5 “oh so ironic” songs

Writing a song without meaning its lyrics? Singing a song that ends up making fun of what you became? Or writing a song to make fun of a genre and actually get praise for it? Oh how ironic! In this listicle, we remember the songs that can easily fit the desciption of this misused word and would make Alanis Morrisette proud.

Gone going- Jack Johnson Black Eyed Peas

If there’s just one song out there that matches the full meaning of irony, it’s this one. “Gone going” tells the story of a musician who sells his passion for fame, and ends up writing and singing commercial songs over meaningful ones. Does it ring a bell, dear Black Eyed Peas?

Hook- The Blues Traveler

“Hook” by The Blues Traveler was a hit when released, and that’s the part where it’s ironic. The Blues Traveler’s song is actually a diss on pop songs and the unoriginal and emotionless hook they use everytime to be a hit single. You only need to listen to the lyrics to make sure of it.

“It doesn’t matter what I say

So long as I sing with inflection

That makes you feel I’ll convey

Some inner truth or vast reflection”

Led Zeppelin- D’yer mak’er :

Known for their saturated sounds and iconic songs, Page and Plant are also known for using a lot of pop culture references in their songs. “Over the hills and far away”, a tribute to JR Tolkien and his legacy is the first one to come in mind. “D’yer Mak’er” also refers to a cultural work but not in a good way. By its different rythm and lyrics compared to other songs from the Zep, “D’yer mak’er” was making fun of a new genre of music at the time, called…Reggae.

The ironic part is that the song was a success and the critics praised the band for taking risks.

Ne me quitte pas-Jacques Brel

Music lovers, this one is going to hurt the most. “Ne me quitte pas”, the masterpiece from Jacques Brel, is according to close friends of the singer a song he wrote to make fun of the crooners and the men who begged for love, pretty much like in the song, and is no way the declaration of love people think of it now.

Every Breath you take-The Police

Last but not least, “Every breath you take” is ironic because of its use. Written by Sting, the Police’s song, often used in weddings as the first dance, is actually a song about stalking. “Every breath you take, every move you make, I’ll be watching you“, is in no way romantic in this piece.