🎶 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 magically available for your reading delight as an eBook on Amazon Kindle.
Episodes
"Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes. There beneath the blue suburban skies."
"Penny Lane", a classic song by The Beatles, radiates nostalgia as it paints a vivid picture of suburban life in Liverpool. The bright, melodic tune, accompanied by whimsical lyrics, captures everyday scenes like a barber's shop and a fireman. Beneath the blue suburban skies, the song evokes a sense of cheerful simplicity and fond memories.
Verse ✍️ and...
"Penny Lane", a classic song by The Beatles, radiates nostalgia as it paints a vivid picture of suburban life in Liverpool. The bright, melodic tune, accompanied by whimsical lyrics, captures everyday scenes like a barber's shop and a fireman. Beneath the blue suburban skies, the song evokes a sense of cheerful simplicity and fond memories.
Verse ✍️ and...
Mark as Played
May 9, 2024 • 1 min
"Holly came from Miami FLA, hitchhiked her way across the USA, plucked her eyebrows on the way, shaved her legs and then he was a she. She said, Hey honey, take a walk on the wild side."
"Take a Walk on the Wild Side", by Lou Reed, is a soulful exploration of unconventional lives and identities, celebrating the spirit of individuality and rebellion. Through its catchy melody and candid lyrics, the song captures the gritty, transform...
"Take a Walk on the Wild Side", by Lou Reed, is a soulful exploration of unconventional lives and identities, celebrating the spirit of individuality and rebellion. Through its catchy melody and candid lyrics, the song captures the gritty, transform...
Mark as Played
And mama hollered of the back door, "Y'all remember to wipe your feet". Then she said, "I got some news this mornin' from Choctaw Ridge. Today Billie Joe McAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge".
Ode to Billy Joe, by Bobbie Gentry.
"Ode to Billie Joe" by Bobbie Gentry is a haunting Southern gothic ballad that tells the story of a family's reaction to the mysterious death of Billie Joe McAllister. Its evocative lyrics and atmosp...
Ode to Billy Joe, by Bobbie Gentry.
"Ode to Billie Joe" by Bobbie Gentry is a haunting Southern gothic ballad that tells the story of a family's reaction to the mysterious death of Billie Joe McAllister. Its evocative lyrics and atmosp...
Mark as Played
"So little time, try to understand that I'm trying to make a move just to stay in the game. I try to stay awake and remember my name, but Everybody's Changing, and I don't feel the same."
Keane, Everybody's Changing.
Keane is an English alternative rock band known for their distinctive piano-driven sound, originating from Battle, East Sussex. They gained widespread acclaim with their debut album, Hopes and Fears, featuring hits like ...
Keane, Everybody's Changing.
Keane is an English alternative rock band known for their distinctive piano-driven sound, originating from Battle, East Sussex. They gained widespread acclaim with their debut album, Hopes and Fears, featuring hits like ...
Mark as Played
"I saw you standing at the gates, when Marlon Brando passed away, you had that look upon your face, advertising space. No one learned from your mistakes, we let our prophets go to waste, all that's left in any case Is advertising space."
Robbie Williams, Advertising space.
Robbie Williams is a British singer-songwriter known for his charismatic stage presence and hits like "Angels" and "Rock DJ." As a former member of Take That, he g...
Robbie Williams, Advertising space.
Robbie Williams is a British singer-songwriter known for his charismatic stage presence and hits like "Angels" and "Rock DJ." As a former member of Take That, he g...
Mark as Played
"Goodbye to you, my trusted friend, we′ve known each other since we were nine or ten. Together we've climbed hills and trees, learned of love and ABC's, skinned our hearts and skinned our knees.
Goodbye my friend, it′s hard to die, when all the birds are singing in the sky, now that the spring is in the air, pretty girls are everywhere, Think of me and I'll be there. We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun, but the hills ...
Goodbye my friend, it′s hard to die, when all the birds are singing in the sky, now that the spring is in the air, pretty girls are everywhere, Think of me and I'll be there. We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun, but the hills ...
Mark as Played
"She's got it, yeah, baby, she's got it. I'm your Venus, I'm your fire, at your desire."
Venus, by Shocking Blue.
Shocking Blue was a Dutch rock band formed in 1967, best known for their psychedelic rock influences and the international hit song, "Venus," which topped the charts in nine countries in 1970. Their distinctive sound, characterized by robust guitar riffs and the striking vocals of lead singer Mariska Veres, left a lasting...
Venus, by Shocking Blue.
Shocking Blue was a Dutch rock band formed in 1967, best known for their psychedelic rock influences and the international hit song, "Venus," which topped the charts in nine countries in 1970. Their distinctive sound, characterized by robust guitar riffs and the striking vocals of lead singer Mariska Veres, left a lasting...
Mark as Played
"Dazed by careless words, cosy in my mind, I don't mind, I think so, I will let you go."
Narcotic, by "Liquido".
Liquido was a German rock band best known for their hit single "Narcotic," which gained widespread popularity across Europe in the late 1990s. Their music combines catchy melodies with energetic rock elements, making them a staple on many alternative playlists during their active years.
Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The Poetry of ...
Narcotic, by "Liquido".
Liquido was a German rock band best known for their hit single "Narcotic," which gained widespread popularity across Europe in the late 1990s. Their music combines catchy melodies with energetic rock elements, making them a staple on many alternative playlists during their active years.
Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The Poetry of ...
Mark as Played
May 2, 2024 • 58 secs
"Do you come from a land down under, where women glow and men plunder? Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder? You better run, you better take cover."
Down under, by Men at work.
Men at Work is an iconic Australian rock band that gained international fame in the 1980s with their hit single "Down Under." Their music, characterized by catchy melodies and humorous lyrics, played a significant role in shaping the global perception of...
Down under, by Men at work.
Men at Work is an iconic Australian rock band that gained international fame in the 1980s with their hit single "Down Under." Their music, characterized by catchy melodies and humorous lyrics, played a significant role in shaping the global perception of...
Mark as Played
"Every man has a place, in his heart there's a space, and the world can't erase his fantasies.
Take a ride in the sky, on our ship, fantasize, all your dreams will come true right away."
Earth, Wind and Fire is an iconic American band known for their eclectic blend of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, dance, Latin, and Afro-pop. They rose to fame in the 1970s with their energetic performances and timeless hits like "Septem...
Take a ride in the sky, on our ship, fantasize, all your dreams will come true right away."
Earth, Wind and Fire is an iconic American band known for their eclectic blend of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, dance, Latin, and Afro-pop. They rose to fame in the 1970s with their energetic performances and timeless hits like "Septem...
Mark as Played
April 30, 2024 • 1 min
"My loneliness is killing me, I must confess I still believe, when I'm not with you I lose my mind. Give me a sign. Hit me baby one more time!"
Britney Spears, Baby, one more time.
Britney Spears is an iconic American pop singer and entertainer who rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like "Baby One More Time" and "Oops!... I Did It Again." Her influence on pop culture is profound, marked by groundbreaking performances, personal ...
Britney Spears, Baby, one more time.
Britney Spears is an iconic American pop singer and entertainer who rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like "Baby One More Time" and "Oops!... I Did It Again." Her influence on pop culture is profound, marked by groundbreaking performances, personal ...
Mark as Played
April 29, 2024 • 58 secs
What is love? Oh baby, don't hurt me. Don't hurt me no more.
Haddaway, What Is Love?
Haddaway is best known for his 1993 hit "What Is Love," a dance anthem that gained worldwide fame and became a staple in 90s dance music. Born Nestor Alexander Haddaway in Trinidad and Tobago, he moved to Germany where he launched his music career, blending energetic Eurodance beats with catchy, soulful vocals.
Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The Poetry of Pop...
Haddaway, What Is Love?
Haddaway is best known for his 1993 hit "What Is Love," a dance anthem that gained worldwide fame and became a staple in 90s dance music. Born Nestor Alexander Haddaway in Trinidad and Tobago, he moved to Germany where he launched his music career, blending energetic Eurodance beats with catchy, soulful vocals.
Verse ✍️ and Verve 💥: The Poetry of Pop...
Mark as Played
"I got my first real six string, bought it at the five and dime, played it 'til my fingers bled, was the summer of '69.."
Bryan Adams, Summer of '69.
Bryan Adams is a renowned Canadian rock singer songwriter, whose gritty vocals and heartfelt ballads have made him a staple in the music industry since the 1980s. He is best known for hits like "Summer of '69" and "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You," which have earned him numerous award...
Bryan Adams, Summer of '69.
Bryan Adams is a renowned Canadian rock singer songwriter, whose gritty vocals and heartfelt ballads have made him a staple in the music industry since the 1980s. He is best known for hits like "Summer of '69" and "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You," which have earned him numerous award...
Mark as Played
April 27, 2024 • 59 secs
"You are my fire, the one desire, believe when I say I want it that way. But we are two worlds apart, can′t reach to your heart, when you say, that I want it that way."
The Backstreet Boys, an iconic American pop group formed in 1993, became a defining act of the late 90s and early 2000s with their harmonious blend of pop and R&B. They soared to fame with hits like "I Want It That Way" and "As Long As You Love Me," securing thei...
The Backstreet Boys, an iconic American pop group formed in 1993, became a defining act of the late 90s and early 2000s with their harmonious blend of pop and R&B. They soared to fame with hits like "I Want It That Way" and "As Long As You Love Me," securing thei...
Mark as Played
"A little bit of Erica by my side, a little bit of Rita's all I need, a little bit of Tina's what I see, little bit of Sandra in the sun, a little bit of Mary all night long, a little bit of Jessica, here I am, a little bit of you makes me your man, Mambo Number Five.."
Lou Bega, Mambo Number 5.
Lou Bega, a German musician of Italian and Ugandan descent, rose to fame in the late 1990s with his catchy single "Mambo Number 5," which be...
Lou Bega, Mambo Number 5.
Lou Bega, a German musician of Italian and Ugandan descent, rose to fame in the late 1990s with his catchy single "Mambo Number 5," which be...
Mark as Played
"So when I'm lying in my bed, thoughts running through my head, and I feel that love is dead, I'm loving angels instead."
From "Angels", by Robbie Williams.
Robbie Williams, a pop icon known for his magnetic stage presence and versatile vocal range, first found fame as a member of the boy band "Take That", before soaring to new heights as a solo artist. His soulful anthems and introspective ballads have captured the hearts of million...
From "Angels", by Robbie Williams.
Robbie Williams, a pop icon known for his magnetic stage presence and versatile vocal range, first found fame as a member of the boy band "Take That", before soaring to new heights as a solo artist. His soulful anthems and introspective ballads have captured the hearts of million...
Mark as Played
"It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you. There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do. I bless the rains down in Africa."
Toto, an American rock band formed in 1977, is celebrated for blending elements of rock, pop, soul, and funk into their music, creating a distinct and dynamic sound. They achieved widespread acclaim with their hit song "Africa," which has remained a staple in classic rock playlists around the ...
Toto, an American rock band formed in 1977, is celebrated for blending elements of rock, pop, soul, and funk into their music, creating a distinct and dynamic sound. They achieved widespread acclaim with their hit song "Africa," which has remained a staple in classic rock playlists around the ...
Mark as Played
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past. You must fight just to keep them alive. It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight. Risin' up to the challenge of our rival. And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night. And he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger.
Survivor is an American rock band, best known for their 1982 hit, "Eye of the Tiger," which became an enduring anthem after featuring as the...
Survivor is an American rock band, best known for their 1982 hit, "Eye of the Tiger," which became an enduring anthem after featuring as the...
Mark as Played
April 22, 2024 • 1 min
"I just can't get you out of my head. Boy, your lovin' is all I think about. I just can't get you out of my head. Boy, its more than I dare to think about."
Can't get you out of my head, by Kylie Minogue.
Kylie Minogue is an iconic Australian pop singer and actress, known for her distinctive voice and dynamic performances that have earned her worldwide acclaim. She rose to international fame in the late 1980s with hits like "The Loco...
Can't get you out of my head, by Kylie Minogue.
Kylie Minogue is an iconic Australian pop singer and actress, known for her distinctive voice and dynamic performances that have earned her worldwide acclaim. She rose to international fame in the late 1980s with hits like "The Loco...
Mark as Played
"As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I take a look at my life and realize there's nothin' left. 'Cause I've been blastin' and laughin' so long that even my momma thinks that my mind is gone...
Been spendin' most their lives livin' in a gangsta's paradise."
Gangsta's Paradise, by Coolio.
Coolio, with his distinct raspy voice and insightful lyrics, left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture, most notably with his hit song...
Been spendin' most their lives livin' in a gangsta's paradise."
Gangsta's Paradise, by Coolio.
Coolio, with his distinct raspy voice and insightful lyrics, left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture, most notably with his hit song...
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Anna Sale explores the big questions and hard choices that are often left out of polite conversation.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.