An answer song, response song or answer record, is a song (usually a recorded track) made in answer to a previous song, normally by another artist. The concept became widespread in

blues Blues is a music genre and musical form which originated in the Deep South of the United States around the 1860s. Blues incorporated spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts, chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads from the Afr ...

and R&B recorded music in the 1930s to the 1950s. Answer songs were also extremely popular in

country music Country (also called country and western) is a genre of popular music that originated in the Southern and Southwestern United States in the early 1920s. It primarily derives from blues, church music such as Southern gospel and spirituals, ...

in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, sometimes as female responses to an original hit by a male artist or male responses to a hit by a female artist. The original " Hound Dog" song sung by Big Mama Thornton reached number 1 in 1953, and there were six answer songs in response; the most successful of these was "Bear Cat", by Rufus Thomas which reached number 3. That led to a successful copyright lawsuit for $35,000, which is said to have led

Sam Phillips Samuel Cornelius Phillips (January 5, 1923 – July 30, 2003) was an American record producer. He was the founder of Sun Records and Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, where he produced recordings by Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, ...

Sun Records Sun Records is an American independent record label founded by producer Sam Phillips in Memphis, Tennessee in February 1952. Sun was the first label to record Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny C ...

to sell

Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), or simply Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Elvis Presley, one ...

's recording contract to

RCA The RCA Corporation was a major American electronics company, which was founded as the Radio Corporation of America in 1919. It was initially a patent trust owned by General Electric (GE), Westinghouse, AT&T Corporation and United Fruit Comp ...

. In ''Rock Eras: Interpretations of Music and Society'', Jim Curtis says that "the series of answer songs which were hits in 1960... indicates the dissociation of the singer from the song... Answer songs rode on the coattails, as it were, of the popularity of the first song, and resembled parodies in that their success depended on a knowledge of the original... Answer songs were usually one-hit flukes by unknown singers whose lack of identity did not detract from the success of the record since only the song, and not the performer, mattered." Today, this practice is most common in hip hop music and

filk Filk music is a musical culture, genre, and community tied to science fiction, fantasy, and horror fandom and a type of fan labor. The genre has existed since the early 1950s and been played primarily since the mid-1970s. Etymology and defi ...

, especially as the continuation of a feud between performers; the

Roxanne Wars The Roxanne Wars is a well-known series of hip hop rivalries during the mid-1980s, yielding perhaps the most Answer song, answer records in history. The dispute arose over a failed appearance at a radio promotional show. There were two Roxannes i ...

was a notable example that resulted in over a hundred answer songs. Answer songs also played a part in the battle over turf in

The Bridge Wars The Bridge Wars was a hip hop music rivalry during the mid-to-late 1980s and early 1990s, that arose from a dispute over the true birthplace of hip hop music and retaliation over the rejecting of a record for airplay. Sometimes, an answer record imitated the original very closely and occasionally, a hit song would be followed up by the same artist.

Examples

Pre-1950s

*The sentimental Irish ballad, " I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen" (1875) by Thomas P. Westendorf was written as a reply to the earlier "Barney, Take Me Home Again" by George W. Persley. *Sir Walter Raleigh and Christopher Marlowe traded life philosophies on the battlefield of poetry, namely, "

The Passionate Shepherd To His Love "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" (1599), by Christopher Marlowe, is a pastoral poem from the English Renaissance (1485–1603). Marlowe composed the poem in iambic tetrameter (four feet of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed ...

" (1599) and "

The Nymph's Reply To The Shepherd The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd (1600), by Walter Raleigh, is a poem that responds to and parodies the poem " The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" (1599), by Christopher Marlowe. In replying to the shepherd's invitation, the nymph presents h ...

" (1600). *"I Wonder Why Bill Bailey Don't Come Home" was written by

William Jerome William Jerome Flannery, September 30, 1865 – June 25, 1932) was an American songwriter, born in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York of Irish immigrant parents, Mary Donnellan and Patrick Flannery. He collaborated with numerous well-known composers a ...

and recorded by Arthur Collins in 1902 as an answer to "

Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home "(Won't You Come Home) Bill Bailey", originally titled "Bill Bailey, Won't You Please.... Come Home?" is a popular song published in 1902. It is commonly referred to as simply "Bill Bailey". Its words and music were written by Hughie Cannon, an ...

", published by

Hughie Cannon Hugo Cannon (April 9, 1877 – June 17, 1912) was an American songwriter and pianist whose best-known composition was the popular ragtime song "(Won't You Come Home) Bill Bailey". Biography Cannon was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1877. He ...

and recorded by Collins earlier the same year. *"I Used to Be Afraid to Come Home in the Dark" was recorded by Billy Murray in 1909 as a response to his own 1908 hit, "I'm Afraid to Come Home in the Dark" * The popularity of the 1923 song "

Yes! We Have No Bananas "Yes! We Have No Bananas" is an American novelty song by Frank Silver and Irving Cohn published March 23, 1923. It became a major hit in 1923 (placing No. 1 for five weeks) when it was recorded by Billy Jones, Billy Murray, Arthur Hall, Irving ...

" was answered that same year by "I've Got The Yes! We Have No Banana Blues" with lyrics by

Lew Brown Lew Brown (born Louis Brownstein; December 10, 1893 – February 5, 1958) was a lyricist for popular songs in the United States. During World War I and the Roaring Twenties, he wrote lyrics for several of the top Tin Pan Alley composers, esp ...

, composed by Robert King and

James F. Hanley James Frederick Hanley (February 17, 1892 – February 8, 1942) was an American songwriter and author. Biography Hanley was born in Rensselaer, Indiana on February 17, 1892. He attended Champion College and the Chicago Musical College. He serve ...

. The song referred to the ubiquity and nonsense lyrics of the original.

Eddie Cantor Eddie Cantor (born Isidore Itzkowitz; January 31, 1892 – October 10, 1964) was an American comedian, actor, dancer, singer, songwriter, film producer, screenwriter and author. Familiar to Broadway, radio, movie, and early television audiences, ...

Eva Taylor Eva Taylor (January 22, 1895 — October 31, 1977) was an American blues singer and stage actress. Life and career Born Irene Joy Gibbons in St. Louis, Missouri, as one of twelve children. On stage from the age of three, Taylor toured New ...

Isabelle Patricola Isabel is a female name of Spanish origin. Isabelle is a name that is similar, but it is of French origin. It originates as the medieval Spanish form of '' Elisabeth'' (ultimately Hebrew ''Elisheva''), Arising in the 12th century, it became popul ...

, and

Belle Baker Belle Baker (December 25, 1893 in New York City – April 29, 1957 in Los Angeles) was an American singer and actress. Popular throughout the 1910s and 1920s, Baker introduced a number of ragtime and torch songs including Irving Berlin's " Bl ...

all sang on releases of this song. *

Patsy Montana Rubye Rose Blevins (October 30, 1908 – May 3, 1996), known professionally as Patsy Montana, was an American country music singer, songwriter and actress. Montana was the first female country performer to have a million-selling single with her ...

's "

I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart "I Wanna Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" is a country and Western song written and first recorded in 1935 by Ruby Blevins, who performed as Patsy Montana. It was the first country song by a female artist to sell more than one million copies. Backgrou ...

" (written 1934, recorded 1935), the first million seller hit by a female country artist, was an answer to Stuart Hamblen's "Texas Plains". *

Woody Guthrie Woodrow Wilson Guthrie (; July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer-songwriter, one of the most significant figures in American folk music. His work focused on themes of American socialism and anti-fascism. He has inspired ...

's anthem "

This Land Is Your Land "This Land Is Your Land" is one of the United States' most famous folk songs. Its lyrics were written by American folk singer Woody Guthrie in 1940 in critical response to Irving Berlin's "God Bless America", with melody based on a Carter Fam ...

" was written in 1940 as an answer to "

God Bless America "God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin during World War I in 1918 and revised by him in the run up to World War II in 1938. The later version was notably recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature s ...

", written by

Irving Berlin Irving Berlin (born Israel Beilin; yi, ישראל ביילין; May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989) was a Russian-American composer, songwriter and lyricist. His music forms a large part of the Great American Songbook. Born in Imperial Russi ...

in 1918 (and revised in 1938). Guthrie originally called his response "God Blessed America for Me".

1950s

* "

It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" is a 1952 country song written by J. D. "Jay" Miller, and originally recorded by Kitty Wells. It was an answer song to the Hank Thompson hit "The Wild Side of Life." The song — which blamed unfaith ...

", written by J. D. "Jay" Miller in 1952 and originally sung by

Kitty Wells Ellen Muriel Deason (August 30, 1919 – July 16, 2012), known professionally as Kitty Wells, was an American pioneering female country music singer. She broke down a barrier to women in country music with her 1952 hit recording "It Wasn't God W ...

, was a response to "

The Wild Side of Life "The Wild Side of Life" is a song made famous by country music singer Hank Thompson. Originally released in 1952, the song became one of the most popular recordings in the genre's history, spending 15 weeks at number one on the ''Billboard'' co ...

", made famous that same year by Hank Thompson. *"

Mannish Boy "Mannish Boy" (or "Manish Boy" as it was first labeled) is a blues standard written by Muddy Waters, Mel London, and Bo Diddley (with Waters and Diddley being credited under their birth names). First recorded in 1955 by Waters, it serves as an " ...

" (1955) by

Muddy Waters McKinley Morganfield (April 4, 1913 April 30, 1983), known professionally as Muddy Waters, was an American blues singer and musician who was an important figure in the post-war blues scene, and is often cited as the "father of modern Chicago b ...

was a response to

Bo Diddley Ellas McDaniel (born Ellas Otha Bates; December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008), known professionally as Bo Diddley, was an American guitarist who played a key role in the transition from the blues to rock and roll. He influenced many artists, incl ...

's " I'm a Man", which also happened to be a response to "

I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man "Hoochie Coochie Man" (originally titled "I'm Your Hoochie Cooche Man") is a blues standard written by Willie Dixon and first recorded by Muddy Waters in 1954. The song makes reference to hoodoo folk magic elements and makes novel use of a sto ...

", an earlier song by Muddy Waters in 1954. * “

Hot Rod Lincoln "Hot Rod Lincoln" is a song by American singer-songwriter Charlie Ryan, first released in 1955. It was written as an answer song to Arkie Shibley's 1950 hit "Hot Rod Race" (US #29). It describes a drive north on US Route 99 (predecessor to ...

” (1955) is Charlie Ryan’s a response to "Hot Rod Race," (1950)

Arkie Shibley Jesse Lee Shibley, known as Arkie Shibley (21 September 1914 – September 1975) was an American Old-time music, country singer who recorded the original version of "Hot Rod Race" in 1950. The record was important because ''"it introduced ...

and His Mountain Dew Boys and is arguably the more well known of the two songs. * "Can't Do Sixty No More", written and performed by The Dominoes, was a response to their own hit song from four years earlier (1951), "

Sixty Minute Man "Sixty Minute Man" is a rhythm and blues (R&B) record released on Federal Records in 1951 by the Dominoes. It was written by Billy Ward and Rose Marks and was one of the first R&B hit records to cross over to become a hit on the pop chart. It ...

". *One of the longest answer record cycles was started by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters' (1954) R&B hit "Work With Me Annie", and its sequel song "Annie Had a Baby" (1954). Answer songs include "Annie's Answer" (1954) by the El-Dorados, "Annie Pulled a Humbug" (1954) by the Midnights, "Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry)" (1955) by Etta James, and "I'm the Father of Annie's Baby" (1955), by Danny Taylor.

The Midnighters The Midnighters were an American vocal group from Detroit, Michigan. They were an influential group in the 1950s and early 1960s, with many Rhythm and blues, R&B hit records. They were also notable for launching the career of lead singer Hank B ...

also recorded an "answer to the answer": "Henry's Got Flat Feet (Can't Dance No More)" (1955). *"Nothing Can Replace A Man" (1955) from the musical ''Ankles Aweigh'' bills itself in its verse as an answer to Rodgers and Hammerstein's "

There Is Nothin' Like A Dame "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" (for 4 part male voices, 2 tenors and 2 basses) is one of the songs from the 1949 musical '' South Pacific''. The song was written by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It is widely popular in the ...

" (1949). *"I Shot Mr. Lee" (1958) was

The Bobbettes The Bobbettes were an American rhythm and blues, R&B girl group who had a 1957 Top 40, top 10 hit song called "Mr. Lee (song), Mr. Lee". The group initially existed from 1955 to 1974 and included Jannie Pought (1945–1980), Emma Pought (born 194 ...

' response to their own 1957 hit, " Mr. Lee". * "That Makes It" was

Jayne Mansfield Jayne Mansfield (born Vera Jayne Palmer; April 19, 1933 – June 29, 1967) was an American actress, singer, nightclub entertainer, and ''Playboy'' Playmate. A sex symbol of the 1950s and early 1960s while under contract at 20th Century Fox, Man ...

's response to

The Big Bopper Jiles Perry "J.P." Richardson Jr. (October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959), known as The Big Bopper, was an American singer, songwriter and disc jockey. His best-known compositions include "Chantilly Lace" and " White Lightning", the latter of wh ...

's "

Chantilly Lace Chantilly lace is a handmade bobbin lace named after the city of Chantilly,"Chantilly" ''The Oxford English Dictionary''. 2nd ed. 1989. France, in a tradition dating from the 17th century. The famous silk laces were introduced in the 18th cent ...

" (1958), suggesting what the girl may have been saying at the other end of the line. * "Oh Neil!" was

Carole King Carole King Klein (born Carol Joan Klein; February 9, 1942) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has been active since 1958, initially as one of the staff songwriters at 1650 Broadway and later as a solo artist. Regarded as one ...

's response to

Neil Sedaka Neil Sedaka (; born March 13, 1939) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. Since his music career began in 1957, he has sold millions of records worldwide and has written or co-written over 500 songs for himself and other artists, collabo ...

's "

Oh! Carol "Oh! Carol" is an international hit written by Neil Sedaka in 1958. Co-written with Howard Greenfield, the song is noted for Sedaka's spoken recitation of the verse, the second time around. The song spent 18 weeks on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, ...

" (1959); Sedaka and King were both co-workers and friends since high school. * "Short Mort" (1959) by

was a response to

Annette Funicello Annette Joanne Funicello (October 22, 1942 – April 8, 2013) was an American actress and singer. Funicello began her professional career as a child performer at the age of twelve. She was one of the most popular Mouseketeers on the orig ...

's "

Tall Paul "Tall Paul" is a song recorded by Annette Funicello and written by the Sherman Brothers, along with Bob Roberts. Background It marked the first time that a female singer reached a top ten slot with a rock and roll single. It also spotlighted An ...

" (1959), referencing "Tall Paul" in the line, "You can keep Tall Paul, I'll take Short Mort." * "Return of the All-American Boy" (1959) by Billy Adams was a response to the 1958 smash "

The All American Boy "The All American Boy" is a 1958 talking blues song written and sung by Bobby Bare, but credited by Fraternity Records to Bill Parsons, with songwriting credit to Bill Parsons and Orville Lunsford. While Bare was in the army, Parsons lip synced ...

" by Bill Parsons (aka

Bobby Bare Robert Joseph Bare Sr. (born April 7, 1935) is an American country music singer and songwriter, best known for the songs "Marie Laveau", " Detroit City" and "500 Miles Away from Home". He is the father of Bobby Bare Jr., also a musician. Early ca ...

). * "I Got a Job" (1957) by

The Miracles The Miracles (also known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles from 1965 to 1972) were an American vocal group that was the first successful recording act for Berry Gordy's Motown Records, and one of the most important and most influential groups ...

, "I Found a Job" by The Heartbeats (1958), "I Got A Job" by The Tempos, and "I Got Fired" by The Mistakes, were all responses to

The Silhouettes The Silhouettes were an American doo wop/ R&B group, whose single " Get a Job" was a number 1 hit on the '' Billboard'' R&B singles chart and pop singles chart in 1958. The doo-wop revival group Sha Na Na derived their name from the song's ly ...

's self-penned chart-topper "Get a Job" (1957). * "Answer To The Pub With No Beer" (1958) by

Slim Dusty Slim Dusty, AO MBE (born David Gordon Kirkpatrick; 13 June 1927 – 19 September 2003) was an Australian country music singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer. He was an Australian cultural icon and one of the country's most awarded stars ...

, was a direct response to Dusty's hit "A Pub With No Beer" (1957).

1960s

* "Tell Tommy I Miss Him" (1960) by

Marilyn Michaels Marilyn Michaels (born Marilyn Sternberg, February 26, 1943) is a comedian, singer, actress, impressionist, author, and composer. Family Marilyn Michaels was born in Manhattan to Russian Jewish émigré parents. Her mother was cantoress and actr ...

is a response to "

Tell Laura I Love Her "Tell Laura I Love Her" is a teenage tragedy song written by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh. It was a US top ten popular music hit for singer Ray Peterson in 1960 on RCA Victor Records, reaching No. 7 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart. Later th ...

" (1960), recorded separately by both

Ray Peterson Ray Peterson (April 23, 1935 – January 25, 2005) was an American pop music, pop singing, singer who is best remembered for singing "Tell Laura I Love Her". He also scored numerous other hits, including "Corrine, Corrina" which was compose ...

and Ricky Valance. Versions of this answer song were also released by

Skeeter Davis Skeeter Davis (born Mary Frances Penick; December 30, 1931September 19, 2004) was an American country music singer and songwriter who sang crossover pop music songs including 1962's " The End of the World". She started out as part of the Davis S ...

and

Laura Lee Laura Lee can refer to: * Laura Lee (singer-songwriter) (born 1945), American soul and gospel singer-songwriter * Laura Lee (sex worker) (1973–2018), Irish-born sex worker and activist based in the UK * Laura Lee (bassist) (born 1986), Mexican-Ame ...

. * "I'll Save the Last Dance for You" by Damita Jo (1960) answers

The Drifters The Drifters are several American doo-wop and R&B/Soul music, soul vocal groups. They were originally formed as a backing group for Clyde McPhatter, formerly the lead tenor of Billy Ward and his Dominoes in 1953. The second group of Drifters, f ...

' " Save the Last Dance for Me", sung by

Ben E. King Benjamin Earl King (né Nelson; September 28, 1938 – April 30, 2015) was an American soul and R&B singer and record producer. He is best known as the singer and co-composer of " Stand by Me"—a US Top 10 hit, both in 1961 and later ...

(also 1960). Another Damita Jo track, "I'll Be There" (1961), was in response to King's solo hit " Stand by Me" (1960). * "He'll Have to Stay" (1960) was

Jeanne Black Gloria Jeanne Black (October 25, 1937 – October 23, 2014) was an American country music singer. Life and career Gloria Jeanne Black was born on October 25, 1937, in Pomona, California. She first gained wide exposure singing on Cliffie Stone' ...

's response to

Jim Reeves James Travis Reeves (August 20, 1923July 31, 1964) was an American country and popular music singer-songwriter. With records charting from the 1950s to the 1980s, he became well known as a practitioner of the Nashville Sound. Known as "Gentleman ...

' "

He'll Have to Go "He'll Have to Go" is an American country and pop hit recorded on October 15, 1959, by Jim Reeves. The song, released in the fall of 1959, went on to become a hit in both genres early in 1960. Background The song is about a man who's talking by t ...

" (1959), and was answered in turn by Johnny Scoggins' "I'm Gonna Stay" (also 1960). * "(I Can't Help You) I'm Falling Too" (1960) was

' response to

Hank Locklin Hank Locklin (born Lawrence Hankins Locklin; February 15, 1918 – March 8, 2009) was an American country music singer-songwriter. He had 70 chart singles, including two number one hits on ''Billboard''s country chart. His biggest hits included ...

's "

Please Help Me, I'm Falling "Please Help Me, I'm Falling" is a 1960 song written by Don Robertson and Hal Blair and first recorded by Hank Locklin. The single was Locklin's most successful recording and was his second number one on the country charts. "Please Help Me, I'm F ...

", as was

Betty Madigan Betty Madigan (born 1928) is an American traditional popular singer and actress.Harris, Harry (December 24, 1956)"Screening TV--'Stingiest Man'" ''The Philadelphia Inquirer''. Retrieved October 18, 2020.Leahy, Jack (April 30, 1961)"Sing and Be H ...

's "I'm Glad That You're Falling" (1960). * "There's Nothing on My Mind" (1960) was

The Teen Queens The Teen Queens were an American musical group from the 1950s, most remembered for their hit single " Eddie My Love", which reached No. 14 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart and No. 3 on the R&B Best Sellers charts in March 1956. The group co ...

' response to

Bobby Marchan Bobby Marchan (born Oscar James Gibson, April 30, 1930 – December 5, 1999) was an American rhythm and blues singer, songwriter, recording artist, bandleader, MC, and female impersonator. He was the key singer in the early lineup of Huey "Piano ...

's " There's Something on Your Mind" (also 1960). * "Yes, I'm Lonesome Tonight" (1960) was

Dodie Stevens Dodie Stevens (born Geraldine Ann Pasquale, February 17, 1946) is an American rock and pop singer. She is best known for her 1959 song "Pink Shoe Laces." It debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100 when Stevens was one day short of 13 year ...

's response to

's " Are You Lonesome Tonight?" (also 1960). * "I Really Want You to Know" (1961) was

' response to

Eddy Arnold Richard Edward Arnold (May 15, 1918 – May 8, 2008) was an American country music singer who performed for six decades. He was a Nashville sound (country/popular music) innovator of the late 1950s, and scored 147 songs on the ''Billboard'' cou ...

's "

I Really Don't Want To Know "I Really Don't Want to Know" is a popular song written by Don Robertson (music) Howard Barnes (lyrics). The song was published in 1953. The best-known version of the song was recorded by Les Paul and Mary Ford in 1953, one of the top 100 songs o ...

". * "Come on Back, Jack" (1961) written by Shuman and Carr and recorded by Nina Simone, and "Well, I Told You" (also 1961), recorded by

The Chantels ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the ...

, are both different responses to "

Hit the Road, Jack Hit means to strike someone or something. Hit or HIT may also refer to: Arts, entertainment and media Fictional entities * Hit, a fictional character from ''Dragon Ball Super'' * Homicide International Trust, or HIT, a fictional organization i ...

", written by Percy Mayfield and recorded by

Ray Charles Ray Charles Robinson Sr. (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential singers in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries as "The Ge ...

. * "Stay-at-Home Sue" by

Linda Laurie Linda Maxine Laurie was an American singer and songwriter, best known for the novelty record "Ambrose (Part 5)", which went to #52 on the '' Billboard'' chart while she was still a high school student in 1959. "Ambrose (Part 5)" While attendin ...

and "I'm No Run Around" (both 1961) by Ginger Davis and the Snaps were responses to Dion's "

Runaround Sue "Runaround Sue" is a rock and roll song (in a modified doo-wop style), originally a US No. 1 Hot 100 hit (No. 4 on the Hot R&B chart) for the singer Dion during 1961, after he split with the Belmonts. It was written by Dion with Ernie Mares ...

" (also 1961). * "Hey Memphis" (1961) was

LaVern Baker Delores LaVern Baker (November 11, 1929 – March 10, 1997) was an American R&B singer who had several hit records on the pop chart in the 1950s and early 1960s. Her most successful records were " Tweedle Dee" (1955), " Jim Dandy" (1956), and " ...

's response to

's " Little Sister" (also 1961). * "Don'cha Shop Around" by Laurie Davis and "Don't Let Him Shop Around" by

Debbie Dean Debra "Debbie" Dean is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', played by Jodi Albert. She first appeared in 2002, before Albert quit the role in 2004. She made her final appearance during 2005, before making a ...

(both 1961) were responses to

' "Shop Around" (1960). Both songs were written by

Berry Gordy Berry Gordy III (born November 28, 1929), known professionally as Berry Gordy Jr., is a retired American record executive, record producer, songwriter, film producer and television producer. He is best known as the founder of the Motown record la ...

and Smokey Robinson. * " My Big John" (1961) was

Dottie West Dorothy Marie Marsh West (October 11, 1932 – September 4, 1991) was an American country music singer and songwriter. Along with her friends and fellow recording artists Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, she is considered one of the genre's most in ...

's response to

Jimmy Dean Jimmy Ray Dean (August 10, 1928 – June 13, 2010) was an American country music singer, television host, actor and businessman. He was the creator of the Jimmy Dean sausage brand as well as the spokesman for its TV commercials. He became ...

's "

Big Bad John "Big Bad John" is a country song originally performed by Jimmy Dean, who wrote and composed it. It was released in September 1961 and by the beginning of November it had gone to number 1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. It won Dean the 1962 Gr ...

" (also 1961). * "My Long Black Veil" (1961) was

Marijohn Wilkin Marijohn Wilkin ( Melson; July 14, 1920 – October 28, 2006) was an American songwriter, famous in country music for writing a number of hits. Wilkin won numerous awards over the years and was referred to as "The Den Mother of Music Row," a ...

's response to

Lefty Frizzell William Orville "Lefty" Frizzell (March 31, 1928 – July 19, 1975) was an American country music singer-songwriter and honky-tonk singer. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982. Frizzell released many songs that charted ...

's "

Long Black Veil "Long Black Veil" is a 1959 country ballad, written by Danny Dill and Marijohn Wilkin and originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell. It is told from the point of view of a man falsely accused of murder and executed. He refuses to provide an alibi, ...

" (1959). * "Return of the Teenage Queen" (1961) was country singer Tommy Tucker's response to

Johnny Cash John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American country singer-songwriter. Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his ca ...

's "

Ballad of a Teenage Queen "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" is a song written by Jack Clement and recorded by Johnny Cash, with background music by The Tennessee Three, The Tennessee Two. Recorded for his 1958 album ''Sings the Songs That Made Him Famous,'' it hit number 1 on th ...

" (1958). * "Don't Wanna Be Another Good Luck Charm" (1962) was Jo's (of Judy and Jo) response to

's "

Good Luck Charm In most contexts, the concept of good denotes the conduct that should be preferred when posed with a choice between possible actions. Good is generally considered to be the opposite of evil and is of interest in the study of ethics, morality, ph ...

" (also 1962). * "(I'm the Girl from) Wolverton Mountain" (1962) was

Jo Ann Campbell Jo Ann Campbell (born July 20, 1938 in Jacksonville, Florida) is an American singer who was one of the pioneers of rockabilly. Campbell began attending music school at the age of four, and won many honors as a drum majorette at Fletcher High S ...

's response to

Claude King Claude King (February 5, 1923 – March 7, 2013) was an American country music singer and songwriter, best known for his million selling 1962 hit, "Wolverton Mountain". Biography King was born in Keithville in southern Caddo Parish south ...

's "

Wolverton Mountain "Wolverton Mountain" is a country music song and 1962 crossover hit that established Claude King's career as an American country singer-songwriter. The song was a rewrite of the original version by Merle Kilgore, which was based on a real person n ...

" (also 1962). *The Pearlettes' "Duchess of Earl" (1962) was a response to Gene Chandler's "Duke of Earl" (1961). * "

Judy's Turn to Cry "Judy's Turn to Cry" is a song written by Beverly Ross and Edna Lewis that was originally released by Lesley Gore in 1963. The song is the sequel to Gore's prior hit "It's My Party (Lesley Gore song), It's My Party", and both songs were produced ...

" (1963) was

Lesley Gore Lesley Sue Goldstein (May 2, 1946 – February 16, 2015), known professionally as Lesley Gore, was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. At the age of 16, she recorded the pop music, pop hit "It's My Party (Lesley Gore song), I ...

's response to her own song " It's My Party" (also 1963). Both of these songs appear in her debut album ''

I'll Cry If I Want To ''I'll Cry If I Want To'' is the debut album of Lesley Gore. The album included her hit singles "It's My Party (Lesley Gore song), It's My Party" and its follow-up, "Judy's Turn to Cry". The album was rushed out after "It's My Party" became a big ...

''. * "Blackhead Chinaman" (1963) was

Prince Buster Cecil Bustamente Campbell (24 May 1938 – 8 September 2016), known professionally as Prince Buster, was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and producer. The records he released in the 1960s influenced and shaped the course of Jamaican contemporary ...

's response to Derrick Morgan's "Housewives Choice" (1961). Specifically, Buster claimed that Morgan and producer

Leslie Kong Leslie Kong (20 December 1933 – 9 August 1971) was an influential Chinese-Jamaican reggae producer. Career Leslie and his two older brothers Cecil and Lloyd ran a restaurant, ice cream parlour and record shop called Beverley's in Orange Stre ...

stole hooks that Buster had created. Morgan responded with "Blazing Fire" and "No Raise, No Praise". The musical feud reportedly engulfed Jamaican culture to a level where the government ordered the two to appear in public together to calm the frenzied nation. * "It Hurts to Be Sixteen" (1963) was Andrea Carroll's response to

's "

Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" is a pop song released in 1961 by Neil Sedaka. Sedaka wrote the music and performed the song, while the lyrics were written by Howard Greenfield. The song is noted for being similar in musical structure to Take Good ...

" (1962). Sedaka wrote the melody to both songs (each with a different lyricist; his brother-in-law Ronnie Grossman wrote the lyrics to "It Hurts to Be Sixteen" while Sedaka's songwriting partner

Howard Greenfield Howard Greenfield (March 15, 1936 – March 4, 1986) was an American lyricist and songwriter, who for several years in the 1960s worked out of the famous Brill Building. He is best known for his successful songwriting collaborations, including o ...

wrote "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen"). * "Hello Melvin (This Is Mama)" (1963) was

Sandra Gould Sandra Gould (July 23, 1916 – July 20, 1999) was an American actress, perhaps best known for her role as Gladys Kravitz on the sitcom '' Bewitched''. Gould was the second actress to portray the role, debuting at the start of the third season. L ...

's answer to "

Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (A Letter from Camp) "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (A Letter from Camp)" is a novelty song recorded by Allan Sherman. The melody is taken from the ballet ''Dance of the Hours'' from the Opera "La Gioconda" by Amilcare Ponchielli, while the lyrics were written by Allan ...

" (also 1963), a novelty song by

Allan Sherman Allan may refer to: People * Allan (name), a given name and surname, including list of people and characters with this name * Allan (footballer, born 1984) (Allan Barreto da Silva), Brazilian football striker * Allan (footballer, born 1989) (Al ...

. *The Beach Boys' "

Don't Worry Baby "Don't Worry Baby" is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys from their March 1964 album ''Shut Down Volume 2''. Written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian, Wilson's lead vocal on the track is considered one of his defining performance ...

" (1964) from ''Shut Down Volume 2'' was said to be an answer to The Ronettes song "

Be My Baby "Be My Baby" is a song by American girl group the Ronettes that was released as a single on Philles Records in August 1963. Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, the song was the Ronettes' biggest hit, reaching number 2 in ...

" (1963). *The Beach Boys' "

The Girl from New York City "The Girl from New York City" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was released on their 1965 album '' Summer Days (and Summer Nights!!)''. It was written as an answer song to The Ad Libs ...

" (1965) from ''

Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) ''Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)'' is the ninth studio album by American rock band the Beach Boys, released on July 5, 1965, on Capitol. The band's previous album, ''The Beach Boys Today!'' (released March 1965), represented a departure for the ...

'' was a response to The Ad Libs’ "The Boy from New York City" (1964). * "Queen of the House" (1965) was

Jody Miller Myrna Joy "Jody" Miller (November 29, 1941 – October 6, 2022) was an American country music singer. "Home of the Brave" and "Queen of the House" are her well-known albums. She is a recipient of the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal ...

's response to

Roger Miller Roger Dean Miller Sr. (January 2, 1936 – October 25, 1992) was an American singer-songwriter, widely known for his honky-tonk-influenced novelty songs and his chart-topping Country music, country and pop hits "King of the Road (song), Ki ...

's " King of the Road" (1964). * " That's My Life (My Love and My Home)" (1965) by

Alfred Lennon Alfred "Alf" Lennon (14 December 1912 – 1 April 1976), also known as Freddie Lennon, was an Englishman best known as the father of musician John Lennon. Alfred spent many years in an orphanage with his sister, Edith, after his father died. ...

John Lennon John Winston Ono Lennon (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 19408 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who achieved worldwide fame as founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of ...

's father, was a response to his son's song "

In My Life "In My Life" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles. It appeared on their 1965 album '' Rubber Soul''. Its lyrics were written primarily by John Lennon, credited to Lennon–McCartney. George Martin contributed the piano solo bridge. ...

" (also 1965), recorded by

the Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...

. * "Hurry, Mr. Peters" (1965) by

Lorene Mann Lorene Mann (born Lillian Lorene Mann; January 4, 1937 – May 24, 2013) was an American country music singer and songwriter. She is known for her duets with Justin Tubb and Archie Campbell. Biography Mann was born January 4, 1937, in Huntland ...

and

Justin Tubb Justin Wayne Tubb (August 20, 1935 – January 24, 1998) was an American country music singer and songwriter. Born in San Antonio, Texas, United States, he was the oldest son of country singer Ernest Tubb, known for popular songs like " Walking ...

was a response to

Roy Drusky Roy Frank Drusky, Jr. (June 22, 1930 – September 23, 2004) was an American country music singer, songwriter, producer, actor and disc jockey popular from the 1960s through the early 1970s. Known for his baritone voice, he was known for incor ...

and

Priscilla Mitchell Priscilla Mitchell (September 18, 1941 – September 24, 2014) was an American country music singing, singer. Biography Priscilla Mitchell began as a Rock 'n' Roll singer in the 1950s as well as a background singer for NRC Records, and became ...

's " Yes, Mr. Peters". * "Slip-In Mules (No High Heel Sneakers) " (1964) was

Sugar Pie DeSanto Sugar Pie DeSanto (born Peylia Marsema Balinton, October 16, 1935) is an American R&B singer and dancer, whose career in music flourished in the 1950s and 1960s. Early life DeSanto was born to an African-American mother, who was a concert pianis ...

's answer to "

High Heel Sneakers "Hi-Heel Sneakers" (often also spelled "High Heel Sneakers") is a blues song written and recorded by Tommy Tucker in 1963. Blues writer Mary Katherine Aldin describes it as an uptempo twelve-bar blues, with "a spare, lilting musical framework ...

" (also 1964), by Tommy Tucker. *Wendy Hill's "Gary, Please Don't Sell My Diamond Ring" (1965) to Gary Lewis and the Players' "

This Diamond Ring "This Diamond Ring" is a 1965 song written by Al Kooper, Bob Brass and Irwin Levine. The original demo was sung by Jimmy Radcliffe. It was first released as a single by Sammy Ambrose on Musicor #1061, then by Gary Lewis & the Playboys on Liberty ...

”. (1965) * "Dawn of Correction" by

The Spokesmen The Spokesmen were an American pop music trio. They scored a hit single in the U.S. in 1965 with the tune "The Dawn of Correction", which was a partially sarcastic counterpoint and answer record to Barry McGuire's protest song, " Eve of Destructi ...

is in response to "Eve of Destruction" by

Barry McGuire Barry McGuire (born October 15, 1935) is an American singer-songwriter primarily known for his 1965 hit " Eve of Destruction". Later he would pioneer as a singer and songwriter of Contemporary Christian music. Early life McGuire was born in O ...

(both 1965). * "

4th Time Around "4th Time Around" (also listed as "Fourth Time Around") is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, which was released as the 12th track on his seventh studio album '' Blonde on Blonde'' on June 20, 1966. The song was written by Dylan an ...

" (1966) by Bob Dylan is seen as a response to "

Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1965 album ''Rubber Soul''. It was written mainly by John Lennon, with lyrical contributions from Paul McCartney, and credited to the Lennon–McC ...

" (1965) by the Beatles. * "Evil Off My Mind" (1966) by

Burl Ives Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives (June 14, 1909 – April 14, 1995) was an American musician, actor, and author with a career that spanned more than six decades. Ives began his career as an itinerant singer and guitarist, eventually launching his own rad ...

was a response to

Jan Howard Jan Howard (born Lula Grace Johnson; March 13, 1929 – March 28, 2020) was an American country music singer and songwriter. As a singer, she placed 30 singles on the ''Billboard (magazine), Billboard'' Hot Country Songs, country songs chart, w ...

's song "

Evil on Your Mind "Evil on Your Mind" is the name of a popular Country music song, originally made famous by Grand Ole Opry star Jan Howard in 1966. The song was written by her husband at the time, songwriter Harlan Howard. In the mid-'60s, Jan Howard was not acq ...

" (1966). * "When a Woman Loves a Man" (1966) by

Ketty Lester Ketty Lester (born Revoyda Frierson; August 16, 1934) is an American singer and actress known for her 1961 hit single "Love Letters", which reached the top 5 of the charts in the U.S. and the UK. She is also known for her role as Hester-Sue Terh ...

was a response to " When a Man Loves a Woman" (also 1966) by

Percy Sledge Percy Tyrone Sledge (November 25, 1940 – April 14, 2015) was an American R&B, soul and gospel singer. He is best known for the song " When a Man Loves a Woman", a No. 1 hit on both the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and R&B singles charts in 196 ...

. *French

Johnny Hallyday Jean-Philippe Léo Smet (; 15 June 1943 – 5 December 2017), better known by his stage name Johnny Hallyday, was a French rock and roll and pop singer and actor, credited for having brought rock and roll to France. During a career spanning 57 ...

’s 1966 ''Cheveux longs et idées courtes'' is a riposte to a direct, personal mockery in a verse of

Antoine Antoine is a French given name (from the Latin ''Antonius'' meaning 'highly praise-worthy') that is a variant of Danton, Titouan, D'Anton and Antonin. The name is used in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, West Greenland, Haiti, French Guiana ...

’s ''Élucubrations'' of the same year; both were hit songs. (See Antoine's rivalry with Johnny Hallyday). * "I'm Happy They Took You Away, Ha-Haaa!" (1966) is Josephine XIV's response in the form of Napoleon's wife to

Napoleon XIV Jerrold "Jerry" Samuels (born May 3, 1938) is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. Under the pseudonym Napoleon XIV, he achieved one-hit wonder status with the Top 5 hit novelty song "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!" in ...

's "

They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa! "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!" is a 1966 novelty record written and performed by Jerry Samuels (billed as Napoleon XIV), and released on Warner Bros. Records. The song became an instant success in the United States, peaking at No. 3 o ...

" (1966). Another answer song is "They Took You Away, I'm Glad, I'm Glad", also written by Jerry Samuels. * " Clothes Line Saga" (1967) by Bob Dylan and the Band is seen as a response to "

Ode to Billie Joe "Ode to Billie Joe" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry released by Capitol Records in July 1967, and later used as the title-track of her debut album. Five weeks after its release, the song topped '' Billboard's'' Pop sin ...

" (1967) by Bobbie Gentry. *"Yes, I Am Experienced" (1967) by Eric Burdon and the Animals, was an answer to

Jimi Hendrix James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most ...

's "Are You Experienced?" (1967). * " Back in the U.S.S.R." (1968) by

The Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...

was a response to " Back in the U.S.A." by

Chuck Berry Charles Edward Anderson Berry (October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist who pioneered rock and roll. Nicknamed the " Father of Rock and Roll", he refined and developed rhythm and blues into th ...

(1959) and "

California Girls "California Girls" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from their 1965 album, '' Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)''. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the lyrics detail an appreciation for women across the world and a wish ...

" by

The Beach Boys The Beach Boys are an American Rock music, rock band that formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian Wilson, Brian, Dennis Wilson, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and frie ...

(1965). * "Billy, I've Got to Go to Town" (1969) by Geraldine Stevens was a response to "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" by Johnny Darrell (1967). * "More on Ode to Billie Joe" (1969) by Rodd Rogers (aka Rodd Keith), Terri Peters (aka Teri Thornton), and the MSR Singers was a response to 1967's blockbuster "

" by Bobbie Gentry. *Joni Mitchell's "The Circle Game (song), The Circle Game" (1970) is an answer to Neil Young's "Sugar Mountain (song), Sugar Mountain" (1964).

1970s

* "Hippie From Olema" (1971) was The Youngbloods' answer to Merle Haggard's country hit, "Okie from Muskogee" (1969). * Paul McCartney's "Wild Life (Wings album), Some People Never Know" (1971) and "Silly Love Songs" (1976) answered John Lennon's "How Do You Sleep? (John Lennon song), How Do You Sleep?" (1971) which was

's response to "Too Many People" (1971) by ex-The Beatles, Beatle and Lennon's former collaborator Paul McCartney. * "The Lawrence Welk-Hee Haw Counter-Revolution Polka" (1972) was ''Hee Haw'' host Roy Clark's answer to Gil Scott-Heron's "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised." * "I'm Mr. Big Stuff" was the 1972 response by Jimmy Hicks to "Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight. *"(Should I) Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree?" was the 1973 response by Connie Francis to Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree" by Tony Orlando & Dawn. * "Basketball Jones featuring Tyrone Shoelaces" (1973) was Cheech and Chong's parody of the romantic song "Love Jones" (1972) by Brighter Side of Darkness. * "Sweet Home Alabama" (1974) was Lynyrd Skynyrd's response to Neil Young's "Southern Man (song), Southern Man" (1970) and "Harvest (Neil Young album), Alabama" (1972). Warren Zevon then wrote a response to "Sweet Home Alabama", titled "Play It All Night Long" (1980). * "From His Woman to You" (1975) sung by Barbara Mason was the response to "Woman to Woman (Shirley Brown song), Woman to Woman" (1974) by Shirley Brown. * "Rak Off Normie" (1975) by Maureen Elkner was the response to "The Newcastle Song" (1975) by Bob Hudson (singer), Bob Hudson. * "(I'm A) Stand By My Woman Man" (1976) sung by Ronnie Milsap was the response to Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man" (1968). * "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" (1977) by Meat Loaf was the answer song to "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" (1956) by

. * Johnny Thunders' "So Alone (album), London Boys" (1978) is a response to the Sex Pistols' "New York" (1977).

1980s

* "Love Will Tear Us Apart" (1980) by Joy Division was partly a response to "Love Will Keep Us Together" (1973) by

and

. * "Bad Boy" (1982) by Ray Parker Jr. was a response to his own hit of the same year, "The Other Woman (Ray Parker Jr. song), The Other Woman". * "I Was Country Before Barbara Mandrell" (1982) by Dave Dudley was a response to Mandrell's "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool" from earlier in the year. *"Candy Girl (New Edition song), Candy Girl" (1982) by New Edition was a response to "ABC" (1970) by The Jackson 5. * "Major Tom (Coming Home)" (1983) by Peter Schilling was the response to David Bowie's 1969 song "Space Oddity." * "Superstar" (1983) by Lydia Murdock was an answer song to "Billie Jean" (1983) by Michael Jackson. * "Taxi (Take Him Back)" was Anne LeSear's 1984 response to J. Blackfoot's 1983 song "Taxi". * Melba Moore's "King of My Heart" (1985) was an answer song to Billy Ocean's "Caribbean Queen" (1984). *Blue Öyster Cult's ''Spy In The House Of The Night'' (1985) is about a Pyromaniac who gets his kicks from being normal on the outside but a secret arsonist by night. Tellingly it's also a shout out to The Doors song ''The Spy'' (1970), about a sexual voyeur. *Reba McEntire's "Whoever's in New England" (1986) was a response to Barry Manilow's hit "Weekend in New England" (1975). * "Thunder & Lightning" (1986) by Miss Thang was a response to Oran "Juice" Jones's song "The Rain (Oran "Juice" Jones song), The Rain" from the same year. Other responses included "The Drain" by Leot Littlepage, and "After the Storm" by Stephan, also released in 1986. * Actor Danny Aiello appeared in the Madonna (entertainer), Madonna video for "Papa Don't Preach" (1986), as the titular "Papa", and later that year recorded "Papa Wants the Best for You", written by Artie Schroeck, as a representation of the father's point of view. *"Girls Ain't Nothing but Trouble" was a response to "Guy Ain't Nothing but Trouble" from their debut album Rock The House by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince *"Grab it!" (1988) by L'Trimm was a cheeky answer record to "Push it" by Salt-N-Pepa (1985) * "I'm Your Wild Thang" (1989) was Mamado and She's the answer to Tone Lōc's "Wild Thing (Tone Lōc song), Wild Thing" (1988). * (Nothing But) Flowers by Talking Heads contains lyrics that are an echo to Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi; "There was a shopping mall, Now it's all covered with flowers ... If this is paradise" in the Talking Heads song, whereas Mitchell sang "They paved paradise, And put up a parking lot ...".

1990s

* "Eat The Bee" (1991) was Automation's answer to The Scientist's "The Bee" from 1990. *R.E.M.'s "Out of Time (album), Me in Honey" (1991) is a response to 10,000 Maniacs' "Eat for Two" (1989). * Bark Psychosis' ''Scum'' (1992) was an answer to Rozalla's ''Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)''. * "Erasure-ish" EP (1992) was Björn Again's answer to Erasure's previous ABBA tribute, "Abba-esque". "Erasure-ish" features two Erasure tracks ("A Little Respect" and "Stop!") performed in the style of ABBA. * "Fuck wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')" (1993) was Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's answer to Tim Dog's "Fuck Compton" (1991) (as well as being a diss towards Eazy-E). *Italian pop group 883 (band), 883 topped the charts for months with their hit "Hanno ucciso l'Uomo ragno" ("Someone killed Spider-Man"). Some time later, obscure comedy band Tretriti recorded their answer, "È vivo l'Uomo ragno" ("Spider-Man Lives"). *Liz Phair's ''"Exile in Guyville" (1993)'' album was a song-by-song response to The Rolling Stones ''"Exile on Main St." (1972).'' * "I Wrote Holden Caulfield" (1994) was Screeching Weasel's response to "Who Wrote Holden Caulfield?" (1992) by Green Day. * Third Eye Blind's song "Semi Charmed Life" (1997) was written as a response to Lou Reed's ''Walk on the Wild Side (Lou Reed song), Walk on the Wild Side'' (1972), but from a San Francisco perspective. * "The Boy Is Mine (song), The Boy Is Mine" (1998) by Brandy Norwood, Brandy and Monica (entertainer), Monica was a response to "The Girl Is Mine" (1982) by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. * The Offspring's song "The Kids Aren't Alright" (1998) is named as allusion to The Who's "The Kids Are Alright (song), The Kids Are Alright" (1965). *After TLC (group), TLC released the song "No Scrubs" in 1999, Sporty Thievz made an answer song called "No Pigeons" that same year. * "A Pretty Girl Is Like..." (1999) from the album ''69 Love Songs'' by The Magnetic Fields was an answer song to

's "A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody" according to songwriter Stephin Merritt. *”The Medication Is Wearing Off” (1998) from the album Electro-Shock Blues was the Eels (band) answer song to their own 1996 hit Novocaine for the Soul. *Heartbreaker (Mariah Carey song)#Remix, "Heartbreaker (Desert Storm Remix)" by Mariah Carey was a response to "Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None)" by Snoop Dogg. *Mexican pop singer Alejandra Guzman’s “Hey Güera” (Hey Blondie) is a response to Paulina Rubio’s “Ese hombre es mío” (That man is mine). *Woman (Neneh Cherry song), Woman by Neneh Cherry in 1996 is a response song to 1966's It's a Man's Man's Man's World by James Brown. *"Old Before I Die" (1997) by Robbie Williams was in response to The Who's "My Generation" (1965), which contains the lyrics "I hope I die before I get old."

2000s

*Travis Tritt wrote and released the song "Strong Enough to Be Your Man" in 2002 in response to Sheryl Crow's "Strong Enough (Sheryl Crow song), Strong Enough" (1994). *KJ-52 released the song "Collaborations (KJ-52 album), Dear Slim" (2002) in response to Eminem's song "Stan (song), Stan" (2000). * "F.U.R.B. (Fuck You Right Back)" (2004) was Frankee's response to Eamon (singer), Eamon's "Fuck It (I Don't Want You Back)", promoting rumors that the two had been dating. It was the first answer song to reach No. 1 in the United Kingdom. Both songs had topped the charts in that country. *Green Day's "American Idiot (song), American Idiot" (2004), off of the album of the same name, was written in response to a Lynyrd Skynyrd song called "That's How I Like It". * "You Should Really Know" by The Pirates, Shola Ama, Naila Boss and Ishani (2004) was an answer song to "I Don't Wanna Know" by Mario Winans, Enya and P. Diddy. *The Beatnuts song "Confused Rappers" (2004) was a response to Jennifer Lopez Cory Rooney and The Trackmasters for stealing the sample of "Hi-Jack" by Enoch Light from their 1999 single "Watch Out Now" * "Good Idea At The Time" (2005) on OK Go's "Oh No" album, was an answer song to the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" (1968): in it, the Devil argues that the historical atrocities enumerated in the original were entirely of human doing. *''Das Urteil (song), Das Urteil'' by Kool Savas was a response to ''Die Abrechnung'' by Eko Fresh. Eko Fresh's song claims Kool Savas showcases a bad character during their time on Optik Records, while Kool Savas' song in return claims it was Eko Fresh who was a false friend during that time. *"Me and Mr. Jones" (2006) on the ''Back to Black'' album by Amy Winehouse was an answer song to - at least a riff off the title of - "Me and Mrs. Jones" (1972), made famous by Billy Paul. *Camera Obscura (band), Camera Obscura made the song "Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken" (2006) in response to Lloyd Cole and the Commotions 1984 song "Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?". *"I Walk Alone (Tarja song), I Walk Alone," popularized by Tarja Turunen, is a response to "Bye Bye Beautiful" by Nightwish. *"Menor Que Yo" on ''Sentimiento (album), Sentimiento'' (2007) album by Ivy Queen was a response to "Mayor Que Yo", a collaborative single by Daddy Yankee, Hector El Father, Hector "El Father", Wisin & Yandel, Baby Ranks, and Tony Tun Tun. *Worm Quartet expressed exasperation with Marc Gunn for releasing so many songs about cats, in a song called "Goddammit Marc Gunn, Shut Up About Your Cat". Gunn responded with a song of his own, called "Dear Worm Quartet". *"Boys, Boys, Boys" (2008) on ''The Fame'' album by Lady Gaga was a response to "Girls, Girls, Girls (Mötley Crüe song), Girls, Girls, Girls" (1987) by Mötley Crüe. *Mitch Benn, Mitch Benn's "Not Everybody Has to Imagine" (2008) is a reply to John Lennon's "Imagine (John Lennon song), Imagine" (1971). *They Might Be Giants released the answer song "Why Does the Sun Really Shine? (The Sun is a Miasma of Incandescent Plasma)" to their popular 1993 cover of Tom Glazer's 1965 song "Why Does the Sun Shine? (The Sun Is a Mass of Incandescent Gas), Why Does the Sun Shine?". * "A Baker's Tale" by Dean Friedman (2009, released 2010 on the album ''Submarine Races'') was a response to "The Bastard Son of Dean Friedman" by Half Man Half Biscuit (1987, on the album ''Back Again in the DHSS''). In 2010, Friedman performed his song at a Half Man Half Biscuit concert; and accompanied the band during a performance of theirs.

2010s

* Devil Comes Back to Georgia by

, Charlie Daniels, Mark O'Connor, and Travis Tritt in 2010 responds to the Charlie Daniels Band's The Devil Went Down to Georgia (1979). * Everybody Was in the French Resistance...Now! released an album titled ''Fixin' The Charts, Vol. 1''. As its title suggests, the album contains nothing but answer songs to pop hits. "G.I.R.L.F.R.E.N. (You Know I've Got A)", an answer song to Avril Lavigne's hit "Girlfriend (Avril Lavigne song), Girlfriend", is one example. *"California Gurls" (2010) by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg was a response to "Empire State of Mind" (2009) by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys. It was the first time both the original song and the answer song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard ''Hot 100''. *Taylor Swift's "Speak Now, Better Than Revenge" (2010) is an answer to The Jonas Brothers' "Lines, Vines and Trying Times, Much Better" (2009) which may have been an answer Swift's "Forever & Always, Forever and Always" (2008). * Marina and the Diamonds' cover of Justin Bieber's "Boyfriend (Justin Bieber song), Boyfriend" (2012) is an answer song to the original tune, the lyrics adapted to give it a female perspective. * Lecrae made the song "Church Clothes, No Regrets" (2012) in response to "The Motto (Drake song), The Motto" (2011) by Drake (entertainer), Drake. Which itself is a response to "If Today Was Your Last Day" (2008) by Nickelback. *Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) released "Niggas in Poorest," (2012) in response to Jay-Z's and Kanye West's, "Niggas in Paris," (2011) chastising them for parading their wealth while so many are suffering with poverty, violence, crime, and exploitation. *Mary Lambert's "She Keeps Me Warm" (2013) is an extension of the chorus she sang on Macklemore's "Same Love" (2012). Where "Same Love" has a message of gay acceptance, "She Keeps Me Warm" is about a woman who falls in love with another woman and grows to accept her ''own'' sexuality. *Ewert and the Two Dragons wrote their song "Jolene" on the album Good Man Down in response to Dolly Parton's 1973 single "Jolene (song), Jolene" from the male perspective. Additionally, the 2017 song "Diane (Cam song), Diane" performed by Cam (singer), Cam sings from the perspective of Jolene. *"Big Girls Cry" on Sia's 2014 album ''1000 Forms of Fear'' is an answer song to Fergie (singer), Fergie's hit "Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie song), Big Girls Don't Cry" (2007). * "Anaconda (Nicki Minaj song), Anaconda" by Nicki Minaj (2014) is viewed as an answer to Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back" (1992), which is heavily sampled in the song. Whereas Sir Mix-a-Lot focuses on a woman's body and the pleasure it gives him, Minaj raps from the perspective of the unnamed woman, and shows how she uses her Venus Callipyge, callipygian physique to profit and empower herself. *Ellie Goulding's song "On My Mind (Ellie Goulding song), On My Mind" is seen as answer to Ed Sheeran's "Don't (Ed Sheeran song), Don't" by many critics, although Goulding herself has denied it. *Christine and the Queens rewrote Beyoncé's "Sorry (Beyoncé song), Sorry" from a male perspective. *Esmé Patterson published Woman to Woman (Esmé Patterson album), ''Woman to Woman'' (2014), an album of seven answer songs from the perspective of famous women in pop songs, including "Eleanor Rigby", "Billie Jea and The Kinks' "Lola". * "The Quantum Enigma (Kingdom of Heaven Part II)" popularized by Epica (band), Epica is a response to "Kingdom of Heaven" * Eels (band), Eels 2018 single "Bone Dry" is an answer to their 2010 single "Fresh Blood (song), Fresh Blood". Fresh Blood was itself a sequel to their song "I Want to Protect You". *"Paper Doll" (2013) by John Mayer is viewed as a response to Taylor Swift's "Dear John" (2010) and also mentions her song "22". *In 2013, Kay One released his diss track "Nichts als die Wahrheit" against his former label mates Bushido and Shindy, as a response to Shindy's song "Alkoholisierte Pädophile", making fun of Kay One and his stepfather Olliwood. Bushido in return released the 11 minute storytelling diss track "Leben und Tod des Kenneth Glöckler", chronicling the rise and career of Kay One from his perspective, depicting him as an opportunist who only makes friends that get him further in the music business just to drop them when he finds someone more prestigious. One year later, Kay One released the 25 minute response song "Tag des jüngsten Gerichts", depicting his career from his own point of view, including attacks against many of his former friends on the way who turned their back on him, most prominently Bushido who he claims to have abused his power as a label boss and his ties to the Abou-Chaker clan to make Kay work lots for little money, as well as being a greedy man who rips off his fellow collaborators as well as his own fans. Numerous of the rappers mentioned in the song released their own diss tracks against Kay One as a response, however they received less media coverage and attention than those of Kay One and Bushido.

2020s

*Coheed and Cambria's 2020 song "Jessie's Girl 2" is a sequel to Rick Springfield's 1981 song "Jessie's Girl". Featuring Springfield himself on the track, the song imagines what would have happened had Springfield succeeded in winning Jessie's girl. *Roselia (band), Roselia's 2022 song "ROZEN HORIZON" is a sequel to their 2019 song "FIRE BIRD", according the mini-album's page. *Country trio Chapel Hart's 2022 song "You Can Have Him Jolene" answers Dolly Parton's classic "Jolene (song), Jolene" almost 50 years later.

Examples

Pre-1950s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

See also

References

Further reading