Popular Formula for Song Titles: ______ My ________
The Beatles, whose fans are celebrating their 50th birthday this year, had a magical formula for song writing. While no one has ever topped the combined genius of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the Fab Four also benefitted from the compositions of George Harrison.
They also employed a classic formula for several of their song titles. In three of their biggest hits, the group chose titles that sandwiched My between two other words.
One was “Drive My Car,” which followed the early hit “All My Loving.” Then on Rubber Soul, the band used the formula in one of Lennon’s most beautiful songs, “In My Life.”
Since then, many bands have used the ______ My______ formula for song titles. Here are fifteen of the best of those.
“All My Sorrow” by the Bee Gees: A half decade before they became the kings of disco, the Brothers Gibb had some sweet pop songs like this one.
“In My World” by the Moody Blues: This Justin Hayward love ballad serves as the perfect closing for side one of Long Distance Voyager.
“Never My Love” by the Association: The late 60s hit makers showcase their beautiful harmonies on classics like “Windy,” “Cherish” and this one.
“Love My Way” by the Psychedelic Furs: Richard Butler and his new wave band were an early MTV staple because of this song, which is enhanced by its great bell work.
“(You’re) Having My Baby” by Paul Anka: Thank goodness this hit came more than nine months after the legendary songwriter’s “Puppy Love.”
“On My Way” by Phil Ochs: The protest singer and early Dylan rival penned this folk tune for an album later released as The Broadside Tapes.
“Doctor My Eyes” by Jackson Browne: This was the folk-rocker’s first single from the self-title debut album, which because of its cover has become known as Saturate Before Using.
“Losing My Religion” by REM: The alt-rockers had their biggest single with this tune, characterized by a mesmerizing mandolin.
“Finding My Way” by Rush: Geddy Lee and the rest of the rock trio used this song to introduce their self-titled debut album, which closed with the powerful “Working Man.”
“Cut My Hair” by the Who: This track epitomizes the rebellious spirit of the Brit rockers’ Quadrophenia.
“Pledging My Time” by Bob Dylan: The folk-rock Bard gave Blonde and Blonde a dose of the blues when he included this jam song on that double disc album.
“Hold My Hand” by Hootie and the Blowfish: Darius Rucker and his band were one album wonders, and this hit was one of the many that helped that album become so popular.
“Under My Thumb” by the Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger ever sounded better than on this hit from Aftermath.
“Over My Head” by Fleetwood Mac: Christine McVie had this hit from the self-titled album, the first that featured Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.
“Be My Lover” by Alice Cooper: This blues-rock track from Killers was the band’s first hit.
