Tunes That Talk Back: 10 Hit Songs and Their Responses

Music is a conversation, a back-and-forth between artists and ideas. Sometimes, that conversation takes the form of answer songs—tunes written as direct responses to other popular tracks. It’s a tradition as old as recorded music itself! Ever heard a song that seemed to be talking *back*? Get ready to explore some of the most fascinating musical clap-backs ever created.

What Are Answer Songs?

Answer songs respond to another song’s themes, lyrics, or general message. They can be playful, critical, or even loving tributes. Let’s dive into ten tunes that took part in this intriguing musical dialogue!

10. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” – Kitty Wells

In 1952, Hank Thompson released “The Wild Side of Life,” a hit country song. Kitty Wells responded with “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.”

Wells’ song directly addresses Thompson’s lyrics, offering a woman’s perspective on the issues he raises: “It wasn’t God who made honky tonk angels, as you said in the words of your song. Too many times married men think they’re still single. And that’s caused many a good girl to go wrong.” The song became a number one hit and paved the way for other female country artists.

Ironically, the song was banned from NBC radio, and Wells was barred from performing it at the Grand Ole Opry!

9. “Play It All Night Long” – Warren Zevon

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” responded to Neil Young’s “Southern Man” and “Alabama,” even name-checking Young in the lyrics.

Warren Zevon then wrote “Play It All Night Long” as a response to “Sweet Home Alabama.” Zevon’s lyrics present a less romantic and more realistic view of Southern life. The song is known for Zevon’s wit and the mention of brucellosis.

8. “Superstar” – Lydia Murdock

Michael Jackson said his hit “Billie Jean” was based on groupie stories about his brothers. Lydia Murdock released “Superstar” in response, offering a scathing take on the situation.

With lyrics like “I’m Billie Jean and I’m mad as hell” and “You can’t love a woman and push her aside,” Murdock’s song gave her short-lived fame, peaking at number 14 in the UK in 1983.

7. “Live Forever” – Oasis

Nirvana’s “I Hate Myself and Want to Die” struck a chord with Noel Gallagher of Oasis. He felt inspired to write a positive response, resulting in “Live Forever.”

Gallagher was moved by Kurt Cobain’s dark lyrics. Oasis released “Live Forever” in August 1994, which became their first single to reach the UK top ten. The song has since become an anthem of hope, performed at events like the One Love Manchester tribute show.

8. “The Wallflower” – Etta James

Hank Ballard and the Midnighters’ “Work With Me Annie” and its sequel “Annie Had a Baby” sparked numerous answer songs. Etta James recorded “Wallflower,” also known as “Roll with Me, Henry,” in response.

James’ version was considered too risqué for radio due to suggestive lyrics. When Georgia Gibbs covered it, the title was changed to “Dance With Me Henry” for airplay. The Midnighters then released “Henry’s Got Flat Feet (Can’t Dance No More)” as ‘an answer to the answer.’

5. “No Pigeons” – Sporty Thievz

TLC’s “No Scrubs” was a massive hit in 1999. Sporty Thievz responded with “No Pigeons,” offering a male perspective.

Originally called “No Vultures,” the title was changed to avoid offense. “No Pigeons” reached number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics describe women who “get no dubs from me” and are “playin’ the bar dumb broke wit her best friend’s coat.”

4. “The Night I Fell In Love” – Pet Shop Boys

The Pet Shop Boys’ “The Night I Fell In Love” references Eminem’s “Stan.” The song tells the story of a homosexual encounter between a teenager and a rapper. The consensus is that the rapper referenced in the song is Eminem because of the name “Stan.”

Dr. Dre and Eminem responded with “Can-I-Bitch,” in which they run over the Pet Shop Boys while rapping “Boosh! Boosh! Boosh! Boosh! What was that? Pet Shop Boys.”

3. “Diane” – Cam

Cam wrote “Diane” as a reply to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” It’s an apology from the perspective of the other woman:

“Oh, I promise I didn’t know he was your man
I would’ve noticed a gold wedding band, Diane
I’d rather you hate me than not understand,
Oh Diane”

Cam describes the song as “the apology so many spouses deserve, but never get.” The song was also inspired by Cam’s personal experience.

2. “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac members sometimes answered each other in song. Stevie Nicks wrote “Dreams” about her breakup with Lindsey Buckingham. Buckingham responded with “Go Your Own Way,” both featured on the album *Rumors*.

Nicks admitted she ‘wanted to go over and kill him’ every time the song was played on stage. Buckingham explained that inspired by “Street Fighting Man” by the Rolling Stones, he wrote it as a conversation with Nicks to help him move forward.

1. “Good Idea At The Time” – OK Go

The Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil” inspired OK Go to write “Good Idea At The Time.”

Some believe OK Go’s song is a tribute, while others interpret it as shifting blame from humankind back to the devil. The lyrics reference events from “Sympathy for the Devil,” offering a different perspective.

“True about my taste; true about my wealth.
The thing about St. Petersburg:
I was never there myself, so come on.
Anastasia might have cried all night, I couldn’t say myself,
So come on, yeah, come on.”

The Conversation Continues

Answer songs provide fascinating insights into the creative process and the relationships between artists. They add layers of meaning to familiar tunes and create unique moments in music history. These songs showcase the power of music to engage in dialogue, challenge perspectives, and create lasting legacies.

What are your favorite musical responses? Leave your comment below and share your thoughts!