List of songs containing overt reference to real musicians

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Songwriters occasionally write songs that make overt references to real musicians and bands. This list excludes hip hop songs because overt references to real musicians are more common than not. Hip hop arose as an informal accompaniment to dance music, when performers spoke over percussion breaks. Over time, these performers began speaking more and more in sync with the beat, and thus was born rapping. Eschewing traditional song structure, most of these early rappers told simple stories, jokes and teased their friends and enemies. As a result, modern hip hop musicians traditionally mention performers that inspired them, performers who they consider untalented, or other simple references to real musicians.

One song that does not quite fit this category is American Pie by Don McLean. Although it is clearly about Buddy Holly and many other rockers from the 1950s and 1960s, the lyrics are composed largely of metaphors and plays on words. The only unambiguously identifiable performer in the song is actor James Dean.

List

Entries are listed with the following syntax: "Song Title" by musical artist(s) most associated with song references musicians and/or bands referred to.

Contents: Top - 0–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

0-9

• "3 Minute Rule" by Beastie Boys references Bob Dylan
• "30 Seconds of Magic" by Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog with Adam Sandler references John Tesh
• "1/15/96" by The Ataris references The Descendents
• "619-239-KING" by Mojo Nixon references Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Jim Morrison, Wayne Newton, Liberace.
• "1974" by Robyn Hitchcock references David Crosby, Syd Barrett, and Led Zeppelin. (as well as covertly referencing David Bowie.)
• "1977" by The Clash references the Beatles, Elvis Presley, and the Rolling Stones
• "1985" by Bowling For Soup references Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Nirvana, U2, Blondie, Limp Bizkit, Duran Duran, Van Halen, Wham!, Whitesnake, Mötley Crüe and Ozzy Osbourne.
• "29x The Pain" by The Wildhearts references The Beatles, Blue Öyster Cult, Kurt Cobain, The Damned, Heart. Hüsker Dü, Kiss, The Ramones, The Replacements, The Rolling Stones, The Sex Pistols, and Stiff Little Fingers

A

• "Achy Breaky Song" by "Weird Al" Yankovic references Donny and Marie Osmond, Barry Manilow, New Kids on the Block, The Village People, Vanilla Ice, The BeeGees, Billy Ray Cyrus, Debbie Boone, ABBA, Slim Whitman, Zamfir, Yoko Ono and Tiffany.
• "Acoustic Guitar" by Magnetic Fields references Steve Earle, Charo, and Gwar.
• "Acting Like Black Sabbath" by the Dayglo Abortions references Black Sabbath and Tony Iommi.
• "Acuff-Rose" by Uncle Tupelo refers to Roy Acuff and Fred Rose.
• "Afraid" by David Bowie references the Beatles.
• "The Air Is Getting Slippery" by Primus references to The Residents.
• "The Agony Of Laffitte " by Spoon references Metallica.
• "Ain't Even Done with the Night" by John Cougar Mellencamp references Sam Cooke.
• "Alex Chilton" by The Replacements references Alex Chilton and Big Star.
• "Alan Parsons In A Winter Wonderland" by Grandaddy references Alan Parsons.
• "All the Young Dudes" by Mott the Hoople references T. Rex, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
• "Almost Gothic" by Steely Dan references Little Eva.
• "Alternative is Dead" by Suburban Legends references Eddie Vedder.
• "AM Radio" by Everclear references Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin.
• "Amateur Hour" by Sparks references Yehudi Menuhin.
• "American Bad Ass" by Kid Rock references AC/DC, ZZ Top, Hank Williams Jr. (as "Bocephus"), Beastie Boys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Segar, Limp Bizkit, Korn, Rolling Stones, David Allan Coe, George Jones (as "No Show" Jones), Liberace, Johnny Cash, Grandmaster Flash and himself.
• "American Hair Band" by Tuff references Kurt Cobain, Van Halen, Hanoi Rocks, Black N' Blue, Britny Fox, Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Skid Row, Ratt, Vandenberg, Judas Priest, Dokken, Kix, Faster Pussycat, L.A. Guns, Dangerous Toys, Quiet Riot, Bang Tango, Bullet Boys, Johnny Crash, C.C. DeVille, Mick Mars, Slash, Twisted Sister, Pretty Boy Floyd, David Lee Roth, Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder, Weezer, the Screaming Trees, White Lion, the Sleeze Beez, and KISS (and also covertly references AC/DC, Warrant, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, and Poison).
• "Ancient Highway" by Van Morrison references Hank Williams.
• "Angel of Harlem" by U2 references John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Billie Holiday by her nickname Lady Day.
• "Anti-Music Song" by The Mountain Goats references Van Morrison, Morrissey, Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, and Brian Wilson.
• "Antione" by The Incredible String Band referenced Hector Berlioz
• "Anyone Can Play Guitar" by Radiohead references Jim Morrison.
• "Ass Like That" by Eminem references Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani and possibly others.
• "Astrud" by Basia references Astrud Gilberto.
• "Axl Rose" by SR-71 references Axl Rose.
• "Au Contraire" by They Might Be Giants references David Bowie and Johann Sebastian Bach.

B

• "Bach To Bach" by The Bobs references Johann Sebastian Bach (as if sung by him and his wife).
• "Back in My Arms Again" by The Supremes references Supremes Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson
• "Bad Cover Version" by Pulp references The Rolling Stones.
• "The Bad Touch" by The Bloodhound Gang references Prince and Lyle Lovett.
• "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World is Today) by The Temptations references The Beatles.
• "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker" by Prince references Joni Mitchell
• "Ballrooms of Mars" by T. Rex references Bob Dylan and John Lennon.
• "Battery Brides (Andy Paints Brian) " by XTC references Brian Eno (in its title only).
• "Battle Of Who Could Care Less " by Ben Folds Five references The Cure.
• "Be My Celine Dion" by The Arrogant Worms references Céline Dion.
• "Be My Yoko" by The Bobs references Yoko Ono.
• "Be My Yoko Ono" by Barenaked Ladies references Yoko Ono.
• "Beautiful Ground" by Grandaddy references Beck.
• "Beatles and the Stones" by The House of Love references The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
• "Beer" by the Asylum Street Spankers references Madonna.
• "Behind the Wall of Sleep" by The Smithereens references Bill Wyman.
• "Bessie Smith" by The Band references Bessie Smith.
• "The Bjork Song" by Lore Sjöberg and David Neilsen of the Brunching Shuttlecocks references Bjork.
• "Big Fat Elvis" by The Doublehappys references Elvis Presley
• "Bigger than The Beatles" by Joe Diffie references The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles and Elvis Presley.
• "Bill Drummond Said" by Julian Cope references Bill Drummond
• "Bill Haley" by Ted Herold references Bill Haley, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, and Perry Como.
• "Bing Crosby" by Van Dyke Parks references Bing Crosby, Lawrence Tibbett, Nelson Eddy, Morton Downey, Rudy Vallee and others
• "Blind Lemon Jefferson" by Nick Cave references Blind Lemon Jefferson
• "Blind Willie McTell" by Bob Dylan references Blind Willie McTell
• "Blonde on Blonde" by Nada Surf references Bob Dylan's album Blonde on Blonde
• "Blow Your Tuneless Trumpet" by The Mekons references U2.
• "Bob Dylan Blues" by Syd Barrett references Bob Dylan
• "Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs" by The Minutemen references Bob Dylan.
• "Bob Dylan's 49th Beard" by Wilco references Bob Dylan.
• "Bob Wills Is Still The King" by Waylon Jennings references Bob Wills.
• "Bogusflow" by Beck references Public Enemy and The Clash.
• "Born To Be Sold" by Transvision Vamp references numerous musicians, including Elvis Presley and Madonna.
• "Brand New Book" by Graham Parker references Badfinger.
• "Brian is Back" by The Beach Boys references Brian Wilson
• "Brian Wilson" by Barenaked Ladies references Brian Wilson.
• "Brimful of Asha" by Cornershop references Asha Bhonsle, Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Jacques Dutronc, and maybe Marc Bolan ("Bolan Boogies").
• "Bruce" by Rick Springfield references about him being mistaken for Bruce Springsteen
• Bubble Gum Music by The Rock & Roll Dubble Bubble Company of Philadelphia references Herb Alpert, Tommy Boyce, The Grateful Dead, Bobby Hart, and The Monkees
• "Buddy Holly" by Weezer references Buddy Holly and Mary Tyler Moore.
• "Buddy Holly's Brille" by Die Ärzte references Buddy Holly.
• "By Strauss" by George and Ira Gershwin references Johann Strauss II, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter and the composer himself, George Gershwin.

C

• "Californication" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers references Kurt Cobain
• "Calling Elvis" by the Dire Straits
• "Can U Dig It?" by Pop Will Eat Itself references Run DMC, Renegade Soundwave, AC/DC and DJ Spinderella
• "Carl Perkins' Cadillac" by the Drive-By Truckers references Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley; it also references record producer Sam Phillips.
• "Catalina" by The Descendents references The Beatles and The Doors.
• "Catch My Disease" by Ben Lee references Good Charlotte, Beyonce and The Sleepy Jackson.
• "The Chelsea Hotel Oral Sex Song" by Jeffrey Lewis references Leonard Cohen and Sid Vicious
• "The Children of the Eighties" by Joan Baez references The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Doors, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin.
• "Chocolate City" by Parliament references Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin.
• "Chris Barnes is a Pussy" by Anal Cunt references Cannibal Corpse and Six Feet Under
• "City of the Dead" by The Clash references Johnny Thunders.
• "Cleaning Windows" by Van Morrison references Blind Lemon Jefferson, Leadbelly, Brownie McGhee, Jimmie Rodgers, Sonny Terry and Muddy Waters.
• "Cloud 99" by the Jodimars references Mario Lanza.
• "Cobain's Sarcoma" by Mike Doughty references Kurt Cobain.
• "Cocky" by Kid Rock references matchbox twenty and Mark McGrath.
• "Coffee Shop" by Red Hot Chili Peppers references Iggy Pop.
• "Come On, Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners references Johnnie Ray.
• "Couch Potato" by "Weird Al" Yankovic references Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, and Jennifer Lopez
• "Cover Band" by Redd Kross references The Knack and KISS
• "Creeque Alley" by The Mamas & the Papas references Roger McGuinn, Barry McGuire, and John Sebastian (plus extensive references to themselves).
• "Créme Brûlèe" by Sonic Youth references Neil Young
• "Cubs in Five" by The Mountain Goats references Heaven 17.

D

• "D2 Boyfriend" by Moldy Peaches references Duran Duran.
• "Daft Punk is Playing at My House" by lcd soundsystem references Daft Punk.
• "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover" by Sophie B. Hawkins references The Rolling Stones.
• "David Bowie" by Phish references both David Bowie and UB40.
• "The Day" by They Might Be Giants is about "The day Marvin Gaye and Phil Ochs got married".
• "Dead Elvis" by the Doug Anthony All Stars is about Elvis Presley.
• "Dead Rock N Roll Stars" by Wally Pleasant references Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, Keith Moon, Sid Vicious, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Randy Rhoads, Eddie Cochran, Bob Marley, Roy Orbison, John Lennon, Brian Jones, Karen Carpenter, and Wally Pleasant.
• "Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant With My Two-Headed Love Child" by Mojo Nixon references Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, and Rick Astley.
• "The Delivery Man" by Elvis Costello references Elvis Presley.
• "Desert Island Discs" by Rheostatics references AC/DC, Ludwig von Beethoven, The Inbreds, Grace Jones, Herbert von Karajan, Martha and the Muffins, Randy Newman and The Ramones.
• "Destroy Rock And Roll" by Mylo references Michael Jackson, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, David Bowie, Van Halen, Madonna, Huey Lewis and The News, The Cars, Herbie Hancock, Bonnie Tyler, Stevie Nicks, Men At Work, ZZ Top, Paul McCartney, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Cyndi Lauper, Pink Floyd, The Pretenders, Billy Joel, Billy Idol, Elton John, Neil Young, Sheena Easton, Patty Smyth and Scandal, Fashion, Big Country, Morris Day and The Time, John Lennon, Apollonia 6, REO Speedwagon, David Gilmour, The Rolling Stones, Pat Benatar, Hall and Oates, Wham!, Rebbie Jackson, Adam Ant, Bananarama, Christine McVie, Queen, John Cougar Mellencamp, U2, Fleetwood Mac, The Alan Parsons Project, Rick Springfield, The Thompson Twins, Missing Persons, Duran Duran, Police, Eurythmics, Culture Club including Boy George, Band-Aid, Relax (single) and Stevie Wonder.
• "Devil's Night" by Eminem references Kurt Cobain.
• "Diggin' Burt Bacharach" by Status Quo references Burt Bacharach.
• "Dinu Lipatti's Bones" by The Mountain Goats references Dinu Lipatti.
• "Dio" by Tenacious D references Ronnie James Dio.
• "Dirt" by Lou Reed references Bobby Fuller.
• "Do it With Madonna" by The Androids references Christina Aguilera, Pink, Madonna, Britney Spears, and Kylie Minogue.
• "Do Re Me, So Far So Good" by Carter USM references Elvis Presley.
• "Do You Remember" by The Beach Boys references Chuck Berry,Elvis Presley, Danny & the Juniors
• "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio" by The Ramones references John Lennon, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ol' Moulty of the Barbarians, and T. Rex.
• "Don Henley Must Die" by Mojo Nixon references Don Henley and Glenn Frey.
• "Don't Let Me Get Me" by Pink references Britney Spears and LaFace Records co-founder L.A. Reid.
• "Don't Rock the Jukebox" by Alan Jackson references the Rolling Stones and George Jones.
• "Dr. Slingshot" by The Amboy Dukes references Jimi Hendrix, The Mothers Of Invention, The Electric Flag, Blue Cheer, Cream, Big Brother and the Holding Company, The Who, The Doors, Donovan, and Bob Dylan.
• "Drag" by Grant Lee Buffalo references Van Morrison.
• "Dreaming of Injured Popstars" by Chris T-T references Lisa Scott-Lee, Jean Michel Jarre, Céline Dion, Cliff Richard, Lou Reed, Gloria Estefan, Cher, Bob Dylan, and Kelly Jones.
• "Drive-in Saturday" by David Bowie references Mick Jagger and Carl Jung.
• "Duke Ellington" by The Mountain Goats references Duke Ellington.

E

• "E-Bow the Letter" by R.E.M. references Maria Callas.
• "Eddie Vedder" by Local H references Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam.
• "El Scorcho" by Weezer references Green Day
• "Elvis Ate America" by Passengers (U2 and Brian Eno) references Elvis Presley.
• "Elvis, I Don't Love You Anymore" by Harvey Danger references Elvis Costello.
• "Elvis is Dead" by Forgotten Rebels references Elvis Presley
• "Elvis Is Everywhere" by Mojo Nixon references Elvis Presley, Madonna and Billy Idol.
• "Eminem Is Gay" by Chris T-T references Eminem, Dr Dre, and D-12.
• "Endless Art" by A House references Jimi Hendrix, Sid Vicious, Brian Jones, Otis Redding, Elvis Presley, Johnnie Ray, John Lennon, Keith Moon, Ian Curtis, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauß and Richard Strauss (and a lot more writers and artists)
• "Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny)" by Elton John references John Lennon.
• "Episode of Blonde" by Elvis Costello references Elvis Presley (or possibly himself, or both).
• "Everybody's Makin' It Big But Me" by Dr. Hook references Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond , Alice Cooper, Elton John, David Bowie and Mick Jagger
• "Everyone Can Rock and Roll" by Bill Haley & His Comets references Danny and the Juniors
• "Everything You Did" by Steely Dan references The Eagles.
• "Everything Zen" by Bush references Elvis Presley (it also covertly references David Bowie).
• "Everywhere I Go (I Hear the Go Go's)" by Phranc references The Go-Go's.
• "Expectations" by Belle & Sebastian references The Velvet Underground.

F

• "Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues and Kirsty McColl references Frank Sinatra.
• "Fan Letter to Michael Jackson" by Rheostatics references Michael Jackson.
• "Fantastic Voyage" by Coolio references The Staple Singers.
• "Farenheit" by Five Iron Frenzy references Freddie Mercury, singer/songwriter for Queen.
• "Fat Lip" by Sum 41 references Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.
• "The Fat Angel" by Donovan references Jefferson Airplane and (covertly) "Mama" Cass Elliot
• "Fell Down the Stairs" by Tilly and the Wall references Billie Holiday.
• "Fell Off the Floor, Man" by dEUS references James Brown.
• "Fire Water Burn" by The Bloodhound Gang references Barry White, Frank Black, Marvin Gaye, Martha Raye, Lawrence Welk, Kurt Cobain, and Jimi Hendrix.
• "Fish On" by Primus references the bands own guitarist Ler LaLonde.
• "Five Years Old" by Loudon Wainwright III references Martha Wainwright and covertly references Rufus Wainwright ("your big brother"), although way before their musical careers.
• "Folk Singer" by Brendan Benson references John Lennon.
• "For the Love of Ivy" by Gun Club references Poison Ivy of The Cramps.
• "For the Record" by Stretch Arm Strong references Black Flag.
• "For the Singer of R.E.M." by fIREHOSE references Michael Stipe.
• "Frank Sinatra" by Cake references Frank Sinatra.
• "Free James Brown (So He Can Run Me Down)" by Foetus references James Brown.
• "Freeze" by Robyn Hitchcock references David Byrne.
• "From a Buick 6" by Bob Dylan references Bo Diddley
• "From Galway to Graceland" by Richard Thompson references Elvis Presley.
• "From Hank to Hendrix" by Neil Young references Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, and Madonna.
• "Fruitcakes" by Jimmy Buffett references Bob Marley.
• "Fuck The Pain Away" by Peaches references Blondie and Chrissie Hynde.
• "A Funky Space Reincarnation" by Marvin Gaye references Cindy Birdsong.
• "Furry Sings the Blues" by Joni Mitchell references Furry Lewis.

G

• "Garden Party" by Ricky Nelson references Yoko Ono and Bob Dylan, and covertly references John Lennon (described as Yoko's "walrus") and Chuck Berry (referred to as Johnny B. Goode).
• "Gary Floyd" by the Butthole Surfers references Gary Floyd
• "Gee, I Wish I Was Back In The Army" by Irving Berlin (performed by Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Vera-Ellen) references Bob Hope and Al Jolson.
• "Genius of Love" by Tom Tom Club references Kurtis Blow, Bohannon, Bootsy Collins, James Brown, Bob Marley, Smokey Robinson, and Sly and Robbie.
• "Geno" by Dexy's Midnight Runners references Geno Washington.
• "Get Off The Air" by The Angry Samoans references David Bowie, Joan Jett and Phil Spector.
• "Girl All The Bad Guys Want" by Bowling For Soup references Godsmack and Agent Orange.
• "Give It Away" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers references Bob Marley.
• "Give Paris One More Chance" by Jonathan Richman references Édith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier, Charles Trenet, The Bee Gees, and Charles Aznavour.
• "Glam Rocket" by The Fall references Suede
• "Glass Onion" by The Beatles references Paul McCartney
• "Go Go Train" by Mike Stevens references John Mayall, Rod Stewart, Eric Burdon, Eric Clapton, Chris Farlowe and Long John Baldry
• "God" by John Lennon references Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Yoko Ono.
• "God's Country", as performed by Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland in the film Babes in Arms references Nelson Eddy, Artie Shaw, and makes an indirect reference to Kay Kyser when Rooney impersonates his voice and borrows his catchphrase "Yess dance!"
• "Godstar" by Psychic TV references Brian Jones.
• "Going to Michigan" by The Extra Glenns references Gary Numan, Tubeway Army and Blue Cheer.
• "Golden Age Of Radio" by Josh Ritter references Patsy Cline.
• "Gone Country" by Alan Jackson references Bob Dylan.
• "Good Times Rock and Roll" by Robyn Hitchcock references the Young Fresh Fellows, Superdeluxe, and the Presidents of the United States of America.
• "Goodnight Saigon" by Billy Joel references The Doors.
• "Goody Two Shoes" by Adam Ant references Al Green.
• "Gotta Be This Or That" by Sonny Skylar references Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
• "Gotta Have Pop" by Segarini references The Beatles.
• "Grade 9" by Barenaked Ladies references Styx. (Note: the song also includes musical quotes of Rush's "Tom Sawyer" and "The Spirit of Radio")
• "Grant Hart" by The Posies references Grant Hart (Hüsker Dü).
• "Growing Up With GNR" by Aqueduct references Axl Rose.
• "Gun Street Girl" by Tom Waits references Falling James from Leaving Trains

H

• "Haley's Comet" by Dave Alvin references Bill Haley.
• "Hate My Love" by The Proclaimers references Johnny Cash.
• "Hats Off to (Roy) Harper" by Led Zeppelin references Roy Harper.
• "Have Mercy" by The Judds references Merle Haggard and George Jones.
• "Have You Ever Bean Green?" by The Soft Machine references Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell and Jimi Hendrix.
• "He Pep!" by The Fall references David Bowie.
• "Heave-Ho" by Smash Mouth references Louis Prima.
• "(He'll Never Be An) Old Man River" by TISM references Bon Scott, Jimi Hendrix, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cass Elliott, and Michael Jackson.
• "Hell Yeah" by Montgomery Gentry references Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and Bruce Springsteen.
• "Here's To Life" by Streetlight Manifesto references Kurt Cobain.
• "Here They Come (From All Over the World)" by Jan & Dean. This theme song from the T.A.M.I show references the guests who appeared including James Brown, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas, Lesley Gore, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye
• "Hey Hey My My" by Neil Young references Johnny Rotten.
• "Hey Nineteen" by Steely Dan references Aretha Franklin.
• "Hey Student!" by The Fall references Pearl Jam.
• "Hip-Hop and Honky Tonk" by Cledus T. Judd references Merle Haggard, George Strait, Snoop Dogg, George Jones, Shania Twain, Jo Dee Messina, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Tito Jackson, Stonewall Jackson and Alan Jackson.
• "Highlands", by Bob Dylan references Neil Young.
• "History Lesson, Part 2", by The Minutemen references Bob Dylan, Joe Strummer, Richard Hell and John Doe.
• "Home Before Dark" by The Nits references Nat King Cole.
• "Horseradish Road" by The Mountain Goats references Maria Callas.
• "Hot Topic is Not Punk Rock" by MC Lars references Evanesence, Guns N' Roses, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Sex Pistols, Insane Clown Posse,Tupac Shakur,Misfits, Elvis Presley, Mudvayne, and GG Allin.
• "How Forever Feels" by Kenny Chesney references Jimmy Buffett.
• "How Fucking Romantic" by Magnetic Fields references Rodgers and Hart.
• "Hydra" by Dir en grey references Sid Vicious.
• "Hotel California" by The Eagles references Steely Dan.

I

• "I Am Damo Suzuki" by The Fall references Damo Suzuki (of Can) and Karlheinz Stockhausen.
• "I Came to Dance" by Nils Lofgren references Bob Dylan
• "Iceland" by The Fall references Megas.
• "I Dig Rock & Roll Music" by Peter, Paul & Mary references The Mamas & The Papas, Donovan, and The Beatles.
• "I Do the Rock" by Tim Curry references John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Mick Jagger.
• "I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night" by Alfred Hayes and Earl Robinson references Joe Hill.
• "I Dreamed I Saw Julian Cope" by Robyn Hitchcock references Julian Cope.
• "I Dreamed I Saw Nick Drake" by Robyn Hitchcock references Nick Drake.
• "I Dreamed I Saw Phil Ochs Last Night" by Billy Bragg references Phil Ochs (and covertly references Joe Hill).
• "I Feel Better Than James Brown" by Was (Not Was) references James Brown.
• "I Feel Like Buddy Holly" by Alvin Stardust references Buddy Holly, Paul McCartney and Paul Simon.
• "I Feel Lucky" by Mary Chapin Carpenter references Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yoakam.
• "I Found Out" by John Lennon references Paul McCartney.
• "I Hate Jimmy Page" by Mindless Self Indulgence references Jimmy Page.
• "I Hate Led Zeppelin" by Screeching Weasel references Led Zeppelin.
• "I Hate Oasis (And I Hate The Beatles) by Teen Anthems references Oasis, The Beatles, The Kinks, The Faces, and Cast.
• "I Hate The Beach Boys" by The Bobs references The Beach Boys.
• "I Heard Ramona Sing" by Frank Black references The Ramones.
• "I Just Shot John Lennon" by The Cranberries references John Lennon.
• "I Keed" by Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog references 'N Sync, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Fred Durst, possibly 50 Cent, Hilary Duff (indirectly), Mandy Moore, R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, The Strokes, The White Stripes, Coldplay, U2, Pink, Nelly, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Billy Joel, P. Diddy, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Elton John, Avril Lavigne, Celine Dion, Philip Glass, Eminem, Mariah Carey
• "I Like the Beatles (and My Baby Loves the Rolling Stones)" by Segarini references The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
• "I Love Being Here With You" by Peggy Lee and Bill Schulger references Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie. Ella's version substitutes the reference to herself and references Peggy Lee instead.
• "I Need Your Help, Barry Manilow" by Ray Stevens references Barry Manilow.
• "Innocent" by Our Lady Peace references Kurt Cobain and John Lennon.
• "I Only Wanna Be With You" by Hootie and the Blowfish references Bob Dylan.
• "I Saw Nick Drake" by Robyn Hitchcock references Nick Drake.
• "I Took Your Name" by R.E.M. references Iggy Pop.
• "I Try to Think about Elvis" by Patty Loveless references Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.
• "I Walk the Line Revisited" by Rodney Crowell with Johnny Cash references Johnny Cash.
• "I Wanna Be On Epitaph" by Betty Blowtorch references Rancid and The Offspring.
• "I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone" by Sleater-Kinney references Joey Ramone and Thurston Moore.
• "I Wanna Kill James Taylor" by Ivan and the Executioners references James Taylor.
• "I Won't Be Your Yoko Ono" by Dar Williams references John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
• "If I had $1,000,000" by Barenaked Ladies references Art Garfunkel
• "If It Makes You Happy" by Sheryl Crow references John Coltrane.
• "If That Ain't Country" by David Allen Coe references Johnny Cash
• "I'll Never Smoke Weed with Willie Again" by Toby Keith references Willie Nelson.
• "I'm A Cuckoo" by Belle & Sebastian references Thin Lizzy (by name and by stylistic homage).
• "I'm A Mummy" by The Fall references Paul McCartney.
• "I'm Afraid of Britney Spears by Live On Release references Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, the Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC.
• "I'm in Love With Dusty Springfield" by Jayne County references Dusty Springfield.
• "I'm Still Remembering" by The Cranberries references Kurt Cobain.
• "If I Like it, it Must be Bad" by Don Freed references Bob Dylan (indirectly), Billy J. Kramer, and Herman's Hermits
• "Instand Club Hit (You'll Dance to Anything)" by the Dead Milkmen references Siouxsie Sioux, PiL, The Communards, The Smiths, Naked Truth, and Depeche Mode.
• "In the Days Before Rock 'n' Roll" by Van Morrison references Ray Charles, Fats Domino, John Lee Hooker, Lightning Hopkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, possibly Sonny Terry or Sonny Boy Williamson, and Muddy Waters.
• "In the Garage" by Weezer references KISS.
• "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere" by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett references Jimmy Buffett.
• "It's the End of the World as We Know It" by R.E.M. references Leonard Bernstein and Lester Bangs.
• "It Won't Happen With Me" by Jerry Lee Lewis mentions Elvis Presley. The cover by Johnny Rivers substitutes references to The Beatles for the Elvis references in the original song.
• "I've Been Tired" by the Pixies references Lou Reed.

J

• "Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile)" by Van Morrison references Jackie Wilson.
• "Jail Guitar Doors" by The Clash references Wayne Kramer, Peter Green, and Keith Richards.
• "James Brown" by The Blood Brothers references James Brown.
• "Jamie" by Weezer references The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones.
• "Janie Runaway" by Steely Dan references Frank Sinatra.
• "Janis, Jeanie and George Harrison" by Redd Kross references The Beatles as well as specifically referring to George Harrison.
• "Jason Donovan/Tessa Sanderson" by Cornershop references Jason Donovan.
• "The Jean Genie" by David Bowie references Marilyn Monroe and Snow White.
• "Jennifer Lopez" by Xiu Xiu references Jennifer Lopez.
• "Jessica" by Dir en grey references Sid Vicious.
• "Jessica Simpson" by Adam Green refrences Jessica Simpson.
• "Jimmy Webb Is God" by The Boo Radleys references Jimmy Webb.
• "Jimmy's Fantasy" by Red Kross references Jimmy Page
• "Joan Jett of Arc" by Clem Snide references Joan Jett and Hall and Oates.
• "Joe Strummer's Midnight Dream" by Chris Harford references Joe Strummer.
• "Joey Ramoney" by Helen Love references Joey Ramone
• "John Cage Bubblegum" by Stereolab references John Cage.
• "John Coltrane Stereo Blues" by The Dream Syndicate references John Coltrane
• "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry references Johnnie Johnson (common nickname).
• "Johnny Cash“ by Carter USM references Johnny Cash.
• "Johnny Ryall" by Beastie Boys references Elvis Presley
• "Johnny's Gonna Die" by The Replacements references Johnny Thunders.
• "The Joint is Really Jumpin' in Carnegie Hall" by Judy Garland and Jose Iturbi from the film Thousands Cheer references Frédéric Chopin, Strauss (which one is not specified), Irving Berlin, Johannes Brahms, Cole Porter (indirectly), Dmitri Shostakovich, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Joseph Haydn, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, as well a self-reference to Garland. The film version also includes a self-reference to Iturbi, though the original lyrics refer to Arturo Toscanini instead.
• "Jools and Jim" by Pete Townshend (from Empty Glass) references his late colleague and friend Keith Moon
• "Julian Cope Is Dead" by Bill Drummond references Julian Cope
• "Just A Touch" by R.E.M. references Al Green.
• "Just Let Me Breathe" by Dream Theater references Kurt Cobain.
• "Just Like Eddie" by Heinz references Eddie Cochran.
• "Just Wonderin'" by River City High references Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin.

K

• "K-Klass Kisschase" by Heavenly references K-Klass.
• "Kill the Bee Gees" by The Accident references The Bee Gees.
• "King of Bedside Manor" by Barenaked Ladies references Styx.
• "King's Lead Hat" by Brian Eno is an anagram for Talking Heads
• "Konstantine" by Something Corporate references Jimmy Eat World.
• "Knockbacks in Halifax" Weddings Parties Anything references Whitney Houston
• "Krupa" by Apollo 440 references Gene Krupa.
• "Kylie's Got A Crush On Us" by BMX Bandits references Kylie Minogue.
• "Kylie Said To Jason" by The KLF references Todd Terry, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, and Rolf Harris.

L

• "Lady Day and John Coltrane" by Gil Scott Heron, references Billie Holliday and John Coltrane
• "La Vie Boheme", from the musical Rent, references Bob Dylan and The Sex Pistols.
• "Laser Show" by Fountains of Wayne references Pink Floyd and Metallica.
• "The Last Day of Jimi Hendrix's Life" by The Mountain Goats references Jimi Hendrix.
• "Late" by Ben Folds references Elliott Smith.
• "The Late Great Johnny Ace" by Paul Simon references Johnny Ace, The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and John Lennon.
• "Let's Ride" by Q-tip references the artists whose CDs he plays while driving, including Mos Def, Jay-Z, Prince, Stevie Wonder. Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, and The Notorious B.I.G.
• "Let's Rock and Roll Some More" by The Comets references their former leader, Bill Haley.
• "Let's Submerge" by X-Ray Spex references Richard Hell.
• "Let's Think About Living" by Bob Luman references Marty Robbins, Patti Page, and the Everly Brothers
• "Levi Stubbs' Tears" by Billy Bragg references Levi Stubbs, The Four Tops, Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Holland-Dozier-Holland.
• "Life in a Northern Town" by The Dream Academy references Frank Sinatra and The Beatles.
• "Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me)" by Reunion references (take a deep breath) B. Bumble & The Stingers, Mott The Hoople, Ray Charles Singers, Lonnie Mack, Duane Eddy, Poco, Deep Purple, Sam Cooke, Lesley Gore, Richie Valens, Mahavishnu Orchestra, possibly Ronnie Spector, Barry White, Righteous Brothers, The Archies, Harry Nilsson, Fats Domino, The Salutations, Brenda & The Tabulations, Carly Simon, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Johnny Rivers, Mungo Jerry, Peter, Paul & Mary, Dr. John, Doris Day, Leon Russell, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Bonnie Bramlett, Wilson Pickett, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Dale Hawkins, Ronnie Hawkins, John Denver, Donny Osmond, J.J. Cale, ZZ Top, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Edgar Winter, Joanie Sommers, The Ides of March, Johnny Thunders, Eric Clapton, and Stephen Foster.
• "Life on Mars?" by David Bowie references John Lennon.
• "Lightnin' Hopkins" by R.E.M. references Lightnin' Hopkins.
• "Like Dylan in the Movies" by Belle and Sebastian references Bob Dylan.
• "Limp Bizkit Think They're Black But They're Just Gay" by Anal Cunt references Limp Bizkit
• "Liquid Dreams" by O-Town references Destiny's Child, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez (although the name Lopez itself is never mentioned) and several other non-musical female celebrities.
• "Lisdoonvarna" by Christy Moore references Jackson Browne, Willie Clancy, Noel Hill, Liam Og O'Flynn, Adam Clayton, Bono, The Chieftains, Clannad, Van Morrison, Moving Hearts, Planxty, and himself.
• "Little Road" by Society of Rockets references Willie Nelson.
• "Little Road and a Stone to Roll" by John Stewart references Carol King
• "Living in China" by Men Without Hats references Gang of Four and Adam and the Ants.
• "Living in the Material World" by George Harrison references John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr (who is referred to as "Ritchie" the name friends call Ringo.
• "London Calling" by The Clash references The Beatles.
• "London's Brilliant" by Elvis Costello, recorded by Wendy James, references Joe Strummer and Mick Jones of The Clash.
• "Long Live The UK Music Scene" by Helen Love references The Bluetones, Gina G, Jonathan King, The Longpigs, Oasis, Ocean Colour Scene, and Shed Seven.
• "Long Lost Twin" by Clem Snide references Elvis Presley.
• "Long May You Run" by Neil Young references The Beach Boys.
• "Long Time Gone" by Dixie Chicks references Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Eddie Money, Hank Williams, and Hank Williams, Jr.
• "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee" from the musical and film Grease (performed by Stockard Channing in the 1978 film) references Doris Day, Elvis Presley and Annette Funicello.
• "Lookin' Out My Back Door" by Creedence Clearwater Revival references Buck Owens.
• "Lou Reed" by Public Image Ltd. references Lou Reed
• "Lou Reed" by The Little Willies references Lou Reed
• "Love and Fury" by The Tornados references Billy Fury
• "Love Love Love" by The Mountain Goats references Kurt Cobain
• "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain & Tennille references Neil Sedaka
• "Lucinda Williams" by Vic Chesnutt references Lucinda Williams
• "Luckenbach, Texas" by Waylon Jennings references Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, and Mickey Newberry.
• "Lullaby" by Shawn Mullins references Bob Seger and Sonny and Cher.
• "Luther Played The Boogie-Woogie" by Johnny Cash references Luther Perkins.

M

• "Mack the Knife" by Bertolt Brecht, and Kurt Weill, English-language lyrics by Marc Blitzstein, references (in the 1960 version by Bobby Darin) Lotte Lenya. The heavily improvised version by Ella Fitzgerald on Ella in Berlin mentions Bobby Darin and Louis Armstrong. Frank Sinatra's 1984 version references Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Randy Brecker and Michael Brecker as well as Darin and Armstrong.
• "Made in England" by Elton John references Little Richard
• "Make Believe" by The Pixies references Deborah Gibson.
• "Man On The Moon" by R.E.M. references Mott the Hoople, Elvis Presley
• "Manana" by Jimmy Buffett references KISS
• "Manu Chao" by Les Wampas references Manu Chao
• "Mary" by Tori Amos references Jimi Hendrix
• "Mattersville" by Nofx references Davey Havok of AFI.
• "Me and the Major" by Belle & Sebastian references Roxy Music.
• "Meet the Beatle" by The Tall Dwarfs references The Beatles.
• "Meanwhile, Rick James..." by Cake references Rick James.
• "Memories" by Leonhard Cohen references Frankie Laine.
• "Memphis in the Meantime" by John Hiatt references Ronnie Milsap.
• "Mere Pseud Mag. Ed." by The Fall references The Ramones (Kraftwerk in a live version)
• "Michael Jackson" by Fatboy Slim references Michael Jackson and Tina Turner. The song contains few words except for "Michael Jackson" and "Tina Turner". See [1].
• "Midnight in Montgomery" by Alan Jackson references Hank Williams
• "Mike Love Not War" by Oranger references Mike Love of The Beach Boys.
• "Mine Is No Disgrace" by Melvins references the band Yes.
• "Missing You" by Diana Ross is a tribute to Marvin Gaye.
• "Mix Tape" by Brand New references Morrissey and The Smiths.
• "Monkey" by Counting Crows references Ben Folds.
• "Monterrey" by Eric Burdon & the Animals references The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, Ravi Shankar, The Who, The Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Hugh Masekela
• "The Moon in June" by Soft Machine references Pink Floyd and Caravan
• "Mope" by Bloodhound Gang references Notorious BIG, Tupac Shakur, Falco, Luciano Pavarotti, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and Journey
• "Mota" by The Offspring references Jimmy Buffett.
• "Motorvator" by The Riffs references T. Rex.
• "Motown" by Darkbuster references Smokey Robinson, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Martha and the Vandellas, The O’Jays, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, and The Supremes.
• "Motownphilly" by Boyz II Men references Another Bad Creation and Bell Biv DeVoe (as "ABC" and "BBD"), as well as the group itself.
• "Mountain Energei" by The Fall references Dolly Parton.
• "Moving to L.A." by Art Brut references Axl Rose and Morrissey.
• "Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows references Bob Dylan.
• "Mr. Krinkle" by Primus references Jimi Hendrix, Cher, Hank Williams, Jr. (as "Bocephus"), and James Brown.
• "Mr. Sandman" by The Chordettes references Liberace.
• "Mr. Wilson" by John Cale references Brian Wilson.
• "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)" by Garth Brooks references Chris LeDoux.
• "My Baby's In Love With Eddie Vedder" by "Weird Al" Yankovic references Eddie Vedder and Alanis Morissette
• "My Dear Mr. Gaye" by Teena Marie is a tribute to Marvin Gaye.
• "My First Rock Concert" by Rheostatics, a song specifically about going to see other musicians in concert, references Aerosmith, The Birthday Party, Nick Cave, Electric Light Orchestra, Gang of Four, Goddo, Joe Jackson, Meat Loaf, The Ramones, The Specials, Michael Stipe, Paul Weller, XTC and the individual members of Rush.
• "My Perfect Cousin" by The Undertones references The Human League.
• "My Sister" by Juliana Hatfield Three references The Violent Femmes and The Del Fuegos

N

• "The Na-Na Song," from Sheryl Crow's debut album Tuesday Night Music Club, references Madonna as well as Michael Jackson's former manager Frank Dileo.
• "Nassau Coliseum" by Lifter Puller references The Beatles.
• "Never Been to Spain" by Three Dog Night references The Beatles.
• "Nevermind" by Red Hot Chili Peppers references Hall and Oates, Duran Duran, The Gap Band, Soft Cell, Men At Work, and others.
• "New Frontier" by Donald Fagen references Dave Brubeck.
• "Nice Day for a Sulk" by Belle & Sebastian references The Fall and Manfred Mann.
• "The Night Hank Williams Came to Town" by Johnny Cash references Hank Williams.
• "Night Shift" by the Commodores references Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson.
• "Nine-and-a-Half Guitars" by Billy Connolly refers to James Taylor, Carole King, Stephen Stills, Johnny Cash, and Engelbert Humperdinck
• "No Show Jones" by Chris Difford references The Captain and Tennille, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and The Monkees.
• "Not If You Were The Last Dandy On Earth" by The Brian Jonestown Massacre references The Dandy Warhols
• "Not John" by Loudon Wainwright III references John Lennon.
• "Not Now James, We're Busy" by Pop Will Eat Itself references James Brown.
• "A Noun is a Person, Place, or Thing" by Bob Dorough and Jack Sheldon, from the Schoolhouse Rock TV series, references Chubby Checker, the Beatles, and the Monkees.
• "Now I'm Here" by Queen references Mott the Hoople.

O

• "Octavo Día" by Shakira references Michael Jackson.
• "Of Montreal" by The Stills references Of Montreal.
• "Oh Yoko" by John Lennon references Yoko Ono
• "Old Dominion" by Eddie From Ohio references Patsy Cline
• "On and On" by Stephen Bishop references Frank Sinatra.
• "One of the Survivors" by The Kinks references Jerry Lee Lewis, Dion and the Belmonts, The Hollywood Argyles, Danny and the Juniors, and Johnny and the Hurricanes
• "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies references Bert Kaempfert, LeAnn Rimes and Sting.
• "Ono Soul" by Thurston Moore references Yoko Ono
• "The Other End of the Telescope" by Elvis Costello & the Attractions references Frédéric Chopin.
• "Outside of the Inside" by Richard Thompson references Charlie Parker.
• "Over and Over Again (Lost and Found)" by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah references David Bowie.

P

• "P-Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up)" by Parliament (band) references Doobie Brothers, Blue Magic, and David Bowie.
• "Parker's Band" by Steely Dan references Charlie Parker.
• "Part Time Punks" by the Television Personalities references The Lurkers, Siouxsie and the Banshees, the Swell Maps, and the Clash
• "Patti Smith Math Scratch" by Thurston Moore references Patti Smith.
• "Pennyroyal Tea" by Nirvana references Leonard Cohen.
• "P.F. Sloan" by The Association references P.F. Sloan.
• "Playdough" by The Aquabats references Devo.
• "Play Something Country" by Brooks & Dunn references George Strait.
• "Precious Things" by Tori Amos references Nine Inch Nails.
• "Pretty Little Martha" by Loudon Wainwright III references Martha Wainwright (although way before the latter's musical career).
• "Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)" by The Offspring references Ice Cube and Vanilla Ice.
• "Prime Mover" by Zodiac Mindwarp references T. Rex.
• "The Prince" by Madness references Prince Buster.
• "Prince Alone In The Studio" by Smog references Prince.
• "Problems and Bigger Ones" by Harvey Danger references Bob Dylan
• "Prologue To History" by the Manic Street Preachers references Shaun Ryder
• "Prophet 15" by Supergrass references Marvin Gaye
• "Pull Over" by Trina references Sisqó, Black Rob, and Juvenile.
• "Punk Rock Girl" by The Dead Milkmen references Minnie Pearl, The Beach Boys, and Mojo Nixon.
• "Punky Reggae Party" by Bob Marley references The Jam, The Damned, The Clash, and Dr. Feelgood.

Q

• "Qué Onda Guero" by Beck references Yanni and Michael Bolton

R

• "R.A.M.O.N.E.S" by Motörhead references The Ramones
• "R.D.A. (Rock Death America)" by Rheostatics references The Replacements, The Beatles, Elvis Presley and The Byrds.
• "R.O.C.K." by Bill Haley & His Comets references Johann Strauss, W. C. Handy, and Bill Haley himself
• "Rancid Sucks (And The Clash Sucked Too)" by Anal Cunt references Rancid, The Clash, Kenny G, Yanni, Garth Brooks, and Liberace.
• "Range Life" by Pavement reference The Smashing Pumpkins and Stone Temple Pilots.
• "Rapture" by Blondie references Fab Five Freddy and Grandmaster Flash.
• "Ready Steady Go" by Generation X references The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones.
• "The Real Slim Shady" by Eminem references Will Smith, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Fred Durst.
• "Red Dragon Tattoo" by Fountains of Wayne references .38 Special and KoЯn.
• "Redneck Woman" by Gretchen Wilson references Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, George Strait, Charlie Daniels, Tanya Tucker, and Hank Williams Jr (Referred to in the song as Ol' Bocephus).
• "Reminiscing" by the Little River Band references Glenn Miller (specifically, "Glenn Miller's band").
• "Reno Dakota" by the Magnetic Fields references Nino Rota.
• "The Replacements" by Tommy Womack references The Replacements.
• "Rhythm Section Want Ad" by They Might Be Giants references Menudo, Eurythmics, and MDC
• "Ringo Beat" by Ella Fitzgerald references Ringo Starr, Chubby Checker, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles.
• "Riot Girl" by Good Charlotte references Minor Threat, Social Distortion, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears.
• "Roadblock" by Stan Ridgway references Foghat and Jethro Tull
• "Rock and Roll Heaven" by The Righteous Brothers references Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Jim Morrison, Jim Croce, and Bobby Darin.
• "Rock Doc" by Louis Jordan references Nat King Cole.
• "R-O-C-K in the USA" by John Cougar Mellencamp references Frankie Lyman, Bobby Fuller, Mitch Ryder, Jackie Wilson, the Shangri-La's, the Young Rascals, Martha Reeves, and James Brown
• "Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco references Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; the Salieri Version remix explicitly references Falco himself.
• "Rock Show" by Wings references Jimmy Page.
• "Rockin' The Suburbs" by Ben Folds references Michael Jackson, Quiet Riot, and Jon Bon Jovi.
• "Roll Over Beethoven" by Chuck Berry (and others) references Ludwig van Beethoven and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
• "Room To Live" by The Fall references The Moody Blues.
• "Roxy" from the musical Chicago (performed in the 2002 film version by Renée Zellweger) references Sophie Tucker
• "Roy" by Animals That Swim references Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley.
• "Rufus is a Tit Man" by Loudon Wainwright III references Rufus Wainwright (although way before the latter's musical career).
• "Russian Roulette" by Van Morrison references Dr. John.

S

• "St. Dominic's Preview" by Van Morrison references Hank Williams and Edith Piaf.
• "Sammy Hagar Weekend" by Thelonious Monster references Sammy Hagar
• "Saskatchewan" by Don Freed references Johnny Cash
• "Scene Two (4 Brian)" by David Kilgour - the dedication is to Brian Eno.
• "Scotch Grove" by The Mountain Goats references LeAnn Rimes.
• "The Seeker" by The Who references Bob Dylan and The Beatles.
• "Seymour Stein" by Belle & Sebastian references Johnny Marr and Electronic, as well as Sire Records founder Seymour Stein.
• "She Don't Use Jelly" by the Flaming Lips references Cher.
• "Shoop" by Salt-N-Pepa references Prince.
• "Shoot The Sexual Athlete" by Belle & Sebastian references The Go-Betweens.
• "Shooting Star" by Bad Company references The Beatles.
• "Shoulder Pads" by The Fall references Lou Reed and Doug Yule.
• "Showbiz Kids" by Steely Dan references Steely Dan.
• "Sid Vicious Was Innocent" by The Exploited (covered by Rancid) references Sid Vicious
• "Silver Heels" by Bob Welch references Paul McCartney and Etta James.
• "A Simple Desultory Philippic" by Simon and Garfunkel references The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Art Garfunkel, and Bob Dylan.
• "Sinatra" by Helmet references Frank Sinatra.
• "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder references Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald.
• "Sit on My Face, Stevie Nicks" by the Rotters references Stevie Nicks.
• "Six String Music" by Jimmy Buffett references Ludwig von Beethoven and Jimmy Reed.
• "Sleeps with Angels" by Neil Young references Kurt Cobain.
• "Sleepwalker" by The Wallflowers references Sam Cooke.
• "Slightly American Music" by Brian Wilson, references Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Muddy Waters, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Phil Spector, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Al Jolson
• "Smells Like Nirvana" by "Weird Al" Yankovic references (and parodies) Nirvana.
• "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple not only tells a story about the band itself but also mentions Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention and The Rolling Stones.
• "Somewhere Down The Crazy River" by Robbie Robertson references Little Willie John
• "Song for Bob Dylan" by David Bowie references Bob Dylan under his birth name, Robert Zimmerman.
• "Song for Bob Dylan" by Wally Pleasant references Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Lou Reed, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Donovan, Billy Bragg, John Wesley Hardin, Jackson Browne, and Vince Neil.
• "Song for Dennis Brown" by The Mountain Goats references Dennis Brown.
• "Song for Randy Newman, Etc." by The Chills references Randy Newman, Brian Wilson, Syd Barrett, Scott Walker, and Nick Drake.
• "Song to Woody" by Bob Dylan references Woody Guthrie.
• "South's Going to It Again" by the Charlie Daniels Band references the Charlie Daniels Band, Barefoot Jerry, Willie Nelson, ZZ Top, Elvin Bishop, Richard Betts, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Marshall Tucker Band.
• "Splendid Isolation" by Warren Zevon references Michael Jackson.
• "S.R.V." by Eric Johnson references Stevie Ray Vaughan.
• "Stan" by Eminem references Phil Collins.
• "Stereo" by Pavement references Geddy Lee.
• "Stevie" by Brian Wilson, an unreleased demo which pays tribute to Stevie Nicks
• "Stevie's Wonder" by Melissa Manchester is a tribute to Stevie Wonder.
• "Style it takes" by John Cale and Lou Reed references The Velvet Underground.
• "Stratford-On-Guy" by Liz Phair references Galaxie 500
• "Stone for Bessie Smith" by Dory Previn references Bessie Smith and Janis Joplin.
• "Story of the Rockers" by Gene Vincent references: Bill Haley & His Comets, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, The Everly Brothers, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Danny and the Juniors, Bobby Rydell, Freddy Cannon, Dion, Duane Eddy, Chubby Checker, The Four Seasons, Barry Gordy, The Champs, Ike Turner, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Del Shannon, The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, The Surfaris, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, The Lovin' Spoonful, Otis Redding, The Young Rascals, Sam Cooke, Buddy Knox, Jimmy Bowen, Lloyd Price, Bobby Darin, Larry Williams, and Vincent's own band, The Blue Caps.
• "The Sublimation Hour" by Destroyer references The Beatles and The Clash.
• "Sucks" by KMFDM references Michael Jackson, Depeche Mode, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue.
• "Suck Baby Suck" by Serge Gainsbourg (in French) references Chuck Berry and Bill Haley
• "Subversives" by The Lowest of the Low references The Pogues
• "Summer, Highland Falls" by Billy Joel references The Beatles
• "Sun Comes Up, It's Tuesday Morning" by the Cowboy Junkies references John Coltrane.
• "Sun Ra" by dEUS references Sun Ra.
• "Surfers Rule" by The Beach Boys references The Four Seasons
• "Surfin' Cow" by the Dead Milkmen references Patti Smith.
• "Surrender" by Cheap Trick references KISS.
• "Suzanne" by Weezer references Izzy, Slash, and Axl Rose from Guns N' Roses
• "Sweet Gene Vincent" by Ian Dury references Gene Vincent.
• "Sweet Georgie Fame" by Blossom Dearie
• "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd references Neil Young.
• "Sweet Lord in Heaven" by Mike Doughty references Kurt Cobain, Sam Cooke, and Ian Curtis.
• "Sweet Soul Music" by Arthur Conley references Sam and Dave, Lou Rawls, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, James Brown.
• "Swimming Pool" by Toy Love references Marc Bolan, Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, and Keith Moon.
• "Swing, Mr. Mendelssohn" by Judy Garland references Felix Mendelssohn.
• "Swingin' the Jinx Away" from the film Born to Dance and performed by Frances Langford, Buddy Ebsen and others, references Cab Calloway.

T

• "Take Me Home Tonight" by Eddie Money references Ronnie Spector, who also sings the chorus from the Ronettes' "Be My Baby" on the recording.
• "Take Me To The River" by Al Green references Junior Parker.
• "Take You On A Cruise" by Interpol references Fred Astaire.
• "Talking New Bob Dylan" by Loudon Wainwright III references Bob Dylan, Johnny Mathis, Mitch Miller, John Prine, Steve Forbert, and Bruce Springsteen.
• "Talkin' Woody, Bob, Bruce & Dan Blues" by Dan Bern references Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and Madonna
• "Talkin' World War III Blues" by Bob Dylan references Martha and the Vandellas
• "Tall Cans In The Air" bu Transplants references Transplants, Distillers, AFI, LFB and Crystal Sound.
• "Taxman Mr. Thief" by Cheap Trick references The Beatles
• "Tear Stained Letter" by Richard Thompson references The Clash.
• "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus references Iron Maiden
• "Temptation Inside Your Heart" by The Velvet Underground references Martha and the Vandellas.
• "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" by Joe Nichols references Bon Jovi.
• "That Says It All" by Duncan Sheik refers to Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and Jimmy Page
• "That Song About Trees and Kites" by The Lowest of the Low references MC Hammer and Dig Circus.
• "That Was Your Mother" by Paul Simon references Clifton Chenier.
• "The Crimson" by Atreyu references Robert Smith.
• "There She Goes, My Beautiful World" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds references Johnny Thunders
• "There's a Guy Who Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis" by Kirsty MacColl references Elvis Presley.
• "These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)" by Harry Link, Holt Marvell and Jack Strachey references Bing Crosby.
• "The True Wheel" by Brian Eno references The Modern Lovers (two other bands - A Certain Ratio and 801 took their names from this song's lyrics).
• "Things I Want" by Sum 41 ft. Tenacious D references The Beatles, Moby, and Mötley Crüe
• "This Is Hell" by Elvis Costello references Julie Andrews and John Coltrane.
• "This is the Dream of Win and Regine" by Final Fantasy references Win Butler and Régine Chassagne of The Arcade Fire.
• "Those Dumb Punk Kids (Will Buy Anything)" by Jello Biafra and The Melvins refers to the Dead Kennedys, The Misfits, Black Flag, The Germs, Courtney Love, and Nirvana.
• "Thou Shalt Not Britney Spear" by TISM refers to Britney Spears
• "Three Stars" by John D. Loudermilk (best known versions by Tommy Dee and Eddie Cochran) references Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.
• "Thunder Road" by Bruce Springsteen references Roy Orbison.
• "Thurston Hearts The Who" by Bikini Kill references Thurston Moore and The Who
• "Three Little Pigs" by Green Jelly references Ted Nugent
• "Tiger Woods" by Dan Bern references Madonna
• "Tipton" by Phranc references Billy Tipton.
• "Together in Pooping" by Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog (and guests) references Jennifer Lopez, Billy Joel, Julio and Enrique Iglesias, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Cher
• "Tom Waits" by The Fall Of Troy references Tom Waits
• "Top Floor, Bottom Buzzer" by Morphine references Al Green.
• "Totally Random Man" by Therapy? references Captain Beefheart.
• "Tower of Song" by Leonard Cohen references Hank Williams.
• "Trans-Europe Express" by Kraftwerk references Iggy Pop and David Bowie
• "Tribute To Buddy Holly" by Mike Berry references Buddy Holly
• "Tribute To Eddie" by Heinz references Eddie Cochran
• "True" by Spandau Ballet references Marvin Gaye
• "Trunk Fulla Amps" by Self references Glenn Danzig, Freddie Mercury, and Lenny Kravitz.
• "Tunic (Song for Karen)" by Sonic Youth, is about Karen Carpenter
• "Twisting" by They Might Be Giants references The dB's and Young Fresh Fellows
• "Two Hearts" by Danny Michel references David Bowie
• "Two Tub Man" by The Dictators references Lou Reed
• "The Trip" by Donovan references Bob Dylan and Joan Baez

U

• "Under The Sun" by Sugar Ray references Run DMC, Culture Club, The Clash and Men Without Hats.
• "Unseen Power of the Picket Fence" by Pavement references R.E.M.
• "Up On Cripple Creek" by The Band references Spike Jones

V

• "Van Halen" by Nerf Herder references Van Halen and makes fun of Sammy Hagar specifically.
• "Velvet Underground" by Jonathan Richman references The Velvet Underground.
• "Vera" by Pink Floyd references Vera Lynn.
• "Vic" by Animals That Swim references Vic Chesnutt.
• "Voted Off the Island" by Jello Biafra and The Melvins refers to the Dead Kennedys.

W

• "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham! references Doris Day
• "Wake-Up Bomb" by R.E.M. references Queen and T. Rex.
• "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn, covered by Cher and Lonestar references W.C. Handy, Elvis
• "Wasn't it Sad About Lemon?" by Washboard Walter references Blind Lemon Jefferson.
• "Watch That Man" by David Bowie references Benny Goodman.
• "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey references Bobby Womack and Babyface.
• "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel references Johnnie Ray, Doris Day, Sergei Prokofiev, Arturo Toscanini, Liberace, Bill Haley & His Comets (indirectly), Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chubby Checker, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles.
• "We Love You" by The Psychedelic Furs references Frank Sinatra, The Supremes, Brigitte Bardot, and Althea & Donna
• "Wendy Under the Stars" by Odds references Elvis Presley.
• "We're an American Band" by Grand Funk Railroad references Freddy King.
• "We're the Replacements" by They Might Be Giants references The Replacements.
• "Welcome to the Diamond Mine" by Dickies references Jimmy Page.
• "What is This Generation Coming To?" by Robert Mitchum references Elvis Presley and Harry Belafonte
• "What's the Matter with Parents Today?" by NOFX references The Misfits
• "Whatever Happened to Gus?" by Medeski, Martin, and Wood references "Bird" (Charlie Parker), Lester Young, Wynton Marsalis, Billy Eckstein, and Gus Johnson.
• "When Do I Get to Sing 'My Way'?" by Sparks references Frank Sinatra and Sid Vicious.
• "When I Kiss You I Hear Charlie Parker Playing" by Sparks references Charlie Parker.
• "When Smokey Sings" by ABC references Smokey Robinson, Luther Vandross, Sly Stone and Marvin Gaye.
• "When the Healing Has Begun" by Van Morrison references Muddy Waters.
• "When the Leaves Are Falling Down" by Van Morrison references Chet Baker.
• "Where Did His Eye Go?" by The Dickies references Sammy Davis, Jr.
• "Where It's At" by Beck references Gary Wilson
• "Where Your Eyes Don't Go" by They Might Be Giants references Kurtis Blow
• "White Kids Love Hip-Hop" by mc chris references Tupac Shakur, Axl Rose and Weezer.
• "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" by The Clash references Dillinger, Leroy Smart, Delroy Wilson, Ken Boothe, and The Four Tops
• "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", as recorded by Carl Perkins in the 1970s, has had the lyrics adjusted to include both a self-reference and a reference to Jerry Lee Lewis, who recorded the best-known version of the song.
• "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" by George Jones references Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, Hank Williams, and Lefty Frizzell.
• "Why Must I Be Sad?" by They Might Be Giants references Alice Cooper (semi-overtly)
• "Wig Out at Denko's" by Dag Nasty references Minor Threat and Yanni.
• "Wings" by The Albion Band references The Byrds.
• "Woody Guthrie" by Alabama 3 references Woody Guthrie.
• "Work It" by Missy Elliot references Prince
• "Wot" by Captain Sensible references Adam Ant as well as himself quite a bit.
• The Wreck of the Arthur Lee by Robyn Hitchcock references Arthur Lee.

X

• "XTC Vs. Adam Ant" by They Might Be Giants references XTC and Adam Ant, as well as Bow Wow Wow and the Beatles.
• "XXX's and OOO's (An American Girl)" by Trisha Yearwood references Aretha Franklin and Patsy Cline.

Y

• "Year of the Parrot" by Primus refrences Led Zeppelin.
• "Yer Blues" by The Beatles references Bob Dylan.
• "Yoko Ono" by Die Ärzte references Yoko Ono.
• "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere" by Bob Dylan references Roger McGuinn (Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Vol.2-Version only).
• "You Better, You Bet" by The Who references T. Rex.
• "You Don't Belong" by Bad Religion references Milo Aukerman, Rodney Anonymous, GG Allin, Jack Grisham,Wendy O. Williams and Billy Davis
• "You Get What You Give" by the New Radicals references Beck, Hanson, Courtney Love, and Marilyn Manson.
• "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" by David Allan Coe references Waylon Jennings, Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard, and David Allan Coe.
• "You Were Right" by Badly Drawn Boy references Frank Sinatra, Jeff Buckley, Kurt Cobain, John Lennon and Madonna.
• "Young Country" by Hank Williams Jr. references Waylon Jennings, Van Halen, ZZ Top, Hank Williams and Elvis Presley.
• "Your Bruise" by Death Cab for Cutie references Helium's singer Mary Timony and the band's song "Superball."
• "Your Gold Teeth" by Steely Dan references Cathy Berberian.
• "Your House" by Alanis Morissette references Joni Mitchell.
• "Your Redneck Past" by Ben Folds Five references Billy Idol and Kool Moe Dee.
• "You're Never Too Old to Rock" by The Comets includes a self-reference, as well as references to Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
• "You're the Top" by Cole Porter references Irving Berlin, Jimmy Durante and Johann Strauss II.
• "Youth Culture Killed My Dog" by They Might Be Giants references Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
• "You've Gone Too Far This Time, John" by "Rainbo" (a.k.a. Sissy Spacek) references John Lennon and (indirectly) The Beatles and Yoko Ono.

Z

• "ZZ Top Goes To Egypt" by Camper Van Beethoven references ZZ Top.

Songs that mention Elvis Presley

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• "1977" by The Clash references The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and The Rolling Stones
• "A Century of Elvis" by Belle & Sebastian references Elvis Presley.
• "Born To Be Sold" by Transvision Vamp references numerous musicians, including Elvis Presley and Madonna.
• "Bones of Elvis" by Inner City Unit references Elvis Presley
• "Cities" by Talking Heads references Elvis Presley.
• "Considering a Move to Memphis" by Colorblind James Experience references Elvis Presley.
• "Do You Remember" by The Beach Boys references Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley
• "Elvis is Dead" by Living Colour references Elvis Presley.
• "Elvis is Dead" by Forgotten Rebels (different song than above) references Elvis Presley
• "Elvis Is Everywhere" by Mojo Nixon references Elvis Presley.
• "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy references Elvis Presley.
• "Freak of the Week" by Marvelous 3 references Elvis Presley
• "From Galway to Graceland" by Richard Thompson references Elvis Presley
• "I Try to Think about Elvis" by Patty Loveless references Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.
• "I Wish I Could Meet Elvis" by Alex Chilton references Elvis Presley.
• "In the Days Before Rock 'n' Roll" by Van Morrison references Ray Charles, Fats Domino, John Lee Hooker, Lightning Hopkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, possibly Sonny Terry or Sonny Boy Williamson, and Muddy Waters
• "It Won't Happen With Me" by Jerry Lee Lewis references Elvis Presley
• "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee" from the stage and film musical Grease
• "Man On The Moon" by R.E.M. references Mott the Hoople and Elvis Presley
• "Maybe Angels" by Sheryl Crow
• "Story of the Rockers" by Gene Vincent references: Bill Haley & His Comets, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, The Everly Brothers, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Danny and the Juniors, Bobby Rydell, Freddy Cannon, Dion, Duane Eddy, Chubby Checker, The Four Seasons, Barry Gordy, The Champs, Ike Turner, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Del Shannon, The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, The Surfaris, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, The Lovin' Spoonful, Otis Redding, The Young Rascals, Sam Cooke, Buddy Knox, Jimmy Bowen, Lloyd Price, Bobby Darin, Larry Williams, and Vincent's own band, The Blue Caps.
• "There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis" by Kirsty MacColl references Elvis Presley
• "Tupelo" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds aludes to Elvis Presley
• "Velvet Elvis" by "Weird Al" Yankovic references Elvis Presley.
• "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn references Elvis Presley.
• "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel references Johnnie Ray, Doris Day, Sergei Prokofiev, Arturo Toscanini, Liberace, Bill Haley & His Comets (indirectly), Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chubby Checker, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles.
• "What is This Generation Coming To?" by Robert Mitchum references Elvis Presley and Harry Belafonte
• "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" by George Jones references Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, Hank Williams, and Lefty Frizzell.
• "Young Country" by Hank Williams Jr. references Waylon Jennings, Van Halen, ZZ Top, Hank Williams and Elvis Presley.
• "You're Never Too Old to Rock" by The Comets includes a self-reference, as well as references to Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

See also

• List of songs containing covert reference to real musicians
• List of band theme songs
• List of songs with the same name as their performers
• List of songs about fictitious bands or musicians
• Lists of songs

External links

• This website claims to list 215 songs that mention Elvis Presley