You know these songs

Do you recognize the tune but not the song's name? Six famous cases!

Credit: Belinda Fewings

How often do you recognize a familiar tune even though you don’t know the name of the song? This common phenomenon has existed since the invention of music, and examples of it are nearly infinite. However, we’ve narrowed it down to six songs you’ve almost certainly heard—but might not know by name.

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You’ve heard the guitar harmonics in this song’s intro a million times. Its 1960s vibe makes it a perfect fit for movie sequences, background music in trendy clothing stores, and radio playlists, among other circumstances.

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Stephen Stills wrote this classic track and performed it with his band, Buffalo Springfield. In case you’re wondering, the title was added after the song was written—that’s why it doesn’t appear in the lyrics.

Credit: William Fitzgibbon

You’ve known this piece of music forever. It’s the song that always plays when a circus appears and is strongly associated with this kind of spectacle. Granted, it’s easy to be unaware of the song’s name or its composer since it has no lyrics. But you’ve definitely heard it.

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The artist behind this omnipresent tune was an Austro-Hungarian composer of Czech ethnicity, known for his marching band compositions—just like this one. Look it up on YouTube; you’ll recognize it instantly.

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Most people who have heard this song—and that means most of the people out there, really—assume its title matches the lyric repeated in the chorus by the singer. But it doesn’t. The real name of this iconic song is "What’s Up."

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Most people assume the iconic 1990s hit by 4 Non Blondes is called "What’s Going On" since Linda Perry repeatedly sings that phrase in the chorus with her powerful voice.

The song was re-recorded by Perry and her bandmates in just one day to go back to the original version, and was featured on their 1992 debut album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!

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Quite possibly this band’s biggest hit after "My Generation," "Baba O’Riley" shares a similar situation with 4 Non Blondes’ "What’s Up?_"_—many people mistakenly believe it has a different title because of a repeated lyric in the chorus.

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Many people mistakenly believe this song has a different title because the singer—Roger Daltrey, in this case—repeats the phrase Teenage Wasteland in the chorus. But that’s not the actual name.

The song is called "Baba O’Riley," and its title is a tribute to two of guitarist Pete Townshend's major influences at the time: Indian spiritual master Meher Baba and American minimalist composer Terry Riley.

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To be honest, this song is far more recognizable for its iconic saxophone solo than for its lyrics, so if you don’t know its real name, you’re not alone. It won the 1979 Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically and reached the top three in the UK, US, and several other countries.

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The sax solo that Kenny G probably wishes he had written was actually composed by Gerry Rafferty while he was trying to extricate himself from his previous band’s contracts. During this time, he frequently traveled between his family home in Scotland and London, where he often stayed at a friend’s flat on Baker Street in Marylebone.

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One of the most ubiquitous songs of the 1980s, "True" remains a staple in supermarkets, malls, elevators, and waiting rooms worldwide. You’ll recognize it instantly by its slick guitar intro and soulful pop lyrics.

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This song is often grouped with other 1980s pop hits from various artists, making it difficult for listeners to recall its name or the band behind it. "True" was inspired by the music of Marvin Gaye and Al Green, capturing a similar soulful vibe—albeit with a distinctly 1980s sound.

Timeless trends

What’s in a name? 10 most popular names through history

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Names carry not only identity but also cultural significance and are often tied to larger societal trends or even famous figures of each historical moment. And just like any other cultural trends or ideas, popular names come and go. However, some names have stood the test of time—whether forged in royal bloodlines or immortalized as literary icons—connecting us with our ancestors and, very likely, our descendants. Join us on this name safari and discover some of the most popular names throughout history!

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Mary has been one of the most popular names, by far, across various cultures and eras. Its roots can be traced back to the Hebrew name Miriam, meaning "sea of bitterness" or "rebellious." The name's popularity surged due to its association with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, making it a staple in Christian communities for centuries.

Moreover, Mary was the most common name given to girls in the United States throughout the 20th century. Beyond its religious significance, the name Mary has also been borne by numerous queens, saints, and influential women in history, including Mary Wollstonecraft, an early advocate for women's rights, and her daughter Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein.

Credit: History in HD

John is a name with a very long legacy, stemming from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means "God is gracious." This name has been borne by numerous saints, kings, and scholars, as can be seen in historical documents, literature, and religious texts. In the U.S., John was the most popular name for boys in the 20th century.

Notable historical figures named John include John Locke, a philosopher whose ideas influenced modern political thought, and John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States.

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Derived from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning "supplanter," James has been a favored name among royalty and notable figures. The name became widely popular in the English-speaking world due to King James I of England, who commissioned the King James Bible in 1611.

In addition to its royal legacy, James is still a popular choice in modern times. Famous figures bearing this name include James Dean, an icon of American cinema, and James Baldwin, a powerful voice in literature and civil rights.

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Elizabeth, originating from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning "God is my oath," has been associated with royalty for centuries. It is synonymous with queens and influential figures, including Queen Elizabeth I and II.

The name's adaptability across cultures and languages enhances its timeless nature, with variations like Elise and Lizzie remaining popular. Notable figures include Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a celebrated poet, and Elizabeth I, who reigned during a golden age of English history.

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William has Germanic roots, meaning "resolute protector." This name has also been popularized by historical figures, such as William the Conqueror and William Shakespeare, embedding itself in the cultural fabric of English-speaking countries. In the U.S., William has consistently ranked as one of the top names for boys for decades.

Notable Williams in more recent times include William Faulkner, a Nobel Prize-winning author, and actors like William Hurt and William Shatner.

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Anna, derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning "grace," has consistently ranked as one of the most beloved girl names. Its universal appeal means that it is present in various cultures, and has been a favorite in literature and film.

Notably, Anna has been borne by many influential women throughout history, including Anna Pavlova, a renowned Russian ballerina, and Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue.

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Michael stems from a Hebrew word meaning "who is like God." While it originally referred to the archangel Michael in religious texts, the name became immensely popular and is still one of the most favored masculine names in modern times. In the U.S., Michael was the most popular name for boys from the 1950s through the 1990s.

Famous Michaels include Michael Jordan, an iconic basketball player, and Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop," with the name’s strong biblical roots and association with greatness likely contributing to its lasting appeal.

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Catherine, derived from the Greek word "katharos," meaning "pure," has been the name of many queens and saints. The name's variants, such as Katherine and Kathryn, have further extended its popularity. Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, is one of the most notable bearers, known for her powerful influence on Russian history.

In addition to its royal connections, the name Catherine has been popular in both literature and film, including the famous character Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights.

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George comes from the Greek name Georgios, meaning "farmer." This name gained prominence through figures like King George III, but it is also celebrated as a saint in Christianity. Saint George, a martyr and soldier, is best known for the legendary tale of slaying a dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Its strong historical presence and connection to leadership ensure its continued usage and respect in various cultures. In fact, George has remained a top name in several English-speaking countries for centuries.

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Sarah, rooted in Hebrew meaning "princess," has a significant biblical background, being the wife of Abraham. In the U.S., Sarah has been a consistently popular name for girls, particularly in the late 20th century.

Prominent figures named Sarah include Sarah Jessica Parker, a celebrated actress renowned for her role in Sex and the City, and Sarah Palin, a prominent politician and former governor of Alaska who gained national attention during her candidacy for vice president in 2008.