When Bands Sing Their Own Names

Just like when a character in a movie speaks that movie’s title, I often apply special significance to it when a song’s lyrics include the band’s name. Ego? Self-confidence? Self-promotion? You decide. Here are some examples–and please mention in the comments if there are other ones you like.

1.  AFI’s 1997 album Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes begins with “Keeping Out of Direct Sunlight (an introduction)…” “We are the ones who have a fire inside…”

2.  A Perfect Circle’s “Orestes” can be found on Maynard and company’s first album, 2000’s Mer de Noms.

3. Exodus’ “Exodus” can be found on the 1985 thrash classic Bonded by Blood. It contains promises of violence from the band to you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUoBDy4HBDA

4. “P.L.U.C.K.” is the powerful closing track from System of a Down’s 1998 self-titled debut album. Slightly NSFW lyrics.

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

5.  The chorus of Nirvana’s “Paper Cuts” from 1989’s Bleach includes repetition of the band’s name. I’m pretty sure Kurt’s pronunciation of the word was incorrect, but these are the types of things I need to learn to move past.

6.  Counting Crows’ “Murder of One,” from August and Everything After, not only includes the two words, but also the poem they refer to.

7.  “Bad Religion” is not only a song, but also “high speed tough guys,” apparently.

8.  Iron Maiden: a torture device, a band, an album, and a song.