Number one songs

February 20, 2006 11:39 AM

What song was #1 (in the U.S.) on the day you were born? On my b'day, it was "Stuck on You" by Elvis the Pelvis
posted by mickeyz (245 comments total)

Keep On Loving You - REO Speedwagon
posted by thirteenkiller at 11:44 AM on February 20, 2006

Mine was 'No Link' by No Link & The NoLinkettes
posted by NationalKato at 11:44 AM on February 20, 2006

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler
posted by null terminated at 11:44 AM on February 20, 2006

I was right: "Me and Mrs. Jones" by Billy Paul.
cack.
posted by Busithoth at 11:44 AM on February 20, 2006

I got a greeting card that told me once...but now I forget.
posted by zonkout at 11:45 AM on February 20, 2006

"To Sir, with Love" - Lulu

Still one of my favorite songs.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 11:46 AM on February 20, 2006

"A Horse with No Name" by America
posted by grabbingsand at 12:11 PM on February 20, 2006

1977 ... "Gonna Fly Now (Theme from 'Rocky')" by Bill Conti

ROFL
posted by wakko at 12:11 PM on February 20, 2006

"Annie's Song" by John Denver, RIP.
posted by bardic at 12:11 PM on February 20, 2006

"Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band" by Meco

I think I just won.
posted by basicchannel at 12:13 PM on February 20, 2006

"Anything for You" by Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine
posted by daninnj at 12:13 PM on February 20, 2006

What a Hosler, eh?
posted by scarabic at 12:14 PM on February 20, 2006

(For a Bday gift once, my mom tracked down some magazines from the week I was born at a garage sale--Nixon was being impeached. And my mom had some great ideas).
posted by bardic at 12:14 PM on February 20, 2006

"Come on Eileen"
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:14 PM on February 20, 2006 [1 favorite]

"Surrender" by Elvis Presley.

I like the Cheap Trick 'Surrender' better, though.
posted by fixedgear at 12:14 PM on February 20, 2006

Another reason to be thankful I was born in the UK & not the US ;-)

Jumping Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones in the UK

This Guy's in Love with You - Herb Alpert in the US.
posted by i_cola at 12:15 PM on February 20, 2006

Good Night Irene by the The Weavers.

Whew. . .coulda done a lot Worse.

Actually Good Night Irene has always been one of my favortes, even though I had no idea until now, it was numero uno when I was born.
posted by Danf at 12:19 PM on February 20, 2006

Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye

Ah, yeah.
posted by The Card Cheat at 12:19 PM on February 20, 2006

I'm pretty sure the anti-Christ was born recently while "My Humps" was on the radio.
posted by bardic at 12:19 PM on February 20, 2006

basicchannel totally wins. And i_cola, why you dissing on herb like that?

I was "Papa was a Rolling Stone" by the Temptations. That seems impossibly old.
posted by glenwood at 12:20 PM on February 20, 2006

"Taking Care Of Business" by BTO. Hells yeah.
posted by almostcool at 12:21 PM on February 20, 2006

"No Scrubs" by TLC

okay, just kidding

"Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night

still, I don't want no scrubs.
posted by mcstayinskool at 12:21 PM on February 20, 2006

null terminated, around the time you were being born, I was having my first excruciatingly awkward slow dance with a member of the opposite sex in a school gymnasium.
posted by glenwood at 12:21 PM on February 20, 2006

They say this cat jonson is a bad motha (SHUT YO MOUTH!) buti'mjusttalkinboutjonson!!

Theme from Shaft, 1971.
posted by jonson at 12:21 PM on February 20, 2006

"In the Mood" by Glenn Miller
posted by ozomatli at 12:22 PM on February 20, 2006

"In the Mood" by Glenn Miller
posted by ozomatli at 12:22 PM PST on February 20 [!]

Damn. . .out geezered!
posted by Danf at 12:23 PM on February 20, 2006

"Jack & Diane" by John Cougar
posted by gatorae at 12:26 PM on February 20, 2006

"Ebony and Ivory" by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. lame! damn you, mom!
posted by Mach5 at 12:26 PM on February 20, 2006

US - "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" by Rupert Holmes
UK - "Another Brick In The Wall" by Pink Floyd

These are always fun, but I can never seem to find any Canadian data. What up with that?

(Because of the Commonwealth thing, I'll take the Floyd over Holmes. Coolness has nothing to do with it, honest!)
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 12:27 PM on February 20, 2006

Oh, god, I suck.

"Lady" by Kenny Rogers
posted by brundlefly at 12:28 PM on February 20, 2006

"Hey Jude" - Beatles. Bet there are a buncha us.
posted by rainbaby at 12:28 PM on February 20, 2006

"(I Just) Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew
posted by Korou at 12:30 PM on February 20, 2006

"Seasons in the Sun" by one-hit-wonder Terry Jacks.

I might be in the running for the worst.
posted by toxic at 12:30 PM on February 20, 2006

"You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" by Leo Sayer, but I'm thinking, wouldn't it be more interesting to see what music you were likely conceived to? Subtract 9 months from your birthdate to get it. Mine is "Don't Give Up on Us" by David Soul. I don't think I've ever heard it.
posted by Joakim Ziegler at 12:30 PM on February 20, 2006

Oh dear god.

The Tears of a Clown" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles.
posted by dersins at 12:31 PM on February 20, 2006 [1 favorite]

This thread was worth resurrecting just to learn that bardic was born at a garage sale.
posted by Faint of Butt at 12:32 PM on February 20, 2006

Back To The Future's first 'back' song.

"Mr. Sandman" by The Chordettes
posted by HTuttle at 12:35 PM on February 20, 2006

"Kiss You All Over" by Exile (man, and I thought Happy was bad...)
posted by pwedza at 12:35 PM on February 20, 2006

Don't diss on Kenny. He is America's #1 balladeer. And always shall be.
posted by glenwood at 12:36 PM on February 20, 2006

Joakim Ziegler: I subtracted nine months. My conception song was:

"Do That to Me One More Time" by The Captain & Tennille

I ain't sayin' nothin'...
posted by brundlefly at 12:36 PM on February 20, 2006

Good lord, 10/10/79: Don't Stop till you Get Enough - Michael Jackson
posted by thisisdrew at 12:37 PM on February 20, 2006

"...wouldn't it be more interesting to see what music you were likely conceived to?"

My daughter was conceived to "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty.

At least, that's how my wife remembers it. Whether I was there or not is a matter of contention.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 12:37 PM on February 20, 2006

"I Get Around" by The Beach Boys but I'm old.
posted by octothorpe at 12:39 PM on February 20, 2006

I might be in the running for the worst.
posted by toxic at 3:30 PM EST on February 20 [!]

The second that I was born I began rocking out to "You Light Up My Life" by Debbie Boone (did you know it was about God?), and I have been rocking exactly that hard for the last twenty-eight years (except for a few years in the late 90's when I rocked exactly as hard as the "Thong Song").

THONG TH' THONG THONG THONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by ND¢ at 12:39 PM on February 20, 2006

"Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits. Figures that it would be not only a song I've never heard of, but also a band that I've never heard of. Is there a European (not UK) version of this?
posted by raevyne at 12:40 PM on February 20, 2006

"Careless Whisper" by Wham! featuring George Michael

:(
posted by prostyle at 12:42 PM on February 20, 2006

Evidently raevyne don't want her, don't want her, don't want her MTV.
posted by brundlefly at 12:43 PM on February 20, 2006

"The Gypsy" by The Ink Spots
posted by Schroder at 12:43 PM on February 20, 2006

"I Love Rock 'n Roll" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. I like that song, and I do love rock 'n roll.
posted by cmyk at 12:44 PM on February 20, 2006

LOL.
"The Happy Organ" by Dave "Baby" Cortez
Never heard of it, but sounds more appropriate for the date of my conception.
posted by spock at 12:51 PM on February 20, 2006

"The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia"

Figures I'd be a one-hit wonder

Also, I'm waiting for us to figure out who share a birthday
posted by poppo at 12:52 PM on February 20, 2006

"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Elton John & Kiki Dee
Crap.
posted by Navek Rednam at 12:55 PM on February 20, 2006

"The Happy Organ" by Dave "Baby" Cortez

Oh it's such a jaunty, happy song. Instrumental. A simple organ riff with a sorta hopped up (for then) rock backing.

this may give an idea. . . .
posted by Danf at 12:55 PM on February 20, 2006

"All you need is love", The Beatles.

Bleah, I dislike The Beatles in general, and the bullshit sentiments of this song in particular.
posted by Scoo at 12:55 PM on February 20, 2006

What the heck's a Tab Hunter?
posted by hal9k at 12:56 PM on February 20, 2006

"You Keep Me Hangin' On" by The Supremes
But I like the Kim Wilde version better, though.
posted by Fat Guy at 12:57 PM on February 20, 2006

My wife: 1958 ... "Hard-Headed Woman" by Elvis Presley

I rest my case.
posted by hal9k at 12:57 PM on February 20, 2006

"Honky Tonk Women" by the Stones.
posted by solid-one-love at 12:57 PM on February 20, 2006

"Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston. In the UK, it was The Chicken Song - Spitting Image. Never heard of it in my life. Sounds like a real classic, though!

And an easier way to figure out both songs is by going here.
posted by apple scruff at 12:58 PM on February 20, 2006

thisisdrew writes "Good lord, 10/10/79: Don't Stop till you Get Enough - Michael Jackson"

Don't complain. That's a great song. Remember, Michael Jackson was Michael Jackson before he was Michael Jackson.
posted by mr_roboto at 12:59 PM on February 20, 2006

Donny Osmond. *sigh*
posted by GuyZero at 12:59 PM on February 20, 2006

"People Got to Be Free" by The Rascals

See that train over there
Now that's the train of freedom
It's about to arrive any minute, now
You know, it's been long, long overdue
Look out 'cause it's comin' right on through [fade]
posted by jessamyn at 1:01 PM on February 20, 2006

"Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits. Figures that it would be not only a song I've never heard of, but also a band that I've never heard of.

Oh, my goodness. I was in grade 12 when this came out and saw Dire Straits in concert in October, 1985 on the tour for that album (Brothers in Arms). The album was huge. It sold 25 million copies. It remains the best-selling album ever in the UK. It was also the first album ever to sell a million copies on CD.

Way to make a guy feel old.
posted by solid-one-love at 1:02 PM on February 20, 2006

"Cathy's Clown" by The Everly Brothers. Dating a Cathy at the moment, ex-wife named Cathy, hmmmm.....
posted by Carbolic at 1:03 PM on February 20, 2006

My song is "My ding-a-ling" Chuck Berry, please hold your applause till the end.
posted by ktrain at 1:03 PM on February 20, 2006

"Welcome Back" by John Sebastian.

Theme song to Welcome Back, Kotter.

For some reason, I am not suprised by this.
posted by daq at 1:05 PM on February 20, 2006

Meh. "Bad Girls" by Donna Summer
posted by AllesKlar at 1:06 PM on February 20, 2006

"Dominique" by The Singing Nun

I remember singing that in French Class in high school but I had no idea I was so intimately linked to it.
posted by TedW at 1:06 PM on February 20, 2006

"Island Girl" by Elton John
posted by jefbla at 1:08 PM on February 20, 2006

I know this without looking at the website: it's "Stayin' Alive" by the BeeGees.
It's not my favourite song, but I think it makes a good "date of birth" song: staying alive is what it's all about in life!
posted by easternblot at 1:08 PM on February 20, 2006

My sister's was "The Doggie in the Window"! Man, I'm gonna get a lot of mileage out of that one. Thanks, mickeyz! Mine? "Blue Moon" by the Marcels. Never heard of 'em.
posted by Lockjaw at 1:09 PM on February 20, 2006

I pity the child conceived to My Humps
posted by pieisexactlythree at 1:14 PM on February 20, 2006

I don't think it's possible to be lamer than...
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" by Mitch Miller

*does victory dance - then realizes what I won at *
posted by wendell at 1:14 PM on February 20, 2006

"Wonderland by Night" by Bert Kaempfert.

OK if it's a double entendre, though I suspect not.
posted by datawrangler at 1:15 PM on February 20, 2006

(US) "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," Paul Simon.
(UK) "Forever And Ever," Slik.

//Glad to be an American.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 1:15 PM on February 20, 2006

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" - Bonnie Tyler
posted by nile_red at 1:15 PM on February 20, 2006

And yeah, basicchannel completely won.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 1:16 PM on February 20, 2006

"He's So Fine" by the Chiffons. I'm okay with that.
posted by schmedeman at 1:16 PM on February 20, 2006

On (non) preview:

null_terminated and nile_red are bday buddies!
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 1:17 PM on February 20, 2006

"Kiss and Say Goodbye" by The Manhattans
posted by dirigibleman at 1:17 PM on February 20, 2006

Solid-one-love, if you're old, what that makes me is way old...I was in grad school when Money For Nothing was a breakout hit on MTV.
posted by datawrangler at 1:18 PM on February 20, 2006

"The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia"

Figures I'd be a one-hit wonder...

posted by poppo

Hey, that one-hit wonder went on to co-star with Carol Burnett on one of the funniest comedy variety shows in the 70s! And then she became "Mama"!

As for myself, I was born to "Somethin' Stupid" by Nancy Sinatra & Frank Sinatra. Yeah, yeah, I know.

However, I was conceived to "Light My Fire" by The Doors.

That's my Dad...Mr. Mojo Risin'...
posted by darkstar at 1:18 PM on February 20, 2006

Hm. Two of my three kids were born when Madonna had the #1 song in the U.S., the other was born when Tiffany's remake of "I Think We're Alone Now" was #1.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 1:19 PM on February 20, 2006

"I Can't Stop Lovin' You" by Ray Charles. Ouch.
posted by slatternus at 1:21 PM on February 20, 2006

"The Morning After" by Maureen McGovern

Never heard of it. Do I want to?
posted by orange swan at 1:22 PM on February 20, 2006

You do, orange swan. It's a classic.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 1:24 PM on February 20, 2006

"People Got to Be Free" by The Rascals. Meh...could've been worse.
posted by MikeMc at 1:25 PM on February 20, 2006

"The Letter" by the Box Tops (featuring teenage Alex Chilton.)
I can live with that.
"Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane.."
posted by obloquy at 1:26 PM on February 20, 2006

1975 ... "Love Will Keep Us Together" by The Captain & Tennille

Wow, that almost perfectly sums up everything about me. Or not, but still a fun and interesting link.
posted by bove at 1:27 PM on February 20, 2006

The Streak, by Ray Davies.

Kick. Ass.
posted by emelenjr at 1:27 PM on February 20, 2006

I think I may have you beat, Wendell:

"The Battle of New Orleans" by Johnny Horton.

How embarassing.
posted by trip and a half at 1:29 PM on February 20, 2006

"Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry

Heh.
posted by Pryde at 1:29 PM on February 20, 2006

"No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" by Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer

Yuck.
posted by chiababe at 1:30 PM on February 20, 2006

"Lightnin' Strikes" by Lou Christie
posted by terrapin at 1:36 PM on February 20, 2006

"Love You Inside Out" by The Bee Gees

Yikes!
posted by Mijo Bijo at 1:41 PM on February 20, 2006

If I'd been born one year earlier, I would've been floating out into the world to the gentle #1 strains of "Close to You". As it was, I ended up with Paul Revere and The Raiders' "Indian Reservation".

Apparently "Lady Marmalade" sat atop the charts on the day of my wedding.

Day I quit smoking: "It's Gonna Be Me" by N'Sync.

Day I quit Paxil: J-Lo's "I'm Real". Appropriate somehow.

Day (or night) I lost my virginity: "Wishing Well" by Terence Trent D'Arby. Oh my.
posted by palinode at 1:41 PM on February 20, 2006

I assume that by "Windy," they mean "Wendy."

Someone should start charting horoscopes with this stuff.
posted by Eothele at 1:42 PM on February 20, 2006

The Spaniard That Blighted My Life, by Al Jolson
posted by tkchrist at 1:47 PM on February 20, 2006

Jan 1/86 "Say You, Say Me" by Lionel Richie

Geez!
posted by zarah at 1:47 PM on February 20, 2006

Some of you people are making me feel really old.
posted by orange swan at 1:48 PM on February 20, 2006

"I Honestly Love You" by Olivia Newton-John.

bllaarrrrgghhh
posted by ktoad at 1:48 PM on February 20, 2006

brundlefly: "Oh, god, I suck."

Same one, eh? Thank goodness I wasn't in the US at the time. ;)
posted by creeptick at 1:48 PM on February 20, 2006

No. It's "Windy".
posted by spock at 1:48 PM on February 20, 2006

jessamyn & mikemc
posted by fixedgear at 1:52 PM on February 20, 2006

Theme from Shaft too, jonson.

I guess the usetting thing is that if I had been born a week earlier, it would have been "Gypsys, Tramps and Theives."
posted by hummus at 1:53 PM on February 20, 2006

cheer up, orange swan. tkchrist posted The Spaniard That Blighted My Life, by Al Jolson - Google dates that 1913.
posted by Cranberry at 1:53 PM on February 20, 2006

This thread makes me realize that there are a lot of really young Mefites (and a few old ones like me).

"Hey Jude", by the way.
posted by JeffK at 1:54 PM on February 20, 2006

"Someday We'll be Together" by Diana Ross & The Supremes.

But at least it wasn't the Singing Nun.
posted by Dipsomaniac at 1:54 PM on February 20, 2006

"Gonna Fly Now (Theme from 'Rocky')" by Bill Conti

I feel so butch now.
posted by eisbaer at 1:58 PM on February 20, 2006

ooh the uk one was "So You Win Again" by Hot Chocolate

I like the song by them called "Popcorn" which was the theme song of the Michigan lottery when I was a kid.

Also, I am hot and chocolate.
posted by eisbaer at 2:03 PM on February 20, 2006

"I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy. The boy born a feminist.
posted by moonbird at 2:04 PM on February 20, 2006

"Honky Tonk Women" by The Rolling Stones
posted by Balisong at 2:05 PM on February 20, 2006

"You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone

I wish I could say I was rocking as hard as ND¢, but instead I'll state that I feel shame. Deep, deep shame.
posted by jawbreaker at 2:06 PM on February 20, 2006

Google dates that 1913

All I can ever remember my mother going on about was "The Kaiser" this and "We have to stop the Hun" or "War of the Nations" that... The woman wouldn't go swimming because she was afraid of U-boats.

But it wasn't all bad. There was the Lindy-hop. And vaudeville for one penny every other Sunday.
posted by tkchrist at 2:07 PM on February 20, 2006

"(Can't Get No) Satisfaction", the Stones

I may be a withered she-geezer, but I got me a cool theme song.
posted by maryh at 2:13 PM on February 20, 2006

"The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville & the Chipmunks

Oh fer chrissakes.
posted by jokeefe at 2:13 PM on February 20, 2006

I may be a withered she-geezer, but I got me a cool theme song.

Hey, let the real withered she-geezers have some space to complain, young 'un.
posted by jokeefe at 2:15 PM on February 20, 2006

"Sad Eyes" by Robert John
posted by MeetMegan at 2:16 PM on February 20, 2006

"Sad Eyes" by Robert John

Har. "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon & Garfunkel was the song for the day my parents got married. Har.
posted by MeetMegan at 2:17 PM on February 20, 2006

'i will survive', figures!
posted by beachgrrlmusic at 2:21 PM on February 20, 2006

" A Summer Place" by Percy Faith

I am sooooo old.
posted by Tablecrumbs at 2:21 PM on February 20, 2006

"Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits. Jinx, raevyne!
posted by youarenothere at 2:23 PM on February 20, 2006

I get "Morning Train (9 to 5)" by Sheena Easton. My sister, on the other hand, gets "When Doves Cry" by Prince. I am in complete envy.

But yeah, basicchannel wins so far. If only his namesake had made the charts...
posted by mikeh at 2:27 PM on February 20, 2006

The inimitable Dean Martin with 'Memories Are Made of This'. Hi jokeefe.
posted by tellurian at 2:29 PM on February 20, 2006

JeffK: This thread makes me realize that there are a lot of really young Mefites (and a few old ones like me).

"Hey Jude", by the way.

Thanks for making me feel really old.
posted by Carbolic at 2:33 PM on February 20, 2006

,Perry Como "Wanted"... he also was number one exactly 8 years previous, "Prisoner of Love"
posted by hortense at 2:34 PM on February 20, 2006

'It's still Rock'n'Roll to Me' by Billy Joel.


I have extremely mixed feelings about this, as I despise Billy Joel, yet love Rock'n'Roll.
posted by stenseng at 2:36 PM on February 20, 2006

"Le Freak," Chic

Hm.
posted by Meredith at 2:42 PM on February 20, 2006

Fitting, as I too grew up to hearing a lot of Billy Joel as a child.
posted by iamck at 2:44 PM on February 20, 2006

"That Lucky Old Sun" by Frankie Laine (I much preferred the Louis Armstrong version) (and would rather it had been Frankie Laines "Rawhide")
Which means I'm less than ozomatli and greater than Danf.
wendell - now I did a lot of singing of that song as a hip young person. Couldn't help it They had it on the show with the bouncing ball over the words every damn week and ol' Mitch would really bring it home.
terrapin - "Lightnin' Strikes" by Lou Christie I'd settle for that one any day.
JeffK I'd rather think that those of us older than say "Wedding Bell Blues" by The 5th Dimension have real jobs and are not allowed to play on the computer all day. I could be wrong and we are just old and can only claim to have passed out to, smoked to or watched a stripper perform to every song listed so far, except mine.
posted by mss at 2:45 PM on February 20, 2006

Me: I assume that by "Windy," they mean "Wendy."
Spock (correctly): No. It's "Windy".

Well, in my defense, I was less than a day old at the time.
posted by Eothele at 2:48 PM on February 20, 2006

The Streak was by Ray Stevens, youngun.

My birth songs were Sh-Boom Sh-Boom by the Crewcuts (US) and Three Coins in the Fountain by the Chairman of the Board (UK)
posted by faceonmars at 2:49 PM on February 20, 2006

"Vaya con Dios" by Les Paul & Mary Ford
posted by quonsar at 2:54 PM on February 20, 2006

"Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" by Three Dog Night
posted by sharpener at 2:55 PM on February 20, 2006

Neil Sedeka? f**k me....
posted by Jeremy at 2:58 PM on February 20, 2006

"Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me)" by Peggy Lee
posted by bru at 2:59 PM on February 20, 2006

Is Les Paul still in the hospital?
posted by bardic at 3:00 PM on February 20, 2006

And in the UK: "In The Summertime" - Mungo Jerry
posted by sharpener at 3:03 PM on February 20, 2006

Whoa, nice catch. I meant Stevens, honest. I even linked to his web site.

I don't know where my mind was. I know my Ray Davies from my Ray Stevens from my Ray Parker Jr.
posted by emelenjr at 3:07 PM on February 20, 2006

I was conceived to "Benny and the Jets" and born to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," both by Sir Elton.
posted by goatdog at 3:13 PM on February 20, 2006

Fantastically apropos: "(You're) Having My Baby" by Paul Anka with Odia Coates

Though apparently that means either Paul Anka is my dad or Odia Coates is my mom. Must call dad NOW.
posted by socratic at 3:14 PM on February 20, 2006

It may not be the worst, but it is a contender:
"Convoy" by C.W. McCall
posted by monopas at 3:19 PM on February 20, 2006

Source of personal pride: "We Built this City"
posted by Laugh_track at 3:20 PM on February 20, 2006

How the heck do you people know the music to which you were conceived? Man alive, I don't want to know about that dinner-table conversation! My mom saw Howlin' Wolf, the Doors, and went to the Monterey International Pop Festival while she was pregnant with me, but that's all I want to know.

My song? "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. Fuck yeah.
posted by fandango_matt at 3:23 PM on February 20, 2006

"Total Eclipse of the Heart"

Wha? Whipper snappers! Get off my lawn or I'm calling the constables!
posted by tkchrist at 3:24 PM on February 20, 2006

As usual, quonsar wins.

Damn you.
posted by Danf at 3:26 PM on February 20, 2006

"Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" by Three Dog Night

That could have been when you were conceived, no?
posted by Danf at 3:27 PM on February 20, 2006

"I'm a Believer" by The Monkees
Agnostic about it though.
posted by alteredcarbon at 3:30 PM on February 20, 2006

"Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" by Three Dog Night. posted by Danf That could have been when you were conceived, no?

You've just ruined both my monitor and my ability to ever hear that song again without cringing. I now must go flush my eyes and ears with Phisohex and a turkey baster.
posted by fandango_matt at 3:33 PM on February 20, 2006

Some things are best left unknown... I just discovered that "Do You Think I'm Sexy" by Rod Stewart was number one when I was conceived. That is a mental image I never, EVER wanted to have.
posted by Taibhse at 3:38 PM on February 20, 2006

I despise Billy Joel, yet love Rock'n'Roll

This cannot stand, sir. You must let go and love The Joel. C'mon!

Look:


She's Got a Way
Turn Around
Travelin' Prayer
Piano Man
Ain't No Crime
You're My Home
The Ballad of Billy the Kid
Worst Comes to Worst
Stop in Nevada
If I Only Had the Words (To Tell You)
Somewhere Along the Line
Captain Jack
She's Always a Woman


LOVE HIM, damit!
posted by tkchrist at 3:45 PM on February 20, 2006

"DemoSoup 7" by the Cheney Generators.

They're the superstar band fronted by duo Noah Yorke, son of Radiohead singer Thom Yorke, and his wife Isadora, daughter of Icelandic diva Bjork.

Damn, I've said too much.
posted by dbiedny at 3:47 PM on February 20, 2006

"War" by Edwin Starr

Good God, y'all.
posted by DonnieSticks at 3:47 PM on February 20, 2006

"When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge. A classic to be sure.

And yeah, all you people naming songs from the mid 80's are depressing the fuck out of me. I should have my prostate checked.
posted by Devils Slide at 3:50 PM on February 20, 2006

Or...

"Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett & the Crypt Kickers

Now THAT'S funny.
posted by dbiedny at 3:55 PM on February 20, 2006

"I'm a Believer" - The Monkees

Turns out I hate convictions and love monkeys. Something more accurate in that song that whatever Capricorn lords over me.
posted by kingfisher, his musclebound cat at 3:58 PM on February 20, 2006

Carol King - It's too late, which isn't that bad, but...

UK: Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep by Middle of the road, which I have never heard but it sounds intestine-stretchingly awful.
posted by Sparx at 3:58 PM on February 20, 2006

In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)" by Zager & Evans
posted by effwerd at 3:58 PM on February 20, 2006

all you people naming songs from the mid 80's are depressing the fuck out of me

What depresses me is these youngin's are actually unhappy with some of the songs. I mean, I'd gladly swap my "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" with "Come on Eileen" any day of the week.

Young people have no taste.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 4:00 PM on February 20, 2006

American woman, the Randy Bachman Quintet.

One of my favourite songs growing up.
posted by philfromhavelock at 4:02 PM on February 20, 2006

I'm with you TedW. "Dominique" by The Singing Nun

Never heard of this Singing Nun but I'd imagine I've heard this song. Anyone care to hum a few bars for me?
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 4:04 PM on February 20, 2006

"Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" by The Supremes.

I feel old, but I'll blame it on mickeyz.
posted by NewBornHippy at 4:05 PM on February 20, 2006

What depresses me is these youngin's are actually unhappy with some of the songs. I mean, I'd gladly swap my "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" with "Come on Eileen" any day of the week.

Young people have no taste.

Amen, brother.

Come on Eileen is a great song. I think the DMR drummer wrote it and was fired right after the video shoot.
posted by Devils Slide at 4:09 PM on February 20, 2006

Oh, I am so ripped off!!!!
"Harper Valley P.T.A." by Jeannie C. Riley
posted by snsranch at 4:10 PM on February 20, 2006

"All Shook Up", by the King. Thank ya very much.
posted by tommasz at 4:13 PM on February 20, 2006

What depresses me is these youngin's are actually unhappy with some of the songs. I mean, I'd gladly swap my "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" with "Come on Eileen" any day of the week.

I also agree, but if I had been born on my birthday in 1985, I would have been born to "Say you, Say Me" by Lionel Richie, which might admittedly have been kind of depressing... As it stands, "Someday We'll Be Together" by Diana Ross & the Supremes is my song. Fun post!
posted by misozaki at 4:19 PM on February 20, 2006

“Hymn to the moon god's wife, Nikal”

We knew how to party back in Ur.
posted by Smedleyman at 4:26 PM on February 20, 2006

Ballad of the Green Berets, S/Sgt Barry Sadler.

Oh, man.
posted by mwhybark at 4:40 PM on February 20, 2006

The only Styx song ever to reach #1 in the U.S. (Babe)
posted by JMOZ at 4:40 PM on February 20, 2006

I can't hide it and I just can't fake it: Carole King's "It's Too Late/I Feel the Earth Move."
posted by allaboutgeorge at 4:45 PM on February 20, 2006

"Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd -- and I'm surprised there hasn't been more overlap in people's birthday songs.
posted by Felicity Rilke at 4:54 PM on February 20, 2006

"Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" by The Fifth Dimension

... heralding my arrival. how perfect.
posted by whatnot at 5:05 PM on February 20, 2006

everytime i find one of these "#1 song on the day you were born" web sites, and there's a few of them, it comes up with a different #1 song for my birthday. what's up with that?
posted by 3.2.3 at 5:14 PM on February 20, 2006

Along with grabbingsand, mine is the nigh-upon-peerless contender for worst song ever recorded in English: America's "Horse with No Name". My wife's: "Disco Lady" by Johnny Taylor. Snerk.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 5:18 PM on February 20, 2006

"All Night Long (All Night)" by Lionel Richie

Yuck.
posted by Trinkers at 5:19 PM on February 20, 2006

"Fame", by David Bowie.

Holy shit!
posted by A dead Quaker at 5:42 PM on February 20, 2006

"Gonna Fly Now (Theme from 'Rocky')" by Bill Conti

Hmm... not bad, not bad...
posted by May Kasahara at 5:53 PM on February 20, 2006

"Dominique" by The Singing Nun

It's in French, IIRC.

Dom-i-nika-nika-nika, etc
posted by fixedgear at 5:56 PM on February 20, 2006

OMG, just looked up my fiance's birthdate-- his song is "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor... which was featured in Rocky III!

Wow...
posted by May Kasahara at 5:57 PM on February 20, 2006

"Stuck With You" by Huey Lewis and the News
I had my hopes up for something cool...
posted by sgrass at 6:02 PM on February 20, 2006

can't buy me love
posted by damnitkage at 6:04 PM on February 20, 2006

"Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" by George Harrison for the day I got my ears pierced.

Well, nobody else hasn't pointed to this kind of event as a remarkable...as well you can see why.

:::crickets:::::
posted by datawrangler at 6:07 PM on February 20, 2006

"Superstition" by Stevie Wonder. Awesome. (It was also the same day as the Roe v. Wade decision, as well as LBJ's death)
posted by the_bone at 6:08 PM on February 20, 2006

"December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" by The Four Seasons
posted by ryanhealy at 6:14 PM on February 20, 2006

My ears pierced song is "My Sharona" by The Knack. excellent.
posted by jessamyn at 6:20 PM on February 20, 2006

You folks remember the specific dates of your ear piercings?
posted by brundlefly at 6:25 PM on February 20, 2006

"It's Too Late/ I Feel the Earth Move" by Carole King.

meh.

My wife's is better - "I Think I Love You" - Partridge Family. Rock Out!
posted by bradth27 at 6:34 PM on February 20, 2006

"Killing Me Softly with His Song" by Roberta Flack
posted by zardoz at 6:58 PM on February 20, 2006

Mack the Knife - Bobby Darren

Would'nt it be more interesting to know what the #1 song was on the day you may have been concieved?
posted by Gungho at 7:05 PM on February 20, 2006

And that would be

Smoke gets in your eyes...very romantic.
posted by Gungho at 7:06 PM on February 20, 2006

/rips eyes out at thought of his parents "doing it" /
posted by Gungho at 7:07 PM on February 20, 2006

1979 ... "Tragedy" by The Bee Gees
posted by Hicksu at 7:10 PM on February 20, 2006

Is anyone actually reading this?
posted by soiled cowboy at 7:15 PM on February 20, 2006

nope.
posted by ori at 7:33 PM on February 20, 2006

I can't remember how close I was to being on schedule, but nine months prior to my birthday: "You're Having My Baby" by Paul Anka and Odia Coates. And Ray Davies.
posted by emelenjr at 7:43 PM on February 20, 2006

Very cool site!

I walked out of my marriage on my birthday in 1979. The song that day was "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" by Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer.

(I don't remember the song; just like the title)
posted by Surfurrus at 7:52 PM on February 20, 2006

liar!
posted by soiled cowboy at 8:02 PM on February 20, 2006

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen
posted by trishthedish at 8:04 PM on February 20, 2006

"Leck mich im Arsch," by Mozart
Actually *sniff* it was "Wieviel kostet der Hündchen im Fenster?" by Patti Page (can't force myself to admit it in English)
posted by rob511 at 8:04 PM on February 20, 2006

Ringo, a novelty spoken western song by Lorne Greene of Bonanza fame (1964)---ugh! (and i just missed Leader of the Pack by a week)
posted by amberglow at 8:33 PM on February 20, 2006

my conception song is much much better (if i took exactly 9 months): I Want to Hold Your Hand : >
posted by amberglow at 8:34 PM on February 20, 2006

UK: Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep by Middle of the road, which I have never heard but it sounds intestine-stretchingly awful.

Sparx, email me--i have it and will send it to you if you want--i love that song! it's wonderful catchy bubblegum stuff!
posted by amberglow at 8:43 PM on February 20, 2006

"The Morning After" by Maureen McGovern

Never heard of it. Do I want to?

That's the theme song to Poseidon Adventure, orange--it sucks tho
posted by amberglow at 8:46 PM on February 20, 2006

I'm dying to know which song was #1 on jonmc's birthday, where the heck is he?
posted by zarah at 8:53 PM on February 20, 2006

Oh Margie, you came and you brought me a turkey
On my vacation away from workie

Yep, "Mandy" by Barry Manilow. I'm ashamed I don't even rate "Copacabana" or something.

Nine months earlier, though? "TSOP" by MFSB. Hell yeah!
posted by arto at 8:57 PM on February 20, 2006

"Baby Love" by The Supremes
posted by kirkaracha at 9:01 PM on February 20, 2006

My conception songs were:
US - "Tragedy" by The Bee Gees
UK - "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

That's kinda (very) creepy, but my folks listen to country music, so I doubt they were knocking boots- wait, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia"?!?

NOOOOOOOOO!!!


eisbaer: You're confusing Hot Chocolate with Hot Butter, aka the Apotheosis of The Moog.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:25 PM on February 20, 2006

"Walk Like A Man" by the Four Seasons. It bloody figures.
posted by davy at 9:32 PM on February 20, 2006

"And yeah, all you people naming songs from the mid 80's are depressing the fuck out of me."

Same here. Damn I'm old.

"I should have my prostate checked."

I'm biting my metaphorical tongue.
posted by davy at 9:37 PM on February 20, 2006

How deep is your love - The Bee Gees

I have never been more proud
posted by subaruwrx at 9:53 PM on February 20, 2006

Know the birth song without looking -- Frankie Valli, "My Eyes Adored You".

(looks up conception song)

Yeesh - "Billy Don't Be a Hero".

Me: I assume that by "Windy," they mean "Wendy."
Spock (correctly): No. It's "Windy".

Everyone knows it's Windy!
posted by evilcolonel at 9:56 PM on February 20, 2006

Another "Hey Jude" here.
posted by kindall at 10:00 PM on February 20, 2006

twilight time, the coasters. Still love it.
posted by scottymac at 10:07 PM on February 20, 2006

"Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" by John Lennon. now thats damn cool. but thats only from the monster half of stackmonster... the stack part has no desire to look this sort of crap up. so there.
posted by stackmonster at 10:14 PM on February 20, 2006

"Wheel of Fortune" by Kay Starr.
posted by Lynsey at 10:48 PM on February 20, 2006

1973 ... "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye
posted by exlotuseater at 12:29 AM on February 21, 2006

Born when "Cold, Cold Heart" by Tony Bennett was big, and probably conceived when Perry Como's "If" was selling like hotcakes... Boomer, representin'
posted by paulsc at 1:05 AM on February 21, 2006

This link gives you UK and US Number ones (apols if double but I'm not reading through the whole thread!)

My number one in the UK was:

Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West) - Benny Hill!

Beat that!
posted by brettski at 1:10 AM on February 21, 2006

"Love Hangover" by Diana Ross

and what a hangover I turned out to be.
posted by DaRiLo at 2:03 AM on February 21, 2006

US and UK, I was conceived and born in the reign of the Phil and Don (and Chubby), but I think my mother said they were watching the Mitch Miller Show when I was born. Hmm. Follow the bouncing ball. Any way to find out exactly what was on the Mitch Miller Show for a given date?
posted by pracowity at 2:18 AM on February 21, 2006

1967 ... "Kind of a Drag" by The Buckinghams

I was doomed from the start.
posted by srboisvert at 3:03 AM on February 21, 2006

"Crazy for You" by Madonna, eh, not so interesting.

However, around my conception, it was, "When Doves Cry" by Prince. Awesome.
posted by piratebowling at 4:10 AM on February 21, 2006

"Another One Bites The Dust" - Queen

Oy.
posted by flashboy at 4:24 AM on February 21, 2006

High-Fives Davy....
posted by ParisParamus at 4:38 AM on February 21, 2006

Waddya know, I actually know some of the songs on the list for my birthday! And heck, some of them are actually what folks call as 'cool', although, frankly, I'm not sure about "I Love Rock 'n Roll" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts", which was in the year of my birth; quite plainly, I don't.
posted by the cydonian at 5:31 AM on February 21, 2006

Well I have outsucked all the suckers with my sucky song: Tammy by Debby Reynolds. Ugh.
Truly nothing good can be said about that song.

"The Morning After" by Maureen McGovern
Never heard of it. Do I want to?

That's the theme song to Poseidon Adventure, orange--it sucks tho
posted by amberglow at 11:46 PM EST on February 20
Good call, Amberglow. I remembered it tied into some blockbuster tragedy but I was thinking it was The Towering Inferno. But you are right, it was Poseidon...roll credits!

I'm with you TedW. "Dominique" by The Singing Nun

Never heard of this Singing Nun but I'd imagine I've heard this song. Anyone care to hum a few bars for me?posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 7:04 PM EST on February 20

I would gladly sing it for you if you were within earshot-- it is one of those catchy little tunes that pops into the head now and then. You could rent the movie about the nun and her surprising one hit wonder starring....Debby Reynolds!
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 7:05 AM on February 21, 2006

"Why Don't You Believe Me" by Joni James (Never heard of it of Ms. James, but then again I was quite young during her heyday.)
posted by MotherTucker at 9:38 AM on February 21, 2006

"Baby Got Back" by sir-mix-alot. I hope this foretells my future.
posted by Suparnova at 11:29 AM on February 21, 2006

"Physical" By Olivia Newton-John
posted by jrb223 at 11:51 AM on February 21, 2006

October 24, 1973: "Midnight Train to Georgia" - Gladys Knight and the Pips. I like that song. : )

I am feeling ancient when I read the songs some people are naming. Bad enough that there are lots from the mid-80s, but "Anything for You?" I was in HIGH SCHOOL.
posted by SisterHavana at 1:50 PM on February 21, 2006

For the 'Dominique' deficient people: Amazon link with samples (Jeanne-Paule Marie Deckers later Sister Luc-Gabrielle). Here [mp3] is a Debbie Reynolds sample.
posted by tellurian at 2:53 PM on February 21, 2006

I'm a Believer - The Monkees. guess it coulda been worse... at least they're fun.
posted by Zack_Replica at 3:41 PM on February 21, 2006

March 1973: "Killing Me Softly With His Song" - Roberta Flack (written about Don McLean)
posted by candyland at 3:58 PM on February 21, 2006

Hit in UK on my birthday: "I Love You," by Cliff Richard and The Shadows.

The hit when I was conceived (if I didn't oversleep):
UK: "My Old Man’s A Dustman," by Lonnie Donegan
US: "The Theme From 'A Summer Place,'" by Percy Faith

Shrieking geekdom, except for Lonnie, RIP.

Well, this one's on the money: high school graduation (if I recall the date correctly: "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late," by Johnnny Mathis and Deniece Williams. Best day of my life, by far.
posted by datawrangler at 4:12 PM on February 21, 2006

the lovin' spoonful's "summer in the city"....God, that song will be forty years old this summer!
posted by annieb at 5:17 PM on February 21, 2006

and in reading the "conception songs" (the nine months before your birth)(plus two weeks since I was early), my conception song was "I Hear A Symphony" by the Supremes.
posted by annieb at 5:27 PM on February 21, 2006

Jan 1/86 "Say You, Say Me" by Lionel Richie

Geez!
posted by zarah at 1:47 PM PST on February 20 [!] Wow, I was two years out of high school and in college part-time! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!! Age is just a number, right?
posted by annieb at 5:37 PM on February 21, 2006

RE: "Dominique", by the Singing Nun, the history behind it is pretty interesting.

Lyrics. And Wiki entry.

From the wiki, evidently the popularity of this song is why you can't claim to have been born under "Louie, Louie". :)
posted by darkstar at 6:12 PM on February 21, 2006

March 1973: "Killing Me Softly With His Song" - Roberta Flack (written about Don McLean)

really???? how weird.
posted by amberglow at 6:13 PM on February 21, 2006

My UK song is 'Stand by your Man' by Tammy Wynette. I guess I'm just surprised that was ever a UK hit.
posted by sophie at 7:20 PM on February 21, 2006

Since so many people seem to have an interest in the Singing Nun, here's the straight dope.
posted by TedW at 6:25 AM on February 22, 2006

Thanks for that follow-up, TedW.

Before this thread, I'd never heard the song, nor even heard of the Singing Nun) I had some vague notion that there was a movie by that title, but it's just one of those strange lacunae we all have, you know? I now feel like a whole chapter of history that I was unaware of has just opened up.

What an interesting, sad story. No wonder they made a movie about her.
posted by darkstar at 6:48 AM on February 22, 2006

Though, from the IMDB, I take it that the movie said nothing at all of her beyond the quaint "singing nun" theme:

Loosely based on the true story of Soeur Sourire, who had a #1 pop hit in America with "Dominique", the film fails to tell the viewer that the lovable nun was a one-hit wonder whose life did not continue happily after her brief blush of chart success. After leaving the church for a full-time music career, she ran into heavy financial problems and eventually took her own life.
posted by darkstar at 6:51 AM on February 22, 2006

okay, my first son's conception song was (and yes, I know the exact night he was conceived) : "end of the road" by Boyz II Men, his birth song was "that's the way love goes" by Janet Jackson, and the first song I heard after giving birth was "Bad to the Bone" by George Thorogood. For my second son, conception date is unknown (I didn't know I was pregnant until 2 and a half months) so his birth song was "unbread my heart" by Toni Braxton, and the first song after giving birth (naturally, no drugs, to a 9 and a half pound baby) was "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman".....how fitting.
posted by annieb at 5:34 PM on February 22, 2006

I am feeling ancient when I read the songs some people are naming. Bad enough that there are lots from the mid-80s, but "Anything for You?" I was in HIGH SCHOOL.
posted by SisterHavana at 1:50 PM PST on February 21 [!]
Hate to tell you this, but i was in high school IN the 80's!
posted by annieb at 5:38 PM on February 22, 2006