Allusions to Classical Mythology
- "Strawberry Fields Forever" by The Beatles: The song's title alludes to a strawberry field in Central Park, New York City, which is often associated with the myth of Adonis, a handsome youth who was loved by the goddess Aphrodite and was killed by a wild boar.
- "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits: The song's title refers to the Ottoman Empire's military commanders and alludes to the historical power and influence of the empire.
- "Venus" by Lady Gaga: The song features several allusions to the Roman goddess Venus, including "Venus, don't you know my name?" and "Venus as a boy."
Allusions to Literature
- "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits: The song's title and lyrics reference the famous play by William Shakespeare about the two young lovers who take their own lives due to societal pressures.
- "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel: The song features several allusions to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, including the lines "Hello darkness, my old friend" and "And the leaves that are green turn to brown, and they whisper 'It's time to go.'"
- "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin: The song's lyrics contain various allusions to J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel "The Lord of the Rings," including the lines "There's a feeling I get when I look to the west" and "And she's buying a stairway to heaven."
Allusions to History and Politics
- "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan: The song features several allusions to civil rights struggles, social injustice, and the Cold War, including the line "How many roads must a man walk down before they call him a man?" and "Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head, pretending he just doesn't see?"
- "Imagine" by John Lennon: The song includes allusions to the Vietnam War and promotes the idea of a peaceful world without borders or possessions.
- "The Wall" by Pink Floyd: The album and its title track make numerous allusions to the Cold War and the division between East and West, as well as to the psychological walls people build around themselves.
These are just a few examples of songs with allusions in their lyrics. Allusions can add depth, symbolism, and cultural context to a song, allowing artists to explore complex ideas and themes in a creative way.