Can You Name These Popular Songs If We Mess Up the Lyrics?

By: Ashley Ehman
Estimated Completion Time
9 min
Can You Name These Popular Songs If We Mess Up the Lyrics?
Image: Darkroom / Interscope

About This Quiz

Have you ever had one of those moments where you realize you've been singing the lyrics to your favorite song wrong this whole time? (Who would actually think that Starship was singing "We built this city on sausage rolls"?!)  Sometimes people sing the wrong lyrics on purpose. Other times, their ears lead them astray, and they don't even know they're wrong! Make no mistake about it; we purposely messed with the lyrics of some of the most popular songs throughout the decades. We've included songs from all the way back to the groovy 1970s up to some of today's most popular hits to grace your radio dial.

From power ballads to soul tunes, we've covered every genre of music in the questions of this quiz. There's something for everyone, so it's time to prove just how musically sound you are! Consider yourself formally warned: There are some iconic jams in this quiz, so the likelihood of getting a song stuck in your head is extremely high.  

Earworms aside, did you know that Elvis had a thing for blue suede shoes? Or will you mistake his footwear choices for dew shaded shoes? Just 35 questions stand between you and the title of Lyrical Genius. 


Truth Hurts by Lizzo
Atlantic / Nice Life
"Best friend sat me down in a restaurant chair / Panini press, get you out of my hair." What messed-up chart-topping song is this?
"bad guy" by Billie Eilish
"Lover" by Taylor Swift
"Truth Hurts" by Lizzo
"Sucker" by the Jonas Brothers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Melissa Viviane Jefferson, known as Lizzo, recently climbed to the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 after releasing her iconic bop, "Truth Hurts," more than two years ago.

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Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley
RCA Victor
"Well, since my woman left me / Well, I found a new place to sell / Well, it's down at the end of Lonely Street" are the first lyrics heard in which well-known song?
"Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley
"Blue Suede Shoes" by Carl Perkins
"Angie" by The Rolling Stones
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The very first record that Elvis Presley ever recorded was for his mother as a gift. He was eighteen at the time and had to pay a whopping $4 to press and record the musical gift.

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TiK ToK by Kesha
RCA
"I'm talking toe rings on our toes, toes / Ripping up all our clothes, clothes / Boys calling up our phones, phones" is actually what song in disguise?
"Friday" by Rebecca Black
"TiK ToK" by Kesha
"Boys" by Charli XCX
"Timber" by Pitbull featuring Kesha
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kesha's primary musical influence is her mother, Pebe. Her mother's songwriting talents can be seen most notably in the song "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You," which was sung by Joe Sun and Dolly Parton.

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Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes
EMI America
"Her hair is classic gold / Her lips are a nice disguise / Her hands are never old / She's got Sasha Cohen eyes." When they aren't completely messed up, these lyrics belong to which song?
"Blue Eyes" by Elton John
"Eyes Without a Face" by Billy Idol
"Behind Blue Eyes" by The Who
"Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Bette Davis Eyes" is arguably one of Kim Carnes' most notable achievements, but she has other impressive songs under her belt. She collaborated with Kenny Rogers in "Don't Fall in Love With a Dreamer" and did a well-received cover of "More Love."

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I Love Rock 'n' Roll by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Boardwalk
"I saw him standin' there by the soft-serve machine / I knew he must a been getting some ice cream." These tangled-up lyrics actually belong to which song that was covered by Britney Spears?
"The Beat Goes On" by Sonny & Cher
"My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown
"I Love Rock 'n' Roll" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
"You Got It All" by The Jets
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joan Jett received a lot of rejection when she originally tried to pitch her solo album. In fact, the album was rejected by more than 20 different music labels. In order to remedy this problem, she co-founded a label of her own.

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Hotel California by The Eagles
Asylum
"On a dark deserted highway, cool breeze in my hair / Warm smell of Febreze, ya, rising up through the air" is the incorrect opening to which song?
"Hotel California" by The Eagles
"Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits
"California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & the Papas
"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The "Hotel California" album was met with a lot of success, and it became one of the top-20 best-selling albums in the U.S. The other Eagles' album to do this was "The Eagles Greatest Hits."

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You're Still the One by Shania Twain
Mercury Nashville
"You're still the one I run from / The one I got away from / You're still the one I hate for life" is the twisted chorus to which tune?
"You're Still the One" by Shania Twain
"Remember When" by Alan Jackson
"Through the Years" by Kenny Rogers
"Truly Madly Deeply" by Savage Garden
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shania Twain has always shown a love for music, even from a young age. She was performing at nearby clubs as early as eight years old, and by the time she turned ten, she had already written an original song.

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Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
EMI / Scotti Brothers
"Risin' up, back on my feet / Did my time, took my advances / Went the distance, now I'm back on the streets / Just a man and his will to survive." This animal-themed tune is called what?
"A Horse With No Name" by America
"Panda" by Designer
"Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin
"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Best known for their song "Eye of the Tiger," Survivor came into existence in 1978 in Chicago, Illinois. The original band was made up of Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan, and they were most successful during the 1980s.

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Old Time Rock & Roll by Bob Seger
Capitol
"Just dust those old records off the shelf / I'll sit and listen to 'em on my couch / Today's top hits ain't got the same soul" are the jumbled opening lyrics to what song?
"Old Town Road" Lil Nas X
'Old Time Rock & Roll' by Bob Seger
"We Will Rock You" by Queen
"Dirty Laundry" by Don Henley
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite growing up in the era of The Beatles, Seger was more drawn to the music of James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and Little Richard. His most valued album was "James Brown Live at the Apollo, Volume 1."

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Little Red Corvette by Prince
Warner Bros.
"I guess I should of closed my heart / When you drove me to the site / Where your mustangs run free." When written with the correct words, these lyrics come from which song?
"Modern Love" by David Bowie
"Papa Don't Preach" by Madonna
"Higher Love" by Whitney Houston
"Little Red Corvette" by Prince
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to being a talented songwriter for his own music, Prince was also responsible for the music of tons of other artists. One such song was "Manic Monday" for The Bangles.

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Barbie Girl by Aqua
Universal / MCA
"Life in Saran wrap, it's all plastic / You can braid my hair, undress me everywhere / Imagination, life is your creation." What is the name of this song that has had its lyrics toyed with?
"Barbie Girl" by Aqua
"Lego House" by Ed Sheeran
"Kite" by U2
"My Toy Soldier" by 50 Cent
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While they grew to global fame with their hit "Barbie Girl," the Danish-Norwegian group Aqua was originally called Joy Speed. They got the inspiration for their name from a poster.

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Gold Digger by Kanye West
Roc-A-Fella / Def Jam
What song opens with almost these lyrics: "She take my spirit when I'm in need / Yeah, she's a bad person indeed / Oh, she's a gravedigger / Keeping me down, that digs on me"?
"Gold Digger" by Kanye West
"In Da Club" by 50 Cent
"Mo Money Mo Problems" by The Notorious B.I.G.
"Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite his fame as a singer, Kanye West produced music for other singers before he laid down vocals to his own songs. Some of the people he has worked with the likes of Jay-Z, Drake and Justin Bieber.

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Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Epic
"Susie Ann is not my mother / She's just the girl who claims that I am the son / But the kid is not my one" is the discombobulated chorus to what pop song?
"Vogue" by Madonna
"Who's Lovin' You" by The Jackson 5
"Two of Hearts" by Stacey Q
"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michael Jackson was obviously good at what he did, but he is the most decorated artist ever! Even since his passing, Jackson still holds this title, with over 800 awards to his name.

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Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Elektra / Atlantic
"Oh, her stars, her stars make the eyes look like they're not shinin'" is a muddled lyric from which song?
"Please Me" by Cardi B
"Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
"Nothing Breaks Like a Heart" by Mark Ronson featuring Miley Cyrus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bruno Mars was born with the name Peter Gene Bayot Hernandez, which is quite the mouthful! He got his stage name from a wrestler named Bruno Sammartino. The 'Mars' part came from girls describing him as "being out of this world."

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Dancing Queen by ABBA
Polar / Epic / Atlantic
"You can prance / You can thrive / Having the time of your life" are inaccurate lyrics to which song?
"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
"Night Fever" by the Bee Gees
"Dancing Queen" by ABBA
"My Sharona" by The Knack
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite never formally announcing the end of the musical group, ABBA last performed together on December 11, 1982. They have reportedly been offered up to $1 billion to tour again but have turned it down.

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You Can't Always Get What You Want by The Rolling Stones
Decca (UK) / London (US)
"I saw him today at the reception / A can of pop in his hand" are nearly accurate lyrics from which song?
"Whole Lotta Rosie" by AC/DC
"Behind Blue Eyes" by The Who
"Hey You" by Pink Floyd
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The group originally got their start in London, where Jagger, Richards, Jones, Watts and Wyman came together to form one of the most popular rock groups ever. By 1965, the only group who could compete was the The Beatles.

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Royals by Lorde
Lava / Republic / Universal / Virgin
"I've never felt a dinosaur in the flesh / I rip my meat on wedding rings in the movies" are the incorrect opening lyrics to which popular jam?
"Burn" by Ellie Goulding
"Get Lucky" by Daft Punk
"Royals" by Lorde
"Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Royals" was the hit single that brought Lorde much of her initial fame. The popular single reached the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 100 in 2013 and won the young artist two Grammys.

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3 lyrics
Wiki Commons by Ulrich Giese
"Every step you take / Every sound you make / Every branch you break / Every snack you take / I'll be watching you." What song do these inaccurate lyrics belong to?
"Every Breath You Take" by The Police
"I Will Possess Your Heart" by Death Cab for Cutie
"Sunglasses at Night" by Corey Hart
"Obsession" by Animotion
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite their immense success, The Police band members went their separate ways in 1984. Sting went on to a successful solo career, and Copeland made a name for himself in scoring movies.

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Imagine by John Lennon
Apple
"You may say I'm just creamer / But I'm not the only one" are false lyrics from what soft tune?
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
"Let It Be" by The Beatles
"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
"Imagine" by John Lennon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Lennon's musical success was cut short when he was assassinated by Mark David Chapman. Prior to following through with his plans to shoot Lennon, Chapman had received an autograph from the singer.

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Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
Columbia
"Well, I've heard there was a secret gourd / That David played and it pleased the horde" is the incorrect opening to which song?
"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
"Shallow" by Lady Gaga
"Mad World" by Gary Jules
"All of Me" by John Legend
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite it being a Leonard Cohen original, "Hallelujah" has seen the most success when it was covered by Jeff Buckley. It has also been covered by Pentatonix, Tori Kelly and Rufus Wainwright.

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Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac
Warner Bros.
"Hating you / Isn't the right thing to do / How can I ever change things / That I do" are the incorrect opening lyrics to which famous tune?
"I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty
'Go Your Own Way' by Fleetwood Mac
"Lyin' Eyes" by The Eagles
"Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The very first time that Fleetwood Mac performed together was at the Windsor Jazz and Blues Festival in England. At the time, Stevie Nicks was not a part of the original lineup, so she was not there.

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Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
EMI (UK) / Elektra (US)
"Too late, my ride has come / Sends shivers down my spine / Heart's aching all the time / Goodbye, everybody, I've got a show." This is only one part of what power ballad?
"Miles Away" by Alias
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
"Purple Rain" by Prince
"Always" by Bon Jovi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Queen's lead singer, Freddie Mercury, is said to have invented the art of stand-free mic singing. During one performance, his mic stand broke, and he saw this as an opportunity to use it as a prop and continued to do so in other performances.

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Centerfold by The J. Geils Band
EMI America
"She was pure like fresh bread / No one could ever burn / The memory of my bread pan / Could never cause me pain." This stanza of incorrect lyrics belongs to what song?
"Centerfield" by John Fogerty
"Walk Like An Egyptian" by The Bangles
"(Just Like) Starting Over" by John Lennon
"Centerfold" by The J. Geils Band
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While they've been known to open for Bob Seger in more recent times, the J. Geils Band has had a number of memorable acts open for them! Some of the openers for their shows included The Eagles, ZZ Top and The Allman Brothers.

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Call Me by Blondie
Polydor / Chrysalis / Salsoul
"Name me your name, baby / Name me your car / Name me your color, darling" are the almost correct lyrics that open what song?
"Take on Me" by A-ha
'Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Cyndi Lauper
"Manic Monday" by The Bangles
"Call Me" by Blondie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite the success that Blondie had with the song "Call Me," it was not originally supposed to be sung by the band. When it was first written, the song was going to be recorded by Stevie Nicks.

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Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden
Columbia / Roadshow Music / Sony Records
"I'll be your cream, I'll be your dish, I'll be your fantasy" is the altered opening line to what song?
"Amazed" by Lonestar
"Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton
"Truly Madly Deeply" by Savage Garden
"You're Still the One" by Shania Twain
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Formed in 1994, the Australian group Savage Garden was made up of lead vocalist Darren Hayes with Daniel Jones playing the instruments. The band got their name from an Anne Rice novel.

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Closer by The Chainsmokers
Disruptor / Columbia
"Stroke that tattoo on your shoulder / Drive the streets right off the corner / Of the apartment that you stole / From your roommate back in Boulder / We ain't ever getting older." These muddled lyrics belong to what ear worm of a song?
"Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran
"Faded" by Alan Walker
"Closer" by The Chainsmokers
"Let Me Love You" by DJ Snake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From New York City, Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall are the dynamic duo that comprise The Chainsmokers. They first rose to fame with their popular song "#SELFIE," which became a viral sensation.

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Blank Space by Taylor Swift
Big Machine / Republic
"All the lonely Starbucks lovers" is a mixed-up lyric to what song?
"All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor
"Blank Space" by Taylor Swift
"Someone Like You" by Adele
"Friday" by Rebecca Black
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite her success at singing and performing, Swift had originally dreamed of breaking into musical theater. After years of trying out and never earning a role, she stuck to songwriting.

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Stand Back by Stevie Nicks
Modern
"No one looked as I walked by / Just an invitation or a quick hi / Said no to him again and again / First, he took my shirt, then he ran" are the mixed-up opening lyrics to what song?
"The First Cut is the Deepest" by Sheryl Crow
"Don't You Want Me" by The Human League
"I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston
"Stand Back" by Stevie Nicks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stevie Nicks caught her first break with one of her Fleetwood Mac band members, Lindsey Buckingham. The first group they were in together was called Fritz, where Nicks sang lead vocals.

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With or Without You by U2
Island
"Through the shore we reach the storm / I give it all but you want more / And you're waiting for me" are almost correct lyrics from which popular ballad?
"Every Breath You Take" by The Police
"Viva la Vida" by Coldplay
"With or Without You" by U2
"Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to a strange band name, one particular member of U2 also has a bizarre stage name. Born Paul David Hewson, Bono got his show name from an advertisement for hearing aids.

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Let's Get it On by Marvin Gaye
Don Cornelius Productions / Syndication
"We're all dying people / With so much to live / Understand me, sugar / Since we've got to be here / Let's live / I love you." In their correct form, these lyrics belong to what song?
"Let's Get it On" by Marvin Gaye
"Let's Stay Together" by Al Green
"Let's Get It Started" by The Black Eyed Peas
"Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Marvin Gaye's original name was Marvin Gay. During his youth, because of his last name and his father's tendency to crossdress, Gaye was bullied. He added the "E" to his name when he started to gain fame.

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Old Town Road by Lil Nas X
Columbia
"Ridin' on a pony / Lean all in my Sony / Cheated on my baby / You can go and ask her." This little hit that we've messed up goes by what title?
"Thotiana" by Blueface
"God's Country" by Blake Shelton
"Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X
"Sunflower" by Post Malone
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lil Nas X, or Montero Lamar Hill, broke into the rap scene with his hit "Old Town Road" that he made with Billy Ray Cyrus. The song achieved a large amount of its popularity from the TikTok app.

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Yeah! by Usher
Arista
The correct version of the lyrics "I'm in the bar with my besties, try'na get a lil d- / I keep it down on the low-key, 'cause I don't want to feel / I said shawty he was checkin' up on me" can be found in what song?
"Get Low" by Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz
"Yeah!" by Usher
"My Boo" by Alicia Keys featuring Usher
"The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" by The Flaming Lips
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Terry Raymond IV, or as he's more popularly known, Usher, was destined to be a singer. He first began performing when he joined his church choir at six years old. Later in his young life, he was discovered through a show called "Star Search."

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Single Ladies by Beyonce
Columbia
"Up in the tub / Just filled up / I'm doing my own little thing / You decided to strip / But now you wanna drip / 'Cause another soap is foaming me." Which queen sang this discombobulated jam?
"Single Ladies" by Beyonce
"She Wolf" by Shakira
"Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys
"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While she seems completely comfortable on stage, Beyonce actually has a tendency to be shy when she's in front of large crowds. In order to get over this, she created her alter-ego, Sasha Fierce.

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Losing My Religion by R.E.M
Warner Bros.
"Let's pee in a corner / Let's pee in the spotlight" is a messed-up lyric from what song?
"Losing My Religion" by R.E.M.
"Fortunate Son" Creedence Clearwater Revival
"It Ain't Me, Babe" by Bob Dylan
"Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When they were originally trying to figure out what they were going to name the band, R.E.M. members were considering "Cans of Piss" for their band name. They randomly found R.E.M. in the dictionary, however, and settled on that.

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Someone Like You by Adele
XL
"Old friend, why are you so sly / Ain't like you to hold back / or hide from the fight." Released in 2011, what emotional ballad is this?
"Someone Like You" by Adele
"We Found Love" by Rihanna
"F**kin' Perfect" by P!nk
"Just a Kiss" by Lady Antebellum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins was inspired by the likes of the Spice Girls and Ella Fitzgerald during her younger years. It obviously paid off because her album "21" is the fourth-highest-selling album of all time in the United Kingdom.

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You Got:
/35
Darkroom / Interscope