainy day, when we couldn’t take the kids anywhere and everybody was miserable. The hotel manager wasn’t impressed that there were two members of Status Quo staying at the hotel. He was even less impressed when I leant against the dining room window and fell through it, but I managed to finish the lyrics on a napkin.’

There has been speculation over the years as to whom ‘Caroline’ is about. At the time the songs lyrics were written ‘Sweet Caroline'(see also best songs 13) by Neil Diamond was having it’s first taste of success in the UK, and many thought that ‘Caroline’ was a nod to that, but Francis Rossi has said,’We’d heard that around, and it was quite a nice phrase. Bob (Young) did know a Caroline, which I mustn’t talk about, but I suppose he was thinking that.’

‘Caroline,’ and it’s parent Album ‘Hello’ took Status Quo to the next level, with a ‘heavier’ sound that they had been working on since signing with their new record label ‘Vertigo’ in 1972. The song would go on to be among the bands opening numbers at concerts, and in 1985 when they became the opening act at ‘Live Aid,’ ‘Caroline’ was the second song they played, after opening with ‘Rockin’ All Over the World.’ In 1982 they released a live version of ‘Caroline’ which went on to reach Number 13 in the UK.

‘Come on sweet Caroline, you’re my sweet Caroline. You know I wanna take ya, I really gotta make ya, come on sweet Caroline, take my hand, together we can Rock’n’Roll.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

109-James-Laid.

1993-Number 25 single.

Best Bit-At 1.38. It’s the age old problem with relationships, ‘Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.’

‘James’ (see also best songs 490) were formed in Whalley Range, Manchester, England, in 1982, they were active until 2001 when lead singer Tim Booth announced that he was leaving the group. In 2007 Booth rejoined ‘James,’ and they are still performing together at the time of writing.
‘Laid’ was co-written by ‘James” band members Tim Booth, Larry Gott, and Jim Glennie, and was produced by the legendary Brian Eno, the song also serves as the title track of ‘James” fifth studio Album released in September 1993. It was the second and final single released from the Album, and was the follow up to ‘Sometimes (Lester Piggott.)

Brian Peter George St John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno (see also best songs 766-302-190-118 and 57) was born on May 15th, 1948, in Melton, Suffolk, England. Eno has many strings to his bow, including being a music producer, composer, songwriter, author, painter, and designer. His extensive discography includes 26 solo Albums issued between 1974-2022, and a further 26 collaborative Albums released between 1973-2020, he has also issued 13 solo singles between 1974-2022. Among the songs listed on this ‘1000 best list’ that Eno has either written or produced include working with David Bowie (1947-2016) on his ‘Berlin Trilogy,’ and also his work with ‘U2.’ Eno was also a founding member of ‘Roxy Music,’ and played on their first two studio Albums, before leaving over musical differences with Bryan Ferry. Eno is also acknowledged with being the main player in the development of ‘Ambient’ music, and bringing it in to the mainstream, with the release of his ‘Discreet Music’ Album in 1975.

‘Laid’ is a song about a destructive relationship that is addictive. The narrator is in love with a partner that he knows is bad for him. Their passion is shown with lyrics such as.’This bed is on fire with passionate love,’ and,’Fought with kitchen knives and skewers.’ There was controversy about the line ‘She only comes when she’s on top,’ which was banned for being too suggestive by many radio stations, and in order for the song to get radio play the line was replaced with ‘She only sings when she’s on top.’

In America this is ‘James” best known song having peaked at Number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, but it found greater success on the Billboard Modern Rock chart where it reached Number 3, after extensive play on American college radio stations. The song has also been used as the theme song for the ‘American Pie’ films, with a cover of the song by the American singer/songwriter Matt Nathanson being used for the third film ‘American Wedding,’ both the original and Nathanson’s cover have been used many times since in the ‘American Pie’ franchise spin offs.

On the unofficial ‘James’ blog ‘One of the Three,’ it is stated that ‘Laid’ was,’Originally viewed by the band as a throwaway song and a possible ‘B’ side, Brian Eno soon convinced them of the potential of this track. Whilst only reaching a disappointing 22 in the UK charts, it made serious inroads for the band in the U.S. where it led to performances on prime time TV shows such as Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno.’

‘Moved out of the house so you moved next door. I locked you out you cut a hole in the wall. I found you sleeping next to me. I thought I was alone. You’re driving me crazy when are you coming home.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

110-John Denver-Annie’s Song.

1974-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.07. If you’re lucky enough to be called Annie then congratulations, you have one of the greatest love songs of all time named in your honour.

John Denver was born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. on December 31st, 1943, in Roswell, New Mexico, United States, he died on October 12th, 1997, at the age of 53, when the aircraft he was piloting crashed into Monterrey Bay, near Pacific Grove, California, Denver was the only occupant on the aircraft. John Denver had many interests, as well as being a pilot, he was politically outspoken, supporting the campaign of Jimmy Carter in 1976, and putting his name to a number of charitable causes, including being the founder of the ‘Wildstar Foundation’ in 1976, to promote sustainable living. In the early 1980’s Denver began to focus more on humanitarian, and sustainability causes, focusing extensively on nature conservation projects. He also founded the environmental group ‘Plant-It 2020’ (originally ‘Plant-It 2000’). Denver had a keen interest in trying to find solutions to world hunger, he visited Africa during the 1980’s to witness first hand the suffering caused by starvation, and he worked with African leaders to try to find solutions. Denver appeared in nine films between 1973-1997, and made many television appearances, including hosting his own ‘The John Denver Show’ in 1973, with many TV specials, and spin offs being made in the following years. John Denver has sold in excess of 33 million records, which included 30 studio Albums issued between 1965-1998, and 44 singles released between 1969-2017. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 14 of his singles made the top 40, with four of those songs making Number 1, while in the UK, his only charting single in the top 40 is this song, making him a true ‘one hit wonder’ in that country (see also best songs 990-698-496-467-116 and 101.) John Denver recorded approximately 300 songs, of which around 200 were ones he composed himself.

‘Annie’s Song’ was written by John Denver, and produced by his long term collaborator Milt Okum, (1923-2016) it was one of two singles released from Denver’s eighth studio Album ‘Back Home Again’ from 1974. It had been Okum who had helped give Denver his first big success in Pop Music when offering the ‘Folk’ group ‘Peter, Paul and Mary’ Denver’s song ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane,’ which went on to reach Number 1 on Billboard, and Number 2 in the UK in 1969.

John Denver wrote ‘Annie’s Song’ for his wife Ann in 1973. The couple had been married since 1968, and had been having marital troubles, partly due to the pressures of Denver’s successful career. Denver has said that it was one of the fastest songs he had ever written, composing the song in around 10 minutes while he was riding on a ski lift in Aspen, Colorado. Denver was reflecting on all the joy he found in his marriage, and his relief that they were back together after almost breaking up for good. In his 1994 autobiography Denver wrote,’Suddenly, I’m hypersensitive to how beautiful everything is. All of these things filled up my senses, and when I said this to myself unbidden images came one after the other. All of the pictures merged and I was left with Annie. That song was the embodiment of the love I felt at that time.’ Denver’s wife Ann has also shed light on the writing of the song,’It was written after John and I had gone through a pretty intense time together and things were pretty good for us. He left to go skiing and he got on the Ajax chair on Aspen mountain and the song just came to him. He skied down and came home and wrote it down. Initially it was a love song and it was given to me through him, and yet for him it became a bit like a prayer.’ Unfortunately their marriage had no happy ending as the couple divorced in 1982.

‘Come, let me love you, let me give my life to you, let me drown in your laughter, let me die in your arms. Let me lay down beside you, let me always be with you. Come, let me love you, come love me again.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

111-Gilbert O’Sullivan-Alone Again (Naturally)

1972-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 2.53. Should he receive our sympathy and commiserations? Or should he ‘Man Up?’

Gilbert O’Sullivan (see also best songs 949) was born Raymond Edward O’Sullivan on December 1st, 1946, in Waterford, Ireland, but at the age of seven moved to England with his family. It was when signing his first contract in 1967 with ‘CBS’ records, that his then manager Stephen Shane suggested a name change from Raymond to Gilbert, as a play on the name of the operetta composers ‘Gilbert & Sullivan.’ In order to stand out from the crowd and help get that first contract O’Sullivan created an eye-catching visual image consisting of a pudding basin haircut, cloth cap and short trousers. O’Sullivan has said his love of silent film, and actors such as Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) (see also best songs 327) inspired the look.

The discography of Gilbert O’Sullivan includes 20 studio Albums issued between 1971-2022, and of his 37 singles released between 1970-2022, 14 of them have reached the Irish top 40, with three of those making Number 1. While in the UK, he has charted on 13 occasions, with two of those songs making Number 1, and in America on the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, he has charted five times, with this song spending six non consecutive weeks at Number 1.

‘Alone Again (Naturally’) was written by Gilbert O’Sullivan, and produced by Gordon Mills, (1935-1986) (see also best songs 129) the song was released as a stand alone single, but in subsequent years has been added to re-issues of his second studio Album ‘Back to Front.’ The songs guitar break was played by Big Jim Sullivan, (1941-2012) of whom it is said performed as a session musician on around 750 charting singles, and 54 Number 1 hits. The other songs in this ‘1000 best songs’ list that he played on are (see also best songs 891-467-171-164-129 and 45)

The lyrics to ‘Alone Again (Naturally’) pull no punches, and come straight to the point. It starts with the narrator contemplating suicide after being left at the alter as his bride deserted him, and then goes on to tell about the deaths of his parents. O’Sullivan has said,’Everyone wants to know if it’s an autobiographical song, based on my father’s early death. Well, the fact of the matter is, I didn’t know my father very well, and he wasn’t a good father anyway. He didn’t treat my mother very well.’ O’Sullivan has also said,”Alone Again’ was written with two other songs in a writing period when I was 22 years of age, I was in a writing mode, and ‘Alone Again’ was just one of the songs I’d written. I was really pleased with it, happy with it, but I didn’t see it as being any more special than other songs. Suffice it to say, I was happy. ‘Alone Again (Naturally’) has sold in excess of 2 million copies worldwide, and when Neil Diamond (see also best songs 536-426 and 13) covered the song in 2010 he said that he couldn’t believe it was written by a 21 year old. In 2020 Neil Sedaka (see also best songs 539) who has also covered the song stated that he wished that he himself had written the song,’Because its complexity was more typical of someone much older than 21.’

In 1991 Gilbert O’Sullivan went to court to sue the American ‘comedy’ rapper Biz Markie (1964-2019) who had used an unauthorised sample from ‘Alone Again (Naturally’) for his song ‘Alone Again,’ which appeared on Markie’s Album ‘I Need a Haircut.’ The judge made a landmark ruling in O’Sullivan’s favour, ruling that the rapper’s unauthorised sample was in fact theft. From that moment on artists now have to clear samples, or be subject to costly lawsuits.

‘And at sixty-five years old my mother, God rest her soul, couldn’t understand why the only man she had ever loved had been taken.’