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Song Stories

“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”

Wham! | 1984

An incessantly snappy pop-soul tune powered by handclaps, tambourine, female backup harmonies and an infectious chorus, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" became one of the biggest hits of the mid-1980s. George Michael wrote the song based on a note posted over bandmate Andrew Ridgeley's bed. "I just wanted to make a really energetic pop record that had all the best elements of Fifties and Sixties records, combined with our attitude and approach, which is obviously more uptempo and a lot younger than some of those records," Michael explained in Rolling Stone.

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“Hanky Panky”
Tommy James and the Shondells | 1964
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“Pay to Cum”
Bad Brains | 1982

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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