Great classic novels, something like a successful ladies’ man, should have a memorable opening line. The same could be said for popular songs, which rely on one catchy phrase to keep you listening.
Among the best known books would be A tale of two citiess by Charles Dickens, which begins: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” British author George Orwell immediately lets his readers know something is wrong when the futuristic adventure begins. 1984 with the line: “It was a bright, cold April day and the clock struck thirteen.”
American novelist William Faulkner used a similar preview to begin the sound and the fury, which begins with “Through the fence, between the spaces of curling flowers, I could see them thump.” In his next novel, however, Faulkner begins with an unconventional and potentially less effective technique known as dialogue.
the reivers, which was published in 1962, begins with the words of the grandfather. “This is the kind of man Boon Hogganback was,” says the old man. “Hanging on the wall, it could have been his epitaph, like a police poster.”
The Reivers is one of the few novels to begin with dialogue, a technique that is equally rare in popular songs. Here are eight hits that start with a dialogue.
Save my son’s life from Simon and Garfunkel
The first theme of the duo Bookend the album opens with a distraught mother crying, “My God, don’t jump!” a young man sitting on the ledge of a tall building.
I Think We’re Alone Now by Tommy James and the Shondells
In one of their many hits, the group begins by making fun of adults who all too often say, “Kids are good” when teenagers manage to be alone.
Only a fool would say that about Steely Dan
Donald Fagen and Walter Becker mock the useless dreamer who believes in “A world turned to salads and sunshine” in the closing track of their debut album, You can’t buy a thrill.
She Said She Said The Beatles
This classic slice of psychedelic rock from Stir it begins with John Lennon telling his listeners that she claimed “I know what it’s like to be dead.”
The Tramp’s Escape by Bob Dylan
“Forgive me in my weakness” is what the man on trial says to open this ironic story of John Wesley Hardingat the end of which a lightning strike in the courtroom allows him to escape.
One by one all day for pimples
Indie rockers try their hand at a little country music for this song from oh world invertedwhich begins with Grandpa saying, “Hello, Lem.”
God (Part One) by Ian Hunter
“I’m going to kick your ass because the only thing you do is ask, ask, ask”, is what the supreme being tells the artist in this closing theme of all american alien boy.
What she said about the Smiths
Morrissey listens intently and recites the line: “Why didn’t anyone realize I’m dead and decide to bury me? God knows I’m ready” in this hit hit. Meat is death.