6 Comments

Here's one you might not know: "The Dutchman" (Michael Smith, sung by Steve Goodman):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeBD3rcAMFw

Expand full comment
author

Thanks so much for sharing. You're right, I did not know it. What a moving song/lyric. Loved the mandolin on that performance, too.

Expand full comment
Jan 24Liked by Matt Thompson

My favorite song with 'story' in the title is unquestionably 'The Story in Your Eyes' by The Moody Blues, followed by Yes 'Wondrous Stories'. And would we say that Penny Lane or A Day in the Life by the Beatles are more stories or vignettes? Either way I love both of them.

Expand full comment
author

I can't believe I didn't think of "The Story in Your Eyes"!

Expand full comment
Jan 24·edited Jan 24Liked by Matt Thompson

Interesting that the article referenced snubbed the metal and prog rock genres entirely. That’s where most story songs are found — Judas Priest’s “Painkiller,” King Diamond’s “Abigail,” Steely Dan’s “Kid Charlemagne,” and about a half dozen songs from RUSH immediately come to mind.

Expand full comment
author

Yes - and of course metal and prog have a lot concept albums / rock operas where the whole record is a story, like Abigail!

Expand full comment