Song Titles with Three Subjects

The adage that three's a crowd doesn't always apply when it comes to song titles. Though most song names contain three words or fewer, some very good ones have managed to squeeze not only more than three words but also three subjects.

Journey even crammed three verbs into the title "Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin." The Who offered three adverbs in their song "Anyway Anyhow Anywhere," and Ben Folds Five condensed three adjectives into their "Selfless, Cold, and Composed" track from Whatever and Ever Amen.

Most songs with a threesome title use three nouns. Here is a list of the best ten song titles with three subjects.

10. "Poems, Prayers, and Promises" by John Denver: I first heard this song as a b-side on a 45 of "Take Me Home, Country Roads." I knew the lyrics were about growing old peacefully, but I did not just then realize the true meaning of the line "Sit and pass the pipe around."

9. "Trains and Boats and Planes" by Fountains of Wayne: This acoustic beauty comes from Out of State Plates, a collection of b-sides and songs that did not fit onto any of the previous albums.

8. "Abraham, Martin and John" by Dion: This tribute to Lincoln, King and Kennedy marked the first comeback for Dion, sounding much more mature than the guy who sang with the Belmonts.

7. "Talkin' Baseball (Willie, Mickey and the Duke)" by Terry Cashman: This pleasant pop ode paid homage to the great New York baseball trifecta of Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider.

6. "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine" by Tom T. Hall: Classic country always sounds good, and this gem has more poignancy than any of Hall's other treasures.

5. "Bach, Beethoven, and Me" by Phil Ochs: This piano number comes from the folk singer's ill-conceived Elvis Presley imitation album called 50 Phil Ochs Fans Can't Be Wrong. The gold lame he donned and the Elvis wig did not really go over, but the introspective lyrics make this song a good reason to keep the album in your record collection.

4. "Finn, Sophie, Bobby and Lance" by Shack: This title actually has four subjects, but it's worth keeping in this list. The indie band's second album, On the Corner of Miles and Gil, contains some of their best material, especially this tranquil tune about friendship.

3. "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves" by Cher: This is Sonny's ex-wife's account of family of nomads and the troubles they encounter on their journeys, including an unwanted pregnancy, racial epithets, and possible parental abuse, just to name three.

2. "Music, Sex and Cookies" by George Uetz: Found on an album of local bands around WEBN in Cincinnati, this playful track praises three of the main vices of mankind.

1. "Death and Night and Blood" by The Stranglers: This dark bass-driven track comes from the alternative punk band's Black and White album. The lyrics are violent, pessimistic, and persistent, to name just three adjectives that make the it appropriate for Hugh Cornwell and his band mates.