Top 10 Songs that Start with a Lyrical Cold Open
What on earth is a lyrical cold opening? I stole it from the website TV Tropes, who call it a Lyrical Cold Open (I decided that the word "opening" sounded better). Basically, this list is about songs where the lyrics come in at the very beginning of the song. No intro, no riff, no fade in, nothing. These songs don't have to start off acapella (though they can); it's okay if an instrument plays along with the vocalist at the very beginning. Feel free to add to this list; if you do, tell me more about how each song starts.
"Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?" I think it's fair to say that all of you just recognized that and probably sang along too.
Phenomenal song with a phenomenal a cappella opening - possibly one of the most famous of all time. Screw Lil Meerkat's cover, by the way.
"Walking across the sitting room, I turn the television off." I find it interesting that one of the best '70s prog songs starts with the vocals coming in straightaway.
One thing's for sure, this exquisite song should rank above Bohemian Rhapsody.
The song starts with Mick Jagger singing, "She would never say where she came from." It makes you wonder where he's going next.
Robert Plant sings the line "And if I say to you tomorrow," right before the band comes in.
The song starts with James singing, "Please, please, please, please!" at the top of his lungs. Way to get people's attention.
Jim Morrison sings the first two words by himself and finishes the phrase with the rest of the band.
The song starts with Roger Waters and his acoustic guitar, asking, "Mother, do you think they'll drop the bomb?"
The band sings the intro a cappella. This was the first Yes song I ever heard. The harmonies blew my mind.
Why was this not on the list? "Gimme fuel, gimme fire, gimme that which I desire!"
One of the best Metallica songs.
This is the first one that came to mind. I should have known you'd already have it covered. Ha!
"Well, since my baby left me, I found a new place to dwell." That's probably one of the most iconic song intros from the '50s.
Are you gonna take me home tonight?
Ah, down beside that red firelight,
Are you gonna let it all hang out?
Fat-bottomed girls,
You make the rocking world go 'round.
Every time they play it on the radio, I jump when I hear Carl Wilson sing the first note.