100 Greatest

Source: http://www.squidoo.com/100songs

#100: "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Released as a single in 1970 More than anything else, I love what this song is about: the Kent State University shootings on May 4, 1970. The Kent State students were protesting America's invasion of Cambodia and the Vietnam War in general when the Ohio National Guard shot four students and wounded nine others. Tin soldiers and Nixon's coming We're finally on our own This summer I hear the drumming Four dead in Ohio Gotta get down to it Soldiers are cutting us down Should have been done long ago What if you knew her And found her dead on the ground How can you run when you know?

#99: "Born In The U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen From the 1984 album Born In The U.S.A.

There is a severe misconception about "Born in the U.S.A." It's a protest song (with specific references to Vietnam), not some nationalistic anthem. Got in a little hometown jam So they put a rifle in my hand Sent me off to a foreign land To go and kill the yellow man I had a brother at Khe Sahn fighting off the Viet Cong They're still there, he's all gone

He had a woman he loved in Saigon I got a picture of him in her arms now

#98: "Whipping Post" by The Allman Brothers Band From the 1969 album The Allman Brothers Band

"Good lord, I feel like I'm dyin'." It's right after this line that my favorite part of "Whipping Post" begins. The bluesy guitar riff combines with the awesome bass riff, and you're forced to settle in for a classic Allman Bros. jam. I'm not really a fan of Southern stuff, but I love the Allman Bros. It's too bad guitarist Duane Allman died in 1971 of a motorcycle accident just months after the release of their great live album At Fillmore East.

#97: "Back In Black" by AC/DC From the 1980 album Back In Black

This song is all about its legendary guitar riff. After the death of AC/DC singer Bon Scott in early 1980, he was replaced by Brian Johnson. "Back In Black," the first song recorded after Scott's death, served as an announcement that the band wasn't over despite the loss of their former lead singer. Back in black, I hit the sack, I've been too long, I'm glad to be back Yes I'm let loose from the noose, That's kept me hangin' about I been livin like a star 'cause it's gettin' me high, Forget the hearse, 'cause I never die

I got nine lives, cat's eyes abusing every one of them and running wild

#96: "Sympathy For The Devil" by The Rolling Stones From the 1968 album Beggar's Banquet

"Sympathy For The Devil" perfectly epitomizes how lyrically talented the Rolling Stones can be. The problem is that their lyrical talent often gets overshadowed by the "shock value" of their live shows, during which Mick Jagger runs wild around the stage and shouts unintelligible words. In "Sympathy For The Devil," they actually have something to say, as Jagger runs through the horrible atrocities mankind has committed and makes you realize that "the devil" is really just the collective maliciousness that humans display. Please allow me to introduce myself I'm a man of wealth and taste I've been around for a long, long year Stole many a man's soul and faith And I was 'round when Jesus Christ Had his moment of doubt and pain Made damn sure that Pilate Washed his hands and sealed his fate Pleased to meet you Hope you guess my name But what's puzzling you Is the nature of my game I stuck around St. Petersburg When I saw it was a time for a change Killed the czar and his ministers Anastasia screamed in vain I rode a tank Held a general's rank When the blitzkrieg raged And the bodies stank Pleased to meet you Hope you guess my name, oh yeah Ah, what's puzzling you Is the nature of my game, oh yeah

I watched with glee While your kings and queens Fought for ten decades For the gods they made I shouted out, Who killed the Kennedys? When after all It was you and me

#95: "Jeremy" by Pearl Jam From the 1991 album Ten

There was once a 16-year-old boy from Richardson, Texas named Jeremy Wade Delle. After coming in late to class and being told to get an admittance slip from the school office, Delle left the classroom only to return holding a .357 Magnum revolver. He walked to the front of the classroom, announced "Miss, I got what I really went for," put the barrel in his mouth and pulled the trigger. At home, drawing pictures of mountain tops With him on top lemon yellow sun, arms raised in a v And the dead lay in pools of maroon below Daddy didn't give attention Oh, to the fact that mommy didn't care King Jeremy the wicked...oh, ruled his world... Jeremy spoke in class today... Clearly I remember pickin' on the boy Seemed a harmless little fuck Ooh, but we unleashed a lion... Gnashed his teeth and bit the recess lady's breast... How can I forget? And he hit me with a surprise left My jaw left hurtin'...ooh, dropped wide open Just like the day...oh, like the day I heard Daddy didn't give affection, no... And the boy was something that mommy wouldn't wear King Jeremy the wicked...oh, ruled his world

Jeremy spoke in class today... Try to forget this...try to forget this... Try to erase this...try to erase this... from the blackboard...

#94: "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan Released as a single in 1973 It appears that Bob Dylan can actually sing every once in a while. "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" has been covered by about two dozen notable artists, but the greatest has to go to the original. Mama, take this badge off of me I can't use it anymore. It's gettin' dark, too dark for me to see I feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door Mama, put my guns in the ground I can't shoot them anymore. That long black cloud is comin' down I feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

#93: "Get Up Stand Up" by Bob Marley From the 1973 album Burnin'

Bob Marley was diagnosed with malignant melanoma (skin cancer) in 1977. "Get Up Stand Up" is the last song Marley ever performed on September 23, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After the show Marley decided to fly to Germany in order to receive treatment, but the cancer had already progressed to the terminal stage. He died on May 11, 1981. Preacherman, don't tell me Heaven is under the earth I know you don't know What life is really worth It's not all that glitters is gold

'alf the story has never been told So now you see the light Stand up for your rights Most people think Great God will come from the skies Take away everything And make everybody feel high But if you know what life is worth You will look for yours on earth And now you see the light You stand up for your rights

#92: "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison From the 1970 album All Things Must Pass

It was typical that Harrison would write 2-3 songs per Beatles album and Lennon or McCartney would write the rest. There is speculation that Lennon and McCartney only allowed Harrison to include a few on each album. As a result, Harrison's first album after the breakup of the Beatles was a triple album (the third one being a jam session) and was well-received. "My Sweet Lord" is probably Harrison's most wellknown solo song, and is about God. Harrison had to surrender most of the money made from the song for unintentionally plagiarizing the Chiffons' song "He's So Fine."

#91: "Under The Bridge" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers From the 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik

The Chili Peppers were around in the '80s, but were fairly irrelevant. "Under The Bridge," a song about Anthony Kiedis's drug use, put them on the mainstream map.

Sometimes I feel Like I don't have a partner Sometimes I feel Like my only friend Is the city I live in The city of angels Lonely as I am Together we cry I don't ever want to feel Like I did that day Take me to the place I love Take me all the way Under the bridge downtown Is where I drew some blood Under the bridge downtown I could not get enough Under the bridge downtown Forgot about my love Under the bridge downtown I gave my life away

#90: "Roundabout" by Yes From the 1971 album Fragile

I just love how this song starts with such a comforting acoustic guitar, then moves to a great bass performance, then into a great guitar riff, then into everything at once. It also happens to be eight and a half minutes in length. Along the drifting cloud the eagle searching Down on the land Catching the swirling wind the sailor sees The rim of the land The eagle's dancing wings create as weather Spins out of hand Go closer hold the land feel partly no more Than grains of sand We stand to lose all time a thousand answers

By in our hand Next to your deeper fears we stand Surrounded by a million years

#89: "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" by The Temptations From the 1972 album All Directions

"Papa Was A Rollin' Stone"'s slow bass riff makes the song adds to the song's sound very distinctive and fresh. I know this doesn't make any sense because it was made more than thirty years ago, but somehow that's how this song sounds to me. It was the third of September That day I'll always remember, yes I will 'Cause that was the day that my daddy died I never got a chance to see him Never heard nothing but bad things about him Mama, I'm depending on you to tell me the truth And Mama just hung her head and said "Son, Papa was a rolling stone Wherever he laid his hat was his home (And when he died) All he left us was a loan" Hey Mama, is it true what they say that Papa never worked a day in his life? And Mama, some bad talk going around town saying that Papa had three outside children and another wife And that ain't right Hey, talk about Papa doing some store front preaching Talked about saving souls and all the time leeching Dealing in debt and stealing in the name of the Lord Mama just hung her head and said "Papa was a rolling stone, my son Wherever he laid his hat was his home (And when he died) All he left us was a loan" Hey Mama, I heard Papa called himself a jack of all trades Tell me is that what sent Papa to an early grave?

Folks say Papa would beg, borrow, steal to pay his bills Hey Mama, folks say that Papa was never much on thinking Spent most of his time chasing women and drinking Mama, I'm depending on you to tell me the truth And Mama looked up with a tear in her eye and said "Son, Papa was a rolling stone (Well, well, well, well) Wherever he laid his hat was his home (And when he died) All he left us was a loan"

#88: "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival From the 1969 album Willy And The Poor Boys

"Fortunate Son" adheres to the classic CCR formula of being short and undeniably sweet. When the guitar kicks in shortly after the song begins, you know that it's the start of something great. Rolling Stone ranked "Fortunate Son" higher than any other CCR song at #99 on their list, but I still think they have a couple that are better. Some folks are born made to wave the flag Ooh, they're red, white and blue And when the band plays hail to the chief Ooh, they point the cannon at you, lord It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son, son It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, no Some folks are born silver spoon in hand Lord, don't they help themselves, oh But when the taxman comes to the door Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yes It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no millionaire's son, no It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, no Some folks inherit star spangled eyes Ooh, they send you down to war, lord And when you ask them, how much should we give?

Ooh, they only answer more! more! more! It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no military son, son It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, one

#87: "The Long And Winding Road" by The Beatles From the 1970 album Let It Be

I've always liked the fact that a full orchestra is featured in "The Long And Winding Road," but apparently that was one of the primary reasons Paul McCartney wanted the Beatles to be officially broken up. The orchestra was overdubbed by legendary producer Phil Spector over the original song, which merely consisted of McCartney's piano and Lennon's poorly played bass (McCartney was the usual bassist). Obviously, McCartney was greatly angered that the orchestra was overdubbed without his consent. The long and winding road That leads to your door Will never disappear I've seen that road before It always leads me her Lead me to your door The wild and windy night That the rain washed away Has left a pool of tears Crying for the day Why leave me standing here Let me know the way

#86: "Heart Of Gold" by Neil Young From the 1972 album Harvest

I just love the acoustic guitar in "Heart Of Gold". Everything harmonica, guitar, vocals, lyrics - comes together nicely. "Heart Of Gold put me in the middle of the road. Travelling there soon became a bore so I headed for the ditch. A rougher ride but I saw more interesting people there." I want to live I want to give I've been a miner for a heart of gold It's these expressions I never give That keep me searching for a heart of gold And I'm getting old Keeps me searching for a heart of gold And I'm getting old I've been to Hollywood I've been to Redwood I crossed the ocean for a heart of gold I've been in my mind, it's such a fine line That keeps me searching for a heart of gold And I'm getting old Keeps me searching for a heart of gold And I'm getting old

#85: "What'd I Say" by Ray Charles Released as a single in 1959 "What'd I Say" is the signature Ray Charles song. That moaning and groaning Ray does toward the end of the song? Well, those are sexual noises.

#84: "Hurricane" by Bob Dylan From the 1976 album Desire

Remember that one Denzel Washington movie from 1999 called "The Hurricane"? This is what Dylan's song is about, except he wrote it in 1975 as the boxer Rubin Carter (nicknamed the Hurricane) was falsely convicted of triple homicide for a second time. The murders actually took place in 1966, and Carter had served ten years in prison before he was granted a new trial in 1976 after Dylan rallied support for him by writing "Hurricane." Carter was once again found guilty and was sentenced on February 9, 1976. Dylan has not performed the song since January 25, 1976. Carter was released on parole in 1985. All of Rubin's cards were marked in advance The trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chance The judge made Rubin's witnesses drunkards from the slums To the white folks who watched he was a revolutionary bum And to the black folks he was just a crazy nigger No one doubted that he pulled the trigger And though they could not produce the gun The D.A. said he was the one who did the deed And the all-white jury agreed Rubin Carter was falsely tried The crime was murder one, guess who testified? Bello and Bradley and they both badly lied And the newspapers, they all went along for the ride How can the life of such a man Be in the palm of some fool's hand? To see him obviously framed Couldn't help but make me feel ashamed to live in a land Where justice is a game Now all the criminals in their coats and their ties Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise While rubin sits like buddha in a ten-foot cell An innocent man in a living hell That's the story of the Hurricane But it won't be over till they clear his name And give him back the time he's done Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been The champion of the world

#83: "California Love" by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre From the 1996 album All Eyez On Me

It wasn't until playing the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas that I realized "California Love" was adapted from Joe Cocker's song "Woman To Woman", which appears in the game. Dr. Dre was the one primarily responsible for writing the song, and he presented it to 2Pac upon his release from prison in 1995.

#82: "Fire And Rain" by James Taylor From the 1970 album Sweet Baby James

How soothing is "Fire and Rain"? It's quiet acoustic guitar launched Taylor's career and gave birth to the singer-songwriter genre. I've seen fire and I've seen rain I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend But I always thought that I'd see you again

#81: "Do You Feel Like We Do" by Peter Frampton From the 1976 album Frampton Comes Alive

No doubt the most memorable aspect of this song is its length, a shocking 14 minutes. The running joke among classic rock DJs is that they play "Do You Feel Like We Do" whenever they need to use the bathroom. Let's hope that they play the song for more than just a nice break, as there's really only one word to describe it: classic.

#80: "Rocket Man" by Elton John From the 1972 album Honky Chateau

Is it possible to not like "Rocket Man"? This is a classic Elton song if there ever was one. It's actually based on the short story of the same name in Ray Bradbury's book The Illustrated Man. And I think it's gonna be a long long time Till touchdown brings me round again to find I'm not the man they think I am at home Oh no no no I'm a rocket man Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

#79: "Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton From the 1992 album Unplugged

Clapton wrote this song after his 4-year-old son Conor died by falling out a 53rd story window in New York City. Would you know my name

If I saw you in heaven? Would it be the same If I saw you in heaven? Beyond the door There's peace I'm sure And I know there'll be no more Tears in heaven

#78: "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley Released as a single in 1957 Rolling Stone puts "Hound Dog" and "Heartbreak Hotel" in front of "Jailhouse Rock", but I disagree with them. I think "Jailhouse Rock" is the definitive Elvis song. The warden threw a party in the county jail The prison band was there and they began to wail The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing You should've heard those knocked out jailbirds sing Let's rock, everybody, let's rock Everybody in the whole cell block Was dancin' to the jailhouse rock

#77: "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M. From the 1991 album Out Of Time

I was fooled by the title of this song. To "lose your religion" is to lose your temper. Apparently it's an expression used in the South. I've never actually heard anyone use it in conversation. That's me in the corner That's me in the spotlight Losing my religion Trying to keep up with you And I don't know if I can do it Oh no I've said too much I haven't said enough

I thought that I heard you laughing I thought that I heard you sing I think I thought I saw you try

#76: "Take It Easy" by The Eagles From the 1972 album The Eagles

Jackson Browne actually began writing "Take It Easy" but got stuck. He showed it to the Eagles' Glenn Frey, who came up with the "It's a girl, my lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me" line. Browne thought the line was excellent and decided to say that he and Frey co-wrote "Take It Easy." Both Browne and the Eagles have their own version of it, but the Eagles' take is significantly better, as it became their first single and one of their most definitive songs. It's also the closest thing to country that I've ever liked.

#75: "Under Pressure" by Queen featuring David Bowie From the 1982 album Hot Space

This is probably more well-known as the song Vanilla Ice ripped off. Nevertheless, it's still a great song, and Vanilla Ice ripped off the bass guitar riff for good reason.

#74: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana From the 1991 album Nevermind

This song is ranked #9 on Rolling Stone's list, and frankly I don't understand why. Honestly, it isn't quite that good. It is the definitive grunge song, and there hasn't been such a culture-changing song since, but as for the song itself, it doesn't belong anywhere near the top 10. Load up on guns Bring your friends Its fun to lose And to pretend Shes overboard Myself assured I know I know A dirty word With the lights out its less dangerous Here we are now Entertain us I feel stupid and contagious Here we are now Entertain us A mulatto An albino A mosquito My libido

#73: "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley From the 1975 album Natty Dread

How cool is this story? "Though Marley likely wrote the song himself, songwriter credits were given to 'V. Ford'. Vincent Ford was a friend of Marley's who ran a soup kitchen in Trenchtown, the ghetto of Kingston, Jamaica where Marley grew up. The royalty checks received by Ford ensured the survival and continual running of his soup kitchen." I don't know of many people in the music business who have done

something like that. 'Cause - 'cause - 'cause I remember when a we used to sit In a government yard in Trenchtown Oba - obaserving the 'ypocrites - yeah! Mingle with the good people we meet, yeah! Good friends we have, oh, good friends we have lost Along the way, yeah! In this great future, you can't forget your past So dry your tears, I seh. Yeah! Said - said - said I remember when we used to sit In the government yard in Trenchtown, yeah! And then Georgie would make the fire lights I seh, logwood burnin' through the nights, yeah! Then we would cook cornmeal porridge, say Of which I'll share with you, yeah! My feet is my only carriage And so I've got to push on through

#72: "The Weight" by The Band From the 1968 album Music From Big Pink

"The Weight" is just one of those songs that you absentmindedly start singing along to. It's lyrics, though usually glossed over because of the absentminded singing, are actually quite interesting in that they describe a purgatorial experience with numerous biblical allusions. I pulled into Nazareth I was feelin' about half past dead I just need some place Where I can lay my head "Hey, mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?" He just grinned and shook my hand And "No!" was all he said Take a load off Fannie Take a load for free Take a load off Fannie

And you can put the load right on me I picked up my bag, I went lookin' for a place to hide When I saw Carmen and the Devil walkin' side by side I said, "Hey, Carmen, come on, let's go downtown" She said, "I gotta go, but m'friend can stick around."

#71: "New Year's Day" by U2 From the 1983 album War

The guitar solo near the end of the song is when "New Year's Day" just comes together. The bass is great as well, and really coalesces with the beat and guitar, along with Bono's moaning voice. All is quiet on New Year's Day A world in white gets underway I want to be with you Be with you night and day Nothing changes on New Year's Day On New Year's Day Under a blood red sky A crowd has gathered in black and white Arms entwined, the chosen few The newspapers says, says Say it's true it's true... And we can break through Though torn in two We can be one And so we're told this is the golden age And gold is the reason for the wars we wage Though I want to be with you Be with you night and day Nothing changes On New Year's Day

#70: "Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple

From the 1972 album Machine Head

"Smoke On The Water" features the most famous guitar riff in history. It's considered one of the best, but most describe it as being extremely rudimentary. Does that matter? Of course not. It's still a hell of a song.

#69: "Bennie And The Jets" by Elton John From the 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

It turns out this song isn't live at all. Producer Gus Dudgeon added applause and audience sounds from previous Elton concerts after the song had already been completed. Say, candy and ronnie, have you seen them yet But theyre so spaced out, bennie and the jets Oh but theyre weird and theyre wonderful Oh bennie shes really keen Shes got electric boots a mohair suit You know I read it in a magazine Bennie and the jets

#68: "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones From the 1969 album Let It Bleed

Although the use of London Bach Choir (a boys choir) is pretty cool, my favorite part of the song is the horn that plays 55 seconds into the song right after the acoustic guitar starts. I saw her today at the reception A glass of wine in her hand I knew she was gonna meet her connection At her feet was a footloose man And I went down to the demonstration To get my fair share of abuse Singing, were gonna vent our frustration If we dont were gonna blow a 50-amp fuse I went down to the chelsea drugstore To get your prescription filled I was standing in line with mr. jimmy And man, did he look pretty ill We decided that we would have a soda My favorite flavor, cherry red I sung my song to mr. jimmy Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was dead I saw her today at the reception In her glass was a bleeding man She was practiced at the art of deception Well I could tell by her blood-stained hands

#67: "Dancing In The Dark" by Bruce Springsteen From the 1984 album Born In The U.S.A.

I find "Dancing In The Dark" to be somewhat irresistable due to its beat and use of synthesizers. The saxophone solo at the end seals the deal.

You can't start a fire You can't start a fire without a spark This gun's for hire Even if we're just dancing in the dark

#66: "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses From the 1987 album Appetite For Destruction

"Sweet Child O' Mine" is about Axl Rose's girlfriend Erin Everly, whom he married in 1990. Their marriage was annulled in 1991. She's got a smile that it seems to me Reminds me of childhood memories Where everything Was as fresh as the bright blue sky Now and then when I see her face She takes me away to that special place And if I'd stare too long I'd probably break down and cry She's got eyes of the bluest skies As if they thought of rain I hate to look into those eyes And see an ounce of pain Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place Where as a child I'd hide And pray for the thunder And the rain To quietly pass me by

#65: "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd From the 2001 album Echoes: The Best Of Pink Floyd

I realize that "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" was originally on the Wish You Were Here album, but it was split into two tracks that bookended the album. I simply didn't want to combine both tracks (which would be 26 minutes and 5 seconds) into one entry on the list. Luckily, the Echoes version is edited down to one 17 minute track, so this is the version I'm putting on the list.

#64: "The Last Resort" by The Eagles From the 1976 album Hotel California

The finale of the Hotel California album features orchestral brilliance in addition to describing the end result of manifest destiny and the American dream. Who will provide the grand design? What is yours and what is mine? 'Cause there is no more new frontier We have got to make it here We satisfy our endless needs and justify our bloody deeds, in the name of destiny and the name of God And you can see them there, On Sunday morning They stand up and sing about what it's like up there They call it paradise I don't know why You call someplace paradise, kiss it goodbye

#63: "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" by The Beatles From the 1965 album Rubber Soul

That strange instrument you hear throughout "Norwegian Wood" is a sitar (played by George Harrison), a "Hindustani classical instrument." Hindustani Classical Music originated in India 700-800 years ago. Harrison played the sitar on a song on each of the Beatles next two albums as well: "Love You To" on Revolver (1966) and "Within You Without You" on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). Rubber Soul marked an advancement by the Beatles in lyrical and instrumental complexity, and "Norwegian Wood" is a perfect example of this. I once had a girl, or should i say, she once had me She showed me her room, isn't it good, Norwegian wood? She asked me to stay and she told me to sit anywhere So i looked around and i noticed there wasn't a chair I sat on a rug, biding my time, drinking her wine We talked until two and then she said, "it's time for bed" She told me she worked in the morning and started to laugh I told her I didn't and crawled off to sleep in the bath And when i awoke i was alone, this bird had flown So i lit a fire, isn't it good, Norwegian wood

#62: "Baba O'Riley" by The Who From the 1971 album Who's Next

"Baba O'Riley" suffers from people not knowing what it's called. Most people refer to it as "Teenage Wasteland," which obviously is incorrect. The song is

one of the first to incorporate synthesizers, and also features the unorthodox violin coda. Out here in the fields I fight for my meals I get my back into my living I don't need to fight To prove I'm right I don't need to be forgiven Don't cry Don't raise your eye It's only teenage wasteland

#61: "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder From the 1973 album Innervisions

"Higher Ground" was covered by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1989, and this version is probably more well known than Stevie Wonder's. However, I hate the Chili Peppers' version. I think it does a major injustice to the original, and this is coming from someone who highly respects the Chili Peppers. People keep on learnin' Soldiers keep on warrin' World keep on turnin' Cause it won't be too long Powers keep on lyin' While your people keep on dyin' World keep on turnin' Cause it won't be too long I'm so darn glad he let me try it again Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin I'm so glad that I know more than I knew then Gonna keep on tryin' Till I reach my highest ground

#60: "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience From the 1968 album Electric Ladyland

From the moment "Voodoo Child" starts, you know you're in for a jam. Hendrix's wah-wah guitar playing at the beginning explodes into an awesome Hendrixesque riff. Hendrix started the song after a camera crew was in the studio and wanted to record footage of him recording for his upcoming album. Hendrix came up with the intro on the fly. It's hard to tell whether Hendrix wrote any of the guitar part before recording it, as his rampaging guitar throughout feels like more of a freestyle. Well, I stand up next to a mountain And I chop it down with the edge of my hand Well, I pick up all the pieces and make an island Might even raise a little sand

#59: "Thunder Road" by Bruce Springsteen From the 1975 album Born To Run

There was a movie in 1958 called Thunder Road. Springsteen never saw the movie, but says he was influenced by the poster. That doesn't make any sense to me, but nevertheless I'm happy with the end result. The screen door slams, Mary's dress waves Like a vision she dances across the porch as the radio plays Roy Orbison singing for the lonely Hey, that's me and I want you only Don't turn me home again, I just can't face myself alone again Don't run back inside, darling, you know just what I'm here for So you're scared and you're thinking that maybe we ain't that young anymore Show a little faith, there's magic in the night

You ain't a beauty but, hey, you're alright Oh, and that's alright with me You can hide 'neath your covers and study your pain Make crosses from your lovers, throw roses in the rain Waste your summer praying in vain For a savior to rise from these streets Well now, I ain't no hero, that's understood All the redemption I can offer, girl, is beneath this dirty hood With a chance to make it good somehow Hey, what else can we do now? Except roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair Well, the night's busting open, these two lanes will take us anywhere We got one last chance to make it real To trade in these wings on some wheels Climb in back, heaven's waiting on down the tracks Oh oh, come take my hand We're riding out tonight to case the promised land Oh oh oh oh, Thunder Road Oh, Thunder Road, oh, Thunder Road Lying out there like a killer in the sun Hey, I know it's late, we can make it if we run Oh oh oh oh, Thunder Road Sit tight, take hold, Thunder Road

#58: "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five From the 1982 album The Message

"The Message" is the most important song in the history of hip-hop. It was one of the earliest songs to describe the life of someone living in the ghetto, which has since become a staple of a rap song. It's synthesizer riff and beat have endlessly sampled over the years. Don't push me 'cuz I'm close to the edge I'm trying not to lose my head

It's like a jungle sometimes It makes me wonder how I keep from goin' under

#57: "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown Released as a single in 1965 Undoubtedly people who wouldn't consider themselves music fans are familiar with "I Got You (I Feel Good)," the signature James Brown song. Some would disagree by preferring "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag," "Get Up (I Feel Like A Sex Machine)," or "Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud," but I would go with "I Got You (I Feel Good)" as the best James Brown song.

#56: "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica From the 1991 album Metallica

I'm not much of a Metallica fan, but I love "Nothing Else Matters," a ballad void of their usual angst. The funny thing about this song is that Metallica was accused of selling out because they made a song that wasn't the pure thrash metal their fans had become accustomed to. Personally I'd take "Nothing Else Matters" over "Enter Sandman" any day of the week. Trust I seek and I find in you Every day for us, something new Open mind for a different view And nothing else matters Never cared for what they say Never cared for games they play Never cared for what they do Never cared for what they know And I know So close, no matter how far Couldn't be much more from the heart Forever trusting who we are No, nothing else matters

#55: "London Calling" by The Clash From the 1979 album London Calling

It took me a little while to really appreciate this one, as I'm not much of a fan of punk. A year ago it would have not made this list, but like with so many other songs, "London Calling" requires a certain number of listens until you really start to like it. The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming in Meltdown expected, the wheat is growing thin Engines stop running, but I have no fear Cause London is burning and I live by the river

#54: "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac From the 1977 album Rumours

"Go Your Own Way" was written by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham about the end of his relationship with fellow Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks. Loving you Isn't the right thing to do How can I ever change things That I feel If I could Maybe I'd give you my world How can I When you won't take it from me

#53: "Aja" by Steely Dan

From the 1977 album Aja

Steely Dan tends to make songs that just sound good. That's certainly the case with "Aja," an 8-minute jazz-rock ramble that features a saxophone solo and an unbelievable drum performance.

#52: "Jesus Christ Pose" by Soundgarden From the 1991 album Badmotorfinger

Evidently this song isn't anti-Christian, but rather criticizes the way people use the image of Jesus and the "Jesus Christ Pose" (being nailed to the cross). After looking at the lyrics, I'm not quite sure what to think. And you stare at me In your Jesus Christ pose Arms held out Like you've been carrying a load And you swear to me You don't want to be my slave But you're staring at me Like I need to be saved Arms held out In your Jesus Christ pose Thorns and shroud Like it's the coming of the lord And I swear to you That I would never feed you pain But you're staring at me Like I'm driving the nails And you stare at me In your Jesus Christ pose

Arms held out like it's The coming of the lord And would it pay you more to walk on water Than to wear a crown of thorns It wouldn't pain me more to bury you rich Than to bury you poor

#51: "Desperado" by The Eagles From the 1973 album Desperado

Despite it's popularity, "Desperado" was never released as a single. It's popularity grew as a result of the Eagles' live performances, in which "Desperado" was usually used to finish the show. Don Henley later remarked that "Desperado" was the beginning of his songwriting partnership with Glenn Frey, saying "that's when we became a team." Don't your feet get cold in the winter time? The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine It's hard to tell the night time from the day You're losin' all your highs and lows Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away? Desperado, why don't you come to your senses? Come down from your fences, open the gate It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you You better let somebody love you You better let somebody love you Before it's too late

#50: "Love Reign O'er Me" by The Who From the 1973 album Quadrophenia

In "Love Reign O'er Me," the final track of the double album rock opera Quadrophenia, Roger Daltrey turns in the best vocal performance I've ever heard. The synthesizer riff that can be heard at various points throughout the album climaxes in it's full glory, as does the guitar riff. Only love Can make it rain The way the beach is kissed by the sea Only love Can make it rain Like the sweat of lovers Laying in the fields. Only love Can bring the rain That makes you yearn to the sky Only love Can bring the rain That falls like tears from on high

#49: "Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream From the 1968 album Disraeli Gears

This is undoubtedly Cream's most famous song. It's distinctive guitar riff was written immediately after Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce returned from a Jimi Hendrix concert in 1967. It's getting near dawn When lights close their tired eyes I'll soon be with you my love To give you my dawn surprise I'll be with you darling soon I'll be with you when the stars start falling

I've been waiting so long To be where I'm going In the sunshine of your love I'm with you my love The lights shining through on you Yes, I'm with you my love It's the morning and just we two I'll stay with you darling now I'll stay with you till my seas are dried up

#48: "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder From the 1972 album Talking Book

I first heard this song about a year ago when they started playing that Levis commercial nonstop where the guy steals the jeans off a balcony and puts them on, only to discover that the jeans would react to the owner's movements and the guy started involuntarily walking strangely. Very superstitious, writings on the wall Very superstitious, ladders 'bout to fall Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass Seven years of bad luck, the good things in your past When you believe in things that you don't understand Then you suffer Superstition ain't the way Very superstitious, wash your face and hands, Rid me of the problem, do all that you can Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong You don't wanna save me, sad is my song

#47: "Dream On" by Aerosmith From the 1973 album Aerosmith

Eminem sampled "Dream On" for his 2002 song "Sing For The Moment." I wasn't familiar with Aerosmith's song at the time, so I was surprised to see Aerosmith perform it on TV a few years ago. This is the lone Aerosmith song on the list, because I didn't feel that "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion" were quite good enough. Everytime that I look in the mirror All these lines on my face gettin' clearer The past is gone It went by like dust to dawn Isn't that the way Everybody's got their dues in life to pay I know what nobody knows Where it comes and where it goes I know it's everybodys sin You got to lose to know how to win Half my life is in books' written pages Live and learn from fools and from sages You know its true All the things come back to you Sing with me, sing for the years Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears Sing with me, if it's just for today Maybe tomorrow the good lord will take you away

#46: "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye Released as a single in 1968 Most people don't really know the history of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," so I'll take you through it right now. It was written by Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. Gladys Knight & the Pips recorded a version of it and it became a hit in 1967. Gaye's version became a hit in 1968. The first version I heard of it was Creedence Clearwater Revival's 11 minute cover that appeared on their 1970 album Cosmo's Factory.

I bet you're wondering how I knew About you're plans to make me blue With some other guy that you knew before Between the two of us guys You know I love you more It took me by surprise I must say When I found out yesterday Don't you know that... I heard it through the grapevine Not much longer would you be mine Oh I heard it through the grapevine Oh and I'm just about to lose my mind Honey, honey yeah

#45: "White Room" by Cream From the 1968 album Wheels Of Fire

I'm fairly certain this song is about drug addiction and time spent in addiction recovery. The train station is just a metaphor for the addiction clinic. The part about shadows running from themselves is probably enough evidence to support the song being about drug recovery. I find some of the lyrics to be wonderfully poetic ("Yellow tigers crouched in jungles in her dark eyes") and Clapton's use of the wah-wah pedal during the guitar solo is just awesome. In the white room with black curtains near the station Black-roof country, no gold pavements, tired starlings Silver horses run down moonbeams in your dark eyes Dawn-light smiles on you leaving, my contentment I'll wait in this place where the sun never shines Wait in this place where the shadows run from themselves You said no strings could secure you at the station Platform ticket, restless diesels, goodbye windows I walked into such a sad time at the station As I walked out, felt my own need just beginning I'll wait in the queue when the trains come back

Lie with you where the shadows run from themselves At the party she was kindness in the hard crowd Consolation for the old wound now forgotten Yellow tigers crouched in jungles in her dark eyes She's just dressing, goodbye windows, tired starlings I'll sleep in this place with the lonely crowd Lie in the dark where the shadows run from themselves

#44: "In My Life" by The Beatles From the 1965 album Rubber Soul

Rubber Soul really marked the beginning of the Beatles'adding lyrical and instrumental depth to their songs. Gone are the days of "I Want To Hold Your Hand." There are places I'll remember All my life though some have changed Some forever not for better Some have gone and some remain All these places have their moments With lovers and friends I still can recall Some are dead and some are living In my life I've loved them all But of all these friends and lovers There is no one compares with you And these memories lose their meaning When I think of love as something new Though I know I'll never lose affection For people and things that went before I know I'll often stop and think about them In my life I love you more Though I know I'll never lose affection For people and things that went before I know I'll often stop and think about them In my life I love you more In my life I love you more

#43: "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd From the 1979 album The Wall

When you listen to "Comfortably Numb," you're listening to one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. Roger Waters wrote most of the songs on The Wall, but David Gilmour was the one who wrote the instrumentation of "Comfortably Numb," with Waters adding the lyrics. As a result, it's the only song on The Wall that doesn't fade into or out of an adjacent track. Hello, hello, hello Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me Is there anyone at home? Come on, come on down I hear you're feeling down Well I can ease your pain Get you on your feet again Relax, relax, relax I need some information first Just the basic facts Can you show me where it hurts? There is no pain, you are receding A distant ship's smoke on the horizon You are only coming through in waves Your lips move, but I can't hear what you're saying When I was a child, I had a fever My hands felt just like two balloons Now I've got that feeling once again I can't explain, you would not understand This is not how I am I have become comfortably numb

#42: "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" by Creedence Clearwater Revival From the 1970 album Pendulum

This is a song that you wish could just go on forever. It's always such a sad moment when this song just ends, and you realize that it's only 2 minutes and 40 seconds long. Someone told me long ago there's a calm before the storm I know; its been comin' for some time When it's over, so they say, it'll rain a sunny day, I know; shinin' down like water. I want to know, have you ever seen the rain? I want to know, have you ever seen the rain Comin' down on a sunny day? Yesterday, and days before, sun is cold and rain is hard I know; been that way for all my time 'til forever, on it goes through the circle, fast and slow I know; it can't stop, I wonder

#41: "Sunset Grill" by Don Henley From the 1984 album Building The Perfect Beast

By the time Henley gets to 1984, his country roots of being in the Eagles have been left far behind. What we have here with "Sunset Grill" is a spectacular (albeit looped) drum beat and an array of synthesizers. The last couple of minutes are a magnificent display of horns, synthesizers, a guitar, and a piano uniting into a gorgeous outro.

Lets go down to the sunset grill We can watch the working girls go by Watch the basket people walk around and mumble And stare out at the auburn sky Theres an old man there from the old world To him, it's all the same Calls all his customers by name You see a lot more meanness in the city It's the kind that tears you up inside Hard to come away with anything that feels like dignity Hard to get home with any pride These days a man makes you somethin' And you never see his face But there is no hiding place Respectable little murders pay They get more respectable every day Dont worry girl, I'm gonna stick by you And someday soon We're gonna get in that car and get outta here

#40: "Touch Me" by The Doors From the 1969 album The Soft Parade

"Touch Me" just has an enormous amount of indefinable energy to it. It's use of brass and strings isn't typical for a Doors song, which is precisely the reason why it's one of my favorite Doors songs. Now touch me, baby Can't you see that I am not afraid? What was that promise that you made? Why won't you tell me what she said? What was that promise that you made? Now, I'm gonna love you, till the heavens stop the rain I'm gonna love you Till the stars fall from the sky for you and I

#39: "Purple Rain" by Prince From the 1984 album Purple Rain

"Purple Rain" is absolutely epic in every musical sense. It's length is 8 minutes and 41 seconds. It's definitely progressive in the sense that it combines elements of rock, pop and even gospel. I'm surprised you don't see "Purple Rain" on a "Greatest Guitar Solos" list, because the guitar absolutely takes over midway through the song. Then after that, orchestral strings and a piano play for the final two minutes of song. The song was actually recorded live in Minneapolis (and then parts were overdubbed in the studio), so that explains the audience cheering at the end of the song. Lyrically, "Purple Rain" appears to represent an apology from one lover to another. Look, however, at the final verse. There appears to be a spiritual component to this song as well, and the "purple rain" could possibly be symbolic of heaven. I never meant to cause you any sorrow I never meant to cause you any pain I only wanted to one time see you laughing I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain I never wanted to be your weekend lover I only wanted to be some kind of friend Baby I could never steal you from another Its such a shame our friendship had to end Honey I know, I know, I know times are changing Its time we all reach out for something new That means you too You say you want a leader But you cant seem to make up your mind I think you better close it And let me guide you to the purple rain

#38: "A Day In The Life" by The Beatles From the 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

This is the last song that Lennon and McCartney worked on together. Sgt. Pepper's was the Beatles' peak, and "A Day In The Life" was the crown jewel of the album. After Sgt. Pepper's, each of the Beatles became very possessive of the songs they wrote, causing Ringo Starr to briefly leave the band during the White Album recording sessions. I read the news today oh boy About a lucky man who made the grade And though the news was rather sad Well I just had to laugh I saw the photograph He blew his mind out in a car He didn't notice that the lights had changed A crowd of people stood and stared They'd seen his face before Nobody was really sure If he was from the House of Lords

#37: "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty From the 1989 album Full Moon Fever

It's startling to think that "Free Fallin'" was one of the first songs on this list that I heard, and I first heard it about three years ago. It's hard to believe that I could have become so knowledgable about all of these songs in just three years. She's a good girl, loves her mama Loves Jesus and America too She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis Loves horses and her boyfriend too It's a long day living in Reseda There's a freeway runnin' through the yard

And I'm a bad boy cause I don't even miss her I'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart

#36: "I Can't Tell You Why" by The Eagles From the 1979 album The Long Run

The Eagles' sound changed dramatically from 1972 to 1979, and by the time their last album (The Long Run) came out they had lost their early country-rock sound entirely. "I Can't Tell You Why" has a distinctly dark mood, with Timothy B. Schmit's high voice juxtaposed with the deep notes from his bass guitar and Glenn Frey's perfect guitar solo to close out the song. Look at us baby, up all night Tearing our love apart Aren't we the same two people Who live through years in the dark? Every time I try to walk away Something makes me turn around and stay And I can't tell you why

#35: "With Or Without You" by U2 From the 1987 album The Joshua Tree

I love the deep bass guitar (I wouldn't quite call it a "bassline") playing throughout "With Or Without You." It just really sets the tone for the song. Also, I just love it when Bono sings the "And you give yourself away" line (and repeats it multiple times). See the stone set in your eyes See the thorn twist in your side

I wait for you Sleight of hand and twist of fate On a bed of nails she makes me wait And I wait without you Through the storm we reach the shore You give it all but I want more And I'm waiting for you My hands are tied My body bruised, she's got me with Nothing to win and Nothing left to lose

#34: "Running On Empty" by Jackson Browne From the 1977 album Running On Empty

Jackson Browne is my all-time favorite songwriter. "Running On Empty" is one of those songs that you just like, and that's due to Browne's songwriting genius. Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields In sixty-five I was seventeen and running up one-o-one I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive In sixty-nine I was twenty-one and I called the road my own I don't know when that road turned onto the road I'm on

#33: "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry From the 1959 album Berry Is On Top

"Johnny B. Goode" is one of the first rock and roll songs and is still one of the best. The opening guitar riff just blasts a door open into my mind, and this is coming from someone listening to it nearly fifty years after it was originally written. I can't even begin to imagine how people reacted to it back then. Deep down Louisiana close to New Orleans Way back up in the woods among the evergreens There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood Where lived a country boy named of Johnny B. Goode Who never ever learned to read or write so well But he could play the guitar like ringing a bell

#32: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen From the 1975 album A Night At The Opera

What a strange song "Bohemian Rhapsody" is. I've never heard anything quite like it, which makes it incredibly difficult to place on a list like this. Is this the real life Is this just fantasy Caught in a landslide No escape from reality Open your eyes Look up to the skies and see I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy Because I'm easy come, easy go A little high, little low Anyway the wind blows, doesn't really matter to me To me

#31: "Light My Fire" by The Doors

From the 1967 album The Doors

"Light My Fire" is one of those psychedelic rock songs that features long instrumental solos (is that instrument a keyboard? It doesn't really sound like a guitar). "Light My Fire" was the Door's breakthrough single, but the single version was shortened from seven to three minutes. You know that it would be untrue You know that I would be a liar If I was to say to you Girl, we couldn't get much higher The time to hesitate is through No time to wallow in the mire Try now we can only lose And our love become a funeral pyre

#30: "Yesterday" by The Beatles From the 1965 album Help!

"Yesterday" holds the record for the most times covered, at more than 3,000 recorded versions. That strikes me as a little odd due to the song, but I guess all of us have lost love at some point, so it's not really that surprising. Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away Now it looks as though they're here to stay Oh, I believe in yesterday Suddenly, I'm not half the man i used to be There's a shadow hanging over me Oh, yesterday came suddenly

Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play Now I need a place to hide away Oh, I believe in yesterday

#29: "All Along The Watchtower" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience From the 1968 album Electric Ladyland

"All Along The Watchtower" is considered by most to be the greatest cover of all time. Bob Dylan's original was a quiet folk song, but Hendrix replaced Dylan's harmonica with his roaring guitar. Later on Dylan would acknowledge Hendrix's version to be the better song. There must be some kind of way out of here Said the joker to the thief There's too much confusion I can't get no relief Businessman they drink my wine Plow men dig my earth None will level on the line Nobody of it is worth No reason to get excited The thief he kindly spoke There are many here among us Who feel that life is but a joke But you and I we've been through that And this is not our fate So let us not talk falsely now The hour's getting late All along the watchtower Princes kept the view While all the women came and went Bare-foot servants too

Outside in the cold distance A wild cat did growl Two riders were approachin' And the wind began to howl

#28: "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who From the 1971 album Who's Next

The scream Roger Daltrey lets out nearly eight minutes into "Won't Get Fooled Again" has to be one of the defining moments in music history. After that scream, the only words left in the revolution-themed song are "Meet the new boss/Same as the old boss." We'll be fighting in the streets With our children at our feet And the morals when they worship will be gone And the men who spurred us on Sit in judgment of all wrong They decide and the shotgun sings the song I'll tip my hat to the new constitution Take a bow for the new revolution Smile and grin at the change all around Pick up my guitar and play Just like yesterday Then I'll get on my knees and pray We don't get fooled again

#27: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles From the 1968 album The Beatles (The White Album)

Most of the Beatles' songwriting ingenuity is accredited to Lennon and McCartney, but "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is an absolute gem from guitarist George Harrison. Eric Clapton played the lead guitar, letting Harrison just produce the rhythm and vocals. I look at you all see the love there that's sleeping While my guitar gently weeps I look at the floor and I see it needs sweeping Still my guitar gently weeps I look at the world and I notice it's turning While my guitar gently weeps With every mistake we must surely be learning Still my guitar gently weeps I look at you all see the love there that's sleeping While my guitar gently weeps Look at you all... Still my guitar gently weeps

#26: "One Of These Nights" by The Eagles From the 1975 album One Of These Nights

"One Of These Nights" is the Eagles' answer to the arrival of disco. Glenn Frey later recalls, "We made a quantum leap with 'One Of These Nights.' It was a breakthrough song. It is my favorite Eagles record. If I ever had to pick one, it wouldn't be 'Hotel California'; it wouldn't be 'Take It Easy.' For me, it would be 'One Of These Nights.'" One of these nights One of these crazy old nights We're gonna find out pretty mama What turns on your lights

The full moon is calling The fever is high And the wicked wind whispers and moans You got your demons You got desires Well, I got a few of my own Oo, someone to be kind to In between the dark and the light Oo, coming right behind you Swear I'm gonna find you One of these nights

#25: "Sultans Of Swing" by Dire Straits From the 1978 album Dire Straits

This song is all about the bluesy guitar playing of Mark Knopfler. The guitar solo at the end of the song and the riff he produces throughout the entire song simply sound great.

#24: "Black" by Pearl Jam From the 1991 album Ten

"Black" is one of the most emotionally powerful songs I've ever heard. The end just has the ability to connect with my emotions every single time I hear it. The "do-do do-do do-do-do" of Eddie Vedder's voice in unison with the piano and electric guitar is just hypnotizing. And now my bitter hands cradle broken glass Of what was everything All the pictures have all been washed in black, tattooed everything

I know someday you'll have a beautiful life, I know you'll be a star In somebody else's sky, but why Why, why can't it be, why can't it be mine

#23: "The End Of The Innocence" by Don Henley From the 1989 album The End Of The Innocence

Ostensibly this song is about the breakup of a husband and wife: Remember when the days were long And rolled beneath a deep blue sky Didn't have a care in the world With mommy and daddy standing by When happily ever after fails And we've been poisoned by these fairy tales The lawyers dwell on small details Since daddy had to fly But "The End Of The Innocence" really serves as a metaphor for the plight of the farmer during Ronald Reagan's presidency. Reagan dramatically increased defense spending (recall his "Star Wars" program) which in turn cut funds for farmers. O' beautiful, for spacious skies But now those skies are threatening They're beating plowshares into swords For this tired old man that we elected king Armchair warriors often fail And we've been poisoned by these fairy tales The lawyers clean up all details Since daddy had to lie

#22: "Every Breath You Take" by The Police From the 1983 album Synchronicity

Apparently this song isn't really about well-intentioned love at all (which is what most people think). It's about Sting being a stalker after the collapse of his marriage. Since you've gone I been lost without a trace I dream at night I can only see your face I look around but it's you I can't replace I feel so cold and I long for your embrace I keep crying baby please Every move you make Every vow you break Every smile you fake Every claim you stake I'll be watching you

#21: "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2 From the 1987 album The Joshua Tree

"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is simple enough to understand: it's about finding spirituality. Despite it's simplicity, it's still a song that you can't really get enough of, probably because we as listeners are always seeking spirituality ourselves. I believe in the kingdom come Then all the colors will bleed into one Bleed into one Well yes I'm still running You broke the bonds and you Loosed the chains

Carried the cross Of my shame Of my shame You know I believed it But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

#20: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones From the 1965 album Out Of Our Heads

You're probably screaming at me for putting "Satisfaction" so low on the list (most would put it in the top five), but I don't think it's as good as everyone thinks it is (honestly though, #20 is still really good). Nevertheless, this is probably the first great guitar riff, and is the definitive Rolling Stones song.

#19: "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson From the 1982 album Thriller

There was once a time when Michael Jackson wasn't referred to as "Jacko." Jackson is said to have owned the 1980s the same way Elvis Presley owned the 1950s. Thriller was Jackson's peak, and "Billie Jean" is by far his most memorable song from his entire career. People always told me be careful of what you do And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts And mother always told me be careful of who you love And be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth Billie jean is not my lover She's just a girl who claims that I am the one

But the kid is not my son She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son

#18: "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin From the 1975 album Physical Graffiti

Singer Robert Plant would later consider "Kashmir" to be one of Zeppelin's greatest achievements, and there's no reason for him not to. The chorus lacks vocals that are justly substituted for magnificent brass orchestration. Strings are brilliantly used throughout the song against a hard rock beat. Oh let the sun beat down upon my face Stars to fill my dream I am a traveler of both time and space To be where I have been To sit with elders of the gentle race This world has seldom seen They talk of days for which they sit and wait And all will be revealed Oh, pilot of the storm who leaves no trace Like thoughts inside a dream Heed the path that led me to that place Yellow desert stream My shangri-la beneath the summer moon I will return again Sure as the dust that floats high and true When movin' through Kashmir.

#17: "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye From the 1971 album What's Going On

The introspective lyrics of "What's Going On" marked a departure from the usual '60s Motown style. The song's jazzy sound and protesting lyrics make it Gaye's most famous work. Mother, mother There's too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother There's far too many of you dying You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today Father, father We don't need to escalate You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today Picket lines and picket signs Don't punish me with brutality Talk to me, so you can see Oh, what's going on

#16: "The End" by The Doors From the 1967 album The Doors

I first heard "The End" after watching the Vietnam movie Apocalypse Now. In the beginning, the song plays during the background as Martin Sheen lies in his Saigon hotel room. This is the end Beautiful friend This is the end

My only friend, the end Of our elaborate plans, the end Of everything that stands, the end No safety or surprise, the end I'll never look into your eyes...again Can you picture what will be So limitless and free Desperately in need...of some...stranger's hand In a...desperate land

#15: "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses From the 1991 album Use Your Illusion I

At nearly nine minutes in length, "November Rain" is deservedly considered one of music's great epics. As for what November rain actually is, it's a metaphor for the tempestuous times during the previous relationship the song describes. Sometimes I need some time...on my own Sometimes I need some time...all alone Everybody needs some time...on their own Don't you know you need some time...all alone And when your fears subside And shadows still remain I know that you can love me When there's no one left to blame So never mind the darkness We still can find a way 'Cause nothin' lasts forever Even cold November rain

#14: "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival From the 1969 album Bayou Country

I suspect there are many who are familiar with the "rollin' on the river" chorus that can be heard in every other American Idol audition but don't know that the song is actually called "Proud Mary," the signature song by CCR. Left a good job in the city, Workin' for the man ev'ry night and day, And I never lost one minute of sleepin', Worryin' 'bout the way things might have been. Big wheel keep on turnin', Proud Mary keep on burnin', Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.

#13: "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd From the 1973 album Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd

For a long time the only "Free Bird" I knew was the 4 and a half minute version they play on the radio. It wasn't until relatively recently that I found out the actual album version is 9 minutes in length, and features the greatest guitar solo I've ever heard. If I leave here tomorrow Would you still remember me? For I must be travelling on, now 'cause there's too many places I've got to see But, if I stayed here with you, girl Things just couldn't be the same 'cause I'm as free as a bird now And this bird you can not change Lord knows, I can't change

#12: "One" by U2

From the 1991 album Achtung Baby

There are many debated meanings of "One," but the likely meaning is proposed by Rolling Stone in their 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time book: it's a dark ballad about a relationship in peril and the struggle to keep it together. Some will say it's about a gay son explaining to his father that he has HIV, which was evidently the premise of the video. Well it's too late Tonight To drag the past out into the light We're one But we're not the same We get to carry each other Carry each other One Have you come here for forgiveness? Have you come tor raise the dead? Have you come here to play Jesus To the lepers in your head? Did I ask too much? More than a lot? You gave me nothing Now it's all I got We're one But we're not the same We hurt each other Then we do it again You say Love is a temple Love a higher law Love is a temple Love the higher law You ask me to enter But then you make me crawl And I can't be holding on To what you got When all you got is hurt

#11: "Eminence Front" by The Who From the 1982 album It's Hard

"Eminence Front" is the last great song by The Who and, in my opinion, the best. It's risen in popularity recently, and there's no reason why it shouldn't, because it just might be the most spectacular song I've ever heard. It really takes 10 listens or so to be able to take it all in. The driving guitar riff, the ongoing playing of the keyboard, the additional deep guitar during the chorus, the fact that the vocals are only in the right speaker, the lyrics, etc. The sun shines And people forget The spray flies as the speedboat glides And people forget Forget they're hiding The girls smile And people forget The snow packs as the skier tracks And people forget Forget they're hiding Behind an eminence front Eminence front - it's a put on Come on join the party Dress to kill Won't you come and join the party Dress to kill

#10: "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd From the 1975 album Wish You Were Here

As a listener, "Wish You Were Here" is as close to musical bliss as it gets. You can just feel it resonate through your entire body. It's one of those songs that you just don't get tired of. How I wish, how I wish you were here We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl Year after year Running over the same old ground What have we found? The same old fears Wish you were here

#9: "Imagine" by John Lennon From the 1971 album Imagine

There isn't much explanation needed for what this song is about or why it is so great. All I have to say is this: I want the world to be what John Lennon asks for it to be. Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world You may say that I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will live as one

#8: "Hey Jude" by The Beatles Released as a single in 1968 Paul McCartney started out with John Lennon's son Julian in my when he started writing this song. Lennon and his first wife, Cynthia Powell, were going through a divorce and McCartney felt for Julian during the whole ordeal. He eventually changed "Jules" to "Jude" because "Jude" is easier to sing. Julian didn't find out the song was written for him until almost twenty years later. Hey Jude, don't make it bad Take a sad song and make it better Remember to let her into your heart Then you can start to make it better Hey Jude, don't be afraid You were made to go out and get her The minute you let her under your skin Then you begin to make it better And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain Don't carry the world upon your shoulders For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool By making his world a little colder

#7: "Born To Run" by Bruce Springsteen From the 1975 album Born To Run

"Born To Run" was supposedly Springsteen's last-ditch effort to make it big. He is from Asbury Park, NJ, and his first album was appropriately titled "Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ." Springsteen claims that "Born To Run," the title track from his third album, is about wanting to leave Asbury Park, which of course is symbolic. His first two albums were met with critical acclaim but didn't catch on in mainstream music, and he wanted to leave Asbury Park behind and finally make it big. That's exactly what he did. In the day we sweat it out in the streets of a runaway american dream At night we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines Sprung from cages out on highway 9, Chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin' out over the line Baby this town rips the bones from your back It's a death trap, it's a suicide rap We gotta get out while we're young `cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run

#6: "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones From the 1969 album Let It Bleed

"Gimme Shelter" features mostly apocalyptic lyrics, with war, rape, murder, etc. being "just a shot away." The song finishes on a positive note, however, when Mick Jagger claims love is "just a kiss away." Oh, a storm is threat'ning My very life today If I don't get some shelter Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away War, children, it's just a shot away It's just a shot away War, children, it's just a shot away It's just a shot away

Ooh, see the fire is sweepin' Our very street today Burns like a red coal carpet Mad bull lost it's way

#5: "Like A Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan From the 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited

It took me a very long time to gather appreciation for "Like A Rolling Stone." I never thought very much of it until I saw that it was ranked by Rolling Stone as the greatest song of all time. I decided then that I had to listen to it again, since at that point I thought it was about the worst song I'd ever heard. Dylan's voice was horrendous, his harmonica was annoying, and all of the instruments seemed haphazardly thrown together. I've since discovered that the more times you listen to "Like A Rolling Stone," the more you like it. In fact, that's probably more true in the case of "Like A Rolling Stone" than for any other song on this list. You have to really look at the lyrics, and then everything else will fall into place. Once upon a time you dressed so fine You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you? People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall" You thought they were all kiddin' you You used to laugh about Everybody that was hangin' out Now you don't talk so loud Now you don't seem so proud About having to be scrounging for your next meal How does it feel How does it feel To be without a home Like a complete unknown Like a rolling stone?

#4: "Hotel California" by The Eagles

From the 1976 album Hotel California

"Hotel California" just has that really distinct sound to it. There isn't anything else that sounds like it. It also has probably the most famous guitar solo in history. "We wanted to write a song just like it was a movie. This guy is driving across the desert. He's tired. He's smokin'. Comes up over a hill, sees some lights, pulls in. First thing he sees is a really strange guy at the front door, welcoming him: 'Come on in.' Walks in, and then it becomes Fellini-esque- strange women, effeminate men, shadowy corridors, disembodied voices, debauchery, illusion.... Weirdness. So we thought, 'Let's really take some chances. Let's try to write in a way that we've never written before.' Steely Dan inspired us because of their lyrical bravery and willingness to go 'out there.' So, for us, 'Hotel California' was about thinking and writing outside the box." Mirrors on the ceiling The pink champagne on ice And she said "we are all just prisoners here, of our own device" And in the master's chambers They gathered for the feast The stab it with their steely knives But they just can't kill the beast Last thing I remember I was running for the door I had to find the passage back To the place I was before "Relax," said the night man, We are programmed to receive You can checkout any time you like But you can never leave

#3: "Let It Be" by The Beatles From the 1970 album Let It Be

Paul McCartney doesn't allude to the Virgin Mary when he says "Mother Mary comes to me," he is literally talking about his mother Mary, who died when he was 14. When McCartney had a dream about his mother, it resulted in the inspiration for "Let It Be." And when the night is cloudy, There is still a light that shines on me, Shine on until tomorrow, let it be. I wake up to the sound of music Mother mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. Let it be, let it be. There will be an answer, let it be. Let it be, let it be, Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

#2: "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin From the 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV

It takes time to appreciate "Stairway." After enough listens, you start to realize there isn't a single note out of place and you start to appreciate the epic progression of the song. And as we wind on down the road Our shadows taller than our souls There walks a lady we all know Who shines white light and wants to show How everything still turns to gold And if you listen very hard The tune will come to you at last When all are one and one is all To be a rock and not to roll

#1: "Layla" by Derek And The Dominos From the 1970 album Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs

If anyone's come up with a greater guitar riff I'd like to hear it. If anyone's come up with a greater melody on a piano I'd like to hear it. That's all I really have to say about this song. If you didn't already know, Layla is not a real person. The song is really about Eric Clapton's unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of Beatle George Harrison. Boyd would later divorce Harrison in 1977 and marry Clapton in 1979. She divorced Clapton in 1988 after Clapton had several extramarital affairs. Derek And The Dominos was known as Eric And The Dynamos until an announcer mispronounced the name and the band decided to keep it. "Layla" was the only album recorded by Derek And The Dominos due to Clapton's descent into heroin addiction, which came about as a result of the deaths of fellow guitarists Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman and due to the lukewarm reviews to the album. The List 1. "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin 2. "Layla" by Derek & The Dominos 3. "Hotel California" by The Eagles 4. "Imagine" by John Lennon 5. "Like A Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan 6. "Let It Be" by The Beatles 7. "One" by U2 8. "Hey Jude" by The Beatles 9. "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye 10. "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry 11. "Born To Run" by Bruce Springsteen 12. "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd 13. "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones 14. "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd 15. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen 16. "All Along The Watchtower" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience 17. "Eminence Front" by The Who

18. "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" by James Brown 19. "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses 20. "What'd I Say" by Ray Charles 21. "Black" by Pearl Jam 22. "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin 23. "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who 24. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles 25. "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd 26. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2 27. "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival 28. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson 29. "Sympathy For The Devil" by The Rolling Stones 30. "Yesterday" by The Beatles 31. "Light My Fire" by The Doors 32. "Every Breath You Take" by The Police 33. "Purple Rain" by Prince 34. "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley & The Wailers 35. "The End Of The Innocence" by Don Henley 36. "A Day In The Life" by The Beatles 37. "The Last Resort" by The Eagles 38. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana 39. "Sultans Of Swing" by Dire Straits 40. "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five 41. "Bo Diddley" by Bo Diddley 42. "In My Life" by The Beatles 43. "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye 44. "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience 45. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones 46. "With Or Without You" by U2 47. "The End" by The Doors 48. "Somebody To Love" by Jefferson Airplane 49. "London Calling" by The Clash 50. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel 51. "Thunder Road" by Bruce Springsteen 52. "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys 53. "Louie Louie" by The Kingsmen 54. "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" by Otis Redding 55. "My Generation" by The Who 56. "Running On Empty" by Jackson Browne 57. "Sunset Grill" by Don Henley 58. "That'll Be The Day" by Buddy Holly and The Crickets 59. "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder 60. "Respect" by Aretha Franklin 61. "Time" by Pink Floyd 62. "Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream 63. "Dream On" by Aerosmith

64. "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown 65. "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley & The Wailers 66. "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty 67. "The Weight" by The Band 68. "Jesus Christ Pose" by Soundgarden 69. "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" by Creedence Clearwater Revival 70. "Baba O'Riley" by The Who 71. "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses 72. "I Can't Tell You Why" by The Eagles 73. "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang 74. "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" by The Beatles 75. "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley 76. "The Tracks Of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles 77. "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac 78. "White Room" by Cream 79. "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys 80. "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks 81. "Purple Haze" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience 82. "Fire And Rain" by James Taylor 83. "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M. 84. "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder 85. "The Boxer" by Simon and Garkunkel 86. "Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple 87. "American Pie" by Don McLean 88. "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield 89. "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green 90. "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas and The Papas 91. "Love Reign O'er Me" by The Who 92. "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival 93. "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane 94. "Desolation Row" by Bob Dylan 95. "Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos" by Public Enemy 96. "House Of The Rising Sun" by The Animals 97. "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath 98. "Achilles Last Stand" by Led Zeppelin 99. "Lose Yourself" by Eminem 100."Desperado" by The Eagles 101."Summertime Blues" by Eddie Cochran 102."Anarchy In The U.K." by The Sex Pistols 103."Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin 104."Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton 105."Come Together" by The Beatles 106."Mr. Tambourine Man" by The Byrds 107."Stayin' Alive" by The Bee Gees 108."Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan 109."Shake, Rattle & Roll" by Big Joe Turner

110."You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones 111."Maggot Brain" by Funkadelic 112."Touch Me" by The Doors 113."Hurricane" by Bob Dylan 114."Something" by The Beatles 115."Rocket Man" by Elton John 116."Aja" by Steely Dan 117."Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd 118."Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers 119."Whipping Post" by The Allman Brothers Band 120."Heartbreaker" by Led Zeppelin 121."New Year's Day" by U2 122."Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley 123."Walk This Way" by Run DMC 124."Hallowed Be Thy Name" by Iron Maiden 125."I Fought The Law" by The Bobby Fuller Four 126."Jeremy" by Pearl Jam 127."Roadhouse Blues" by The Doors 128."Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles 129."Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" by The Temptations 130."Waterloo Sunset" by The Kinks 131."Wake Up" by Rage Against The Machine 132."Jungleland" by Bruce Springsteen 133."Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman 134."School Days" by Chuck Berry 135."Back In Black" by AC/DC 136."One Of These Nights" by The Eagles 137."Everyday People" by Sly and The Family Stone 138."La Grange" by ZZ Top 139."I Can't Explain" by The Who 140."Green Onions" by Booker T. & the MG's 141."When Doves Cry" by Prince 142."The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King 143."Stan" by Eminem 144."Suspicious Minds" by Elvis Presley 145."Yellow Ledbetter" by Pearl Jam 146."Street Fighting Man" by The Rolling Stones 147."Stand By Me" by Ben E. King 148."Nights In White Satin" by The Moody Blues 149."Money" by Pink Floyd 150."Piano Man" by Billy Joel 151."Boom Boom" by John Lee Hooker 152."Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin 153."Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles 154."Blueberry Hill" by Fats Domino 155."Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard

156."Roundabout" by Yes 157."California Love" by 2Pac and Dr. Dre 158."I Can See For Miles" by The Who 159."Born In The U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen 160."All Apologies" by Nirvana 161."My Girl" by The Temptations 162."Little Wing" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience 163."In The Midnight Hour" by Wilson Pickett 164."Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode 165."Reach Out I'll Be There" by The Four Tops 166."Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley 167."The Harder They Come" by Jimmy Cliff 168."Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac 169."Honky Tonk Women" by The Rolling Stones 170."Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young 171."Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica 172."Bennie And The Jets" by Elton John 173."Dancing In The Street" by Martha & The Vandellas 174."Can't Buy Me Love" by The Beatles 175."Heart Of Gold" by Neil Young 176."Pictures Of You" by The Cure 177."Get Up Stand Up" by The Wailers 178."Oh, Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison 179."The Sound Of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel 180."Ramble On" by Led Zeppelin 181."Marquee Moon" by Television 182."The Way It Is" by Bruce Hornsby & The Range 183."Fight The Power" by Public Enemy 184."Talk Shows On Mute" by Incubus 185."Miss You" by The Rolling Stones 186."Do You Feel Like We Do" by Peter Frampton 187."Bulls On Parade" by Rage Against The Machine 188."Dancing In The Dark" by Bruce Springsteen 189."Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits 190."My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison 191."Under The Bridge" by The Red Hot Chili Peppers 192."Ziggy Stardust" by David Bowie 193."I Want To Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles 194."Foxey Lady" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience 195."Paranoid Android" by Radiohead 196."Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival 197."Maybellene" by Chuck Berry 198."Everybody Wants To Rule The World" by Tears For Fears 199."Should I Stay Or Should I Go?" by The Clash 200."Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2)" by Pink Floyd