Songs that will never go out of style

THESE TRACKS ARE FOREVER YOUNG

Some songs are only popular for a few months or, if they’re lucky, a few years. While some of the fleeting songs are fun for a casual listen, it is easy to turn the radio to a different station and forget about them. But some songs refuse to be ignored, forcing listeners to turn up the radio and sing as loud as they can, begging to be remembered for decades.

“Space Oddity” by David Bowie is one of the most narratively rich songs that became an instant classic. The song debuted in 1969, which led many fans to believe the moon landing influenced the writing of the song. Instead, Bowie told interviewers that the true inspiration was Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Bowie was a known drug user at the time, and the lyrics about losing control in space led many to believe it was his personal take on a drug overdose. While the meaning is interpreted differently, the epic track that Bowie created has become a perennial classic.

“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers is one of the most recognizable songs of the early 2000s. This track is the first song ever written by The Killers and was inspired by lead singer Brandon Flowers’ girlfriend, who was caught cheating on him. Flowers believes that the relatability of the song is what has allowed it to remain fresh to listeners. Heartbreak is just as constant as the song has been since its 2004 release.

“A Day In The Life” is the concluding track to The Beatles’ famous Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band record. John Lennon was inspired to write the track after reading a newspaper that chronicled the death of Tara Browne, a London socialite and friend of Paul McCartney. In that particular newspaper issue, another article addressed the pothole-riddled roads of Lancashire. Lennon placed the newspaper on his piano and began to interweave the personal story of Browne’s death and the bizarre account of some 4,000 potholes, creating one of the most eerie songs of all time.

The best songs are iconic because of their sincerity. They are classic not solely because of the catchy tunes that beg to be sung along with, but because of the heartfelt emotions that spurred the songs into existence.