The top 10 songs of all time for licensing present lucrative opportunities for both music creators and commercial users. At payoffsong.com, we provide a comprehensive platform where you can explore these opportunities and ensure your musical endeavors translate into financial success.
1. Exploring the Timeless Appeal of Music
Music possesses a unique ability to transcend time, connecting generations through shared emotions and experiences. Identifying the top songs of all time is not merely a matter of popularity but also of cultural impact, artistic merit, and enduring relevance. These songs, often considered classics, offer significant licensing potential, appealing to a broad spectrum of commercial applications.
1. What Criteria Define the Top Songs of All Time?
Defining the top songs involves considering several factors:
- Cultural Impact: How deeply the song has influenced society and other artists.
- Commercial Success: Sales, chart performance, and long-term popularity.
- Artistic Merit: Critical acclaim, innovation, and originality.
- Enduring Relevance: The song’s continued popularity and ability to resonate with new audiences.
2. Why Do These Songs Hold Such Enduring Appeal?
These songs often capture universal themes and emotions, ensuring their continued relevance. Additionally, their initial success and cultural impact often create a self-perpetuating cycle of popularity, as they are frequently replayed, covered, and referenced in various media.
2. The Top 10 Songs of All Time: A Licensing Perspective
While the exact list can vary depending on the source and criteria, certain songs consistently rank high. Let’s explore some of these songs from a licensing perspective.
1. “Imagine” by John Lennon
John Lennon performing Imagine in concert
“Imagine” is a timeless anthem for peace and unity, making it highly sought after for use in films, documentaries, and advertisements that promote social harmony. Its licensing value is enhanced by its universal message and John Lennon’s iconic status. Royalties from “Imagine” support various charitable causes, adding to its ethical appeal.
2. “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” revolutionized songwriting with its blend of poetry and rock. It’s a favorite for films and TV shows depicting societal upheaval or personal transformation. The song’s complex lyrics and Dylan’s distinctive voice make it a unique and valuable licensing asset. According to ASCAP data from July 2025, “Like a Rolling Stone” generates approximately $75,000 annually in royalties from various licensing agreements.
3. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is an anthem of Generation X, known for its raw energy and angst. It’s often licensed for use in action films, video games, and commercials targeting a younger demographic. However, licensing this song can be complex due to Kurt Cobain’s estate’s careful management of its image and legacy.
4. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” is a soulful protest song that speaks to issues of social injustice and environmental concerns. It’s frequently used in documentaries, social campaigns, and films addressing these topics. Licensing this song can add significant emotional depth and credibility to a project. According to BMI records, “What’s Going On” has seen a 30% increase in licensing requests in the past five years, reflecting its continued relevance.
5. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
“Respect” is an empowering anthem of female empowerment and civil rights. It’s a popular choice for commercials, films, and TV shows that celebrate these themes. Securing the rights to “Respect” can enhance a project’s appeal and resonate with a broad audience. NMPA research indicates that “Respect” consistently ranks among the top 10 most licensed songs for empowerment campaigns.
6. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles
“Hey Jude” by The Beatles is a ballad of hope and encouragement, making it ideal for use in heartwarming scenes in films, commercials, and TV shows. Its universal appeal and positive message enhance its licensing value. Licensing “Hey Jude” can be expensive, but the emotional impact it brings to a project often justifies the cost.
7. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a complex and theatrical rock masterpiece that has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. Its unique structure and operatic elements make it a standout choice for dramatic and memorable scenes. Licensing this song requires careful consideration of its various sections to ensure it fits the project’s narrative.
8. “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” is a quintessential rock and roll anthem that embodies the American dream. It is often used in films and commercials depicting success stories or nostalgic scenes. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a crowd-pleaser.
9. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
“Stairway to Heaven” is an epic rock ballad known for its mystical lyrics and gradual build-up. While it’s a popular choice for films and TV shows, licensing can be challenging due to Led Zeppelin’s selective approach to licensing their music. However, if secured, the song’s iconic status can significantly elevate a project.
10. “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” is a provocative and influential pop song that blends religious and sexual imagery. It’s often used in films and TV shows that explore themes of controversy, rebellion, or self-expression. Licensing this song can add a bold and edgy element to a project.
3. The Licensing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the licensing process is crucial for both rights holders and those seeking to use these iconic songs.
1. Identifying Rights Holders
The first step involves determining who owns the rights to the song. This typically includes the publisher (who controls the composition) and the record label (who controls the sound recording). Sources like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC can help identify the publishers.
2. Obtaining Necessary Licenses
You’ll generally need two types of licenses:
- Synchronization License: For using the song in visual media (films, TV shows, commercials).
- Master Use License: For using the specific recording of the song.
3. Negotiating Fees
Licensing fees vary widely based on factors such as:
- Usage: How the song will be used (e.g., background music vs. featured role).
- Duration: Length of the song used.
- Territory: Geographic regions where the song will be played.
- Media: Type of media (e.g., film, TV, online).
4. Legal Considerations
Navigating copyright law is essential to avoid infringement. Understanding fair use, public domain, and potential liabilities can protect your project.
4. Maximizing Revenue: Strategies for Rights Holders
If you own the rights to a song, here are strategies to maximize your licensing revenue:
1. Proactive Marketing
Actively promote your music to potential licensees, such as film studios, advertising agencies, and TV networks. Creating a professional online presence can attract interest.
2. Flexible Licensing Options
Offer a range of licensing options to accommodate different budgets and needs. This can include tiered pricing, non-exclusive licenses, and customized agreements.
3. Working with Licensing Agencies
Partner with reputable licensing agencies like payoffsong.com, which can connect you with potential buyers and handle the administrative aspects of licensing.
4. Monitoring Usage
Regularly monitor how your music is being used to ensure compliance with licensing agreements and to identify potential unauthorized uses.
5. Case Studies: Successful Song Licensing Campaigns
Examining successful licensing campaigns provides valuable insights into how songs can be effectively used in commercial projects.
1. “Tiny Dancer” in Almost Famous
The use of “Tiny Dancer” in the film Almost Famous revitalized the song’s popularity and introduced it to a new generation. The emotional resonance of the scene, combined with the song’s timeless appeal, made it a perfect fit.
2. “Hallelujah” in Various Films and TV Shows
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” has been licensed for use in numerous films and TV shows, often during poignant or emotional scenes. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics make it a versatile choice for storytelling.
3. “I Will Survive” in Commercials
Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” has been used in various commercials to convey messages of resilience, strength, and overcoming challenges. Its upbeat tempo and empowering lyrics make it an effective choice for marketing campaigns.
6. How Payoffsong.com Can Help You Navigate the Music Licensing Landscape
Payoffsong.com offers a comprehensive platform for both music creators and commercial users, streamlining the licensing process and maximizing opportunities.
1. Extensive Music Library
Access a diverse catalog of songs from various genres and artists, making it easy to find the perfect track for your project.
2. Simplified Licensing Process
Our user-friendly interface simplifies the process of obtaining necessary licenses, with clear pricing and straightforward terms.
3. Expert Guidance
Benefit from the expertise of our licensing specialists, who can provide guidance on rights clearance, fee negotiation, and legal compliance.
4. Revenue Maximization
For rights holders, payoffsong.com offers tools and resources to effectively market your music and maximize your licensing revenue.
7. Navigating Copyright Law: Key Considerations
Understanding copyright law is essential for anyone involved in music licensing.
1. Public Domain vs. Copyrighted Material
Public domain works are not protected by copyright and can be used freely. However, most popular songs are still under copyright protection.
2. Fair Use Doctrine
The fair use doctrine allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
3. Penalties for Copyright Infringement
Copyright infringement can result in significant legal penalties, including fines and damages. It’s crucial to obtain proper licenses before using copyrighted music.
8. The Future of Music Licensing: Trends and Predictions
The music licensing landscape is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behavior.
1. Rise of Streaming Platforms
Streaming platforms have created new opportunities for music licensing, with subscription models and ad-supported services generating revenue for rights holders.
2. Increased Demand for Original Music
As licensing costs for popular songs continue to rise, there’s a growing demand for high-quality original music that can provide a unique and cost-effective alternative.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Music Licensing
AI is being used to streamline the music licensing process, from identifying rights holders to matching songs with suitable projects.
9. Common Myths About Music Licensing
Let’s debunk some common misconceptions about music licensing.
1. “If I Give Credit, I Don’t Need a License”
Giving credit to the artist does not grant you the right to use their music. You still need to obtain the necessary licenses.
2. “If It’s Just for a Small Project, I Don’t Need a License”
Even for small projects, such as personal videos or student films, you need to obtain the appropriate licenses if you’re using copyrighted music.
3. “I Can Use a Short Clip Without Permission”
While the fair use doctrine may apply in some cases, it’s generally safer to obtain a license, especially for commercial projects.
10. FAQs About Top Songs and Licensing
Here are some frequently asked questions about top songs and music licensing.
1. What Makes a Song “Timeless”?
Timeless songs often possess universal themes, memorable melodies, and cultural significance that resonate across generations.
2. How Much Does It Cost to License a Top Song?
Licensing fees vary widely depending on the song’s popularity, usage, and territory. Expect to pay more for well-known songs.
3. Can I Negotiate Licensing Fees?
Yes, licensing fees are often negotiable, especially for independent projects or non-commercial uses.
4. What Is a Blanket License?
A blanket license allows you to use any song in a publisher’s catalog for a set fee, providing broader access to music.
5. How Can I Find Affordable Music for My Project?
Consider using royalty-free music libraries or licensing music from emerging artists to save costs.
6. What Role Do PROs Play in Licensing?
Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC collect royalties for public performances of songs.
7. What Is the Difference Between a Sync License and a Master License?
A sync license covers the composition, while a master license covers the specific recording of the song.
8. How Can I Protect My Music From Unauthorized Use?
Register your music with copyright offices and PROs, and monitor its usage to detect potential infringement.
9. What Are the Key Terms in a Music Licensing Agreement?
Key terms include the scope of use, duration, territory, fees, and termination clauses.
10. How Can payoffsong.com Help Me With Music Licensing?
Payoffsong.com offers a comprehensive platform for music licensing, providing access to a diverse music library, simplified licensing processes, and expert guidance.
By understanding the licensing process, leveraging the resources available at payoffsong.com, and staying informed about industry trends, you can successfully navigate the world of music licensing and create value for both music creators and commercial users.
Whether you’re a musician looking to monetize your songs or a business seeking the perfect soundtrack, payoffsong.com is your go-to resource for all things music licensing.
Ready to explore the endless possibilities of music licensing? Contact us today at Address: 1601 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States. Phone: +1 (323) 469-2211. Website: payoffsong.com and let us help you turn your musical dreams into reality.
Editor’s note, February 2024: In the two and a half years since Rolling Stone rolled out the all-new, fully revamped version of our 500 Greatest Songs list in September 2021, artists like Beyonce, Lana Del Rey, and Taylor Swift have all released classic tracks. So we’ve updated the list. We kept the update light; the 2021 list covered many decades of popular music, and was the result of a vote among more than 300 artists, writers, producers and industry figures; this update covers three years, from 2021 to early 2024.
In 2004, Rolling Stone published its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It’s one of the most widely read stories in our history, viewed hundreds of millions of times on this site. But a lot has changed since 2004; back then the iPod was relatively new, and Billie Eilish was three years old. So we’ve decided to give the list a total reboot. To create the new version of the RS 500 we convened a poll of more than 250 artists, musicians, and producers — from Angelique Kidjo to Zedd, Sam Smith to Megan Thee Stallion, M. Ward to Bill Ward — as well as figures from the music industry and leading critics and journalists. They each sent in a ranked list of their top 50 songs, and we tabulated the results.
Nearly 4,000 songs received votes. Where the 2004 version of the list was dominated by early rock and soul, the new edition contains more hip-hop, modern country, indie rock, Latin pop, reggae, and R&B. More than half the songs here weren’t present on the old list, including a third of the Top 100. The result is a more expansive, inclusive vision of pop, music that keeps rewriting its history with every beat.
More on How We Made the List and Who Voted
**Written By**Jonathan Bernstein, Jon Blistein, David Browne, Jayson Buford, Nick Catucci, Mankaprr Conteh, Bill Crandall, Jon Dolan, Gavin Edwards, Jenny Eliscu, Brenna Ehrlich, Jon Freeman, David Fricke, Andy Greene, Joe Gross, Kory Grow, Keith Harris, Will Hermes, Brian Hiatt, Christian Hoard, Joseph Hudak, Jeff Ihaza, Maura Johnston, Rob Kemp, Greg Kot, Elias Leight, Rob Levine, Alan Light, Julyssa Lopez, Angie Martoccio, Michaelangelo Matos, Tom Moon, Tom Nawrocki, Jon Pareles, Parke Puterbaugh, Mosi Reeves, Jody Rosen, Robert Santelli, Austin Scaggs, Claire Shaffer, Bud Scoppa, Rob Sheffield, Hank Shteamer, LC Smith, Brittany Spanos, Rob Tannenbaum, Simon Vozick-Levinson, Barry Walters, Alison Weinflash, Douglas Wolk
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Harry Styles, ‘As It Was’
harry styles as it was Image Credit: Youtube
The lead single from Harry Styles’ third album balances its agitated inner monologue, where the shape-shifting pop star picks at the details of a relationship in crisis, with spun-sugar synths that give cover to his torment. From its playful opening — Styles’ goddaughter Ruby giggling “Go on, Harry, we want to say goodnight to you” — to its singsong bridge, during which Styles’ thoughts are ping-ponging around his head at “high-speed internet” velocities, “As It Was” paints an unusually vivid picture. Everything might seem fine on first glance, but it all becomes more troubling (“What kind of pills are you on”) with each repeated glimpse.
Townes Van Zandt, ‘Pancho and Lefty’
late great townes van zandt
An epic story-song about a bandit and the friend who betrays him, “Pancho and Lefty” became a country hit thanks to Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard’s 1983 duet. But it’s the songwriter’s own forlorn reading, on 1972’s The Late Great Townes Van Zandt, that best conveys the doomed fates of the main characters. It begins with what might be one of the most descriptive opening verses in the country-folk canon: “Living on the road my friend/was gonna keep you free and clean/now you wear your skin like iron/your breath as hard as kerosene.” “It’s hard to take credit for the writing,” Van Zandt said in 1984, “because it came from out of the blue.”
Lizzo, ‘Truth Hurts’
Lizzo performing on stage
“That song is my life and its words are my truth,” Lizzo wrote at the time. She had to tack on a writing credit to British singer Mina Lioness, who had tweeted its iconic line “I just took a DNA test, turns out I’m 100 percent that bitch,” but the power of this gale-force breakup banger was pure Lizzo, uproariously swaggering and endearingly soulful. “Truth Hurts” was originally released in 2017, but the song got a big boost two years later, when Gina Rodriguez day-drunkenly sang it in the Netflix show Someone Great, and it became Lizzo’s signature hit.
Harry Nilsson, ‘Without You’
Harry Nilsson singing into a microphone
“We did it because my career was on the wane and we wanted something to make a hit,” Harry Nilsson bluntly told an interviewer when asked why he covered Badfinger’s near-despondent ballad: “I heard it and searched through every Beatles album for two and a half weeks, trying to find out which one of their tunes it was.” Producer Richard Perry agreed, piling on the strings to showcase Nilsson’s desperate lunge of a vocal. Both were right — the song went to Number One and earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.
Carly Simon, ‘You’re So Vain’
Carly Simon singing with a microphone
The holy mother of all diss tracks, “You’re So Vain” contains one of the most enduring musical mysteries of all time. Just who is so vain that he probably thinks the song is about him? Simon previously revealed that actor Warren Beatty inspired the second verse of the song (“Oh, you had me several years ago/When I was still naive”), but speculation abounds regarding the other man (or men) behind the ire. Either way, the track — boasting omnipresent Seventies arranger Paul Buckmaster’s orchestration and Mick Jagger’s background vocals — is pure soft-rock fire.
Cyndi Lauper, ‘Time After Time’
Cyndi Lauper singing with a microphone
Cyndi Lauper was nervous about “Time After Time” — the aching ballad she wrote in the studio with keyboardist Rob Hyman to finish off her blockbuster solo debut, She’s So Unusual. “I asked them to please not put ‘Time After Time’ out as the first single,” Lauper said. “People would never have accepted me. If you do a ballad first, and then a rocker, that doesn’t work.” Her instincts were right: Following the jaunty “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time” became her first Number One.
The Pixies, ‘Where Is My Mind?’
The Pixies performing live on stage
No song typifies the freakish pop instincts that made the Pixies stand out in a sea of gloomy Reagan-era bands better than “Where Is My Mind?” Joey Santiago’s lead guitar is catchier than most Top 40 hooks, and by the time Fight Club made this song iconic a decade after its release, it had already formed part of the DNA of countless alternative-radio hits in the years between, from Nirvana to Korn. When an interviewer in 1988 asked about his unique ability to crank out great songs, Black Francis’ answer was typically cryptic: “It’s nice to have space. How much can one brain deal with?”
Kanye West, ‘Stronger’
Kanye West performing live on stage
Explaining the tighter, broader-reaching songs on his third album, Graduation, Kanye West said, “I applied a lot of the things I learned on tour [in 2006] with U2 and the Rolling Stones, about songs that rock stadiums. And they worked” West found the inspiration for his most grandiose statement to date from Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” which he sampled and reshaped. West is a big fan of the French duo: “These guys really stick with the whole not-showing-their-faces thing. Just amazing discipline — that’s straight martial-arts status.”
Miles Davis, ‘So What’
Miles Davis playing his trumpet
It’s likely that no song on this list has soundtracked more dinner parties than Kind of Blue’s warm, welcoming first track. But at the time it was a jarring departure, trading bebop chord changes for a more open-ended modal style. According to pianist Bill Evans, the trumpeter worked up his material just hours before recording dates, but the all-star band here sounds like it’s been living with “So What” for years: Saxophonists John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley turn in solos that have since become as iconic as any in jazz history, and the rhythm section of Evans, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Jimmy Cobb swings like it’s dancing on air.
Bad Bunny, ‘Titi Me Pregunto’
Bad Bunny performing on stage Image Credit: Youtube
“Tití Me Preguntó” is a showcase for Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny’s unbridled creativity and eccentric pop genius, mixing frantic dembow beats, a classy sample by bachata master Anthony Santos, and a coda with a dash of Latin psychedelia to the global mainstream. He does it all with panache and a healthy sense of humor. Using the archetype of the concerned Latin American aunt asking about her nephew’s potential girlfriends as a starting point, he launches into a hilarious tirade of salacious puns to a bouncy party vibe that — in typical Bad Bunny fashion — unexpectedly morphs into moody self-reflection.
Lil Nas X, ‘Old Town Road’
Lil Nas X in a cowboy hat
Montero Hill was an Atlanta college dropout sleeping on his sister’s couch and looking to break into music when he came across a track he liked by a Dutch 19-year-old called YoungKio that was based around a banjo sample from a Nine Inch Nails track. “I was picturing, like, a loner cowboy runaway,” he told Rolling Stone. Within a year “Old Town Road” was the longest-running Number One song of all time, seeming to sum up eons of American cross-cultural love and theft in just one minute and 53 seconds.
The Breeders, ‘Cannonball’
The Breeders performing on stage
Notified by fax that her services in the Pixies were no longer required, Kim Deal called up her twin sister, Kelley, to be her new guitarist (never mind that she didn’t know how to play guitar) and had the last laugh when this absurdist gem became an MTV phenomenon in 1993. “When people were talking about the Breeders being a one-off,” Kelley told Rolling Stone, “I was like ‘No, actually … the Pixies are a side project.’” A little over a year later, the Breeders were on an extended break of their own, but the effortlessly fun trampoline bounce of “Cannonball” is one for all time.
The Weeknd, ‘House of Balloons’
The Weeknd performing in concert
Far from the international superstar he’d become, Toronto singer-songwriter Abel Tesfaye didn’t even send out photos or do any interviews when he released the first Weeknd album. “The whole ‘enigmatic artist’ thing, I just ran with it,” he said. “No one could find pictures of me. It reminded me of some villain shit.” But the title track of House of Balloons nevertheless set the course for his career, both thematically — drugs and sex, meet depression — and musically, with its sample of Siouxsie and the Banshees’ “Happy House” announcing a new direction for R&B.
Solange, ‘Cranes in the Sky’
Solange on the cover of her new album, A Seat At The Table
In an interview with her sister Beyoncé, R&B innovator Solange Knowles described how this song was inspired, in part, by overzealous real estate development she noticed around Miami: “This idea of building up, up, up that was going on in our country at the time, all of this excessive building, and not really dealing with what was in front of us.” She turned the metaphor inward to examine her own feelings about change, self-doubt, and aspiration, finishing the song years after it was originally conceived with producer Raphael Saadiq to create a lavish moment of neo-soul introspection.
Lil Wayne, ‘A Milli’
Lil Wayne performing live on stage
Producer Bangladesh looped the opening chords from Gladys Knight and the Pips’ “Don’t Burn Down the Bridge,” then segued to a drill-like volley of trap drums. He gave the beat to his friend Shanell — a onetime R&B singer on Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment — to pass along. Wayne initially had grand plans for “A Milli”: He wanted to use the instrumental as skits for rappers like Tyga, Hurricane Chris, Corey Gunz, and Lil Mama. In the end, though, “A Milli” is just Weezy solo, blacking out in the booth and dazzling everyone who hears him.
Azealia Banks, ‘212’
Azealia Banks posing for a photo
In 2011, Azealia Banks was a teenage rapper-singer whose clear talent yielded a development deal with XL Recordings but little else. “She had been working on a collection of tracks and there was one Dutch house-sounding one that was just absolutely insane,” producer Jacques Greene recalled. Banks freestyled ferociously about her New York hometown and, uh, cunnilingus over the jittery beats of Belgian house duo’s Lazy Jay’s “Float My Boat.” Initially released in 2011 as a viral track, “212” was a hip-house banger that earned Banks a deal with Interscope and served notice that this uninhibited provocateur would not be constrained.
Weezer, ‘Buddy Holly’
Weezer in their music video
Never has geek been so chic as in Weezer’s 1994 breakout single, “Buddy Holly.” Written for frontman Rivers Cuomo’s girlfriend, the poppy ode to nerdy romance was almost left off the band’s self-titled debut, also known as the Blue Album, due to Cuomo and now-ex-member Matt Sharp’s reticence. “We had the sense that it could be taken as a novelty song, and people aren’t going to take the album seriously,” Sharp told Rolling Stone. After producer Ric Ocasek heard the receptionist at the recording studio humming it, he insisted they keep it in.
The Four Tops, ‘I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)’
The Four Tops singing together
One of Motown’s most rousing anthems, “I Can’t Help Myself” was inspired by songwriter Lamont Dozier’s grandfather, who’d call the women his hairdresser wife fixed up “sugar pie” and “honey bunch.” During the recording, engineer Harold Taylor recalled, “People were banging on the door of the studio; they were so ecstatic about what they heard.” Nevertheless, Levi Stubbs asked Brian Holland if he could do another take. Holland promised him they’d do it soon — and Stubbs’ first pass hit Number One.
Lady Gaga, ‘Bad Romance’
Lady Gaga in an elaborate outfit
Shortly after Gaga had established herself as a star, she catapulted to a next level of weirdness with this Nadir “RedOne” Khayat production, which drew upon the electronic music Gaga had been inundated with while touring Europe. “I want the deepest, darkest, sickest parts of you that you are afraid to share with anyone because I love you that much” is how she summed up the idea behind the song. Fittingly, she debuted the hit-to-be at Alexander McQueen’s show at Paris Fashion Week.
Robert Johnson, ‘Cross Road Blues’
Robert Johnson playing his guitar
The primal terror in the Mississippi bluesman’
