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Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put a Spell on You" (Amazon)
To heck with romance. Joining us with love songs that are weird, unsettling and delightfully creepy are Steve Almond, author of the book “Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life” and Emily Rems, editor at Bust Magazine.
Got a love song that makes your skin crawl? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Comments [108]
I LOVED yesterday's show! I caught the replay at 10 so I couldn't call in but I thought it was just great. A lot of comments mention songs that are outright creepy but I loved how you guys skewed more towards mainstream "love songs" that don't seem creepy until you really listen to the lyrics (One way, etc.) Great job!
Hi there, I got 2 songs which instantly popped up in my mind after listetning to today's program:
1. Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphonie_fantastique
this is one of the creepiest compositions on the theme of love - and because it is a piece of a program music, it has a story, which tells about an artist poisoning himself with opium because of hopeless love, and each movements of the symphony depicts one of his visions.
I think this symphony fits here because imho it shows the demonic side of love (in the last movement a hero actually ends up in an orgy with demons), the part of love which is connected with fear - fear of being obsessed by demons, getting out of control, and submitting yourself to the many dangers of real and supernatural world.
Tbh, I was quite scared when I first listened to this symphony around 20 years ago, but this fear was exactly the feeling what has had a magnetic attraction for me towards this piece
2. a second suggestion would be the song "Stay" by Shakespeare's sister: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eXw47qb4U0
Not that I really like the music, but it stuck in my mind somehow (I haven't listened to it since early 90es and still I instantly remembered it). Maybe because it is again about demons. More specifically about death, but if we get to the philosophic side, what exactly is the difference between love and death? It attempts to show connection between love and danger. And maybe this somehow touches the secret of why most guys love bad girls.
I wrote this and now I realize that both my suggestions kind of go to the same direction. Maybe because I actually think that the most amazing thing about love is that it isn't safe. Without being risky, love wouldn't be just a feeling as important as itching maybe.
Regards,
Archil
The Cramps 'TV Set' - maybe this is too over the top/campy to be creepy?
White Stripes 'Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground'
Louvin Brothers 'Knoxville Girl'...and all murder ballads, maybe.
Sorry I missed adding to this great show... guess there've been quite a few pretty creepy songs!
I wondered if anyone thought of Elvis Costello's "Alison" which I sang for a few years before a friend pointed out how creepy the lyrics are! Especially when he says "...I know this world is killing you, my aim is true..."
"Alison" by Elvis Costello
Oh, it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl
And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress
I'm not gonna get too sentimental
Like those other sticky valentines
'Cause I don't know if you are loving some body
I only know it isn't mine
Alison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Alison, my aim is true
Well, I see you've got a husband now
Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand
I bet he took all that he could take
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
When I hear the silly things that you say
I think somebody better put out the big light
'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
Alison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Alison, my aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
I am so sorry what I meant was I will posess your heart by Death Cab For Cutie. Earlier I said it was by Postal Service.
You reject my... advances... and desperate pleas...
I won't let you... let me down... so easily.
So easily.
"Lullaby" by Krzysztof Komeda from the Rosemary's Baby soundtrack is very, very creepy.
How about "I Am Stretched on Your Grave" by Dead Can Dance?
Great show. So nice to hear Emily Rems again, she's awesome.
Johnny Dowd's "Hope you Don't Mind." I don't think you can find much worse.
How ON EARTH was Ready or Not by the Fugees overlooked by both the Soundcheck crew and the commenters? "Ready or not,here I come, you can't hide / gonna find you, and take it slowly "
I think a creepy love song is I will posess your heart by The Postal Service.
You reject my... advances... and desperate pleas...
I won't let you... let me down... so easily.
So easily.
How about No More Hotdogs by Hasil Adkins?
john- you know very well ,"every step you take",is about survellance, not obsessive love. why are you playing stupid ?
Any song with that stupid wind chime in it. It was in that R Kelley song.
It's in every song where a guy professes his love when he really just wants to knock you up and split.
Oh BOY... you haven't done Punk Rock justice!
forgive me for not reading all the incoming mail... but I had to be sure you have this:
Tuff Darts: Your Love is like a Nuclear Waste.
Refrain: ...they should stamp 'contaminated' across your face...
More Sondheim -- "Unworthy of Your Love," in which Squeaky Frome sings about her love for Charles Manson and John Hinkley sings of his love for Jodie Foster.
"On the Street Where You Live" from "My Fair Lady" is one of the most romantic of Broadway standards, but it is sung, after all, by a man literally standing outside a woman's house, hoping that "any second she may suddenly appear." People stop and stare . . . but they don't bother him. Should I keep going?
The song has received criticism for using the American English "On the street" instead of the proper British English "In the street," but one could also take issue with the song from a legal standpoint.
Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds.
Here are the full lyrics from the song I didn't sing very well on today's program:
Cool water divine
Now I'm thirsty with nowhere to go
And what else do we find
But sorrow and misery untold
I know you got somebody new
Much better than me
When that chain starts to swing, keep in mind one thing
Don't forget me dear
And when you're lost I feel it too
Woman make life sweet
Because of what you do, all my world is you
Now I know it's not easy don't believe them when they say I'm not right
Don't put a hex on me baby
Because I don't know what's wrong or right
I know that there's somebody new
Much better than me
But because my love is true, all my best to you
Don't forget me dear
And when you're alone please take care
Don't go walking after dark
Shine a light behind the stair
Remember what might be in there
Cool water divine
Now I'm thirstier with nowhere to go
It's sorrow that we find
I'm thirstier with no where to go
I know that there's somebody new
Much better than me
When that chain starts to swing, keep in mind one thing
Don't forget me dear
Because my love is true, give my best to you
Don't forget me dear
I'm surprised no one listed this R. Kelly song yet. If you did, sorry for the repeat.
R. Kelly's song 'Pregnant' is by far and away his creepiest one yet. See for yourself!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw4wmwsFwRg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I think the lyrics are 'lock you up, knock you up.' All I can say is 'wow!'
Girlfriend in a Coma isn't a depiction of creepiness towards women. Morrissey is gay. He's making fun of you straight people! I've noticed a lot of people who don't realize this miss the sarcastic parody.
How about "And Then You Kissed Me" and "And Then You Kissed Me II" by The Cardigans?
How about "And Then He Kissed Me" and "And Then He Kissed Me II" by The Cardigans?
Country creepy song: Lyly Lovett's L.A.County
My favorite is Tom Lehrer's "I Hold Your Hand In Mine"
I hold your hand in mine dear,
I press it to my lips
I take a healthy bite of your dainty fingertips.
My joy would be complete dear
If you were only here,
But still I keep your hand as a precious souvenir
The night you died I cut it off I really don't know why,
But now each tme I kiss it I get blood Stain's on my tie
I'm sorry now I killed you
For our love was somethng fine
Until they come to get me I will hold your hand in mine.
On the theme of obsessive love, Angie Stone's "Bottles & Cans" is a little disturbing. In it she prefers homelessnes to unrequited love.
"Young Girl" Gary Puckett
"Sally Go Round The Roses"
hypnotic, obsessive and carried the urban myth that its about a broken lesbian affair
Brand New KEY BY Melony. Stalker song
Don't forget Randy Newman. He's one of my favorite creepy songwriters. "You can leave your hat on" is very famous, but don't forget "In Germany before the War." Many songs, actually. I love 'em!
you havent touched on the very creepiest song of all, "Young Girl" by Gary Puckett
What comes to mind immediately is Play Misty for Me... from the absolutely creepy 1971 movie with Clint Eastwood and Jessica Walter.
I always thought the most messed up "love" song was "The Plan" from Richard Hell.
What one goes through for "perfect" love is rather frightening...
Many girlfriends have commented to me over the years that they find "Run for Your Life" by Beatles, written by George Harrison, as a pretty creepy song.
Beautiful South's "Something That You Said". Very catchy and disturbing.
How about that car crash death song "Tell Laura I love Her"...
U2's cover of "Night And Day" is VERY creepy. Bono's psychotic delivery of a traditionally-romantic tune is perhaps his scariest recording (and video) moment, ever. Eeeeek.
"I Gotcha" by Joe Tex. very creepy and violent!
I always thought the Billy Ocean song "Get out of my dreams, get into my car" sounds like he's a kidnapper rather than a Romeo.
Root Boy Slim does the ultimate misery-from-unrequited-love song, "The Loneliest Room in the World" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGN9hxITjkw
Definitely, "I would die for you" by Garbage. There's no ambiguity here, just pure weird obsession.
Carla Ulbrich: "What if your girlfriend was gone?"
I will posses your heart by Death Cab for Cutie
Creep by Radiohead
These are self evident.
Don Dixon's Heart In A Box - he cuts his heart out and sends it to his cheating girlfriend - Now that's creepy
Ringo Starr "Devil Woman" -- "I want to beat you up and then I want to be kind." Who could refuse that offer?
"I Wish I Could Forget You" and "Loving You" from Sondheim's _Passion_. (Talk about stalking.)
Salome's final scene in the opera by R. Strauss.
There's a Flanders and Swann song called "Have Some Madeira, My Dear."
How about anything off of Good Apollo Volume 1 by Coheed and Cambria? Talk about creepy love.
This segment is making me realize where we get our screwed-up views of "love" and why so many relationships are so dysfunctional and regressive. The songs we grow up listening to (and loving) reinforce the messages!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Lunch With Gina ... (is forever), Steely Dan
Guns n' Roses' "used to love her" it gets right to the point about the nuclear option.
"There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" by the Smiths
Robyn Hitchcock's "My Wife and My Dead Wife." Also, Nine Inch Nails' "I want to XXXX you like an animal" sounds like what a sexual predator in training would sing.
Rob Paravonian does a great parody of a super-patriotic song as sung by someone who is an over-the-top obsessed stalker. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diYjL66Pz0A
"I Saved Cigarette Butts" on the album Songs of Pain by Daniel Johnston. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TABvWrfj6F0
Having My Baby...by Paul Anka always seemed kind of creepy, the ultimate argument for the idea of procreating as narcissism....have seen a few drag queen/drag king parodies of this one too that were pretty fun.
There is a light that never goes out - The Smiths. Creepy, but love it!
Is it the performer or the lyrics that make a love song creepy?
Hey to be fair you guys, it should be noted that R Kelley was acquitted of all charges.
gary puckett & the union gap band - "young girl"
Basically, any song by James Taylor.
Simple Kind of Life by No Doubt! A mean, obsessed, sick domestic abuser looking for a fight...
Not written as a creepy love song, but "Plaisir D'Amour, the beautiful French song has been used at at least one wedding by a friend of a friend, who chose it because she assumed it was an ode to love, when it's lyrics are:
The Joys of Love are but a Moment Long,
The Pain of Love Endures the Whole Life Long.
"I Save Cigarette Butts" on the album Songs of Pain by Daniel Johnston. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TABvWrfj6F0
"I Will Possess Your Heart"--Death Cab for Cutie: "There are days when outside your window
I see my reflection as I slowly pass...You reject my... advances... and desperate pleas...
I won't let you... let me down... so easily.
Yikes!
The late Johnny Otis: Castin' My Spell!!!
barry mendoza(sp) i'd pick up
"she's just 16 years old......"
creepy love songs?
The entire Howard Devoto catalog.
"Tracy, I love you" by Luna. It's got a great stalker vibe to it.
Having My Baby...by Paul Anka always seemed kind of creepy, the ultimate argument for the idea of procreating as narcissism....have seen a few drag queen/drag king parodies of this one too that were pretty fun.
One of my favorite creepy love songs is "Watchin' You Sleep" by Bleu. Like "Every Breath You Take", it's a sweet, soft-sounding song with unexpected context to the lyrics. Check it out!
Muddy Waters's "School Girl" was something of a hit when I went to an all-boys Catholic prep school in the early 70's.
Nice version but the original Screamin' Jay hawkins is the best one he recorded
"I'd rather see you dead, little girl, than to see you with another man...."
Sound a bit drastic. Fab Four tune that was wildly popular...Kinda extremely possive...
The Beatles "Run for Your Life" ... didn't John regret recording that one? Cree-pae!
that clay aiken song "if i were invisible" is super creepy. i hear it at work every day. it goes "if i were invisible, then i could just watch you in your room....i'd make you mine tonight". eek!
"I Hold Your Hand" by Tom Lehrer is a classic creepy song!!
First one I ever realized was creepy... "Better Run For Your Life" by the Beatles.
Run for your life if you can, little girl. Hide your head in the sand, little girl. Catch you with another man, that's the end, little girl.
I nominate this segment for consideration for Halloween rebroadcast.
"The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get" by Morrissey is deeply unsettling...but it still kinda turns me on!
My vote for creepy songs are:
'Love Addict' by Family Force Five
'The Sex has made me Stupid' by Robots in Disguise
'Bloodsport' by Sneaker Pimps
Private Eyes are Watching You?
Oh Maureen by Black 47
With lines like:
Beat me, whip me, make me write bad checks
I'll always be in lust with you.
I've heard Dean Martin's "Baby, It's Cold Outside," called "The Date Rape Song," because of the woman singing the line, "say what's in this drink?"
'Dude I totally miss you' by Tenacious D. was on my Valentine's Day playlist today. Not creepy, but unusual to say the least. :)
I Follow You - by Amadou and Mariam
"I'm Going to Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home' by David Frizzell
ultimate enabler song from 70's
"You're My World" by Cilla Black. If anyone ever looked into my eyes and sang that song, I would run like hell! It's even weirder that Helen "I Am Woman" Reddy covered it.
I always thought Crazy by Patsy Cline was pretty creepy. Imagine being serenaded by your stalker with this song!
Love is Strange by Micki and Sylvia. And it certainly is.
Possum Kingdom by The Toadies is super creepy and scary
"Every Breath You Take"
The Juliana Hatfield version. Electrified to the rafters, as if from Frankenstein's Lab-or-a-tory in mid reanimation.
"More Than Words" by Extreme is probably one of the more eloquent ways to pressure your partner in sexual activity I can think of.
"When A Man Loves a Woman" most often heard by Percy Sledge, also gets a lot of airtime for a song that has a pretty creepy view of love.
Favorite creepy, stalker love song-"Until you come back to me".
Although your phone you ignore,
somehow I must explain
I'll have to rap on your door,
Tap on your window pane.
I'm gonna camp by your steps
until I get through to you,
change your view
'til you come back to me that's what I'm gonna do
Luna's Tracy I Love You ... SoCal feel, nasty underbelly:
Tell me stories on my birthday
Buy me gifts on Halloween
She's pretending not know me
But I know where she's been
Change your name and change your number
I'm gonna find you anyhow
I have been through all your things
Asking when and how and why
I spend too much time in airplanes
Eating peanuts and getting high
Don't know why I can't stop smiling
When I only need to cry
Winner HANDS DOWN: Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music's "In Every Dream Home a Heartache" - Ferry's love song to his inflatable companion. If that doesn't creep you out, you own one!
I've always found Paul Anka's "You're Havin' My Baby" especially cringe-worthy.
"You're the Only One I Love" by Ray Parker, Jr. and Raydio. "You can change your telephone number, you can change your address too, but you can't stop me from loving you..." You want a stalker? Ray puts Sting to shame.
While I LOVE Kate Bush for all her genius, you gotta wonder how far off the deep end she was going when she wrote "Infant Kiss." (a portion of the lyrics excerpted below):
"I say good night-night
I tuck him in tight.
But things are not right.
What is this? An infant kiss
That sends my body tingling?
I've never fallen for
A little boy before.
No control.
Just a kid and just at school.
Back home they'd call me dirty...."
Elvis Costello's "I Want You" is obsessive, but it's long been one of my favorites -- especially love its opening lines and crass, shattering, guitar chord.
"Private Eyes" by Hall & Oates. I was very young in the '80s, was it ok to make songs about watching women?
Sonic Youth's version of The Carpenters' "Superstar" hits the perfect note of obsessive stalker creep that is this "love" song.
Also, can we talk about The Police, "Every Breath You Take?" Is that one just too obvious?
I suggest "Two Silhouettes on the Shade" by the Rays. A fantastic unintentionally creepy love song. Check it out :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdGYK7VpeEE
"Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" by Meatloaf
"Girlfriend in a Coma", "There is a Light That Never Goes Out", "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" and countless other Smiths and Morrissey classics. Morrissey is the master of the creepy love song (in a good way, of course)
"Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me" by Mac Davis
"You are so Beautiful (to me)" Joe Cocker
Another good, one perhaps more unintentional, is "One Day" - Melody Gardot.
Citizen Bird (aka Sillverbullit) "I Love You". Creepier live but the album version also captures the crazier side of love quite nicely.
How about…"Psychobabble" by Frou Frou…..great arrangement, outstanding production work, vocals by Imogen Heap. Enjoy!!!
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