Songs That Mention Seattle
Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, has long been a source of inspiration for musicians across different genres. From grunge to hip-hop, several songs reference or pay homage to this iconic city. In this article, we explore some of the notable songs that mention Seattle and shed light on their cultural impact.
Key Takeaways
- Songs mentioning Seattle span various genres and time periods.
- The city’s vibrant music scene and cultural landmarks provide rich inspiration.
- Several songs highlight the iconic Space Needle and surrounding natural beauty.
1. Seattle – Perry Como
| Genre | Year |
|---|---|
| Vocal Pop | 1969 |
Perry Como‘s hit single “Seattle” is a timeless classic from 1969 that showcases the beauty and allure of the city. The song highlights the peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings, making it an ode to Seattle’s natural wonders. “Seattle, the land of a thousand thrills and a million dreams.”
2. Downtown – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, and Grandmaster Caz
| Genre | Year |
|---|---|
| Hip-Hop | 2015 |
Macklemore’s “Downtown” pays homage to the city’s rich history and takes listeners on a musical ride through Seattle’s streets. This collaborative hip-hop anthem is packed with energy and highlights the vibrant atmosphere and cultural landmarks of downtown Seattle. “I rode my bike down to the old town, where you pray to just make it through the night.”
3. Black Hole Sun – Soundgarden
| Genre | Year |
|---|---|
| Grunge | 1994 |
Soundgarden’s iconic grunge anthem “Black Hole Sun” captures the darker side of Seattle. With haunting lyrics, the song symbolizes the city’s gloomier moments and explores the fine line between beauty and despair. “Black hole sun, won’t you come and wash away the rain?”
Seattle in Popular Songs
Seattle continues to inspire musicians, resulting in the creation of numerous songs that give a glimpse into the city’s unique spirit. Here are some additional songs that mention Seattle:
- “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
- “The Downtown Lights” by The Blue Nile
- “Seattle” by Public Image Ltd
- “All Night Diner” by Modest Mouse
- “Prelude to Rain” by Eskimo and Sons
Seattle’s Musical Legacy
Seattle’s vibrant music scene, represented by grunge bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. The city’s influence can still be seen today, with emerging artists from various genres calling Seattle home.
Notable Music Venues in Seattle
| Venue | Location |
|---|---|
| The Crocodile | Belltown |
| Neptune Theatre | University District |
| Moore Theatre | Belltown |
Seattle’s music venues have played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent and attracting renowned artists to the city. The Crocodile, Neptune Theatre, and Moore Theatre are just a few examples of the many venues that contribute to Seattle’s cultural landscape.
Conclusion
Incorporating references to Seattle in songs has become a way for artists to celebrate the city’s identity and connect with its residents. Through music, the diverse aspects of Seattle, from its stunning landscapes to its vibrant downtown, are immortalized and continue to inspire both locals and visitors alike.
Common Misconceptions
Songs That Mention Seattle
There are several common misconceptions that people have about songs that mention Seattle. One common misconception is that all songs about Seattle are grunge or alternative rock songs. While Seattle is often associated with its grunge music scene from the 1990s, there are actually songs in various genres that mention or are inspired by the city.
- Not all songs about Seattle are grunge or alternative rock.
- Artists from different genres have released songs mentioning Seattle.
- Several hip-hop and pop songs reference Seattle in their lyrics.
Another misconception is that songs mentioning Seattle only focus on the rainy weather. While it is true that Seattle is known for its rainy climate, there are songs that mention other aspects of the city as well. Some songs highlight the city’s vibrant music scene, its beautiful scenery, or its notable landmarks.
- Not all songs mentioning Seattle solely focus on its rainy weather.
- Songs often mention Seattle’s music scene, scenery, and landmarks.
- There is a diverse range of themes in songs that mention Seattle.
People also have a misconception that all songs mentioning Seattle have been written by artists from the city. While popular bands and musicians from Seattle, such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, have indeed released songs about their hometown, there are also artists from outside the city who have paid tribute to Seattle in their music.
- Not all songs mentioning Seattle are written by artists from the city.
- Artists from outside of Seattle have released songs about the city.
- There is a wide range of artists who have mentioned Seattle in their music.
Furthermore, some people mistakenly believe that all songs mentioning Seattle are about the same topics. In reality, the songs vary widely in their themes and content. Some songs depict personal experiences or stories related to the city, while others may utilize Seattle as a metaphor or symbol in their lyrics.
- Songs mentioning Seattle cover a wide range of topics and themes.
- The content of songs about Seattle varies greatly from song to song.
- Seattle can be used symbolically or metaphorically in some songs.
Lastly, there is a misconception that all songs about Seattle are universally loved by the city’s residents. While many Seattleites do appreciate and hold certain songs close to their hearts, musical preferences vary amongst individuals. Not everyone in Seattle may resonate with or enjoy songs that mention their city.
- Not all Seattle residents love every song mentioning their city.
- Musical preferences differ amongst people in Seattle.
- Individuals may have varying opinions about songs mentioning Seattle.
Songs That Mention Seattle
Seattle, a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest, has long been a source of inspiration for musicians. From its iconic landmarks to its vibrant music scene, the Emerald City has found its way into numerous songs across different genres. This article explores ten notable songs that mention Seattle, showcasing its influence on popular music.
1. “Pretend We’re Dead” by L7
This alternative rock anthem released in 1992 by the all-female band L7 references Seattle’s grunge scene, which gained worldwide recognition during the 1990s.
2. “Roam” by The B-52’s
Released in 1989, this upbeat pop-rock song mentions Seattle as a destination along with other notable cities worldwide, reflecting the city’s appeal as a tourist spot.
3. “No Rain” by Blind Melon
This iconic 1992 alternative rock song mentions Seattle‘s rain in its lyrics, capturing the city’s renowned reputation for its wet weather.
4. “Sleeping Lessons” by The Shins
This indie rock hit from 2007 references Seattle’s Cascade Mountains, emphasizing the region’s stunning natural beauty.
5. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
A pivotal song in the grunge movement, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana became an anthem for Seattle’s alternative music scene in the early 1990s.
6. “For Those About to Rock” by AC/DC
Released in 1981, this hard rock classic by AC/DC alludes to the famous Seattle-based radio station KISW, known for its rock music format.
7. “Fire Water Burn” by The Bloodhound Gang
This humorous 1996 rap-rock hit mentions Seattle alongside other US cities, highlighting the city’s recognition as a prominent urban center.
8. “Space Needle” by They Might Be Giants
As the title suggests, this 1996 song by They Might Be Giants focuses on Seattle’s iconic Space Needle, a defining symbol of the city’s skyline.
9. “New Slang” by The Shins
Another hit from The Shins, “New Slang” released in 2001, showcases the band’s Pacific Northwest roots and captures the essence of Seattle’s indie music scene.
10. “Big Empty” by Stone Temple Pilots
Released in 1994, this haunting rock ballad references Seattle’s shadow and rain, providing a glimpse into the darker side of the city’s artistic expression.
In summary, these ten songs illustrate how Seattle has left an indelible mark on the music world. Whether highlighting its grunge scene, natural beauty, or iconic landmarks, artists have been inspired to incorporate Seattle into their lyrics. With its rich musical heritage and thriving music scene, the city continues to be an enduring muse for musicians from various genres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular songs that mention Seattle?
Some popular songs that mention Seattle include “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden, “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer, “Doll Parts” by Hole, and “Down by the Water” by PJ Harvey.
Which song by Alice in Chains references Seattle?
The song “Down in a Hole” by Alice in Chains references Seattle. It was released in 1993 as part of their album “Dirt”.
What song by Pearl Jam mentions Seattle?
The song “Porch” by Pearl Jam mentions Seattle. It appears on their debut studio album “Ten”, released in 1991.
In which song does Macklemore mention Seattle?
Macklemore mentions Seattle in his hit song “Thrift Shop”. The song was released in 2012 and became widely popular.
Are there any iconic songs about Seattle’s music scene?
Yes, there are several iconic songs about Seattle’s music scene. Some notable examples include “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden, and “Even Flow” by Pearl Jam.
What songs from the 90s mention Seattle?
Several songs from the 90s mention Seattle. Some examples include “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden, and “Alive” by Pearl Jam.
Which popular song mentions the Space Needle in Seattle?
The popular song “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden mentions the Space Needle in Seattle. It was released in 1994 and became one of their signature tracks.
What song by Foo Fighters references Seattle?
The song “This Is a Call” by Foo Fighters references Seattle. It was the band’s debut single released in 1995 and pays homage to the Seattle music scene.
Are there any country songs that mention Seattle?
Yes, there are some country songs that mention Seattle. One example is “Come Monday” by Jimmy Buffett. Although primarily known as a country singer, Buffett incorporated references to Seattle in this particular song.
Which song by Heart mentions Seattle?
The song “Barracuda” by Heart mentions Seattle. Released in 1977, it became one of the band’s biggest hits and includes references to the city where they originated.
