• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Before Header

  • About Us
  • Lexicon
  • Contact Us
  • Our Store
  • ↑
  • ↓
  • ←
  • →

Balloon Juice

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

“That’s what the insurrection act is for!”

He seems like a smart guy, but JFC, what a dick!

We are builders in a constant struggle with destroyers. let’s win this.

Jack be nimble, jack be quick, hurry up and indict this prick.

When do we start airlifting the women and children out of Texas?

Let’s not be the monsters we hate.

A thin legal pretext to veneer over their personal religious and political desires

Bark louder, little dog.

Chutkan laughs. Lauro sits back down.

I like you, you’re my kind of trouble.

After roe, women are no longer free.

Come on, man.

if you can’t see it, then you are useless in the fight to stop it.

JFC, are there no editors left at that goddamn rag?

Peak wingnut was a lie.

Today’s GOP: why go just far enough when too far is right there?

Glad to see john eastman going through some things.

The words do not have to be perfect.

I didn’t have alien invasion on my 2023 BINGO card.

Consistently wrong since 2002

Insiders who complain to politico: please report to the white house office of shut the fuck up.

Republicans want to make it harder to vote and easier for them to cheat.

The worst democrat is better than the best republican.

It’s the corruption, stupid.

Mobile Menu

  • Winnable House Races
  • Donate with Venmo, Zelle & PayPal
  • Site Feedback
  • War in Ukraine
  • Submit Photos to On the Road
  • Politics
  • On The Road
  • Open Threads
  • Topics
  • Balloon Juice 2023 Pet Calendar (coming soon)
  • COVID-19 Coronavirus
  • Authors
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Lexicon
  • Our Store
  • Politics
  • Open Threads
  • War in Ukraine
  • Garden Chats
  • On The Road
  • 2021-22 Fundraising!
You are here: Home / Balloon Juice / Bleg / We gonna ride the boogie

We gonna ride the boogie

by DougJ|  May 6, 20119:06 pm| 165 Comments

This post is in: Bleg, Music

FacebookTweetEmail

As long as John is doing embarrassing blegs this evening, thought I’d do one too. I’ve gotten into doing some karaoke recently. Last week I killed with Easy Like Sunday Morning, did a solid Honky Tonk Woman, and flailed with 1999.

Next week I plan to reprise Easy Like Sunday Morning and add Rock With You and Sweet Caroline and maybe Pink Houses. Do you guys have any recommendations for karaoke songs? I have trouble knowing when to come in unless there are obvious cues and more generally I have trouble with rhythm (I can’t account for this, my dad and sister are semi-professional musicians). I also can’t sing very high. I do have a nice voice though.

My holy grail would be a song where I can really emote, though not in an emo way, and maybe say “Lord have mercy” or “can I get a witness” or something like that. Are there any songs like that you can think of? I’ve tried Some Kind Of Wonderful, which seems like a natural choice, but there’s too much harmonizing. Al Green or Van Morrison is totally out of the question, unfortunately, given my limitations.

Update. A couple questions about specific songs…

I do a great “Blues Eyes Crying In Rain”, but does that work at karaoke? I usally do it in cabs or at parties, and that’s a whole ‘nother setting.

My all time favorite song is “Sweet Thing” by Rufus. Is there any way someone who is both white and male could pull that off at karaoke, possibly with back-up help? I have dreams where I do this and they seem real to me.

FacebookTweetEmail
Previous Post: « Cooking Question
Next Post: Watermelon “Foetus” »

Reader Interactions

165Comments

  1. 1.

    plaindave

    May 6, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    Emote on Bill Wither’s Use me.

  2. 2.

    stuckinred

    May 6, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    subterranean homesick blues

  3. 3.

    Napoleon

    May 6, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    Sweet Caroline, are you fucking joking? That was the joke song that the local piano bar would play to get you to pony up tips.

  4. 4.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    hmmm, sweet carolina was a good call, but what about all the wine or or Mercy by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club or “Three Leaf Clover” by Rocky Volotato, although that’s a little emo. Plus, I always liked Bob Dylan’s Bucket’s of Rain. or you could go Tom Waits. Tough call.

  5. 5.

    Shoemaker-Levy 9

    May 6, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    Do you guys have any recommendations for karaoke songs?

    John Cage’s 4:33. Might get you laid.

  6. 6.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:14 pm

    @Napoleon: are we talking about the same sweet caroline? that ryan adams song is fucking awesome.

  7. 7.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    @plaindave:

    Yeah, tried that, I can’t quite pull it off. I convinced the guy in the office across from mine to do it, he can sing.

  8. 8.

    Napoleon

    May 6, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    PS, tips to stop them from playing that song.

  9. 9.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    @arguingwithsignposts:

    Buckets of Rain might work, but someone did Dylan last week and it blew.

  10. 10.

    chris

    May 6, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    Try some Bob Seger. Your range sounds similar to mine..and I kill with it. “Night Moves” You can emote like hell with “funny how u remember”…

  11. 11.

    robertdsc-PowerBook

    May 6, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    Hotel California.

  12. 12.

    Napoleon

    May 6, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    A W/SP

    What is the name of the Manalow (is it his?) song?

  13. 13.

    eemom

    May 6, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    if this is not a spoof-post I will eat my hat.

  14. 14.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    @chris:

    Night Moves is a good suggestion, I’ll try it out.

  15. 15.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    @Doug Harlan J: then i’d suggest some tom waits. specifically hold on. and the cover by redbird is awesome. hell, if you can do some peter mulvey or jeffrey foucault or townes van zandt, you’re rocking the world, imho.

  16. 16.

    Jon H

    May 6, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    War Pigs

  17. 17.

    chris

    May 6, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    @eemom: Damn I will feel like an idiot…LOL But Dougj has spoofed way better than me…LOL

  18. 18.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    @eemom:

    What? If you don’t know me by now…

  19. 19.

    Cat Lady

    May 6, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    More Than This.

    You don’t have a high register, but you’re singing Rock With You? I call spoof.

  20. 20.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    @robertdsc-PowerBook:

    I may do Desperado.

  21. 21.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    @Cat Lady:

    Ah, that song works down an octave.

  22. 22.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:21 pm

    @arguingwithsignposts:

    No Tom Waits, no Rod Stewart. I’m not gravelly enough. Though I may give Maggie May a shot.

  23. 23.

    RossInDetroit

    May 6, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    Pretty much any Seeger should be a Win. He has a drastically narrow range that won’t challenge a non-pro.

  24. 24.

    Kmeyer the lurker

    May 6, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    Me & spousal unit do karaoke at the most cracked out dive in the entire town, & we love it. Their song selection is beyond pitiful, but I’ve found some good ones, which may or may not suit your voice:
    Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
    Rock This Town by Stray Cats
    Hell by Squirrel Nut Zippers (I know, but this one is really a lot of fun)
    Life In Wartime by Talking Heads

    Try ’em or ignore ’em but have fun & get (safely) lit!

  25. 25.

    slag

    May 6, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    Johnny Cash? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qa2d9RoTYQ&feature=related

    Also too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0zbD84Q1U4&feature=related

  26. 26.

    chris

    May 6, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    Hendrix is fun as hell too. Do little wing..Who dont feel like da man singing Jimi? This assumes good back up music….

  27. 27.

    Valdivia

    May 6, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    Last year when I was in germany for a wedding the first night we ended up doing Karaoke at 2 am in a place called the Bangkok Hotel and my back up was the Cologne Fire Brigade. What a night!

    Anyhoo. That night the men had a lot of fun doing Bob Marley & Bon Jovi. I can see you being able to emote on these type of songs without being all emo. I think Fever is my favorite thing to sing in Karaoke, as well as Venus. Oh and maybe some fun 60s stuff–The Four Seasons ‘Oh what a night’ or Begging are pretty good for that.

  28. 28.

    p.a.

    May 6, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    Zevon: Lawyers, Guns and Money. Most Lou Reed; as Iggy said, “He couldn’t sing. I couldn’t sing. Let’s sing!”

  29. 29.

    Suffern ACE

    May 6, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    Rocky Mountain Way – for the rhythmically challenged, there is no frickin way you are going to be lost when the beat is drummed into your skull. Also, has about three notes to worry about if range is an issue.

  30. 30.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    @Doug Harlan J: Tom Waits isn’t always that gravelly. And you should check out the above – peter mulvey and jeffrey foucault. they do some great covers. And Townes Van Zandt is always good. or Steve Earle. Valentines Day. if that don’t do it, i’m not sure what will.

  31. 31.

    eemom

    May 6, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    lemme up the ante here.

    If he ain’t fucking with us, I will go out and purchase a hat and then eat it.

  32. 32.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    @p.a.: I’m not thinking LGM is the best for the mood. although keep me in your heart might be.

  33. 33.

    eemom

    May 6, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    …..buuuut, just in case I’m wrong: The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

  34. 34.

    Poopyman

    May 6, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    Coming from ABL’s post up above, I recommend “Having My Baby”.

    Such an kitschy song.

  35. 35.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    @chris:

    I think I could do Are You Experienced. That’s a good suggestion.

  36. 36.

    Poopyman

    May 6, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    @Poopyman: … Unless you do the punk version.

  37. 37.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    @p.a.:

    I actually can sing, though, just with a limited range.

  38. 38.

    Valdivia

    May 6, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    @eemom:

    love that song.

    DougJ would you venture into singing other languages? Do they even have foreign music at Karaoke bars where you live?

    ETA–is the purpose of DougJ singing to get it with the ladies? I gather from the comments this is what the recs are about?

  39. 39.

    No one of Importance

    May 6, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    This one, of course:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9nSU2hAqK4

  40. 40.

    Poopyman

    May 6, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    I also can’t sing very high. I do have a nice voice though.

    Do some James Taylor. Never fails wit’ da dames.

  41. 41.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:35 pm

    @Valdivia:

    I can’t do other languages, not even enough to get through Spanish Bombs or Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

  42. 42.

    RossInDetroit

    May 6, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    Red Red Wine. UB40 style, not Neil Diamond style.

  43. 43.

    stormhit

    May 6, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    If you want some “can I get a witness,” you can even stick with the Neil by nixing Sweet Caroline and going straight to Brother Love’s.

    Also, if you want to emote– Sister Christian. Totally.

  44. 44.

    Svensker

    May 6, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    Raspberry Beret.

    All Night Long.

    Leaving on a Jet Plane.

  45. 45.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    @Poopyman: james taylor is kinda high. just sayin’ is eemom eating her hat yet?

  46. 46.

    Valdivia

    May 6, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    @Doug Harlan J:

    Got it. Only asking because if it’s a little cause-the-swooning thing I have a couple of easy-to-sing boleros that never fail :)

    @RossInDetroit:
    I approve of your choice sir.

  47. 47.

    Poopyman

    May 6, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    Or if you’re drunk enough, anything by Dylan will probably sound passable.

  48. 48.

    Maude

    May 6, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    Southern Comfort would ratchet up the emo. The voice range usually expands at about the same time one starts weeping.

  49. 49.

    Nikita

    May 6, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    Try a little tenderness.

    The version by Andrew Strong from the movie The Commitments:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QFGqTfcG4g&feature=related

    For no reason really. I just have it in my head and wanted to share the earworm.

  50. 50.

    we can be heroes

    May 6, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    Hair of the Dog, for JC

  51. 51.

    Poopyman

    May 6, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    @arguingwithsignposts: High? He sings in a baritone!

    He might be high while doing it, though.

  52. 52.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    @Svensker:

    Yeah, I was thinking Raspberry Beret too. The whole “sheeee wasn’t too bright” is troublesome for me, though. I can do the “feeel like a movie star” part okay though.

  53. 53.

    RossInDetroit

    May 6, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    @Poopyman:

    O

    r if you’re everyone’s drunk enough, anything by Dylan will probably sound passable.

    FTFY

  54. 54.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    @Doug Harlan J: did you think about some john prine?

  55. 55.

    Cat Lady

    May 6, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    @Doug Harlan J:

    OK, I’ll work with you here – you could really get down with your bad self with Wanna Be Starting Something, and work in some shout outs.

    I’m going to go listen to some Sly now and forget this post ever happened.

    +4

  56. 56.

    Suffern ACE

    May 6, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    Range on this one isn’t bad and it’s rather consistent rythmically
    “He got a custom Continental; he got an el Dorado too. He got a .32 gun in his pocket for fun; he got a razor in his shoe” is about as complicated as it gets.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooq3JbWbdjk

  57. 57.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    @Nikita:

    The Commitments is right where I’m coming from. Bear in mind I’m an Irish guy who sings Marvin Gaye in the shower every morning

  58. 58.

    asiangrrlMN

    May 6, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    @Shoemaker-Levy 9: You win. I would definitely give a guy a second look if he announced he was doing this number by Cage, and, more importantly, actually did it.

    ETA: In case your serious, anything by Glen Hansard, if you know who he is.

    ETA II: Given your comment about The Commitments (the movie, yes?), you know who he is.

  59. 59.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    @Suffern ACE:

    That’s an excellent suggestion, I may do it.

  60. 60.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    @Poopyman: OK, it’s not fucking hair band high, but he’s pretty high all things considered.

  61. 61.

    Nikita

    May 6, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    Actually, anything from the Commitments soundtrack would work great. Best soundtrack ever.

  62. 62.

    Poopyman

    May 6, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    @Poopyman: FYWP, for not letting me edit.

    Anyway;
    After some time at Youtube I realize I’ve been singing an octave down.

    Never mind!

  63. 63.

    Gravenstone

    May 6, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    @Suffern ACE: True, almost any Joe Walsh would work from that standpoint. I suggest Life’s Been Good, in that vein.

  64. 64.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    @Doug Harlan J: wait, commitments, but no Van the Man? WTF? Might as well sing Pogues.

  65. 65.

    hilts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    Try The Weight by The Band
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY_5JOEmFK0

  66. 66.

    QDC

    May 6, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    The greatest karaoke performance I have ever, or will ever see, was an extremely butch lesbian absolutely singing the hell out of Led Zepplin’s “The Lemon Song.” (“Squeeze me baby, till the juice runs down my leg.The way you squeeze my lemon, I’m gonna fall right out of bed.”) The bar sat in stunned silence, and then just exploded in applause.

    I had a friend who killed by doing “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” and singing all the fiddle parts.

  67. 67.

    chris

    May 6, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    Probably impossible…and most likely embarrassing (its how I end my parties) but some indigo girls always feels good..(i sound like shit..but man does it make me happy!)

  68. 68.

    Nikita

    May 6, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    @Doug Harlan J: “An Irishman that sings Marvin in the shower” and cracks me up at least once a day?

    I think I’m in lurrve!

  69. 69.

    Arclite

    May 6, 2011 at 9:48 pm

    If you don’t have a lot of range, The Doors are a good choice. Break on Through and Light My Fire are on almost every karaoke machine in existence.

  70. 70.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    @hilts: very high. even the gillian welch version is high with old crow medicine show. i’m not sure there are any Band songs that would be in DougJ’s register. Also, did I mention damien rice – his cannonball can seduce the ladies. or Ray Lamontagne’s you are the best thing – although it can be high.

  71. 71.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    @Arclite:

    You know what, I hate the Doors, but that might work.

  72. 72.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    @arguingwithsignposts:

    Van the Man sings better than that guy in the Commitments. I’ve worked on Jackie Wilson Said and Caravan but I just can’t do them.

  73. 73.

    Brian R.

    May 6, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    1. Merle Haggard, “Mama Tried”

    2. Barry White, “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love”

    3. Journey, “Any Way You Want It”

    4. Lou Rawls, “You’re Gonna Miss My Lovin”

    You’re welcome.

  74. 74.

    Joel

    May 6, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    I like to serenade my wife with Thunder Road.

    But for kicks, you can always rock out with Born to be Wild. If you have real balls, you could try to karaoke some rap. Even crappy old school rap is very, very difficult.

  75. 75.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    @Kmeyer the lurker:

    I’ve thought about some of those, those are good suggestions.

  76. 76.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    @Doug Harlan J: yep, that’s a high bar to start at. try Days Like This. Also, have you thought about any Richard Thompson. He’s in a lower register than van the man.

  77. 77.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    May 6, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    We need a recording so we can determine if you are good when drunk or not…lol!

    How about Good Golly Miss Molly?

  78. 78.

    chris

    May 6, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    @Joel: Oh man…I serenade my friends to that one. My favorite Bruce song.

  79. 79.

    hilts

    May 6, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    Where are the glam rock suggestions such as Virginia Plain by Roxy Music?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USJq2RwnlyU&feature=fvst

  80. 80.

    replicnt6

    May 6, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    @Suffern ACE: Oh, Jim Croce. You wanna emote, how about Operator?

  81. 81.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    May 6, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    @Doug Harlan J: If you see her say hello would be my vote if yer gonna cover the Zimmerman cat. It’s lovely and nobody else is gonna do it.

  82. 82.

    arguingwithsignposts

    May 6, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    @Joel:

    But for kicks, you can always rock out with Born to be Wild. If you have real balls, you could try to karaoke some rap. Even crappy old school rap is very, very difficult.

    Don’t make me whip out “mind’s playin tricks on you,” which I actually sang once. lol.

  83. 83.

    RossInDetroit

    May 6, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    @hilts:
    Tricky rhythms. Maybe Love is the Drug but that’s one for tenors.

  84. 84.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    May 6, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    @arguingwithsignposts: Townes van Zandt, the songwriter love of my life. I swear my next gelding is gonna be named Townes as a barn name.

  85. 85.

    hilts

    May 6, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    What about Joe Jackson or Elvis Costello?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el66jnuItYc

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RVDQgVxprE

  86. 86.

    mclaren

    May 6, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    “Surfing Bird” by The Trashmen.

  87. 87.

    Southern Beale

    May 6, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    I got nuthin’ but I did find this “Top 10 karaoke songs for men” list …

  88. 88.

    TooManyJens

    May 6, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    Do you guys have any recommendations for karaoke songs?

    A friend and I killed with this last year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA

    Of course, that was not your normal karaoke.

  89. 89.

    hilts

    May 6, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    I Got A Name – Jim Croce
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9hYpM0o7x8

  90. 90.

    Nalbar

    May 6, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    If you want to absolutely KILL, then don’t do anything that is close to a standard, or sung by anybody with a voice at all. Pull the unexpected out, some thing that some might never have heard at all. Then sing it like you mean it.

    Hands down, my choice, a song with a message;

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtsfI3JWOYc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

  91. 91.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    May 6, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    @Nikita: I saw him first. I’m just sayin’

  92. 92.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 10:17 pm

    @a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q):

    You two are too kind.

  93. 93.

    Johannes

    May 6, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    “Fly Me to the Moon,” baby. I keeled.

    Doug, I know you said no Tom Waits–but “Fumblin With the Blues” can be done without the gravelly effect–it cleans up pretty well. Or Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. (Of course, that one always puts me in mind of Alison Janney weeping, but wotthehell, wotthehell._

  94. 94.

    Svensker

    May 6, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    Sweet Thing made me remember Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody”, which may be best song ever of all time.

    Never heard anyone else do it. Can’t improve on perfection.

  95. 95.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    @Johannes:

    Yeah, Frank might work for me. I would do I’ve Got You Under My Skin or Just The Way You Look Tonight.

  96. 96.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    May 6, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    Think about If you see her say hello. Short but pretty and easier than Buckets of Rain. Or if you want kinda emo, do My Opening Farewell or Jamaica Say You will – all Jackson’s early stuff was better, lyrically.

  97. 97.

    Suffern ACE

    May 6, 2011 at 10:23 pm

    Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain would work if you don’t try to imitate Willie singing it. It’ll save your chops for the grand finale.

    O.K. Last one Moody Blues to knock em dead and the theme is perfect for the venue.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_J-hmyAS6c

    Range wise, it is very limited so you won’t find yourself suddenly stuck singing notes that hurt. Besides, even if you are, you don’t have to sing any note very long. Since you are obsessing 24 hours before you go on, I assume that you are going to practice. The hard part is:

    How can we understand
    Riots by the people for the people
    Who are only destroying themselves
    And when you see a frightened
    Person who is frightened by the
    People who are scorching this earth.

    You could blow the roof off the joint with that, though.

  98. 98.

    Peter

    May 6, 2011 at 10:23 pm

    @Jon H: I actually sang War Pigs at karaoke a few years ago.
    @Doug Harlan J: It’s hard to beat Sam Cooke’s Bring It On Home To Me, though it helps if you’re heartbroken.

  99. 99.

    fitzwili

    May 6, 2011 at 10:24 pm

    Let me echo the call for John Prine. Spanish Pipedream is great, I knew that naked lady had something up her sleeve is such a killer line. Also early Kristofferson. It is not as famous as others but I love his song Sugarman, it is very dramatic to sing. How about Roger Miller?

  100. 100.

    Corner Stone

    May 6, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    @Doug Harlan J:

    If you don’t know me by now…

    You will never never never know me

  101. 101.

    kentropic

    May 6, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” or “Take Me to the River” (the Al Green version).

  102. 102.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    @fitzwili:

    King of the Road might work.

  103. 103.

    Corner Stone

    May 6, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    DougJ, there are 2, and only 2, songs a white male can pull off while drunkenly kararokaking.
    1. Chocolate Salty Balls – by chef
    2. Gimme Something to Break – Limp Bizkit

    Now please tell the crowd just how bad you’ve been pranking them.

  104. 104.

    RossInDetroit

    May 6, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    One slightly hipper baritone whose parts are pretty easy to sing is Ian McCulloch. If you find a karaoke machine with Killing Moon on it I want to be there.

  105. 105.

    fasteddie

    May 6, 2011 at 10:34 pm

    Brandy by Looking Glass.

  106. 106.

    Johannes

    May 6, 2011 at 10:34 pm

    @Doug Harlan J: Good ones both!

  107. 107.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    @fasteddie:

    I have done that one before and I may try it again. Got to remember to start low, because it rises.

  108. 108.

    fitzwili

    May 6, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    @ Doug Harlan J
    Best of all possible worlds by Kris Kristofferson is pretty great.
    Boy named sue perhaps?
    Oooh what about Rhinestore Cowboy?

  109. 109.

    Parallel 5ths (Jewish Steel)

    May 6, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    @Doug Harlan J: Sweet Jane. It’s low, soulful, got some “whoas!” and “watchmenows!” You’ll knockem dead, DougJ TomJones.

  110. 110.

    Doug Harlan J

    May 6, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    @Parallel 5ths (Jewish Steel):

    It’s too talky though. One of my favorites songs, though.

    I’m good with Pale Blue Eyes.

  111. 111.

    Svensker

    May 6, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    @Peter:

    It’s hard to beat Sam Cooke’s Bring It On Home To Me, though it helps if you’re heartbroken.

    Perfect.

  112. 112.

    RossInDetroit

    May 6, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    Maybe What’s New P*s*ycat? I love that song. It’s so sassy!

  113. 113.

    fitzwili

    May 6, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    @DHJ
    Beck’s version of the Dylan song Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat is fantastic. Give it a listen, it is a blast to sing. What about the Kinks? Oh and Big Star’s Thirteen is a heartmelter.

  114. 114.

    Amanda in the South Bay

    May 6, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    I’ve always wanted to sing Let it Be, and just use the words “let it be” a lyrics rather than the actual lyrics.

  115. 115.

    Parallel 5ths (Jewish Steel)

    May 6, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    @Doug Harlan J:

    It’s too talky though

    That’s how you rope-a-dope your audience. First they’re thinking, “Oh, he’s picked a safe, tuneless talking song.” Then we build, BUILD, BUILD and POW! Knock it out of the park on that last verse!

  116. 116.

    fitzwili

    May 6, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    Oh and if you want to do a weirdly dramatic song that will bring the house down, In the year 2525 is your song.

  117. 117.

    Parallel 5ths (Jewish Steel)

    May 6, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    @Doug Harlan J:

    Or maybe Graham Parker? Temporary Beauty? Stupefaction? Big Man On Paper is a killer song.

  118. 118.

    dobrojutro

    May 6, 2011 at 10:59 pm

    Sister Christian.

    You’re welcome.

  119. 119.

    Parallel 5ths (Jewish Steel)

    May 6, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    All four sides of Tales of Topographic Oceans would be ballsy, but Jon Anderson sings higher than a lot of girls.

  120. 120.

    greggha

    May 6, 2011 at 11:11 pm

    London Homesick Blues, Jerry Jeff Walker. Throw that down and watch the tears flow.

  121. 121.

    Bill Murray

    May 6, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    I humbly suggest (I’m not your) Steppin’ Stone and/or The Rainbow Connection maybe you can duet with Debbie Harry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRvhRhWWE44

  122. 122.

    RossInDetroit

    May 6, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    These days with a little autotune and a lot of digital reverb anyone can sound like a god. I studied voice for 10 years for naught.

  123. 123.

    Gian

    May 6, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    to play along…
    Ramones

    I wanna live…

    or bonzo goes to bitburg, if you wanna be all political and stuff

  124. 124.

    eemom

    May 6, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    How about Son of a Preacher Man, in honor of Pulp Fiction? Surely the husky alto of Dusty Springfield is within reach.

    (If this post is for real, I will hire a milliner to custom design, produce, and display an entire fashion show of eatable hats.)

  125. 125.

    Bill Murray

    May 6, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    @Bill Murray: and thinking about Blondie always makes me think of The Nerves so add

    Hangin’ on the Telephone and Paper Dolls http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lmJ-ZWSOA8&feature=related

  126. 126.

    jazmen8

    May 6, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    “My all time favorite song is “Sweet Thing” by Rufus. Is there any way someone who is both white and male could pull that off at karaoke, possibly with back-up help? I have dreams where I do this and they seem real to me.”

    After all of your best-of-blog headlines, this post put me over top. I think I love you lol…seriously!

  127. 127.

    Parallel 5ths (Jewish Steel)

    May 6, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    @RossInDetroit: Another singing janitor? That’s crazy. We should start our own blog. Or band. Or cleaning company.

  128. 128.

    danimal

    May 6, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    First, I believe eemom’s hat is safe for now.

    My all time favorite song is “Sweet Thing” by Rufus.

    I’m going to start counting how many songs get the DougJ “all time favorite song” description. It’s got to be in the dozens, possibly hundreds.

  129. 129.

    freelancer

    May 6, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    @Jon H:

    I found from listening to Girl Talk that I can sing War Pigs like a motherfucker.

  130. 130.

    RossInDetroit

    May 6, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    @Parallel 5ths (Jewish Steel):

    Another singing janitor? That’s crazy. We should start our own blog. Or band. Or cleaning company.

    Custodial work. Isn’t that where everyone who spent too much time sight reading sheet music ends up if they’re not good looking enough to wait tables?

  131. 131.

    Parallel 5ths (Jewish Steel)

    May 6, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    @RossInDetroit: And, in my case at least, don’t like mornings. Yes, you’ve nailed it.

  132. 132.

    Gian

    May 6, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    oh and I forgot, avoid “my Way” read a story a year or two back about how that song starts fights/homicides in Manilla, and parts nearby

    if you want to not be booed, there’s the version of the prayer of st francis done by Sarah Mclachlan on the Buffy TV soundtrack, though I doubt it’ll be available…

  133. 133.

    eemom

    May 6, 2011 at 11:30 pm

    @QDC:

    I had a friend who killed by doing “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” and singing all the fiddle parts.

    heh. I have no recollection of this, but my husband and kids insist that I recited that entire song in the hospital while zoned out on pain meds the night after I had back surgery.

  134. 134.

    Cris (without an H)

    May 6, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    “Try A Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding. It’s everything you describe.

  135. 135.

    mrami

    May 6, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    I’ve done You’ve Got The Love before with good results (I’m mostly baritone, so it’s kinda funny to hear me do Chaka). I think Little Feat has a lot of soul, too. Fat Man In The Bathtub, for example, fun as hell to sing. I get my son’s preschool class to all sing along with me.

  136. 136.

    Bill Murray

    May 7, 2011 at 12:02 am

    @Cris (without an H): pretty much anything by Otis Redding fits the bill.

    One could also do a Satisfaction 3-peat — Devo, Otis and the Stones

  137. 137.

    freelancer

    May 7, 2011 at 12:03 am

    @eemom:

    My cousin and I butchered DWD2G years ago on a fairly infamous family excursion. That night might be mentioned in my obit, it’s that infamous in my extended family.

  138. 138.

    JPK

    May 7, 2011 at 12:19 am

    Sam Cooke, “Sugar Dumpling.” It has funny lines that are fun to sing (“fixes me a dinner with seven kinds of meat” … “give me that coffee”).

    Stay far away from Johnny Cash songs, they are impossible without cover.

    Good luck.

  139. 139.

    Church Lady

    May 7, 2011 at 12:21 am

    How about some Judy or Barbara? You could emote to them.

  140. 140.

    piratedan

    May 7, 2011 at 12:38 am

    well based on the suggestions so far, I would humbly suggest the following Nick Lowe classic, Cruel To Be Kind

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eofPxjVjVM

    plenty of emo interpretation without getting into the really high ranges, and its hooky as hell and most of all, its lyrically snarky and quite possibly its a song that isn’t sung all the time.

  141. 141.

    MikeJ

    May 7, 2011 at 12:38 am

    I would love to see DougJ do The Jackal.

  142. 142.

    Phoebe

    May 7, 2011 at 1:09 am

    Playground In My Mind. Or Vehicle.

  143. 143.

    Anton Sirius

    May 7, 2011 at 1:20 am

    As someone who’s done more karaoke than everyone else in this entire thread combined, I find the insecurity of the “he must be joking, right?” crowd really funny.

    Doug, based on what you’ve said and you saying that you can already do a passable Jagger, I’d say give Wild Horses a try. Everyone knows it but it’s rarely done, there’s nothing tricky about the rhythm, and you can pour your heart out singing it. It’s the kind of song where feeling it is way more important than getting every last note or word right.

  144. 144.

    BethanyAnne

    May 7, 2011 at 1:33 am

    Late to the party, skipped to the end. Do “Folsom Prison Blues”!

  145. 145.

    Ryan

    May 7, 2011 at 2:22 am

    My local bar has “Tom Traubert’s Blues.” It’s plenty emotive and you can’t screw it up too badly.

  146. 146.

    Will

    May 7, 2011 at 2:23 am

    Sinatra’s my standby. If you can sing at all, he’s in your range, and it’s plenty emotional.

  147. 147.

    Anne Laurie

    May 7, 2011 at 2:27 am

    Seeger’s ‘Turn the Page’ or Zevon’s ‘Mr. Bad Example’. Or if you’re all drunk enough, Croce’s ‘Time in a Bottle’. All emot-intensive, and I’d assume common enough to be karaoke’d.

    The other singer-songwriter nobody’s mentioned yet, I think, is Dan Fogelberg. Probably a reason for that…

  148. 148.

    Chines

    May 7, 2011 at 2:50 am

    If you wanna be a stage hog, you can always do all 20 verses of El Paso by Marty Robbins. I really got a kick out of some guy friends doing Putting on the Ritz by Taco.

  149. 149.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    May 7, 2011 at 3:18 am

    @RossInDetroit: Some of them have the visuals, but not the temperament to wait tables. So they are the very hot janitors, heh. Or web developers.
    How do you improve the aerodynamics of a guitar player’s car? Remove the Domino’s sign from the roof. Difference between a dead trombone player and a dead snake in the middle of the road? The snake might have been on its way to a gig.*
    Between a dead lawyer and dead snake? Skidmarks in front of the snake. Try the veal and don’t forget to tip generously.

    *Mr. Q was a professional trombone player in upstate NY prior to becoming Mr. Q, though we originally met when he was getting his masters in composition at our local music conservatory and was the housemate of my ex (a guitar player). So all 3 of us have jokes above. Heh.

  150. 150.

    Yutsano

    May 7, 2011 at 3:22 am

    @a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q): How do you get two oboes in tune? Shoot one.

    What’s the difference between an oboe and an onion? No one cries when you chop an oboe.

    (Humanities with a Music Emphasis, Washington State University)

  151. 151.

    Gina

    May 7, 2011 at 3:27 am

    Dirty Water by The Standells.

  152. 152.

    Nalbar

    May 7, 2011 at 3:28 am

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCm2XBrhbKA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

    .

  153. 153.

    piratedan

    May 7, 2011 at 4:00 am

    @Gina: good call Gina, who knows, maybe you can do Time Wont Let Me, by the Outsiders

  154. 154.

    Fucen Pneumatic Fuck Wrench Tarmal

    May 7, 2011 at 4:02 am

    for limited range, and surprising opportunity or two to emote

    punk rock girl by the dead milkmen.

    although if your karaoke is as classic rockish as most, it might fall on deaf ears, even though its anything but punk.

  155. 155.

    DPirate

    May 7, 2011 at 4:50 am

    @chris: Devotion is quick and easy.

    Morphine and Chocolate by 4nonBlondes.
    Superstar from Jesus Christ Superstar.
    She’s Gone, Hall and Oates.
    Love is a Stranger, Eurythmics.
    Songs From the Wood, Tull.
    Fire on the Mountain, Marshal Tucker Band.

  156. 156.

    Gina

    May 7, 2011 at 7:27 am

    What about Cheap Trick? Surrender is my favorite, but Want You to Want Me would give lots of emoting opps.

  157. 157.

    Bobby Thomson

    May 7, 2011 at 8:18 am

    Darling Nikki

    Up on Cripple Creek

    Suspicious Minds

    It’s Now or Never

    Night Swimming

    I Think She Likes Me (Morphine)

    Crazy. Patsy made it famous, but Willie wrote it and it will get you laid.

  158. 158.

    mak

    May 7, 2011 at 8:57 am

    It’s all about audience participation, which is why Sweet Caroline is a good pick, though probably overly cooked by now.
    Others crowds love:
    Rocky Mountain High, John Denver
    You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away, the Beatles (the crowd all jumps in on the “HEY” just before “you’ve got to hide your love away.”
    Also, anything with a grunt, like You Got that Right, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

  159. 159.

    marv

    May 7, 2011 at 9:39 am

    “Loving You” – forget the artist but she left Rotary Connection to go solo – would be perfect for you

  160. 160.

    wazmo

    May 7, 2011 at 10:25 am

    The Boy George version of “The Crying Game”.

  161. 161.

    Dr.BDH

    May 7, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    Two words: Talking Heads. Everybody has a greater vocal range than David Byrne. Try “This Must Be the Place” for emotion. Or “Psychokiller,” for fun.

  162. 162.

    gerry

    May 7, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    Try Take It Easy by the Eagles or Back in the USSR. Easy

  163. 163.

    Stan of the Sawgrass

    May 7, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    In this case, I recommend John Cage’s “4 minutes, 33 seconds.”

  164. 164.

    The Ancient Randonneur

    May 7, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    “Sweet Revenge” by John Prine

  165. 165.

    JRon

    May 7, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    “don’t tell me no lines and keep your hands to yourself” is a great karaoke song. You can emote.

Comments are closed.

Primary Sidebar

Political Action

Postcard Writing Information

Recent Comments

  • Jay on War for Ukraine Day 580: Russia Once Again Opened Up on Ukrainian Targets Overnight (Sep 27, 2023 @ 1:37am)
  • Jay on War for Ukraine Day 580: Russia Once Again Opened Up on Ukrainian Targets Overnight (Sep 27, 2023 @ 1:34am)
  • YY_Sima Qian on War for Ukraine Day 580: Russia Once Again Opened Up on Ukrainian Targets Overnight (Sep 27, 2023 @ 1:34am)
  • Jay on War for Ukraine Day 580: Russia Once Again Opened Up on Ukrainian Targets Overnight (Sep 27, 2023 @ 1:28am)
  • YY_Sima Qian on War for Ukraine Day 580: Russia Once Again Opened Up on Ukrainian Targets Overnight (Sep 27, 2023 @ 1:25am)

🎈Keep Balloon Juice Ad Free

Become a Balloon Juice Patreon
Donate with Venmo, Zelle or PayPal

Balloon Juice Posts

View by Topic
View by Author
View by Month & Year
View by Past Author

Featuring

Medium Cool
Artists in Our Midst
Authors in Our Midst
We All Need A Little Kindness
What Has Biden Done for You Lately?

Balloon Juice Meetups!

All Meetups
Talk of Meetups – Meetup Planning

Fundraising 2023-24

Wis*Dems Supreme Court + SD-8

Calling All Jackals

Site Feedback
Nominate a Rotating Tag
Submit Photos to On the Road
Balloon Juice Mailing List Signup
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Links)
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Posts)

Twitter / Spoutible

Balloon Juice (Spoutible)
WaterGirl (Spoutible)
TaMara (Spoutible)
John Cole
DougJ (aka NYT Pitchbot)
Betty Cracker
Tom Levenson
TaMara
David Anderson
Major Major Major Major
ActualCitizensUnited

Join the Fight!

Join the Fight Signup Form
All Join the Fight Posts

Balloon Juice for Ukraine

Donate

Cole & Friends Learn Español

Introductory Post
Cole & Friends Learn Español

Site Footer

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Comment Policy
  • Our Authors
  • Blogroll
  • Our Artists
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 Dev Balloon Juice · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!