Lesson 5: Name the Tune!
Here is a list of 50 current songs along with their artists from 2024, paired with how their themes or elements can be tied back to classical influences. This connection could be through lyrical content that echoes classical literature, themes reminiscent of ancient philosophies, or modern adaptations of classical motifs.
1. Stick Season - Noah Kahan
Echoes the nostalgic and melancholic tones found in Roman poetry.
2. Lose Control - Teddy Swims
Reminiscent of the chaotic and passionate narratives in classical mythology.
3. Murder on the Dancefloor - Sophie Ellis-Bextor
A modern take on the dramatic and often tragic themes of ancient theater.
4. Beautiful Things - Benson Boone
Reflects the classical aesthetic appreciation of beauty and art.
5. Lovin' On Me - Jack Harlow
Shares themes with the romantic and often sensual poetry of Ovid.
6. Prada - Casso/Raye/D-Block Europe
Materialism contrasted with the stoic values discussed in Roman philosophy.
7. Texas Hold 'Em - Beyonce
The strategic and confrontational aspects reminiscent of Roman war tactics.
8. Yes and - Ariana Grande
Explores themes of affirmation and consent, echoing legal and philosophical dialogues of ancient Rome.
9. Greedy - Tate McRae
Reflects on excess and desire, a common theme in tales of Roman emperors and mythology.
10. Cruel Summer - Taylor Swift
Evokes the Roman fascination with dramatic, seasonal changes and their impact on human behavior.
11. Strangers - Kenya Grace
Discusses themes of unfamiliarity and discovery, much like the Roman explorations.
12. Houdini - Dua Lipa
Alludes to magic and transformation, key aspects of many Roman myths.
13. Vampire - Olivia Rodrigo
Touches on themes of immortality and the supernatural, as found in ancient myths.
14. Praise Jah in the Moonlight - YG Marley
Spiritual and celestial connections, reminiscent of Roman religious rites.
15. Water - Tyla
Symbolic of cleansing and renewal, common in both Roman rituals and modern metaphorical use.
16. Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
Reflects the classical concept of fate vs. free will.
17. End of Beginning - DJO
Represents cycles and rebirth, a prevalent theme in classical philosophy.
18. Alibi - Ella Henderson ft Rudimental
Reminiscent of themes of justice and accountability in Roman law.
19. Popular - Weeknd/Playboi Carti/Madonna
Echoes the Roman public's influence on political and entertainment spheres.
20. DNA (Loving You) - Billy Gillies ft Hannah Boleyn
The idea of inherent traits and destiny, explored in Roman discussions on nature vs. nurture.
21. Leavemealone - Fred Again & Baby Keem
Emphasizes individuality and solitude, echoing the stoic philosophies.
22. I Remember Everything - Zach Bryan ft Kacey Musgraves
Nostalgia and memory, important in Roman storytelling.
23. Mr Brightside - The Killers
Jealousy and betrayal, central themes in many Roman tragedies.
24. Homesick - Noah Kahan & Sam Fender
The longing for home, a poignant theme in the stories of Roman soldiers and exiles.
25. Rich Baby Daddy - Drake ft Sexy Red & SZA
Discusses wealth and relationships, akin to the social dynamics explored in Roman comedies.
26. What Was I Made For - Billie Eilish
Existential questions, similar to those posed by Roman philosophers.
27. Asking - Sonny Fodera/MK/Douglas
Inquiries and questioning, foundational to the Socratic method used by Roman scholars.
28. Flowers - Miley Cyrus
Symbolism of growth and decay, prevalent in Roman art and literature.
29. Never Lose Me - Flo Milli
Themes of loyalty and perseverance, echoed in stories of Roman heroes.
30. My Love Mine All Mine - Mitski
Possessiveness and romance, common in Roman poetry.
31. Sprinter - Dave & Central Cee
Competition and ambition, reminiscent of Roman gladiatorial games.
32. Anti-Hero - Taylor Swift
Exploring personal flaws and complexity, reflective of tragic Roman figures.
33. Redrum - 21 Savage
Violence and consequences, a central narrative in Roman history and myth.
34. Exes - Tate McRae
Relationships and their histories, where the old romances and feuds are key elements.
35. Carnival - Kanye West/Ty Dolla Sign
Festivity and public spectacle, central to both Roman culture and the song's vibrant energy.
36. Dance the Night (From Barbie the Album) - Dua Lipa
Celebration and performance, reflecting Roman festivals and theatrical traditions.
37. On My Love - Zara Larsson & David Guetta
The declaration of love and loyalty, themes cherished in Roman lyrical poetry.
38. Baddadan - Chase & Status/Bou/Flowdan
The energy and confrontation reminiscent of Roman battles and public contests.
39. Paint the Town Red - Doja Cat
The chaos and revelry, echoing the raucous celebrations of ancient Rome.
40. Riptide - Vance Joy
The metaphor of being caught in a natural force, similar to Roman respect and fear of nature's power.
41. Hell N Back - Bakar
Trials and resilience, akin to the epic journeys in Roman mythology.
42. Texas Hold 'Em - Beyonce
The strategy and bluff, paralleling the political maneuvers in Roman forums.
43. Slow It Down - Benson Boone
Reflects the classical theme of taking time to appreciate life's moments, echoing the Roman philosophical approach to time and existence.
44. Saturn - SZA
The celestial and mythical, with direct reference to Roman gods and their influence.
45. Like That - Future & Metro Boomin/Kendrick
Assertiveness and identity, reflecting the Roman emphasis on personal glory and reputation.
46. Million Dollar Baby - Tommy Richman
Wealth and its moral implications, discussed in Roman ethical debates.
47. Back on 74 - Jungle
Themes of returning and reminiscence, similar to Roman stories of return from exile or war.
48. Green & Gold - Rudimental/Skepsis/Plank/Riko
The symbolism of colors in power and vitality, found in Roman visual and literary arts.
49. Forget About Us - Perrie
The theme of moving past old relationships, a common narrative in Roman literature of personal growth and renewal.
50. Home - Good Neighbours
The universal longing for a place of belonging, echoing the Roman ideal of homeland and family as central to personal identity.