17 Songs About Nothing: 17 Unusual Tracks

Hey music lovers and fellow DJs, it’s TBone here from Level Tunes, bringing you something a little different this time. I’ve always believed that music has the power to tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect people.

But what about songs that seem to be about… well, nothing? Intrigued by this concept, I dove deep into the archives and emerged with a list of 17 songs that, on the surface, might not have a clear message or storyline.

Why?

Because I think there’s beauty and fun in the ambiguity and simplicity of these tracks. They prove that music doesn’t always need to be profound to be impactful.

So, whether you’re a DJ looking to add some unique flavors to your set or a music enthusiast curious about these oddball tracks, join me on this quirky musical journey. Let’s explore what makes these songs about “nothing” something truly special.

Here are the songs about nothing that you can check out:

List Of Songs About Nothing

Songs about nothing songs in a list format:

“The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars

Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Year: 2010
Label: Elektra Records
Bruno Mars hit the nail on the head with “The Lazy Song” from his debut studio album, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans.” Released in 2010 under Elektra Records, this track became an anthem for anyone looking to do absolutely nothing for a day. With its catchy melody and laid-back lyrics that literally talk about lounging around without any plans, Mars captures a feeling of carefree relaxation that’s hard to resist. The charm of “The Lazy Song” lies in its relatability; who hasn’t wanted a day just to be lazy? It’s a musical reminder to take it easy, making it a perfect addition to our list.

“Song 2” by Blur

Album: Blur
Year: 1997
Label: Food Records
Blur’s “Song 2,” from their self-titled fifth album released in 1997, is a two-minute blast of adrenaline with lyrics that seem to revel in their own nonsensical energy. Despite its brevity and ambiguous lyrics, the song became a massive hit, thanks in part to its infectious “woo-hoo” chorus and gritty guitar riffs. The track’s title, “Song 2,” was actually a working title that stuck, further emphasizing its simplicity. It’s a perfect example of how a song doesn’t need to be about anything profound to capture the hearts of listeners worldwide, making it a must-include on our list.

“Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America

Album: The Presidents of the United States of America
Year: 1995
Label: Columbia Records
“Peaches,” released in 1995 on the band’s debut album, is a quirky ode to, well, peaches. The Presidents of the United States of America have a knack for creating catchy, humorous songs, and “Peaches” is no exception. With its simple, catchy chorus and playful lyrics about moving to the country to eat a lot of peaches, the song manages to be both absurd and endearing. It’s a lighthearted track that reminds us not every song needs a deep message to be enjoyable or memorable. “Peaches” is a celebration of simplicity and the joy of fruit, making it an unforgettable addition to our playlist.

“Detachable Penis” by King Missile

Album: Happy Hour
Year: 1992
Label: Atlantic Records
“Detachable Penis” by King Missile is one of those songs that you have to hear to believe. Released on the album “Happy Hour” in 1992 under Atlantic Records, this track tells the bizarre tale of a man who loses and subsequently searches for his detachable penis. The storytelling is straightforward, humorous, and delivered with a deadpan vocal style that contrasts amusingly with the surreal subject matter. It’s a song that’s about nothing in the conventional sense but captures the listener’s imagination with its absurdity and originality. The song stands out for its unique narrative and the band’s ability to turn an outlandish concept into a catchy, memorable track.

“I Am the Walrus” by The Beatles

Album: Magical Mystery Tour
Year: 1967
Label: Parlophone
The Beatles’ “I Am the Walrus,” featured on the 1967 album “Magical Mystery Tour,” is a prime example of the band’s experimental phase. John Lennon, inspired by the nonsense verse of Lewis Carroll, crafted lyrics that were intentionally cryptic and bizarre, leading to widespread speculation about their meaning. With its iconic opening line, “I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together,” the song is a psychedelic trip into the absurd. The Beatles’ use of innovative studio techniques and unique sound effects adds to the song’s dreamlike quality. “I Am the Walrus” demonstrates how a song about nothing in particular can still be profound and artistically significant.

“Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles

Album: Revolver
Year: 1966
Label: Parlophone
Another entry by The Beatles, “Yellow Submarine,” from their 1966 album “Revolver,” is a delightful dive into whimsy and fantasy. Written primarily by Paul McCartney for Ringo Starr to sing, the song narrates the life of people living in a yellow submarine. Its childlike innocence and catchy chorus made it a hit among fans of all ages, showcasing

The Beatles’ versatility and ability to craft songs that appeal across generations. “Yellow Submarine” is more than just a song; it became a symbol of peace and love during the 1960s. Its simplicity and joyous nature make it a standout track that proves music about “nothing” can create a colorful, imaginative world that listeners can escape into, further cementing its place on our list.

“Los Angeles Is Burning” by Bad Religion

Album: The Empire Strikes First
Year: 2004
Label: Epitaph Records
At first glance, Bad Religion’s “Los Angeles Is Burning” from the 2004 album “The Empire Strikes First” might seem like a song with a deep message about environmental disaster or social commentary. However, the band has a knack for wrapping serious themes in layers of irony and satire, leading to a song that’s both catchy and thought-provoking. The lyrics, while touching on the reality of wildfires in California, also delve into the media’s sensationalism of such events. Bad Religion combines high-energy punk rock with intellectually stimulating lyrics, proving that songs can be about significant issues while also feeling like they’re about “nothing” in the sense of offering direct solutions or narratives. It’s a brilliant reflection on our world, making it a perfect fit for our collection.

“MacArthur Park” by Richard Harris

Album: A Tramp Shining
Year: 1968
Label: Dunhill Records
“MacArthur Park,” performed by Richard Harris and released on his album “A Tramp Shining” in 1968, is infamous for its abstract lyrics, notably the cake left out in the rain. Composer Jimmy Webb has offered various explanations for the song’s imagery, but its true meaning remains enigmatic to listeners. This sprawling, orchestral pop song, with its epic length and dramatic arrangement, captures a sense of grandiosity and emotion that feels both overwhelming and vague. Its notorious line about the cake has been the subject of much amusement and confusion, making “MacArthur Park” a song that’s remembered more for its peculiarities than its narrative clarity. It’s a masterpiece of the unusual, earning its spot on our list.

“Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65

Album: Europop
Year: 1999
Label: Bliss Corporation
Eiffel 65’s “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” is a Eurodance sensation that dominated the charts in 1999, featured on their album “Europop.” The song’s lyrics are famously nonsensical, revolving around a character who lives in a blue world. Despite its repetitive chorus and simple lyrics, “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” became a global hit, showcasing the power of catchy melodies and danceable beats. The song’s appeal lies in its infectious energy and the way it embraces its own absurdity. It’s a perfect example of how music doesn’t need to be deep to be impactful, making listeners want to dance and sing along to something that’s essentially about nothing.

“Common People” by Pulp

Album: Different Class
Year: 1995
Label: Island Records
While “Common People” by Pulp, from their 1995 album “Different Class,” might seem to carry a strong social message at its core, it’s the storytelling approach and the characters’ portrayal that places it on this list. Jarvis Cocker’s lyrics narrate a story about a girl who wants to live like “common people,” capturing the class divide and the longing for authenticity. The song’s genius lies in its ability to combine catchy pop sensibilities with sharp, witty commentary on social issues. It’s a danceable track that makes you think, proving that a song can be about everyday life and still resonate deeply with listeners. “Common People” is an anthem for the disillusioned, making it a must-include for its clever observation of seemingly “nothing” — the desire to experience life beyond one’s bubble.

“Float On” by Modest Mouse

Album: Good News for People Who Love Bad News
Year: 2004
Label: Epic Records
“Float On” by Modest Mouse, from their 2004 album “Good News for People Who Love Bad News,” is an indie rock anthem imbued with a sense of optimism amidst adversity. The lyrics detail various mishaps and misfortunes, yet the chorus reassures listeners that we’ll all “float on” regardless. This song stands out for its upbeat melody paired with the band’s signature off-kilter sound, creating an infectious sense of hope. “Float On” demonstrates how a song about the ups and downs of everyday existence can uplift and inspire, making it a perfect addition to a playlist of songs about “nothing” that somehow encapsulate everything important about keeping a positive outlook.

“Birdhouse in Your Soul” by They Might Be Giants

Album: Flood
Year: 1990

Label: Elektra Records
“They Might Be Giants” have always had a gift for creating wonderfully quirky and intelligent music, and “Birdhouse in Your Soul” from their 1990 album “Flood” is no exception. This song, ostensibly sung from the perspective of a nightlight, is a masterclass in whimsical lyricism and catchy pop melodies. Its lyrics are delightfully nonsensical at first glance, with references that range from lighthouses to Argonauts, yet there’s an underlying warmth and comfort in the song’s portrayal of a simple object providing safety in the dark. The song’s ability to mix the abstract with the endearing makes it a standout track. It’s a testament to the band’s creativity, showing how a song about “nothing” — a nightlight’s perspective, in this case — can be packed with imagination and evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana

Album: Nevermind
Year: 1991
Label: DGC Records
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the lead single from their 1991 album “Nevermind,” became the anthem for a disaffected generation, despite Kurt Cobain famously describing the lyrics as nonsensical. The song’s raw energy, combined with its cryptic lyrics, captured the spirit of youth disillusionment in a way that felt both universal and deeply personal. Its title, inspired by a brand of deodorant, adds to the song’s aura of being about “nothing” while resonating profoundly with listeners worldwide. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a powerful reminder that music can convey emotion and rebellion, making a statement without a clear narrative, and it’s this enigmatic quality that secures its place on our list.

“Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba

Album: Tubthumper
Year: 1997
Label: EMI Records
Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping” is a song that became synonymous with perseverance and getting back up again, no matter what. Released in 1997 on the album “Tubthumper,” it’s best known for its chorus, “I get knocked down, but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down.” Despite its repetitive lyrics, the song is an infectious anthem of resilience. The band, known for their anarchist beliefs, managed to create a hit that’s both a party song and a subtle political statement. Its simplicity and catchiness make “Tubthumping” an unforgettable track that shows how a song about “nothing” can become an enduring symbol of endurance and hope.

“Whip It” by Devo

Album: Freedom of Choice
Year: 1980
Label: Warner Bros. Records
Devo’s “Whip It,” from their 1980 album “Freedom of Choice,” is a new wave classic that combines catchy synth lines with abstract and seemingly nonsensical lyrics. The song’s message, according to the band, was intended as a pep talk about overcoming adversity, though many listeners were drawn to its quirky sound and enigmatic words. Its iconic music video, featuring the band in their distinctive energy dome hats, further cemented “Whip It” as a song that’s enjoyably bizarre. Devo’s ability to craft music that’s both thought-provoking and fun makes “Whip It” a prime example of how songs about “nothing” can still be compelling and memorable.

“Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini” by Brian Hyland

Album: Single release
Year: 1960
Label: Kapp Records
Brian Hyland’s “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini,” released as a single in 1960, is a novelty song that tells the story of a shy girl wearing a revealing bikini for the first time. With its catchy tune and playful lyrics, the song became a summertime anthem and a hit on the charts. It’s a light-hearted reminder of the era’s innocence and the pop music scene’s ability to turn just about anything into a catchy melody. This song, while seemingly about a trivial subject, captures a moment in time and the universal feeling of self-consciousness, making it a noteworthy addition to our list.

“MMMbop” by Hanson

Album: Middle of Nowhere
Year: 1997
Label: Mercury Records
Hanson’s “MMMbop,” from their debut album “Middle of Nowhere” in 1997, is a pop phenomenon that took the world by storm. Despite the song’s upbeat melody and infectious chorus, the lyrics discuss the transient nature of relationships and the importance of holding onto those who really matter.

Fun Facts: Songs About Nothing

“The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars and his songwriting team, The Smeezingtons, reportedly wrote “The Lazy Song” in a day, embodying the laid-back, carefree vibe of the song itself. The music video, which features Mars and a group of backup dancers wearing monkey masks, went viral for its humorous and relaxed approach, perfectly capturing the essence of doing nothing at all.

“Song 2” by Blur

Originally, “Song 2” was somewhat of a joke and a departure from Blur’s usual style, designed to parody the grunge genre that was dominating the US music scene at the time. The track’s title comes from its position as the second track on the album and because it’s roughly two minutes long. Its unexpected success in the US was a surprise to the band, as it was quite different from their typical sound.

“Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America

The song “Peaches” was inspired by a real-life experience of vocalist Chris Ballew, who, as a teenager, would sit in a peach tree to write songs. The seemingly nonsensical lyrics about peaches and ninjas became a signature hit for the band, showcasing their ability to turn the mundane into something utterly memorable and fun.

“I Am the Walrus” by The Beatles

John Lennon wrote “I Am the Walrus” as a response to a letter from a student who said his teacher was making the class analyze Beatles’ lyrics. Lennon, amused and intrigued by this, decided to write a set of lyrics that were intentionally confusing and nonsensical to confound anyone trying to interpret the song’s meaning. The inclusion of a radio broadcast of Shakespeare’s “King Lear” in the mix was a serendipitous accident that added to the song’s surreal quality.

“Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles

“Yellow Submarine” is not only a beloved Beatles song but also became the title for the 1968 animated film featuring the band. The song’s simple, sing-along style and imaginative lyrics helped to ensure its popularity with children and adults alike. Paul McCartney envisioned the song as a kind of children’s song, which is why it has such a playful, storybook quality to it.

“MacArthur Park” by Richard Harris

“MacArthur Park” is often cited for its abstract lyrics, particularly the infamous line about leaving the cake out in the rain. Composer Jimmy Webb has explained that the song was meant to convey the complexity of love and loss, using the metaphor of a cake to represent something beautiful that cannot be reclaimed once it’s gone. The song’s unusual structure and length were groundbreaking at the time of its release.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana

Kurt Cobain was unaware that “Teen Spirit” was a brand of deodorant when he wrote the song. The title came from a friend’s graffiti on his wall, saying “Kurt Smells Like Teen Spirit,” which Cobain interpreted as a revolutionary slogan. It was only after the song became a hit that he learned it referred to a deodorant brand, adding an ironic twist to the anthem of a generation.

“Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba

Chumbawamba, known for their anarchist and libertarian socialist views, saw “Tubthumping” become a mainstream success, which was somewhat ironic given their anti-establishment stance. The band donated much of the profits from the song to various social and political causes, staying true to their activist roots despite the song’s widespread commercial success.

There you have it, music lovers and fellow DJs – our journey through 17 songs that seem to be about nothing, yet each holds a unique place in the tapestry of music history. From the whimsical to the weird, these tracks prove that sometimes, it’s the songs about “nothing” that end up meaning the most.

Thanks for reading.

TBone