Answer Records
   HOME

TheInfoList



Click Here for Items Related To - Answer Records
OR:
Answer Records on:   [Wikipedia]   [Google]   [Amazon]

An answer song, response song or answer record, is a song (usually a recorded track) made in answer to a previous song, normally by another artist. The concept became widespread in
blues Blues is a music genre and musical form which originated in the Deep South of the United States around the 1860s. Blues incorporated spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts, chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads from the Afr ...
and R&B recorded music in the 1930s to the 1950s. Answer songs were also extremely popular in
country music Country (also called country and western) is a genre of popular music that originated in the Southern and Southwestern United States in the early 1920s. It primarily derives from blues, church music such as Southern gospel and spirituals, ...
in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, sometimes as female responses to an original hit by a male artist or male responses to a hit by a female artist. The original " Hound Dog" song sung by
Big Mama Thornton Willie Mae Thornton (December 11, 1926 – July 25, 1984), better known as Big Mama Thornton, was an American singer and songwriter of the blues and R&B genres. She was the first to record Leiber and Stoller's " Hound Dog", in 1952, which becam ...
reached number 1 in 1953, and there were six answer songs in response; the most successful of these was "Bear Cat", by
Rufus Thomas Rufus C. Thomas, Jr. (March 26, 1917 – December 15, 2001) was an American rhythm-and-blues, funk, soul and blues singer, songwriter, dancer, DJ and comic entertainer from Memphis, Tennessee. He recorded for several labels, including Chess Rec ...
which reached number 3. That led to a successful copyright lawsuit for $35,000, which is said to have led Sam Phillips of Sun Records to sell
Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Elvis Presley, one ...
's recording contract to RCA. In ''Rock Eras: Interpretations of Music and Society'', Jim Curtis says that "the series of answer songs which were hits in 1960... indicates the dissociation of the singer from the song... Answer songs rode on the coattails, as it were, of the popularity of the first song, and resembled parodies in that their success depended on a knowledge of the original... Answer songs were usually one-hit flukes by unknown singers whose lack of identity did not detract from the success of the record since only the song, and not the performer, mattered." Today, this practice is most common in hip hop music and filk, especially as the continuation of a feud between performers; the
Roxanne Wars The Roxanne Wars is a well-known series of hip hop rivalries during the mid-1980s, yielding perhaps the most answer records in history. The dispute arose over a failed appearance at a radio promotional show. There were two Roxannes in question, ...
was a notable example that resulted in over a hundred answer songs. Answer songs also played a part in the battle over turf in
The Bridge Wars The Bridge Wars was a hip hop music rivalry during the mid-to-late 1980s and early 1990s, that arose from a dispute over the true birthplace of hip hop music and retaliation over the rejecting of a record for airplay. Sometimes, an answer record imitated the original very closely and occasionally, a hit song would be followed up by the same artist.


Examples


Pre-1950s

*The sentimental Irish ballad, "
I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen" is a popular song written by Thomas Paine Westendorf (1848-1923) in 1875. (The music is loosely based on Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Flat Minor Opus 64 Second Movement). In spite of its German-A ...
" (1875) by Thomas P. Westendorf was written as a reply to the earlier "Barney, Take Me Home Again" by George W. Persley. *Sir Walter Raleigh and Christopher Marlowe traded life philosophies on the battlefield of poetry, namely, "
The Passionate Shepherd To His Love "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" (1599), by Christopher Marlowe, is a pastoral poem from the English Renaissance (1485–1603). Marlowe composed the poem in iambic tetrameter (four feet of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed ...
" (1599) and "
The Nymph's Reply To The Shepherd The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd (1600), by Walter Raleigh, is a poem that responds to and parodies the poem "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" (1599), by Christopher Marlowe. In replying to the shepherd's invitation, the nymph presents her ...
" (1600). *"I Wonder Why Bill Bailey Don't Come Home" was written by
William Jerome William Jerome Flannery, September 30, 1865 – June 25, 1932) was an American songwriter, born in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York of Irish immigrant parents, Mary Donnellan and Patrick Flannery. He collaborated with numerous well-known composers a ...
and recorded by Arthur Collins in 1902 as an answer to "
Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home "(Won't You Come Home) Bill Bailey", originally titled "Bill Bailey, Won't You Please.... Come Home?" is a popular song published in 1902. It is commonly referred to as simply "Bill Bailey". Its words and music were written by Hughie Cannon, an ...
", published by Hughie Cannon and recorded by Collins earlier the same year. *"I Used to Be Afraid to Come Home in the Dark" was recorded by Billy Murray in 1909 as a response to his own 1908 hit, "I'm Afraid to Come Home in the Dark" * The popularity of the 1923 song " Yes! We Have No Bananas" was answered that same year by "I've Got The Yes! We Have No Banana Blues" with lyrics by Lew Brown, composed by Robert King and
James F. Hanley James Frederick Hanley (February 17, 1892 – February 8, 1942) was an American songwriter and author. Biography Hanley was born in Rensselaer, Indiana on February 17, 1892. He attended Champion College and the Chicago Musical College. He serve ...
. The song referred to the ubiquity and nonsense lyrics of the original.
Eddie Cantor Eddie Cantor (born Isidore Itzkowitz; January 31, 1892 – October 10, 1964) was an American comedian, actor, dancer, singer, songwriter, film producer, screenwriter and author. Familiar to Broadway, radio, movie, and early television audiences, ...
,
Eva Taylor Eva Taylor (January 22, 1895 — October 31, 1977) was an American blues singer and stage actress. Life and career Born Irene Joy Gibbons in St. Louis, Missouri, as one of twelve children. On stage from the age of three, Taylor toured New ...
,
Isabelle Patricola Isabel is a female name of Spanish origin. Isabelle is a name that is similar, but it is of French origin. It originates as the medieval Spanish form of '' Elisabeth'' (ultimately Hebrew ''Elisheva''), Arising in the 12th century, it became popul ...
, and Belle Baker all sang on releases of this song. *
Patsy Montana Rubye Rose Blevins (October 30, 1908 – May 3, 1996), known professionally as Patsy Montana, was an American country music singer, songwriter and actress. Montana was the first female country performer to have a million-selling single with her ...
's " I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" (written 1934, recorded 1935), the first million seller hit by a female country artist, was an answer to
Stuart Hamblen Carl Stuart Hamblen (October 20, 1908 – March 8, 1989) was an American entertainer who became one of radio's first singing cowboys in 1926, going on to become a singer, actor, radio show host, and songwriter. He underwent a Christian conversion ...
's "Texas Plains". *
Woody Guthrie Woodrow Wilson Guthrie (; July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer-songwriter, one of the most significant figures in American folk music. His work focused on themes of American socialism and anti-fascism. He has inspired ...
's anthem " This Land Is Your Land" was written in 1940 as an answer to "
God Bless America "God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin during World War I in 1918 and revised by him in the run up to World War II in 1938. The later version was notably recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature s ...
", written by Irving Berlin in 1918 (and revised in 1938). Guthrie originally called his response "God Blessed America for Me".


1950s

* "
It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" is a 1952 country song written by J. D. "Jay" Miller, and originally recorded by Kitty Wells. It was an answer song to the Hank Thompson hit "The Wild Side of Life." The song — which blamed unfaith ...
", written by J. D. "Jay" Miller in 1952 and originally sung by Kitty Wells, was a response to " The Wild Side of Life", made famous that same year by Hank Thompson. *" Mannish Boy" (1955) by
Muddy Waters McKinley Morganfield (April 4, 1913 April 30, 1983), known professionally as Muddy Waters, was an American blues singer and musician who was an important figure in the post-war blues scene, and is often cited as the "father of modern Chicago b ...
was a response to Bo Diddley's " I'm a Man", which also happened to be a response to "
I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man "Hoochie Coochie Man" (originally titled "I'm Your Hoochie Cooche Man") is a blues standard written by Willie Dixon and first recorded by Muddy Waters in 1954. The song makes reference to hoodoo folk magic elements and makes novel use of a sto ...
", an earlier song by Muddy Waters in 1954. * “
Hot Rod Lincoln "Hot Rod Lincoln" is a song by American singer-songwriter Charlie Ryan, first released in 1955. It was written as an answer song to Arkie Shibley's 1950 hit "Hot Rod Race" (US #29). It describes a drive north on US Route 99 (predecessor to I ...
” (1955) is
Charlie Ryan Charles Ryan (December 19, 1915 – February 16, 2008) was an American singer and songwriter, best known for co-writing and first recording the rockabilly hit single "Hot Rod Lincoln". Biography Ryan grew up in Polson, Montana and moved to Spoka ...
’s a response to "Hot Rod Race," (1950) Arkie Shibley and His Mountain Dew Boys and is arguably the more well known of the two songs. * "Can't Do Sixty No More", written and performed by The Dominoes, was a response to their own hit song from four years earlier (1951), " Sixty Minute Man". *One of the longest answer record cycles was started by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters' (1954) R&B hit "Work With Me Annie", and its sequel song "Annie Had a Baby" (1954). Answer songs include "Annie's Answer" (1954) by the El-Dorados, "Annie Pulled a Humbug" (1954) by the Midnights, "Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry)" (1955) by Etta James, and "I'm the Father of Annie's Baby" (1955), by Danny Taylor. The Midnighters also recorded an "answer to the answer": "Henry's Got Flat Feet (Can't Dance No More)" (1955). *"Nothing Can Replace A Man" (1955) from the musical ''Ankles Aweigh'' bills itself in its verse as an answer to Rodgers and Hammerstein's "
There Is Nothin' Like A Dame "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" (for 4 part male voices, 2 tenors and 2 basses) is one of the songs from the 1949 musical '' South Pacific''. The song was written by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It is widely popular in the ...
" (1949). *"I Shot Mr. Lee" (1958) was The Bobbettes' response to their own 1957 hit, " Mr. Lee". * "That Makes It" was Jayne Mansfield's response to
The Big Bopper Jiles Perry "J.P." Richardson Jr. (October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959), known as The Big Bopper, was an American singer, songwriter and disc jockey. His best-known compositions include "Chantilly Lace" and " White Lightning", the latter of wh ...
's " Chantilly Lace" (1958), suggesting what the girl may have been saying at the other end of the line. * "Oh Neil!" was
Carole King Carole King Klein (born Carol Joan Klein; February 9, 1942) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has been active since 1958, initially as one of the staff songwriters at 1650 Broadway and later as a solo artist. Regarded as one ...
's response to Neil Sedaka's "
Oh! Carol "Oh! Carol" is an international hit written by Neil Sedaka in 1958. Co-written with Howard Greenfield, the song is noted for Sedaka's spoken recitation of the verse, the second time around. The song spent 18 weeks on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, ...
" (1959); Sedaka and King were both co-workers and friends since high school. * "Short Mort" (1959) by
Carole King Carole King Klein (born Carol Joan Klein; February 9, 1942) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has been active since 1958, initially as one of the staff songwriters at 1650 Broadway and later as a solo artist. Regarded as one ...
was a response to
Annette Funicello Annette Joanne Funicello (October 22, 1942 – April 8, 2013) was an American actress and singer. Funicello began her professional career as a child performer at the age of twelve. She was one of the most popular Mouseketeers on the orig ...
's "
Tall Paul "Tall Paul" is a song recorded by Annette Funicello and written by the Sherman Brothers, along with Bob Roberts. Background It marked the first time that a female singer reached a top ten slot with a rock and roll single. It also spotlighted An ...
" (1959), referencing "Tall Paul" in the line, "You can keep Tall Paul, I'll take Short Mort." * "Return of the All-American Boy" (1959) by Billy Adams was a response to the 1958 smash "
The All American Boy "The All American Boy" is a 1958 talking blues song written and sung by Bobby Bare, but credited by Fraternity Records to Bill Parsons, with songwriting credit to Bill Parsons and Orville Lunsford. While Bare was in the army, Parsons lip synced ...
" by Bill Parsons (aka
Bobby Bare Robert Joseph Bare Sr. (born April 7, 1935) is an American country music singer and songwriter, best known for the songs "Marie Laveau", " Detroit City" and "500 Miles Away from Home". He is the father of Bobby Bare Jr., also a musician. Early ca ...
). * "I Got a Job" (1957) by
The Miracles The Miracles (also known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles from 1965 to 1972) were an American vocal group that was the first successful recording act for Berry Gordy's Motown Records, and one of the most important and most influential groups ...
, "I Found a Job" by The Heartbeats (1958), "I Got A Job" by The Tempos, and "I Got Fired" by The Mistakes, were all responses to
The Silhouettes The Silhouettes were an American doo wop/ R&B group, whose single " Get a Job" was a number 1 hit on the ''Billboard'' R&B singles chart and pop singles chart in 1958. The doo-wop revival group Sha Na Na derived their name from the song's lyric ...
's self-penned chart-topper "Get a Job" (1957). * "Answer To The Pub With No Beer" (1958) by
Slim Dusty Slim Dusty, AO MBE (born David Gordon Kirkpatrick; 13 June 1927 – 19 September 2003) was an Australian country music singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer. He was an Australian cultural icon and one of the country's most awarded stars, ...
, was a direct response to Dusty's hit "A Pub With No Beer" (1957).


1960s

* "Tell Tommy I Miss Him" (1960) by
Marilyn Michaels Marilyn Michaels (born Marilyn Sternberg, February 26, 1943) is a comedian, singer, actress, impressionist, author, and composer. Family Marilyn Michaels was born in Manhattan to Russian Jewish émigré parents. Her mother was cantoress and actr ...
is a response to "
Tell Laura I Love Her "Tell Laura I Love Her" is a teenage tragedy song written by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh. It was a US top ten popular music hit for singer Ray Peterson in 1960 on RCA Victor Records, reaching No. 7 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart. Later tha ...
" (1960), recorded separately by both Ray Peterson and
Ricky Valance David Spencer (10 April 193612 June 2020), known professionally as Ricky Valance, was a Welsh pop singer. He was best known for the UK number one single "Tell Laura I Love Her", which sold over a million copies in 1960. He was the first male Wel ...
. Versions of this answer song were also released by Skeeter Davis and
Laura Lee Laura Lee can refer to: * Laura Lee (singer-songwriter) (born 1945), American soul and gospel singer-songwriter * Laura Lee (sex worker) (1973–2018), Irish-born sex worker and activist based in the UK * Laura Lee (bassist) (born 1986), Mexican-Ame ...
. * "I'll Save the Last Dance for You" by Damita Jo (1960) answers
The Drifters The Drifters are several American doo-wop and R&B/Soul music, soul vocal groups. They were originally formed as a backing group for Clyde McPhatter, formerly the lead tenor of Billy Ward and his Dominoes in 1953. The second group of Drifters, f ...
' " Save the Last Dance for Me", sung by Ben E. King (also 1960). Another Damita Jo track, "I'll Be There" (1961), was in response to King's solo hit " Stand by Me" (1960). * "He'll Have to Stay" (1960) was Jeanne Black's response to
Jim Reeves James Travis Reeves (August 20, 1923July 31, 1964) was an American country and popular music singer-songwriter. With records charting from the 1950s to the 1980s, he became well known as a practitioner of the Nashville Sound. Known as "Gentleman ...
' " He'll Have to Go" (1959), and was answered in turn by Johnny Scoggins' "I'm Gonna Stay" (also 1960). * "(I Can't Help You) I'm Falling Too" (1960) was Skeeter Davis' response to Hank Locklin's "
Please Help Me, I'm Falling "Please Help Me, I'm Falling" is a 1960 song written by Don Robertson and Hal Blair and first recorded by Hank Locklin. The single was Locklin's most successful recording and was his second number one on the country charts. "Please Help Me, I'm F ...
", as was
Betty Madigan Betty Madigan (born 1928) is an American traditional popular singer and actress.Harris, Harry (December 24, 1956)"Screening TV--'Stingiest Man'" ''The Philadelphia Inquirer''. Retrieved October 18, 2020.Leahy, Jack (April 30, 1961)"Sing and Be H ...
's "I'm Glad That You're Falling" (1960). * "There's Nothing on My Mind" (1960) was
The Teen Queens The Teen Queens were an American musical group from the 1950s, most remembered for their hit single " Eddie My Love", which reached No. 14 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart and No. 3 on the R&B Best Sellers charts in March 1956. The group co ...
' response to
Bobby Marchan Bobby Marchan (born Oscar James Gibson, April 30, 1930 – December 5, 1999) was an American rhythm and blues singer, songwriter, recording artist, bandleader, MC, and female impersonator. He was the key singer in the early lineup of Huey "Piano ...
's "
There's Something on Your Mind "There's Something on Your Mind (Part 2)" is a song originally recorded as "There Is Something on Your Mind" in 1957 by Big Jay McNeely. The song credits Cecil James McNeely as its writer, Big Jay McNeely's birth name. The song has been recorde ...
" (also 1960). * "Yes, I'm Lonesome Tonight" (1960) was Dodie Stevens's response to
Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Elvis Presley, one ...
's " Are You Lonesome Tonight?" (also 1960). * "I Really Want You to Know" (1961) was Skeeter Davis' response to Eddy Arnold's "
I Really Don't Want To Know "I Really Don't Want to Know" is a popular song written by Don Robertson (music) Howard Barnes (lyrics). The song was published in 1953. The best-known version of the song was recorded by Les Paul and Mary Ford in 1953, one of the top 100 songs o ...
". * "Come on Back, Jack" (1961) written by Shuman and Carr and recorded by Nina Simone, and "Well, I Told You" (also 1961), recorded by
The Chantels ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...
, are both different responses to "
Hit the Road, Jack Hit means to strike someone or something. Hit or HIT may also refer to: Arts, entertainment and media Fictional entities * Hit, a fictional character from ''Dragon Ball Super'' * Homicide International Trust, or HIT, a fictional organization i ...
", written by
Percy Mayfield Percy Mayfield (August 12, 1920August 11, 1984) was an American Rhythm and blues singer with a smooth vocal style. He also was a songwriter, known for the songs " Please Send Me Someone to Love" and "Hit the Road Jack", the latter being a song ...
and recorded by
Ray Charles Ray Charles Robinson Sr. (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential singers in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries as "The Ge ...
. * "Stay-at-Home Sue" by
Linda Laurie Linda Maxine Laurie was an American singer and songwriter, best known for the novelty record "Ambrose (Part 5)", which went to #52 on the '' Billboard'' chart while she was still a high school student in 1959. "Ambrose (Part 5)" While attendin ...
and "I'm No Run Around" (both 1961) by Ginger Davis and the Snaps were responses to Dion's "
Runaround Sue "Runaround Sue" is a rock and roll song (in a modified doo-wop style), originally a US No. 1 Billboard Hot 100, Hot 100 hit (No. 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot R&B chart) for the singer Dion DiMucci, Dion during 1961, after he split with th ...
" (also 1961). * "Hey Memphis" (1961) was
LaVern Baker Delores LaVern Baker (November 11, 1929 – March 10, 1997) was an American R&B singer who had several hit records on the pop chart in the 1950s and early 1960s. Her most successful records were "Tweedle Dee" (1955), " Jim Dandy" (1956), and "I ...
's response to
Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Elvis Presley, one ...
's " Little Sister" (also 1961). * "Don'cha Shop Around" by Laurie Davis and "Don't Let Him Shop Around" by
Debbie Dean Debra "Debbie" Dean is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Jodi Albert. She first appeared in 2002, before Albert quit the role in 2004. She made her final appearance during 2005, before making a ...
(both 1961) were responses to
The Miracles The Miracles (also known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles from 1965 to 1972) were an American vocal group that was the first successful recording act for Berry Gordy's Motown Records, and one of the most important and most influential groups ...
' "Shop Around" (1960). Both songs were written by Berry Gordy and
Smokey Robinson William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive director. He was the founder and front man of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief ...
. * "
My Big John "My Big John" is a song written by Jean Dean, Ira Louvin and Charlie Louvin of the Louvin Brothers, and J. Newman. The song was recorded by American country music artist Dottie West, as an answer song to Jimmy Dean's hit "Big Bad John "Big ...
" (1961) was
Dottie West Dorothy Marie Marsh West (October 11, 1932 – September 4, 1991) was an American country music singer and songwriter. Along with her friends and fellow recording artists Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, she is considered one of the genre's most in ...
's response to
Jimmy Dean Jimmy Ray Dean (August 10, 1928 – June 13, 2010) was an American country music singer, television host, actor and businessman. He was the creator of the Jimmy Dean sausage brand as well as the spokesman for its TV commercials. He became ...
's "
Big Bad John "Big Bad John" is a country song originally performed by Jimmy Dean, who wrote and composed it. It was released in September 1961 and by the beginning of November it had gone to number 1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. It won Dean the 1962 Gra ...
" (also 1961). * "My Long Black Veil" (1961) was
Marijohn Wilkin Marijohn Wilkin ( Melson; July 14, 1920 – October 28, 2006) was an American songwriter, famous in country music for writing a number of hits. Wilkin won numerous awards over the years and was referred to as "The Den Mother of Music Row," a ...
's response to
Lefty Frizzell William Orville "Lefty" Frizzell (March 31, 1928 – July 19, 1975) was an American country music singer-songwriter and honky-tonk singer. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982. Frizzell released many songs that charted ...
's "
Long Black Veil "Long Black Veil" is a 1959 country ballad, written by Danny Dill and Marijohn Wilkin and originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell. It is told from the point of view of a man falsely accused of murder and executed. He refuses to provide an alibi, ...
" (1959). * "Return of the Teenage Queen" (1961) was country singer Tommy Tucker's response to
Johnny Cash John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American country singer-songwriter. Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his ca ...
's "
Ballad of a Teenage Queen "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" is a song written by Jack Clement and recorded by Johnny Cash, with background music by The Tennessee Two. Recorded for his 1958 album '' Sings the Songs That Made Him Famous,'' it hit number 1 on the US Country char ...
" (1958). * "Don't Wanna Be Another Good Luck Charm" (1962) was Jo's (of Judy and Jo) response to
Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Elvis Presley, one ...
's " Good Luck Charm" (also 1962). * "(I'm the Girl from) Wolverton Mountain" (1962) was Jo Ann Campbell's response to
Claude King Claude King (February 5, 1923 – March 7, 2013) was an American country music singer and songwriter, best known for his million selling 1962 hit, "Wolverton Mountain". Biography King was born in Keithville in southern Caddo Parish south ...
's "
Wolverton Mountain "Wolverton Mountain" is a country music song and 1962 crossover hit that established Claude King's career as an American country singer-songwriter. The song was a rewrite of the original version by Merle Kilgore, which was based on a real person n ...
" (also 1962). *The Pearlettes' "Duchess of Earl" (1962) was a response to Gene Chandler's "Duke of Earl" (1961). * "
Judy's Turn to Cry "Judy's Turn to Cry" is a song written by Beverly Ross and Edna Lewis that was originally released by Lesley Gore in 1963. The song is the sequel to Gore's prior hit "It's My Party (Lesley Gore song), It's My Party", and both songs were produced ...
" (1963) was
Lesley Gore Lesley Sue Goldstein (May 2, 1946 – February 16, 2015), known professionally as Lesley Gore, was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. At the age of 16, she recorded the pop music, pop hit "It's My Party (Lesley Gore song), I ...
's response to her own song " It's My Party" (also 1963). Both of these songs appear in her debut album ''
I'll Cry If I Want To ''I'll Cry If I Want To'' is the debut album of Lesley Gore. The album included her hit singles "It's My Party (Lesley Gore song), It's My Party" and its follow-up, "Judy's Turn to Cry". The album was rushed out after "It's My Party" became a big ...
''. * "Blackhead Chinaman" (1963) was
Prince Buster Cecil Bustamente Campbell (24 May 1938 – 8 September 2016), known professionally as Prince Buster, was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and producer. The records he released in the 1960s influenced and shaped the course of Jamaican contemporary ...
's response to
Derrick Morgan Derrick Morgan (born 27 March 1940)Walters, Basil (2012)A New Day – Songs heralding JA’s Independence", '' Jamaica Observer'', 3 June 2012, retrieved 3 June 2012 is a Jamaican musical artist who was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. He worke ...
's "Housewives Choice" (1961). Specifically, Buster claimed that Morgan and producer Leslie Kong stole hooks that Buster had created. Morgan responded with "Blazing Fire" and "No Raise, No Praise". The musical feud reportedly engulfed Jamaican culture to a level where the government ordered the two to appear in public together to calm the frenzied nation. * "It Hurts to Be Sixteen" (1963) was Andrea Carroll's response to Neil Sedaka's "
Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" is a pop song released in 1961 by Neil Sedaka. Sedaka wrote the music and performed the song, while the lyrics were written by Howard Greenfield. The song is noted for being similar in musical structure to Take Good ...
" (1962). Sedaka wrote the melody to both songs (each with a different lyricist; his brother-in-law Ronnie Grossman wrote the lyrics to "It Hurts to Be Sixteen" while Sedaka's songwriting partner Howard Greenfield wrote "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen"). * "Hello Melvin (This Is Mama)" (1963) was
Sandra Gould Sandra Gould (July 23, 1916 – July 20, 1999) was an American actress, perhaps best known for her role as Gladys Kravitz on the sitcom ''Bewitched''. Gould was the second actress to portray the role, debuting at the start of the third season. Li ...
's answer to "
Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (A Letter from Camp) "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (A Letter from Camp)" is a novelty song recorded by Allan Sherman. The melody is taken from the ballet ''Dance of the Hours'' from the Opera "La Gioconda" by Amilcare Ponchielli, while the lyrics were written by Allan ...
" (also 1963), a novelty song by Allan Sherman. *The Beach Boys' "
Don't Worry Baby "Don't Worry Baby" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their March 1964 album ''Shut Down Volume 2''. Written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian, Wilson's lead vocal on the track is considered one of his defining performances, ...
" (1964) from ''Shut Down Volume 2'' was said to be an answer to The Ronettes song " Be My Baby" (1963). *The Beach Boys' " The Girl from New York City" (1965) from '' Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)'' was a response to The Ad Libs’ "The Boy from New York City" (1964). * "Queen of the House" (1965) was Jody Miller's response to
Roger Miller Roger Dean Miller Sr. (January 2, 1936 – October 25, 1992) was an American singer-songwriter, widely known for his honky-tonk-influenced novelty songs and his chart-topping Country music, country and pop hits "King of the Road (song), Ki ...
's " King of the Road" (1964). * " That's My Life (My Love and My Home)" (1965) by
Alfred Lennon Alfred "Alf" Lennon (14 December 1912 – 1 April 1976), also known as Freddie Lennon, was an Englishman best known as the father of musician John Lennon. Alfred spent many years in an orphanage with his sister, Edith, after his father died. ...
,
John Lennon John Winston Ono Lennon (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 19408 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who achieved worldwide fame as founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of ...
's father, was a response to his son's song " In My Life" (also 1965), recorded by
the Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...
. * "Hurry, Mr. Peters" (1965) by
Lorene Mann Lorene Mann (born Lillian Lorene Mann; January 4, 1937 – May 24, 2013) was an American country music singer and songwriter. She is known for her duets with Justin Tubb and Archie Campbell. Biography Mann was born January 4, 1937, in Huntland, ...
and
Justin Tubb Justin Wayne Tubb (August 20, 1935 – January 24, 1998) was an American country music singer and songwriter. Born in San Antonio, Texas, United States, he was the oldest son of country singer Ernest Tubb, known for popular songs like " Walking ...
was a response to
Roy Drusky Roy Frank Drusky, Jr. (June 22, 1930 – September 23, 2004) was an American country music singer, songwriter, producer, actor and disc jockey popular from the 1960s through the early 1970s. Known for his baritone voice, he was known for incor ...
and
Priscilla Mitchell Priscilla Mitchell (September 18, 1941 – September 24, 2014) was an American country music singer. Biography Priscilla Mitchell began as a Rock 'n' Roll singer in the 1950s as well as a background singer for NRC Records, and became most popu ...
's " Yes, Mr. Peters". * "Slip-In Mules (No High Heel Sneakers) " (1964) was Sugar Pie DeSanto's answer to "
High Heel Sneakers "Hi-Heel Sneakers" (often also spelled "High Heel Sneakers") is a blues song written and recorded by Tommy Tucker in 1963. Blues writer Mary Katherine Aldin describes it as an uptempo twelve-bar blues, with "a spare, lilting musical framework", ...
" (also 1964), by Tommy Tucker. *Wendy Hill's "Gary, Please Don't Sell My Diamond Ring" (1965) to Gary Lewis and the Players' " This Diamond Ring”. (1965) * "Dawn of Correction" by
The Spokesmen The Spokesmen were an American pop music trio. They scored a hit single in the U.S. in 1965 with the tune "The Dawn of Correction", which was a partially sarcastic counterpoint and answer record to Barry McGuire's protest song, " Eve of Destruction ...
is in response to "Eve of Destruction" by Barry McGuire (both 1965). * "
4th Time Around "4th Time Around" (also listed as "Fourth Time Around") is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, which was released as the 12th track on his seventh studio album '' Blonde on Blonde'' on June 20, 1966. The song was written by Dylan an ...
" (1966) by Bob Dylan is seen as a response to " Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" (1965) by the Beatles. * "Evil Off My Mind" (1966) by Burl Ives was a response to Jan Howard's song "
Evil on Your Mind "Evil on Your Mind" is the name of a popular Country music song, originally made famous by Grand Ole Opry star Jan Howard in 1966. The song was written by her husband at the time, songwriter Harlan Howard. In the mid-'60s, Jan Howard was not acq ...
" (1966). * "When a Woman Loves a Man" (1966) by
Ketty Lester Ketty Lester (born Revoyda Frierson; August 16, 1934) is an American singer and actress known for her 1961 hit single "Love Letters", which reached the top 5 of the charts in the U.S. and the UK. She is also known for her role as Hester-Sue Terh ...
was a response to " When a Man Loves a Woman" (also 1966) by Percy Sledge. *French
Johnny Hallyday Jean-Philippe Léo Smet (; 15 June 1943 – 5 December 2017), better known by his stage name Johnny Hallyday, was a French rock and roll and pop singer and actor, credited for having brought rock and roll to France. During a career spanning 57 ...
’s 1966 ''Cheveux longs et idées courtes'' is a riposte to a direct, personal mockery in a verse of
Antoine Antoine is a French given name (from the Latin ''Antonius'' meaning 'highly praise-worthy') that is a variant of Danton, Titouan, D'Anton and Antonin. The name is used in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, West Greenland, Haiti, French Guiana ...
’s ''Élucubrations'' of the same year; both were hit songs. (See Antoine's rivalry with Johnny Hallyday). * "I'm Happy They Took You Away, Ha-Haaa!" (1966) is Josephine XIV's response in the form of Napoleon's wife to
Napoleon XIV Jerrold "Jerry" Samuels (born May 3, 1938) is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. Under the pseudonym Napoleon XIV, he achieved one-hit wonder status with the Top 5 hit novelty song "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!" in ...
's " They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!" (1966). Another answer song is "They Took You Away, I'm Glad, I'm Glad", also written by Jerry Samuels. * " Clothes Line Saga" (1967) by Bob Dylan and the Band is seen as a response to " Ode to Billie Joe" (1967) by Bobbie Gentry. *"Yes, I Am Experienced" (1967) by Eric Burdon and the Animals, was an answer to
Jimi Hendrix James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most ...
's "Are You Experienced?" (1967). * "
Back in the U.S.S.R. "Back in the U.S.S.R." is a song by the English rock band the Beatles and the first track of the 1968 double album ''The Beatles'' (also known as the "White Album"). Written by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership, ...
" (1968) by
The Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...
was a response to " Back in the U.S.A." by Chuck Berry (1959) and " California Girls" by
The Beach Boys The Beach Boys are an American Rock music, rock band that formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian Wilson, Brian, Dennis Wilson, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and frie ...
(1965). * "Billy, I've Got to Go to Town" (1969) by Geraldine Stevens was a response to "
Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" is a song written by Mel Tillis about a paralyzed veteran who lies helplessly as his wife "paints erselfup" to go out for the evening without him; he believes she is going in search of a lover. As he hears the ...
" by Johnny Darrell (1967). * "More on Ode to Billie Joe" (1969) by Rodd Rogers (aka
Rodd Keith Rodd Keith (born Rodney Keith Eskelin; January 30, 1937 – December 15, 1974) was an American multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He is perhaps the best known figure in the obscure musical subgenre known as song poem music. Life and caree ...
), Terri Peters (aka Teri Thornton), and the MSR Singers was a response to 1967's blockbuster " Ode to Billie Joe" by Bobbie Gentry. *Joni Mitchell's " The Circle Game" (1970) is an answer to Neil Young's " Sugar Mountain" (1964).


1970s

* "Hippie From Olema" (1971) was The Youngbloods' answer to Merle Haggard's country hit, " Okie from Muskogee" (1969). * Paul McCartney's " Some People Never Know" (1971) and " Silly Love Songs" (1976) answered John Lennon's " How Do You Sleep?" (1971) which was
John Lennon John Winston Ono Lennon (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 19408 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who achieved worldwide fame as founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of ...
's response to "
Too Many People "Too Many People" is a song by Paul McCartney from his and his wife Linda McCartney's 1971 album ''Ram''. It was issued as well as the B-side of the "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" single. It was also included on ''The 7" Singles Box'' in 2022. B ...
" (1971) by ex-
Beatle The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the development ...
and Lennon's former collaborator
Paul McCartney Sir James Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer, songwriter and musician who gained worldwide fame with the Beatles, for whom he played bass guitar and shared primary songwriting and lead vocal duties with John Lennon. One ...
. * "
The Lawrence Welk-Hee Haw Counter-Revolution Polka "The Lawrence Welk-Hee Haw Counter-Revolution Polka" is a song made famous by country music singer Roy Clark. Written by Vaughn Horton, the song was released in 1972 as a single to the album ''Roy Clark Live!''. The song was a top 10 hit on the '' ...
" (1972) was '' Hee Haw'' host
Roy Clark Roy Linwood Clark (April 15, 1933 – November 15, 2018) was an American singer and musician. He is best known for having hosted ''Hee Haw'', a nationally televised country variety show, from 1969 to 1997. Clark was an important and influen ...
's answer to
Gil Scott-Heron Gilbert Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011) was an American Jazz poetry, jazz poet, singer, musician, and author, known primarily for his work as a spoken-word performer in the 1970s and 1980s. His collaborative efforts with musician ...
's " The Revolution Will Not Be Televised." * "I'm Mr. Big Stuff" was the 1972 response by Jimmy Hicks to " Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight. *"(Should I) Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree?" was the 1973 response by
Connie Francis Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero (born December 12, 1937), known professionally as Connie Francis, is an American pop singer, actress, and top-charting female vocalist of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Called the “First Lady of Rock & Roll” ...
to "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree" by
Tony Orlando & Dawn Tony Orlando and Dawn is an American pop music group that was popular in the 1970s, composed of singer Tony Orlando and the backing vocal group Dawn (Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson). Their signature hits include " Candida", "Knock Three ...
. * "
Basketball Jones featuring Tyrone Shoelaces "Basketball Jones featuring Tyrone Shoelaces" is a song by Cheech and Chong that first appeared on the 1973 album ''Los Cochinos''. Background Sung in falsetto by Cheech Marin, playing the title character Tyrone (as in "tie-your-own") Shoelaces, ...
" (1973) was Cheech and Chong's parody of the romantic song "Love Jones" (1972) by
Brighter Side of Darkness Brighter Side of Darkness was an American R&B/soul group. They were formed in 1971 at Calumet High School in Chicago, Illinois. Their lead singers were Ralph Eskridge and 12-year-old Darryl Lamont. The other members were Randolph Murph and Larry W ...
. * " Sweet Home Alabama" (1974) was
Lynyrd Skynyrd Lynyrd Skynyrd ( ) is an American rock music, rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida. The group originally formed as My Backyard in 1964 and comprised Ronnie Van Zant (lead vocalist), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Ju ...
's response to
Neil Young Neil Percival Young (born November 12, 1945) is a Canadian-American singer and songwriter. After embarking on a music career in Winnipeg in the 1960s, Young moved to Los Angeles, joining Buffalo Springfield with Stephen Stills, Richie Furay ...
's "
Southern Man In New Zealand, the southern man is a stereotypical male from the more rural South Island, well used to the solitude and conditions of open mountain or hill country, and completely out of his depth in the city. He is usually depicted as wearing a ...
" (1970) and "
Alabama (We dare defend our rights) , anthem = "Alabama (state song), Alabama" , image_map = Alabama in United States.svg , seat = Montgomery, Alabama, Montgomery , LargestCity = Huntsville, Alabama, Huntsville , LargestCounty = Baldwin County, Al ...
" (1972).
Warren Zevon Warren William Zevon (; January 24, 1947 – September 7, 2003) was an American rock singer, songwriter, and musician. Zevon's most famous compositions include "Werewolves of London", "Lawyers, Guns and Money", and " Roland the Headless Tho ...
then wrote a response to "Sweet Home Alabama", titled "Play It All Night Long" (1980). * "From His Woman to You" (1975) sung by Barbara Mason was the response to " Woman to Woman" (1974) by Shirley Brown. * "Rak Off Normie" (1975) by Maureen Elkner was the response to "
The Newcastle Song "The Newcastle Song" was a 1975 hit for musician and comedian Bob Hudson. It poked fun at the working-class youth culture of the city of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. The song was recorded in front of a live audience in 1974. It became ...
" (1975) by Bob Hudson. * " (I'm A) Stand By My Woman Man" (1976) sung by
Ronnie Milsap Ronnie Lee Milsap (born Ronald Lee Millsaps; January 16, 1943) is an American country music singer and pianist. He was one of country music's most popular and influential performers of the 1970s and 1980s. Nearly completely blind from birth, ...
was the response to
Tammy Wynette Tammy Wynette (born Virginia Wynette Pugh; May 5, 1942 – April 6, 1998) was an American country music artist, as well as an actress and author. She is considered among the genre's most influential and successful artists. Along with Loretta Ly ...
's "
Stand By Your Man "Stand by Your Man" is a song recorded by American country music artist Tammy Wynette, co-written by Wynette and Billy Sherrill. It was released on September 20, 1968, as the first single and title track from the album '' Stand by Your Man''. It ...
" (1968). * "
Two Out of Three Ain't Bad "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" is a power ballad performed by the American musician Meat Loaf. It is a track off his 1977 album ''Bat Out of Hell'', written by Jim Steinman. It spent 23 weeks on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, peaking at #11, and earned ...
" (1977) by
Meat Loaf Michael Lee Aday (born Marvin Lee Aday; September 27, 1947 – January 20, 2022), known professionally as Meat Loaf, was an American rock singer and actor. He was noted for his powerful, wide-ranging voice and theatrical live shows. He is on t ...
was the answer song to "
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" is a song written by Maurice Mysels and Ira Kosloff. It is best known for being Elvis Presley's seventh single release on the RCA Victor label, produced by Steve Sholes.Victor (2008), p. 251. It was released i ...
" (1956) by
Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Elvis Presley, one ...
. * Johnny Thunders' " London Boys" (1978) is a response to the Sex Pistols' "New York" (1977).


1980s

* " Love Will Tear Us Apart" (1980) by Joy Division was partly a response to " Love Will Keep Us Together" (1973) by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. * "Bad Boy" (1982) by
Ray Parker Jr. Ray Erskine Parker Jr. (born May 1, 1954) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. As a solo performer, he wrote and performed the theme song to the 1984 film '' Ghostbusters''. Previously, Parker achieved a US top-10 h ...
was a response to his own hit of the same year, " The Other Woman". * "I Was Country Before
Barbara Mandrell Barbara Ann Mandrell (born December 25, 1948) is an American country music singer and musician. She is also credited as an actress and author. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, she was considered among country's most successful music artist ...
" (1982) by
Dave Dudley Dave Dudley (born David Darwin Pedruska; May 3, 1928 – December 22, 2003) was an American country music singer best known for his truck-driving country anthems of the 1960s and 1970s and his semi-slurred bass. His signature song was "Six Day ...
was a response to Mandrell's "
I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool" is a song written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan, and recorded by American country music artist Barbara Mandrell. It was released in April 1981 as lead single from the album '' Barbara Mandrell Live''. I ...
" from earlier in the year. *" Candy Girl" (1982) by New Edition was a response to "ABC" (1970) by The Jackson 5. * "
Major Tom (Coming Home) "Major Tom (Coming Home)" (german: Major Tom öllig losgelöst}, 'Major Tom ompletely detached) is a song by singer Peter Schilling from his album '' Error in the System''. With a character unofficially related to "Major Tom", the protagonist of ...
" (1983) by
Peter Schilling Peter Schilling (born Pierre Michael Schilling; 28 January 1956) is a German synthpop musician whose songs often feature science-fiction themes like aliens, astronauts and catastrophes. He is best-known for his 1983 hit single "Major Tom (Comin ...
was the response to
David Bowie David Robert Jones (8 January 194710 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie ( ), was an English singer-songwriter and actor. A leading figure in the music industry, he is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the ...
's 1969 song "
Space Oddity "Space Oddity" is a song by English singer-songwriter David Bowie. It was first released on 11 July 1969 by Philips Records as a 7-inch single, then as the opening track of his second studio album ''David Bowie''. After the commercial f ...
." * "Superstar" (1983) by
Lydia Murdock Lydia Murdock is an American pop singer. She is best known for her answer song to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", known as "Superstar", where she portrayed Billie Jean saying that she's "mad as hell" in the song's lyrics. The song was a hit Hit ...
was an answer song to "
Billie Jean "Billie Jean" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released by Epic Records on January 2, 1983, as the second single from his sixth studio album, '' Thriller'' (1982). It was written and composed by Jackson and produced by Jackson and ...
" (1983) by
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
. * "Taxi (Take Him Back)" was Anne LeSear's 1984 response to
J. Blackfoot John Colbert (November 20, 1946 – November 30, 2011), known professionally as J. Blackfoot, was an American soul singer. A member of The Soul Children in the late 1960s and 1970s, he subsequently had a moderately successful solo career. Hi ...
's 1983 song "Taxi". *
Melba Moore Beatrice Melba Hill or Beatrice Melba Smith (sources differ) (born October 29, 1945), known by her stage name Melba Moore, is an American singer and actress. Biography Early life and education Moore was born Beatrice Melba Hill or Beatrice Melba ...
's "King of My Heart" (1985) was an answer song to Billy Ocean's "
Caribbean Queen "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" is a 1984 song by Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidadian-British people, British singer Billy Ocean. Co-written and produced by Keith Diamond (songwriter), Keith Diamond, it climbed to Record chart#Chart hit, ...
" (1984). *Blue Öyster Cult's ''Spy In The House Of The Night'' (1985) is about a Pyromaniac who gets his kicks from being normal on the outside but a secret arsonist by night. Tellingly it's also a shout out to The Doors song ''The Spy'' (1970), about a sexual voyeur. *Reba McEntire's "
Whoever's in New England ''Whoever's in New England'' is the tenth studio album of American country music artist Reba McEntire released on February 10, 1986, through MCA Nashville. It is her first #1 album on the Billboard country albums chart, producing two singles th ...
" (1986) was a response to Barry Manilow's hit "
Weekend in New England "Weekend in New England" is a song recorded by Barry Manilow for his fourth studio album, '' This One's for You'' (1976). Written by Randy Edelman, it was released as the second single from the album, and became a Top Ten hit on the ''Billboard ...
" (1975). * "Thunder & Lightning" (1986) by Miss Thang was a response to
Oran "Juice" Jones Oran "Juice" Jones (born March 28, 1957) is an American retired R&B singer. Biography Early life Jones was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Harlem, New York City, New York. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1981, servi ...
's song " The Rain" from the same year. Other responses included "The Drain" by Leot Littlepage, and "After the Storm" by Stephan, also released in 1986. * Actor
Danny Aiello Daniel Louis Aiello Jr. () (June 20, 1933 – December 12, 2019) was an American actor. He appeared in numerous motion pictures, including ''The Godfather Part II'' (1974), ''The Front'' (1976), ''Once Upon a Time in America'' (1984), ''Hide in ...
appeared in the
Madonna Madonna Louise Ciccone (; ; born August 16, 1958) is an American singer-songwriter and actress. Widely dubbed the " Queen of Pop", Madonna has been noted for her continual reinvention and versatility in music production, songwriting, a ...
video for " Papa Don't Preach" (1986), as the titular "Papa", and later that year recorded "Papa Wants the Best for You", written by
Artie Schroeck Arthur Bruce Schroeck (born October 10, 1938) is an American musician, best known for arranging and composing popular songs and jingles. He has won multiple Clio Awards, such as when he composed the music for the 1981 ABC-TV promo "Now is the ...
, as a representation of the father's point of view. *"Girls Ain't Nothing but Trouble" was a response to "Guy Ain't Nothing but Trouble" from their debut album Rock The House by
DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince were an American hip hop duo from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, consisting of rapper Will Smith (the Fresh Prince) and disc jockey Jeff Townes (DJ Jazzy Jeff). Active full time from 1986 to 1994 and occasion ...
*"Grab it!" (1988) by
L'Trimm L'Trimm was a Miami bass hip-hop duo composed of Bunny D and Lady Tigra. Originally from Coconut Grove, Florida (origin neighborhood of the City of Miami), they recorded three albums for Atlantic Records: ''Grab It!'' in 1988 (which is certifi ...
was a cheeky answer record to "Push it" by
Salt-N-Pepa Salt-N-Pepa (also stylized as Salt 'N' Pepa or Salt 'N Pepa) is an American hip-hop group formed in New York City in 1985, that comprised Salt (Cheryl James), Pepa (Sandra Denton), and DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper). Their debut album, ''Hot, C ...
(1985) * "I'm Your Wild Thang" (1989) was Mamado and She's the answer to
Tone Lōc Anthony Terrell Smith (born March 3, 1966), better known by his stage name Tone Lōc (), is an American rapper, actor, and producer. He is known for his raspy voice, his hit songs " Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina", for which he was nomina ...
's " Wild Thing" (1988). *
(Nothing But) Flowers "(Nothing But) Flowers" is a song by rock band Talking Heads. It appears on the band's final album ''Naked'', released in 1988. It was released as the album's second single. In addition to the band, the song features Kirsty MacColl on backup vocal ...
by
Talking Heads Talking Heads were an American rock band formed in 1975 in New York City and active until 1991.Talkin ...
contains lyrics that are an echo to
Joni Mitchell Roberta Joan "Joni" Mitchell ( Anderson; born November 7, 1943) is a Canadian-American musician, producer, and painter. Among the most influential singer-songwriters to emerge from the 1960s folk music circuit, Mitchell became known for her sta ...
's Big Yellow Taxi; "There was a shopping mall, Now it's all covered with flowers ... If this is paradise" in the Talking Heads song, whereas Mitchell sang "They paved paradise, And put up a parking lot ...".


1990s

* "Eat The Bee" (1991) was Automation's answer to The Scientist's "The Bee" from 1990. *R.E.M.'s " Me in Honey" (1991) is a response to 10,000 Maniacs' "Eat for Two" (1989). *
Bark Psychosis Bark Psychosis are an English post-rock band/musical project from east London formed in 1986. They were one of the bands that Simon Reynolds cited when coining "post-rock" as a musical style in 1994, and are thus considered one of the key ban ...
' ''Scum'' (1992) was an answer to
Rozalla Rozalla Miller (born 18 March 1964), better known as simply Rozalla, is a Zimbabwean electronic music performer who was born in what was then Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). At the age of 18, she moved with her parents to her father's country o ...
's ''
Everybody's Free (To Feel Good) "Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)" is a song by Zambian-born Zimbabwean singer Rozalla, released in August 1991 as the second single from her second album, '' Everybody's Free'' (1992). It had been a staple in the clubs in Ibiza and Mallorca in ...
''. * "Erasure-ish" EP (1992) was Björn Again's answer to Erasure's previous
ABBA ABBA ( , , formerly named Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid or Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Frida) are a Swedish supergroup formed in Stockholm in 1972 by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group's ...
tribute, "
Abba-esque ''Abba-esque'' is an extended play (EP) by British synth-pop duo Erasure. Released on 1 June 1992, the EP was Erasure's first and only number one on the UK Singles Chart and also became a number-one hit in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, I ...
". "Erasure-ish" features two Erasure tracks ("A Little Respect" and "Stop!") performed in the style of ABBA. * " Fuck wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')" (1993) was
Dr. Dre Andre Romelle Young (born February 18, 1965), known professionally as Dr. Dre, is an American rapper and record producer. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and previously co-founded, co-owned, and ...
and
Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg and briefly Snoop Lion), is an American rapper. His fame dates back to 1992 when he featured on Dr. Dre's debut solo single, " ...
's answer to Tim Dog's "
Fuck Compton "Fuck Compton" is a diss song written and performed by American rapper Tim Dog, aimed at the West Coast hip hop scene. It was released in 1991 through Ruffhouse Records as the lead single from the rapper's debut studio album ''Penicillin on Wax'' ...
" (1991) (as well as being a diss towards
Eazy-E Eric Lynn Wright (September 7, 1964 – March 26, 1995), known professionally as Eazy-E, was an American rapper who propelled West Coast rap and gangsta rap by leading the group N.W.A and its label, Ruthless Records. He is often referred t ...
). *Italian pop group 883 topped the charts for months with their hit "Hanno ucciso l'Uomo ragno" ("Someone killed Spider-Man"). Some time later, obscure comedy band Tretriti recorded their answer, "È vivo l'Uomo ragno" ("Spider-Man Lives"). *Liz Phair's ''" Exile in Guyville" (1993)'' album was a song-by-song response to The Rolling Stones ''"
Exile on Main St. ''Exile on Main St.'' is the 10th British and 12th American studio album by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released on 12 May 1972 by Rolling Stones Records. Recording began in 1969 in England during sessions for ''Sticky Fingers'' a ...
" (1972).'' * "I Wrote Holden Caulfield" (1994) was
Screeching Weasel Screeching Weasel is an American punk rock band consisting of Ben Weasel (vocals), Mike Kennerty (guitar), Mike Hunchback (guitar), Zach "Poutine" Brandner (bass) and Pierre Marche (drums). Screeching Weasel is originally from the Chicago subur ...
's response to " Who Wrote Holden Caulfield?" (1992) by
Green Day Green Day is an American rock band formed in the East Bay of California in 1987 by lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, together with bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt. For most of the band's career, they have been a powe ...
. * Third Eye Blind's song " Semi Charmed Life" (1997) was written as a response to
Lou Reed Lewis Allan Reed (March 2, 1942October 27, 2013) was an American musician, songwriter, and poet. He was the guitarist, singer, and principal songwriter for the rock band the Velvet Underground and had a solo career that spanned five decades. ...
's '' Walk on the Wild Side'' (1972), but from a San Francisco perspective. * " The Boy Is Mine" (1998) by
Brandy Brandy is a liquor produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35–60% alcohol by volume (70–120 US proof) and is typically consumed as an after-dinner digestif. Some brandies are aged in wooden casks. Others are coloured with ...
and
Monica Monica may refer to: People *Monica (actress) (born 1987), Indian film actress *Monica (given name), a given name (including a list of people and characters with the name) *Monica (singer) (born 1980), American R&B singer, songwriter, producer, ...
was a response to " The Girl Is Mine" (1982) by
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
and
Paul McCartney Sir James Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer, songwriter and musician who gained worldwide fame with the Beatles, for whom he played bass guitar and shared primary songwriting and lead vocal duties with John Lennon. One ...
. * The Offspring's song "
The Kids Aren't Alright "The Kids Aren't Alright" is a song by the Offspring. It is the fifth track from the band's fifth studio album, ''Americana'' (1998), and was released as its third single. It became another top 10 hit on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart. The so ...
" (1998) is named as allusion to
The Who The Who are an English rock band formed in London in 1964. Their classic lineup consisted of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and singer Pete Townshend, bass guitarist and singer John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They are considered ...
's " The Kids Are Alright" (1965). *After
TLC TLC may refer to: Arts and entertainment Television * ''TLC'' (TV series), a 2002 British situational comedy television series that aired on BBC2 * TLC (TV network), formerly the Learning Channel, an American cable TV network ** TLC (Asia), an As ...
released the song "
No Scrubs "No Scrubs" is a song recorded by American girl group TLC as the lead single from their third studio album, ''FanMail'', on February 2, 1999, by LaFace Records and Arista Records. The song was written by producer Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, forme ...
" in 1999, Sporty Thievz made an answer song called "
No Pigeons "No Pigeons" is the second and final single by Sporty Thievz, released from their 1999 album ''Street Cinema''. A rebuttal to TLC's smash hit single "No Scrubs", it received heavy radio play at the time of its release and peaked at #12 on the U.S ...
" that same year. * "A Pretty Girl Is Like..." (1999) from the album ''
69 Love Songs ''69 Love Songs'' is the sixth studio album by American indie pop band the Magnetic Fields, released on September 7, 1999 by Merge Records. As its title indicates, ''69 Love Songs'' is a three-volume concept album composed of 69 love songs, all w ...
'' by
The Magnetic Fields The Magnetic Fields (named after the André Breton/Philippe Soupault novel ''Les Champs Magnétiques'') are an American Band (rock and pop), band founded and led by Stephin Merritt. Merritt is the group's primary songwriter, producer, and vocali ...
was an answer song to Irving Berlin's "
A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody "A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody" is a popular song written by Irving Berlin in 1919 which became the theme song of the ''Ziegfeld Follies''. The first verse and refrain are considered part of the Great American Songbook and are often covered as a ...
" according to songwriter Stephin Merritt. *”The Medication Is Wearing Off” (1998) from the album Electro-Shock Blues was the
Eels (band) Eels (often typeset as eels or EELS) is an American Rock music, rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1991 by singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mark Oliver Everett, known by the stage name E. Band members have changed over th ...
answer song to their own 1996 hit
Novocaine for the Soul "Novocaine for the Soul" is a song by American rock band Eels. It was released as the lead single from their 1996 debut album, ''Beautiful Freak''. Background Discussing the song's subject matter in 1996, Eels frontman E said, "Part of my probl ...
. * "Heartbreaker (Desert Storm Remix)" by
Mariah Carey Mariah Carey (; born March 27, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. Referred to as the " Songbird Supreme", she is noted for her five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style and signature use of the whi ...
was a response to "Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None)" by
Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg and briefly Snoop Lion), is an American rapper. His fame dates back to 1992 when he featured on Dr. Dre's debut solo single, " ...
. *Mexican pop singer Alejandra Guzman’s “Hey Güera” (Hey Blondie) is a response to
Paulina Rubio Paulina Susana Rubio Dosamantes (; born 17 June 1971) is a Mexican singer. Referred to as "Honorific nicknames in popular music, The Golden Girl" and "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Queen of Latin Pop", she first achieved recognition as ...
’s “Ese hombre es mío” (That man is mine). *
Woman A woman is an adult female human. Prior to adulthood, a female human is referred to as a girl (a female child or adolescent). The plural ''women'' is sometimes used in certain phrases such as "women's rights" to denote female humans regardl ...
by
Neneh Cherry Neneh Mariann Karlsson (born 10 March 1964), better known as Neneh Cherry, is a Swedish singer-songwriter, rapper, occasional DJ and broadcaster. Her musical career started in London in the early 1980s, where she performed in a number of punk roc ...
in 1996 is a response song to 1966's
It's a Man's Man's Man's World "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" is a song written by James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome. Brown recorded it on February 16, 1966, in a New York City studio and released it as a single later that year. It reached No. 1 on the '' Billboard'' R&B ...
by
James Brown James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) was an American singer, dancer, musician, record producer and bandleader. The central progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th century music, he is often referred to by the honor ...
. *"
Old Before I Die "Old Before I Die" is a song by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, released as the first single from his debut album, ''Life thru a Lens'' (1997). The Oasis-influenced song became a number-two hit in the United Kingdom and a number-one h ...
" (1997) by
Robbie Williams Robert Peter Williams (born 13 February 1974) is an English singer and songwriter. He found fame as a member of the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995, and achieved commercial success after launching a solo career in 1996. His debut stud ...
was in response to
The Who The Who are an English rock band formed in London in 1964. Their classic lineup consisted of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and singer Pete Townshend, bass guitarist and singer John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They are considered ...
's " My Generation" (1965), which contains the lyrics "I hope I die before I get old."


2000s

*
Travis Tritt James Travis Tritt (born February 9, 1963) is an American country music singer and songwriter. He signed to Warner Bros. Records in 1989, releasing seven studio albums and a greatest hits package for the label between then and 1999. In the 20 ...
wrote and released the song "
Strong Enough to Be Your Man "Strong Enough to Be Your Man" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Travis Tritt. It was released in July 2002 as the first single from the album ''Strong Enough (Travis Tritt album), Strong Enough''. The song reached n ...
" in 2002 in response to
Sheryl Crow Sheryl Suzanne Crow (born February 11, 1962) is an American musician, singer, songwriter and actress. Her music incorporates elements of rock, pop, country, folk, and blues. She has released eleven studio albums, five compilations and three li ...
's " Strong Enough" (1994). *
KJ-52 Jonah Kirsten Sorrentino (born June 26, 1975), better known by his stage name KJ-52, is a Christian rapper from Tampa, Florida. The "KJ" part of his name refers to his old rap alias, "King J. Mac,"
released the song " Dear Slim" (2002) in response to
Eminem Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972), known professionally as Eminem (; often stylized as EMINƎM), is an American rapper and record producer. He is credited with popularizing hip hop in middle America and is critically acclai ...
's song "
Stan Stan or STAN may refer to: People * Stan (given name), a list of people with the given name ** Stan Laurel (1890–1965), English comic actor, part of duo Laurel and Hardy * Stan (surname), a Romanian surname * Stan! (born 1964), American author ...
" (2000). * " F.U.R.B. (Fuck You Right Back)" (2004) was
Frankee Nicole Francine Aiello (born June 9, 1983), known by her stage name Frankee, is an American model and R&B singer mainly known for her 2004 single "F.U.R.B. (Fuck You Right Back) "F.U.R.B. (Fuck You Right Back)" is the debut single of Amer ...
's response to Eamon's " Fuck It (I Don't Want You Back)", promoting rumors that the two had been dating. It was the first answer song to reach No. 1 in the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
. Both songs had topped the charts in that country. *Green Day's " American Idiot" (2004), off of the album of the same name, was written in response to a Lynyrd Skynyrd song called "That's How I Like It". * "
You Should Really Know "I Don't Wanna Know" is a song by American R&B artist Mario Winans featuring rapper P. Diddy and re-recorded background vocals by Enya. The song is based on a sample of the Fugees' song " Ready or Not", which in turn samples the synthesizer riff ...
" by The Pirates,
Shola Ama Shola Ama (born 8 March 1979) is a British singer from London, who scored her biggest hits with "You Might Need Somebody" (1997), a cover of Randy Crawford's 1981 hit, " You're the One I Love" and "Still Believe" (1999) which was one of the fi ...
,
Naila Boss Naila Boss is an English underground rapper from Hackney, London. Discography Singles * "It Can't Be Right" (2004) - UK No. 8 (with 2play and Raghav) * "La La La" (2004) - UK No. 65 * " You Should Really Know" (2004) - UK No. 8 (with The Pirate ...
and Ishani (2004) was an answer song to " I Don't Wanna Know" by Mario Winans,
Enya Enya Patricia Brennan (; ga, Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin; born 17 May 1961), known professionally by the mononym Enya, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician known for modern Celtic music. She is the best-selling Irish solo arti ...
and
P. Diddy Sean Combs (born Sean John Combs; November 4, 1969), also known by his stage names Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Puffy, or Diddy, is an American rapper, actor, record producer, and record executive. Born in New York City, he worked as a talent directo ...
. * The Beatnuts song "Confused Rappers" (2004) was a response to
Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lynn Affleck (' Lopez; born July 24, 1969), also known as J.Lo, is an American singer, actress and dancer. In 1991, she began appearing as a Fly Girl dancer on the sketch comedy television series ''In Living Color'', where she rema ...
Cory Rooney and
The Trackmasters The Trackmasters are an American hip hop production duo composed of music producers Poke (Jean-Claude Olivier) and Tone (Samuel Barnes), best known for their commercial hit records in the mid-late 1990s and early 2000s. Frank "Nitty" Pimentel joi ...
for stealing the sample of "Hi-Jack" by
Enoch Light Enoch Henry Light (August 18, 1907 – July 31, 1978) was an American classically trained violinist, danceband leader, and recording engineer. As the leader of various dance bands that recorded as early as March 1927 and continuing through at le ...
from their 1999 single "Watch Out Now" * "Good Idea At The Time" (2005) on
OK Go OK Go is an American rock band originally from Chicago, Illinois, now based in Los Angeles, California. The band is composed of Damian Kulash (lead vocals, guitar), Tim Nordwind (bass guitar and vocals), Dan Konopka (drums and percussion), and ...
's "Oh No" album, was an answer song to the
Rolling Stones The Rolling Stones are an English Rock music, rock band formed in London in 1962. Active for six decades, they are one of the most popular and enduring bands of the album era, rock era. In the early 1960s, the Rolling Stones pioneered the g ...
' " Sympathy for the Devil" (1968): in it, the Devil argues that the historical atrocities enumerated in the original were entirely of human doing. *''
Das Urteil Das or DAS may refer to: Organizations * Dame Allan's Schools, Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne, England * Danish Aviation Systems, a supplier and developer of unmanned aerial vehicles * Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad, a former Colombian ...
'' by
Kool Savas Savaş Yurderi (born 10 February 1975), known by his stage name Kool Savas, is a German rapper. Along with Taktlo$$, he formed the highly influential German rap duo Westberlin Maskulin (1997–2000). He was also a founding member of the German r ...
was a response to ''
Die Abrechnung Die, as a verb, refers to death, the cessation of life. Die may also refer to: Games * Die, singular of dice, small throwable objects used for producing random numbers Manufacturing * Die (integrated circuit), a rectangular piece of a semicondu ...
'' by Eko Fresh. Eko Fresh's song claims Kool Savas showcases a bad character during their time on
Optik Records Optik Records was a German hip hop label located in Berlin. The label was shut down in 2009 due to financial problems. History Founded in 2002 by Kool Savas, early records included " Optik Crew: Optik Mixtape Vol.1" by various label artists an ...
, while Kool Savas' song in return claims it was Eko Fresh who was a false friend during that time. *"Me and Mr. Jones" (2006) on the '' Back to Black'' album by Amy Winehouse was an answer song to - at least a riff off the title of - "
Me and Mrs. Jones "Me and Mrs. Jones" is a 1972 soul song written by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Cary Gilbert, and originally recorded by Billy Paul. It describes an extramarital affair between a man and his lover, Mrs. Jones. In the song, the two meet in secre ...
" (1972), made famous by Billy Paul. * Camera Obscura made the song " Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken" (2006) in response to Lloyd Cole and the Commotions 1984 song "Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?". *"
I Walk Alone ''I Walk Alone'' is a 1947 film noir directed by Byron Haskin and starring Burt Lancaster and Lizabeth Scott, with a supporting cast featuring Wendell Corey and Kirk Douglas. This was the first of five films that Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas ...
," popularized by
Tarja Turunen Tarja Soile Susanna Turunen-Cabuli (born 17 August 1977), known professionally as Tarja Turunen or simply Tarja, is a Finnish heavy metal singer, best known as the former lead vocalist of Nightwish. She is a soprano with a three and a half o ...
, is a response to "
Bye Bye Beautiful "Bye Bye Beautiful" is the second track on Nightwish's ''Dark Passion Play'' album. The song was confirmed to be the second single from ''Dark Passion Play'' by Tuomas Holopainen in an interview, but it was changed to the third single after the an ...
" by
Nightwish Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Kitee. The band was formed in 1996 by lead songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former lead singer Tarja Turunen. The band soon picked up drummer Jukka Neva ...
. *"
Menor Que Yo "Menor Que Yo" ''(English: Younger Than Me)'' is a song by Puerto Rican reggaetón recording artist Ivy Queen, from the platinum edition of her sixth studio album, ''Sentimiento'' (2007). It was composed by Queen, produced by Escobar & Zoprano a ...
" on '' Sentimiento'' (2007) album by Ivy Queen was a response to " Mayor Que Yo", a collaborative single by Daddy Yankee, Hector "El Father", Wisin & Yandel,
Baby Ranks David Luciano Acosta, known professionally as Baby Ranks, is a Puerto Rican and Dominican reggaeton artist. He has co-billing on the Luny Tunes album ''Mas Flow 2'', and sings on multiple tracks including the single " Mayor Que Yo" ("Older than ...
, and
Tony Tun Tun Tony Tun Tun (born Juan Castro; March 4, 1977) is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and record producer. He first became involved in music while attending Carolina's Escuela Libre de Musica, where he played with a local philharmonic orchestra. ...
. *Worm Quartet expressed exasperation with
Marc Gunn Marc Andrew Gunn (born March 17, 1972) is an American musician and podcaster. Gunn rose to prominence as the autoharp-playing half of the Brobdingnagian Bards. He and partner Andrew McKee developed a following with weekly performances on the ...
for releasing so many songs about cats, in a song called "Goddammit Marc Gunn, Shut Up About Your Cat". Gunn responded with a song of his own, called "Dear Worm Quartet". *"Boys, Boys, Boys" (2008) on '' The Fame'' album by
Lady Gaga Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta ( ; born March 28, 1986), known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her image reinventions and musical versatility. Gaga began performing as a teenag ...
was a response to " Girls, Girls, Girls" (1987) by
Mötley Crüe Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. The group was founded by bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil. Mötley Crüe has sold over 100 million albums ...
. * Mitch Benn's "Not Everybody Has to Imagine" (2008) is a reply to John Lennon's "
Imagine Imagine may refer to: * Imagination Music Albums * ''Imagine'' (Armin van Buuren album), 2008 * ''Imagine'' (Eva Cassidy album), 2002 * ''Imagine'' (Janice Vidal album), 2012 * ''Imagine'' (John Lennon album), 1971 ** ''Imagine: John Lennon' ...
" (1971). *They Might Be Giants released the answer song "Why Does the Sun Really Shine? (The Sun is a Miasma of Incandescent Plasma)" to their popular 1993 cover of Tom Glazer's 1965 song " Why Does the Sun Shine?". * "A Baker's Tale" by
Dean Friedman Dean Friedman (born May 23, 1955) is an American singer-songwriter who plays piano, keyboard, guitar and other instruments, including the harmonica. Although considered a one-hit wonder in the US, he has had multiple singles chart in other terr ...
(2009, released 2010 on the album ''Submarine Races'') was a response to "The Bastard Son of Dean Friedman" by
Half Man Half Biscuit Half Man Half Biscuit are an English rock band, formed in 1984 in Birkenhead, Merseyside. Known for their satirical, sardonic, and sometimes surreal songs, the band comprises lead singer and guitarist Nigel Blackwell, bassist and singer Neil Cr ...
(1987, on the album ''
Back Again in the DHSS ''Back Again in the DHSS'' is the second album by UK rock band Half Man Half Biscuit, released in 1987. The album was released after the band had split up, and comprised John Peel, Peel Sessions along with some new songs. "Dickie Davies Eyes" ...
''). In 2010, Friedman performed his song at a Half Man Half Biscuit concert; and accompanied the band during a performance of theirs.


2010s

* Devil Comes Back to Georgia by
Johnny Cash John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American country singer-songwriter. Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his ca ...
, Charlie Daniels, Mark O'Connor, and
Travis Tritt James Travis Tritt (born February 9, 1963) is an American country music singer and songwriter. He signed to Warner Bros. Records in 1989, releasing seven studio albums and a greatest hits package for the label between then and 1999. In the 20 ...
in 2010 responds to the Charlie Daniels Band's
The Devil Went Down to Georgia "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" is a song written and performed by the Charlie Daniels, Charlie Daniels Band and released on their 1979 album ''Million Mile Reflections''. The song is written in the key of D minor. Vassar Clements originally wr ...
(1979). * Everybody Was in the French Resistance...Now! released an album titled ''Fixin' The Charts, Vol. 1''. As its title suggests, the album contains nothing but answer songs to pop hits. "G.I.R.L.F.R.E.N. (You Know I've Got A)", an answer song to
Avril Lavigne Avril Ramona Lavigne ( ; born September 27, 1984) is a Canadian singer and songwriter. At age 16, she signed a two-album recording contract with Arista Records. Her debut studio album, ''Let Go (Avril Lavigne album), Let Go'' (2002), is the ...
's hit "
Girlfriend A girlfriend is a female friend, acquaintance or partner, usually a female companion with whom one is platonically, romantically, or sexually involved. In a romantic context, this normally signifies a committed relationship where the indi ...
", is one example. *" California Gurls" (2010) by
Katy Perry Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (born October 25, 1984), known professionally as Katy Perry, is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. Known for her influence on modern pop music and her Camp (style), campy style, she has been ...
featuring
Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg and briefly Snoop Lion), is an American rapper. His fame dates back to 1992 when he featured on Dr. Dre's debut solo single, " ...
was a response to " Empire State of Mind" (2009) by
Jay-Z Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Manhattan-based conglomerate talent and entertainment agency Roc Nation. He is regarded as one of ...
featuring
Alicia Keys Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), known professionally as Alicia Keys, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. A classically trained pianist, Keys started composing songs when she was 12 and was signed at 15 years old by Col ...
. It was the first time both the original song and the answer song reached No. 1 on the Billboard ''Hot 100''. *Taylor Swift's "
Better Than Revenge "Better than Revenge" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, ''Speak Now'' (2010). Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, the electric guitar-driven pop punk song is about Swift's pl ...
" (2010) is an answer to The Jonas Brothers' " Much Better" (2009) which may have been an answer Swift's " Forever and Always" (2008). * Marina and the Diamonds' cover of
Justin Bieber Justin Drew Bieber ( ; born March 1, 1994) is a Canadian singer. Bieber is recognized for his genre-melding musicianship and has played an influential role in modern-day popular music. He was discovered by American record executive Scooter ...
's " Boyfriend" (2012) is an answer song to the original tune, the lyrics adapted to give it a female perspective. *
Lecrae Lecrae Devaughn Moore (born October 9, 1979), mononymously known as Lecrae, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record and film producer, record executive, actor, and entrepreneur. He is the president, co-owner and co-founder of the ind ...
made the song " No Regrets" (2012) in response to " The Motto" (2011) by
Drake Drake may refer to: Animals * A male duck People and fictional characters * Drake (surname), a list of people and fictional characters with the family name * Drake (given name), a list of people and fictional characters with the given name * ...
. Which itself is a response to "
If Today Was Your Last Day "If Today Was Your Last Day" is the third single from Nickelback's sixth studio album ''Dark Horse''. It was originally planned as the first single, to hit all U.S. radio formats September 30, 2008, but was scrapped as the first single in favour ...
" (2008) by Nickelback. *Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) released "Niggas in Poorest," (2012) in response to Jay-Z's and Kanye West's, " Niggas in Paris," (2011) chastising them for parading their wealth while so many are suffering with poverty, violence, crime, and exploitation. *Mary Lambert's "She Keeps Me Warm" (2013) is an extension of the chorus she sang on Macklemore's "
Same Love Same may refer to: *Sameness or identity Places * Same (Homer), an island mentioned by Homer in the ''Odyssey'' * Same (polis), an ancient city * Same, East Timor, the capital of the Manufahi district * Samé, Mali * Same, Tanzania * Same Distric ...
" (2012). Where "Same Love" has a message of gay acceptance, "She Keeps Me Warm" is about a woman who falls in love with another woman and grows to accept her ''own'' sexuality. *
Ewert and the Two Dragons Ewert and The Two Dragons is an Estonian indie-rock band. The line-up consists of vocalist Ewert Sundja, guitarist Erki Pärnoja, drummer Kristjan Kallas, and bassist Ivo Etti. Their debut album ''The Hills Behind The Hills'' was released in 200 ...
wrote their song "Jolene" on the album
Good Man Down ''Good Man Down'' is the second album by Estonian indie rock band Ewert and The Two Dragons. It was released on April 15, 2011, as the follow-up to their debut album ''The Hills Behind The Hills''. Upon release, the album was met with positive ...
in response to Dolly Parton's 1973 single " Jolene" from the male perspective. Additionally, the 2017 song " Diane" performed by Cam sings from the perspective of Jolene. *"
Big Girls Cry "Big Girls Cry" is a single by Australian singer-songwriter Sia, from her sixth studio album ''1000 Forms of Fear'' (2014). The single was not released internationally; it was only released in Australia and some parts of Europe. It charted in Be ...
" on
Sia Sia Kate Isobelle Furler ( ; born 18 December 1975) is an Australian singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Adelaide, she started her career as a singer in the acid jazz band Crisp in the mid-1990s. In 1997, when Crisp disbanded, she rel ...
's 2014 album ''
1000 Forms of Fear ''1000 Forms of Fear'' is the sixth studio album by Australian singer Sia. It was released on 4 July 2014 by Monkey Puzzle and RCA Records worldwide, and Inertia Records in Australia. Primarily an electropop album, the record also incorporates i ...
'' is an answer song to Fergie's hit "Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie song), Big Girls Don't Cry" (2007). * "Anaconda (Nicki Minaj song), Anaconda" by Nicki Minaj (2014) is viewed as an answer to Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back" (1992), which is heavily sampled in the song. Whereas Sir Mix-a-Lot focuses on a woman's body and the pleasure it gives him, Minaj raps from the perspective of the unnamed woman, and shows how she uses her Venus Callipyge, callipygian physique to profit and empower herself. *Ellie Goulding's song "On My Mind (Ellie Goulding song), On My Mind" is seen as answer to Ed Sheeran's "Don't (Ed Sheeran song), Don't" by many critics, although Goulding herself has denied it. *Christine and the Queens rewrote Beyoncé's "Sorry (Beyoncé song), Sorry" from a male perspective. *Esmé Patterson published Woman to Woman (Esmé Patterson album), ''Woman to Woman'' (2014), an album of seven answer songs from the perspective of famous women in pop songs, including "Eleanor Rigby", "Billie Jea and The Kinks' "Lola". * "The Quantum Enigma (Kingdom of Heaven Part II)" popularized by Epica (band), Epica is a response to "Kingdom of Heaven" * Eels (band), Eels 2018 single "Bone Dry" is an answer to their 2010 single "Fresh Blood (song), Fresh Blood". Fresh Blood was itself a sequel to their song "I Want to Protect You". *"Paper Doll" (2013) by John Mayer is viewed as a response to Taylor Swift's "Dear John" (2010) and also mentions her song "22". *In 2013, Kay One released his diss track "Nichts als die Wahrheit" against his former label mates Bushido and Shindy, as a response to Shindy's song "Alkoholisierte Pädophile", making fun of Kay One and his stepfather Olliwood. Bushido in return released the 11 minute storytelling diss track "Leben und Tod des Kenneth Glöckler", chronicling the rise and career of Kay One from his perspective, depicting him as an opportunist who only makes friends that get him further in the music business just to drop them when he finds someone more prestigious. One year later, Kay One released the 25 minute response song "Tag des jüngsten Gerichts", depicting his career from his own point of view, including attacks against many of his former friends on the way who turned their back on him, most prominently Bushido who he claims to have abused his power as a label boss and his ties to the Abou-Chaker clan to make Kay work lots for little money, as well as being a greedy man who rips off his fellow collaborators as well as his own fans. Numerous of the rappers mentioned in the song released their own diss tracks against Kay One as a response, however they received less media coverage and attention than those of Kay One and Bushido.


2020s

*Coheed and Cambria's 2020 song "Jessie's Girl 2" is a sequel to Rick Springfield's 1981 song "Jessie's Girl". Featuring Springfield himself on the track, the song imagines what would have happened had Springfield succeeded in winning Jessie's girl. *Roselia (band), Roselia's 2022 song "ROZEN HORIZON" is a sequel to their 2019 song "FIRE BIRD", according the mini-album's page. *Country trio Chapel Hart's 2022 song "You Can Have Him Jolene" answers Dolly Parton's classic " Jolene" almost 50 years later.


See also

*Diss track


References


Further reading


"Answer Records / Sequels"
list of Answer Songs from everyhit.com * B. Lee Cooper and Wayne S. Haney, ''Response Recordings: An Answer Song Discography, 1950-1990'', Scarecrow Press, 1990, (A comprehensive alphabetized list of over 2500 hit tunes that prompted the production of answer songs or other forms of response recordings)
Answer Songs
Spotify playlist of some of the answer songs on this page {{DEFAULTSORT:Answer Song Song forms Answer songs, * 20th century in music 21st century in music