🎶 Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥

🎶 Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥

Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The Poetry of Popular Music 🎶 is an enthralling podcast that traverses the landscape of popular music from the 1960s to today. Exploring the art of lyrical craftsmanship, each episode delves into the poetic narratives of influential songwriters, spanning the spectrum from the revolutionary words of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen's introspective genius to the emotive ballads of Adele and Kendrick Lamar's profound verses. The podcast also highlights the cultural resonance and personal storytelling in the songs of Taylor Swift, the intricate lyrics of Frank Ocean, and Billie Eilish's innovative wordplay. Paying homage to the timeless impact of legends like John Lennon, Johnny Cash, and David Bowie, Samuel Hollingsworth's distinctive voice brings to life the quotes of these iconic songs, connecting the expressive songwriting of the past with today's groundbreaking artists. "Verse and Verve" invites listeners to a rich exploration of lyrical evolution in popular music, celebrating the creative brilliance that has defined generations, a collection thoughtfully assembled by Cala Vox. Now available for your reading delight on Amazon Kindle, this collection includes two ebooks (Part 1, Part 2) featuring 100 iconic song quotes that bring the magic of music to life.

Episodes

November 2, 2024 1 min
"You like to think that you're immune to the stuff, oh yeah, it's closer to the truth to say you can't get enough. You know you're gonna have to face it, you're addicted to love.."

Robert Palmer was a British singer songwriter best known for his unique blend of rock, pop, soul, and new wave styles, which earned him widespread acclaim in the 1980s.
His hit single “Addicted to Love” became an iconic anthem with its unforgettable guita...
Mark as Played
"Oh, catch that buzz, love is the drug I'm thinking of, oh, can't you see, love is the drug for me..."

Roxy Music, fronted by Bryan Ferry and formed in the early 1970s, is known for their glamorous, art-rock style that fused glam rock, art pop, and a bit of avant-garde experimentation. Their most famous hit, "Love Is the Drug", brought a distinctive blend of rhythm and synth that captivated audiences, with the iconic line “Love is t...
Mark as Played
"Here it is the groove slightly transformed, just a bit of a break from the norm, just a little somethin' to break the monotony of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be."

Will Smith, known for his versatile career as an actor, rapper, and producer, first gained fame with the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince in the late 1980s. His most iconic song, "Summertime", celebrates easygoing, sun-soaked days with the c...
Mark as Played
"I'm not in love, so don't forget it; it's just a silly phase I'm going through."

10cc is a British rock band known for their inventive and genre-blending style, especially popular in the 1970s. Their biggest hit, I'm Not in Love (1975), is renowned for its lush production and hauntingly beautiful harmonies, exploring the complexities of romantic denial with lines like, "I'm not in love, so don't forget it; it's just a silly phase I...
Mark as Played
"Cause all of me loves all of you, love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections, give your all to me, I'll give my all to you."

John Legend is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and pianist known for his soulful voice and heartfelt ballads. His 2013 hit "All of Me", written for his wife Chrissy Teigen, became a worldwide anthem of devotion with lyrics like, "Cause all of me loves all of you". Known for ...
Mark as Played
Luis Fonsi is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter best known for his global hit "Despacito," a reggaeton-pop song that became a phenomenon in 2017. Featuring Daddy Yankee, the song's catchy beat and infectious chorus, "Despacito, quiero respirar tu cuello despacito", helped it break multiple records, including reaching over 7 billion views on YouTube. The song's success not only boosted Fonsi's international fame but also sparked ...
Mark as Played
"I′ve never seen a diamond in the flesh, I cut my teeth on wedding rings in the movies and I'm not proud of my address, in the torn-up town, no post code envy."

Lorde, born Ella Yelich-O'Connor, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter known for her introspective lyrics and unique alt-pop sound. She broke into the mainstream with her 2013 hit Royals, a song that critiques materialism in pop culture with lines like, "And we'll never be roy...
Mark as Played
"Just a steel town girl on a Saturday night, looking for the fight of her life. In the real time world no one sees her at all, they all say she's crazy."

Michael Sembello is an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known for his electrifying 1983 hit, "Maniac". Originally part of the Flashdance soundtrack, "Maniac" became an anthem of high-energy workouts and dance, capturing the thrill and intensity of the era with its unf...
Mark as Played
"You′re the light, you're the night, you′re the colour of my blood. You're the cure, you're the pain, you′re the only thing I wanna touch. Never knew that it could mean so much, so much.."

Ellie Goulding is a British singer-songwriter known for her ethereal voice and blend of indie pop, electro-pop, and folktronica. Her biggest hit, "Love Me Like You Do", was featured in the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack and became a global anthem...
Mark as Played
"So, baby, pull me closer in the back seat of your Rover.."

Halsey is an American singer-songwriter known for blending pop, indie, and electronic music with raw, emotional storytelling. Her breakout hit, "Closer" with The Chainsmokers, became a global anthem in 2016, featuring the memorable line: "So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover."
Halsey's music often explores themes of mental health, identity, and relationships...
Mark as Played
“Oh, won't you stay with me? 'Cause you're all I need. This ain't love it's clear to see. But darling, stay with me.”

Sam Smith is a British singer songwriter known for their soulful voice and emotional ballads. They gained international fame with the 2014 hit Stay With Me, a poignant track about unrequited love, featuring the haunting chorus, "Oh, won't you stay with me? 'Cause you're all I need". Smith's heartfelt delivery and pow...
Mark as Played
October 22, 2024 1 min
"Yo soy la reina de los nenes."

J Balvin, born José Álvaro Osorio Balvín, is a Colombian reggaeton superstar known for bringing Latin urban music to a global audience. His 2017 hit "Mi Gente", featuring Willy William, became a worldwide anthem, blending Afrobeat rhythms with reggaeton and later gaining even more traction with a remix featuring Beyoncé. A defining line from the track goes, "Mi música no discrimina a nadie, así que va...
Mark as Played
"Your sugar, yes, please, won't you come and put it down on me? I'm right here, 'cause I need little love, a little sympathy."

Adam Levine is the lead singer of the pop-rock band Maroon 5 and is known for his smooth, versatile vocals and charismatic stage presence. One of Maroon 5’s most famous songs is "Sugar", a catchy, upbeat track with the memorable line: "Sugar, yes please, won’t you come and put it down on me." Levine's role a...
Mark as Played
"Unbreak my heart, say you′ll love me again, undo this hurt you caused when you walked out the door."

Toni Braxton is an American R&B singer known for her deep, sultry voice and emotional ballads. Her most iconic hit, "Un-Break My Heart" from 1996, became a global sensation with its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics. Braxton's powerful delivery and vocal range made her one of the defining voices of the '90s, earning her numer...
Mark as Played
"Don't speak, I know just what you're sayin', so please stop explainin', don't tell me 'cause it hurts."


Gwen Stefani is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and fashion icon who first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the band No Doubt. The group's 1995 hit "Don't Speak" from the Tragic Kingdom album became a massive success, with its emotional lyrics about a breakup: "Don't speak, I know just what you're saying / So please stop ...
Mark as Played
"You promised the world and I fell for it, I put you first and you adored it. Set fires to my forest and you let it burn, sang offkey in my chorus cause it wasn't yours."

Selena Gomez is a multifaceted American singer, actress, and producer who gained fame as a Disney star before transitioning into a successful music career. 

Her 2019 hit Lose You to Love Me from the album Rare became a global anthem for self-love and healing, with t...
Mark as Played
Camila Cabello is a Cuban-American singer and songwriter who gained fame as a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony before launching a successful solo career. Her breakout solo hit, "Havana", featuring Young Thug, topped charts worldwide with its infectious Latin-inspired beat and memorable lyrics: "Havana, ooh na-na, half of my heart is in Havana." The song cemented her status as a pop star, blending her Cuban roots with mainstre...
Mark as Played
"Astro, yeah, sun is down, freezin' cold, that's how we already know winter's here.."

Travis Scott is a Houston-born rapper, producer, and songwriter known for his high-energy performances and genre-blending sound that fuses hip-hop, trap, and psychedelic music. His most iconic track, "Sicko Mode" from the 2018 album Astroworld, became a cultural phenomenon with its dynamic beat changes and infectious hooks, featuring the memorable ...
Mark as Played
"Seasons change and our love went cold, feed the flame 'cause we can't let it go, run away, but we're running in circles, run away, run away.."

Post Malone is a genre-blending artist known for mixing hip-hop, pop, and rock influences. His biggest hit, "Circles," features an infectious melody and introspective lyrics about the cyclical nature of relationships: "Seasons change and our love went cold." Post Malone's signature laid-back...
Mark as Played
"Last dance, last chance, for love, yes, it's my last chance, for romance, tonight.."

Donna Summer, often hailed as the "Queen of Disco", rose to international fame in the 1970s with her captivating voice and groundbreaking hits. One of her most iconic songs is "Last Dance", known for its gradual build from a ballad to a high-energy disco anthem. The track, with its memorable lines "Last dance, last chance for love", epitomized the ...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Therapy Gecko

    An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.