The Story Song Podcast

Music

About

THE STORY SONG PODCAST is the music review, comedy, pop culture podcast that provides commentary, analysis, and the history of narrative songs from all genres and all eras—from obscure one-hit wonders to well-known classics, and some of the biggest hits of all time. Join your hosts as they discuss details only hinted at in the lyrics and speculate about every aspect of each song. We tell the story of the songs that tell a story.

Episodes

  • Kiss Me Deadly by Lita Ford

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1988 hard rock hit, “Kiss Me Deadly” by Lita Ford. It ain't no big thing. “Kiss Me Deadly” by Lita Ford (from the album Lita ) is available on Apple Music , YouTube Music , A…

  • It Must Be Him by Vikki Carr

    The Story Song Podcast reviews the 1967 pop hit “It Must Be Him” by Vikki Carr. The song is an adaptation of the French “Seul Sur Son Étoile,” with music by Gilbert Bécaud and lyrics by Maurice Vidalin and Mack David.

  • Pass the Dutchie by Musical Youth

    The Story Song Podcast reviews the 1982 song “Pass the Dutchie” by Musical Youth, from their album The Youth of Today.

  • I Got a Man by Positive K

    The Story Song Podcast reviews the 1992 hip hop song “I Got a Man” by Positive K. The episode notes the song is available on various music platforms and encourages listeners to follow the podcast on social media.

  • Hazard by Richard Marx

    The Story Song Podcast reviews "Hazard," a 1992 soft rock song by Richard Marx from the album RUSH STREET. The episode discusses the song and where to listen to it.

  • Gimme Three Steps by Lynyrd Skynyrd

    This episode of The Story Song Podcast reviews the 1973 Lynyrd Skynyrd song “Gimme Three Steps.” The song is from the album Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd.

  • Want Ads by Honey Cone

    Extra extra, read all about it! In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1971 R&B hit, “Want Ads,” performed by Honey Cone. “Want Ads” by Honey Cone (from the albums Sweet Replies and Soulful Tapestry ) is available…

  • Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin

    In the season premiere episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1959 jazz classic, “Mack the Knife,” performed by Bobby Darin and written by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht (with English lyrics by Marc Blitzstein) for the mus…

  • SSP 2025 New Year's Special

    BONUS EPISODE: Drop the ball and pour the champagne, it’s the start of another year! Join your hosts for their annual end-of-year bonus episode with a look back at the episodes from 2025 and some friendly competition. Happy New Year from T…

  • Zat You, Santa Claus? by Louis Armstrong

    In this special holiday episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1953 jazz classic, “’Zat You, Santa Claus?” by Louis Armstrong. “’Zat You, Santa Claus?” by Louis Armstrong (from the album Louis Wishes You a Cool Yule ) is…

  • Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1976 funk/rock hit, “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry (from the album Wild Cherry ) is available on Apple Music , YouTube Music ,…

  • Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1968 country/pop classic, “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell, written by Jimmy Webb. “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell (from the album Wichita Lineman ) is available on Appl…

  • Photograph by Nickelback

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 2005 alternative-rock hit, “Photograph” by Nickelback. “Photograph” by Nickelback (from the album All the Right Reasons ) is available on Apple Music , YouTube Music , Amazon…

  • A Nightmare on My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

    In this special Halloween episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1988 hip hop hit, “A Nightmare on My Street” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. “A Nightmare on My Street” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (from the a…

  • Killing Me Softly with His Song by Roberta Flack

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1973 R&B classic, “Killing Me Softly with His Song” by Roberta Flack. “Killing Me Softly with His Song” by Roberta Flack (from the album Killing Me Softly ) is available on A…

  • SSP Classics: Turtle Power by Partners in Kryme

    BONUS EPISODE: That’s a wrap on Blockbuster Summer! In this classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts revisit their review of the 1990 hip-hop hit, “Turtle Power” by Partners in Kryme from the film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles…

  • On Our Own by Bobby Brown

    Blockbuster Summer continues! In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1989 pop/dance/new jack swing hit, “On Our Own” by Bobby Brown, from the film Ghostbusters II . “On Our Own” by Bobby Brown (from the soundtrack…

  • East Bound and Down by Jerry Reed

    Blockbuster Summer continues! In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1977 country hit, “East Bound and Down” by Jerry Reed, from the film Smokey and the Bandit . “East Bound and Down” by Jerry Reed (from the album…

  • (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance by Gene Pitney

    Blockbuster Summer continues! In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1962 hit, “(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance,” by Gene Pitney, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. “(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance” by…

  • Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1989 folk single and LGBTQ anthem, “Closer to Fine,” by singer-songwriters, Indigo Girls. “Closer to Fine” by Indigo Girls (from the album Indigo Girls ) is available on Appl…

  • Addams Groove by Hammer

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1991 pop-rap hit, “Addams Groove,” by Hammer. “Addams Groove” by Hammer (from the album Too Legit to Quit ) is available on Apple Music , YouTube Music , Amazon Music , Tidal…

  • Ode to Billie Joe by Bobbie Gentry

    It IS the third of June, and we’re celebrating the 150th episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they revisit and re-review the 1967 story song classic, “Ode to Billie Joe” by legendary singer-songwriter, Bobbie Gentry. Conti…

  • Ode to Billy Joe: The Movie: The Minisode

    This episode delves into Ode to Billy Joe , a PG-rated film with adult themes. Trigger warning: The film Ode to Billy Joe , and the song on which it is based, both discuss the suicide of one of the characters. Listener discretion is advise…

  • SSP Classics: Ode to Billie Joe by Bobbie Gentry

    Trigger warning: This episode delves into “Ode to Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentry, a song that discusses the suicide of one of its characters. Listener discretion is advised. BONUS EPISODE: In this classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, y…

  • Night Moves by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1976 heartland-rock classic, “Night Moves,” by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band. Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Blue…

  • Another Day by Paul McCartney

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1971 pop/rock hit, “Another Day,” the first solo single by legendary singer/songwriter, Paul McCartney. Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social med…

  • Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast by Wayne Newton

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1972 pop hit, “Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast” by Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton. Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Instagram…

  • Alexander the Great (356-323) by Iron Maiden

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1986 heavy metal song, “Alexander the Great (356-323 BC)” by Iron Maiden. Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Instagram ( s…

  • I Shot the Sheriff by Bob Marley and the Wailers

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1973 reggae classic, “I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley and the Wailers. “I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley and the Wailers (from the album Burnin’ ) is available on Apple Mu…

  • She Believes in Me by Kenny Rogers

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1979 country/pop hit, “She Believes in Me” by Kenny Rogers. Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Instagram ( storysongpodcas…

  • SSP Classics: You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette

    This episode delves into a song that contains adult themes. Listener discretion is advised. BONUS EPISODE: In this classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts revisit their review of the 1995 alternative rock hit, “You Oughta Kno…

  • SSP Classics: D-I-V-O-R-C-E by Tammy Wynette

    BONUS EPISODE: In this classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts revisit their review of the 1968 country classic, “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” by Tammy Wynette. Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Foll…

  • SSP 2024 New Year's Special

    BONUS EPISODE: Drop the ball and pour the champagne, it’s the start of another year! Join your hosts for their annual end-of-year bonus episode with a look back at the episodes from 2024 and some friendly competition. Happy New Year from T…

  • Christmas in Hollis by Run-D.M.C.

    It’s a very special Christmas here at THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Walk this way to your time machine from the DeLorean Motor Company, and join your hosts in 1987, where they’ll review the hip hop holiday classic, “Christmas in Hollis” by legen…

  • Float On by Modest Mouse

    Alright already! Here we come to save the day with another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of 2004 indie-rock hit, “Float On” by Modest Mouse. Laugh it off as we run our mouths off a bit too much and dis…

  • Spill the Wine by Eric Burdon and War

    You can stop strolling and stop scrolling, long-haired, leaping gnomes! It’s not a dream — you’ve found another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the 1970 psychedelic rock classic, “Spill the Wine” by E…

  • (Don't Fear) The Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult

    Trigger warning: This episode delves into “(Don't Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult, a song that has been interpreted by some as a reflection on suicide. Listener discretion is advised. All our times have come for another episode of TH…

  • Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams

    You want it? You got it! It’s time to attend the tale of another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they review the 1985 hit, “Summer of ‘69” by singer-songwriter Bryan Adams. In this episode, we’ll discuss alternative g…

  • My Boyfriend's Back by The Angels

    Hey-la, it’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! In this kind-of-big-and-awful-strong episode, your hosts review the 1963 pop classic, “My Boyfriend’s Back” by 60s girl group, The Angels. Take a permanent vacation as we dis…

  • You're in Love by Wilson Phillips

    Open the door and come in. We’re so glad to see you for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! We want you to be happy, so join your hosts for their review of the 1991 #1 hit single, “You’re in Love” by musical offspring trio, Wilson P…

  • Wonder by Natalie Merchant

    You better believe what you’re seeing! It’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts on a house call as they review 1995’s “Wonder” by Natalie Merchant. We’ll challenge your balance as we discuss NPR names, how to become…

  • White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane

    The walls are melting again. Free your mind and feed your head with another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts on a strange journey down the rabbit hole as they conclude THE SUMMER OF SYMBOLISM with a review of the 1967 psy…

  • A Horse with No Name by America

    Saddle up! It’s time for to listen to another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Journey along with your hosts as they review the 1971 classic, “A Horse with No Name” by British-American folk-rock band, America. Join us for dessert in the…

  • SSP Presents: Jukebox Musical! — Weezer

    BONUS EPISODE: Curtain up on THE STORY SONG PODCAST presents: Jukebox Musical! In this episode, your hosts are joined by special guest, actor and musician, Eric William Morris to devise a musical based on the most popular songs of American…

  • You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon

    Hey, batface! It’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! The SUMMER OF SYMBOLISM continues with our review of the 1986 hit, “You Can Call Me Al'' by music legend (and Art Garfunkel’s best friend), singer/songwriter, Paul Simo…

  • Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell

    ​​It’s another day in paradise here at THE STORY SONG PODCAST — and now there’s plenty of parking! In this episode, we begin our second annual SUMMER OF SYMBOLISM with a review of the 1970 folk-rock classic, “Big Yellow Taxi” by music lege…

  • I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

    Hold your head up high — we’re back from outer space with another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! In this episode, your hosts discuss the 1978 disco classic and Pride anthem, “I Will Survive” by Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, Gloria…

  • Alison by Elvis Costello

    Hey, you. Get your damn hands out of the wedding cake, and listen to this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they discuss the 1977 classic, “Alison” by singer/songwriter, Elvis Costello. Our aim is true as we discuss the…

  • All I Wanna Do by Sheryl Crow

    This ain't no disco. It ain't no country club either. It’s a dive bar that’s also a carwash. And it’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they discuss the 1994 pop hit, “All I Wanna Do” by singer/songwriter, Shery…

  • SSP Presents: Jukebox Musical! — Barenaked Ladies

    BONUS EPISODE: Places, please! It’s time to take your seats for THE STORY SONG PODCAST presents: Jukebox Musical! In this premiere episode, your hosts are joined by special guest, Michele Laikowski to devise a musical based on the most pop…