What ever happened to songs that tell a story?

Question

When you just play around on YouTube, you often stumble across some interesting things.

Does anyone remember these classic songs from the 1960s and 1970s that tell a story?

"Ode to Billy Joe" - Bobby Gentry - 1967 - peaked on @אביר1 on the US Billboard Chart

"Taxi" - Harry Chapin - 1972 - peaked at #5 on the Canada RPM Top Singles Chart

"The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" - Vicki Lawrence - 1973 - peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Chart and #1 on the Canada RPM Top Singles Chart

WindAtMyBack · Accepted Answer

This might be the longest story song. It's even a true story with only a little embellishment.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/m57gzA2JCcM

I assume there are still story songs. I don't keep up with newer music. Musically I tend to go backwards in time not forward. There is so much music that it's impossible to keep up with all of it.

Here's another old one. Gordon Lightfoot is a wordsmith.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9vST6hVRj2A https://www.youtube.com/embed/KUwjNBjqR-c

FunkyMonkee · Accepted Answer

Whatever happened to SONGS? Some people still do song stories. Primus has a LOT of them! Almost every song they do is a story!! Fishbone's done a couple, too.

77five · Accepted Answer

Most songs are made to go viral on tiktok now. Artists have told stories of how their record label has prevented them from releasing or making certain songs for this reason. If they dont see it doing well on tiktok, they might try to scrap it.

supercutebutt · Accepted Answer

here's one

NamerOfStars · Answer

They fell out of fashion. A lot of the newer stuff is in more niche subgenres. They're still being made, but you need to look for them.

SnowedIn · Answer

I think there are still songs that tell stories. Coldplay Viva la Vida. Taylor Swift and All Too Well. Kim Petras and Can't Do Better. Even Abba is still writing songs that tell stories. But rap and country and rock and pop, they all still have songs that tell stories. I guess I'd answer your question, though, that styles change and so how those stories are told and the stories themselves change, sometimes dramatically. Similar to the style and pacing of TVs and movies.

KelleyNice · Answer

The USA has gone insane and their brains are not wired correctly is why most modern music produced in the USA is not worth listening to. However, in Korea, China, India, and some other countries, songs tell a story.

Amy10223 · Answer

Every song has a story, I think... the good ones anyway. This one has a story!

exitseven · Answer

And of course this old classic. My father had the 45.

Guy13 · Answer

They died with internet and visual. No one listens or reads anymore.  We hear with our eyes and think with our feelings

TroyDT · Answer

Harder to find, but still out there. This one was inspired by the loss of their dad.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

A lot of country music still tells stories, and more than a few rap songs as well.

Smashingdoozy · Answer

Most songs tell a story. Some are just harder to decipher than others.

NathanDavis · Answer

they're still there... you just need to know where to look

Googlemyahoo · Answer

Still do. For example, Look up Run Boy Run by Woodkid (link won’t work) or, Knights of Cydonia by Muse

shortster · Answer

Everyone just wants to sing the chorus. Pink Floyd is usually good for a story or an instrumental and sometimes both.

melanieeeB · Answer

They still exist, just in a more modern way I guess

OlderAndWiser · Answer

I remember all of those songs very well.

dragoblack · Answer

They died and the new music is just emotional problems and bragging about success.

BLP11520 · Answer

American Pie, Cats in the cradle...

jimmy2 · Answer

Those days was sex, drugs and rock N Roll

AndrésC64 · Answer

Rap and hip hop.

What ever happened to songs that tell a story?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Does anyone know any sad songs that have a music video and tells a story?

What ever happened to songs that tell a story?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Does anyone know any sad songs that have a music video and tells a story?

We're glad to see you liked this post.