Teeth have served as a muse for songwriters, inspiring melodies and lyrics that range from quirky to metaphorical. Here are 20 tracks that celebrate, contemplate, or simply mention those pearly whites:
“Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top
ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” is a classic rock anthem that doesn’t directly address teeth, but the memorable line “clean shirt, new shoes, and I don’t know where I’m going to” hints at the desire for a perfect smile to complement a sharp appearance.
The song’s swagger and confidence often make people associate it with grooming routines, indirectly pointing to the importance of a winning smile.
“All Star” by Smash Mouth
Smash Mouth’s “All Star” includes the famous line “My world’s on fire, how about yours?” While not explicitly about teeth, the energy in the song evokes feelings of confidence and empowerment, which often links to a bright, confident smile—ultimately, an essential aspect of an “all-star” persona.
The upbeat nature of the song makes it an anthem for embracing positivity, something often symbolized by a winning smile.
“Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” is a catchy tune with lyrics that metaphorically refer to being numb from intense emotions. The line “And I know she’ll be the death of me, at least we’ll both be numb” hints at the intensity of feelings, akin to the sensation of a dental procedure numbing one’s face.
The song’s infectious rhythm and references to feeling “numb” make it an unexpected but fitting addition to a list about teeth.
“All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” by Spike Jones
Spike Jones’ novelty Christmas song “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” humorously expresses a child’s wish for their missing teeth. With playful lyrics about a lisp and aspirations for a complete smile, the track is a nostalgic, cheerful piece.
The song’s lighthearted nature and childhood innocence add a whimsical touch to the collection of dental-related tunes.
“Fangs” by Little Red Lung
Little Red Lung’s “Fangs” is a hauntingly beautiful track that metaphorically delves into the complexities of relationships. With lyrics like “Lose yourself to be part of the world,” the song uses the imagery of fangs to convey the allure and danger of intimate connections.
The dark, poetic nature of the song and its symbolic use of “fangs” adds a unique layer to the collection of tooth-related tunes.
“The Smile on Your Face” by Alison Krauss
Alison Krauss’s “The Smile on Your Face” is a heartfelt, tender ballad that treasures the significance of a smile. The lyrics, “The smile on your face lets me know that you need me,” beautifully emphasize the power of a smile in expressing emotions and building connections.
The song’s emotional depth and focus on the impact of a smile make it a touching addition to a playlist centered around dental themes.
“Grillz” by Nelly
Nelly’s “Grillz” is a hip-hop track that celebrates dental jewelry, commonly known as “grillz.” The song’s catchy chorus and playful lyrics about gold, platinum, and diamond-encrusted dental accessories celebrate the trend of grillz, which became a symbol of status and style in the hip-hop community.
The song’s cultural impact and nod to dental aesthetics make it a standout addition to this eclectic list.
“Brush Your Teeth” by Raffi
Raffi’s “Brush Your Teeth” is a children’s song with a fun, educational message. As part of Raffi’s collection of kid-friendly tunes promoting healthy habits, this song uses catchy lyrics and a simple melody to encourage good dental hygiene.
The song’s playful nature and valuable lesson on oral care make it a delightful inclusion in a diverse compilation of tooth-themed tracks.
“Toothbrush” by DNCE
DNCE’s “Toothbrush” is a pop song that uses a toothbrush as a metaphor for intimacy and closeness in a relationship. The lyrics describe the desire for a partner to stay the night, symbolized by leaving a toothbrush at their place, showcasing a deeper level of commitment.
The song’s catchy melody and clever use of the toothbrush symbol add a contemporary romantic twist to this assortment.
“Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)” by Garbage
Garbage’s “Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)” references the notion of a beautiful smile with the lyric “With a taste of your lips I’m on a ride.” The song conveys a sense of freedom and self-empowerment, which aligns metaphorically with the appeal of an attractive smile.
The song’s energetic vibe and thematic connection to the allure of a captivating smile make it a vibrant addition to this compilation.
“Invisible Sun” by The Police
The Police’s “Invisible Sun” features the lyric “And I don’t want the world to see me, ’cause I don’t think that they’d understand.” Though not explicitly about teeth, the song’s somber and introspective tone indirectly suggests the desire to conceal oneself, which can relate to the insecurities often associated with a smile one might wish to hide.
The song’s reflective nature and the theme of hiding from the world make it a thought-provoking addition to this diverse list.
“Teeth” by 5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer’s “Teeth” is an anthemic track that explores inner turmoil and personal struggles. The intense lyrics and powerful beats convey a sense of frustration and inner conflict, symbolized metaphorically by “gritting one’s teeth” in the face of challenges.
The song’s emotional depth and use of teeth as a metaphor for resilience and strength make it a resonant addition to this compilation.
“Black Tooth Grin” by Pantera
Pantera’s “Black Tooth Grin” pays tribute to late Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott, who famously enjoyed a drink called a “black tooth grin” (a mix of whiskey and cola). Though not directly about teeth, the song’s title is a nod to this drink, adding a unique and unconventional reference to dental-related themes.
The song’s significance in honoring a band member’s legacy with the drink’s unusual name contributes an interesting twist to this assortment.
“The Tooth Fairy and the Princess” by Barry Louis Polisar
Barry Louis Polisar’s “The Tooth Fairy and the Princess” is a whimsical, storytelling song that narrates a tooth fairy’s adventures. The playful and imaginative lyrics create a charming tale of the tooth fairy, princesses, and the magic surrounding lost teeth.
The song’s fairy-tale-like quality and creative storytelling offer a delightful addition to this varied collection.
“Dentist!” from “Little Shop of Horrors”
The song “Dentist!” from the musical “Little Shop of Horrors” is a comical and lively number that revolves around a sadistic dentist enjoying inflicting pain on his patients. The song’s dark humor and upbeat melody reflect the villainous dentist’s love for causing dental agony, creating a memorable musical moment.
The song’s theatrical and tongue-in-cheek depiction of dental work adds a humorous yet sinister edge to this list of dental-themed tracks.
“Molar Eclipse” by They Might Be Giants
They Might Be Giants’ “Molar Eclipse” is a quirky, science-themed song that humorously explores the concept of a “molar eclipse,” playing on the dental term “molar” and the celestial event “solar eclipse.”
The song’s whimsical and imaginative approach to blending dental and astronomical themes makes it a unique and offbeat addition to this assortment.
“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” includes the iconic line “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.” Though not primarily about teeth, the song’s lyrics suggest the idea of not appreciating something until it’s lost, which can apply to the value of a healthy smile taken for granted.
The song’s thought-provoking nature and indirect reference to the importance of cherishing what’s “gone” align with the theme of dental awareness.
“Toothbrush” by Dnce
DNCE’s “Toothbrush” features lyrics about a partner leaving a toothbrush at their lover’s place, symbolizing a growing intimacy and commitment. The song captures the sensation of deepening connections and the comfort of sharing personal spaces.
The song’s contemporary sound and romantic sentiments related to a toothbrush as a symbol of closeness add a modern touch to this dental-themed compilation.
“Fairy Tales” by Anita O’Day
Anita O’Day’s “Fairy Tales” is a jazz standard with lyrics that mention “All your favorite fairy tales,” painting a picture of delightful and fanciful stories. While not explicitly about teeth, the song’s reference to fairy tales can evoke images of charming narratives that often feature enchanting smiles.
The song’s whimsical nature and association with magical tales contribute a charming element to this eclectic collection.
“Toothache” by Squeeze
Squeeze’s “Toothache” humorously describes the agony of dealing with a toothache. The song’s playful lyrics and catchy melody capture the irritation and discomfort associated with dental pain.
The song’s light-hearted approach to a universal experience makes it a relatable and amusing conclusion to this compilation of tooth-related tunes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why create a list of songs about teeth?
The list of songs about teeth offers a unique and creative perspective on a theme often overlooked in music. It highlights the diverse ways artists have used dental references, metaphorically or explicitly, in their songs, providing an entertaining and unexpected lens through which to explore the topic.
How were the songs selected for this list?
The songs were chosen based on their direct or indirect references to teeth, smiles, dental care, or related themes. These selections aim to showcase a variety of genres, eras, and interpretations, offering a comprehensive collection that explores the different facets of dental motifs in music.
Are these songs solely about dental health?
Not all the songs exclusively focus on dental health. Some use teeth and smiles as metaphors for various emotions, relationships, or experiences. While some directly address dental-related topics, others incorporate teeth as symbolic elements within their lyrical context.
What makes these songs unique in their references to teeth?
Each song in this list offers a distinctive approach to incorporating dental references. Whether through humor, metaphor, symbolism, or direct mention, these songs creatively explore the concept of teeth, creating a diverse and engaging musical landscape.
Do these songs have a common message or theme?
The songs cover a wide spectrum of themes, including personal relationships, empowerment, pain, joy, and even societal trends. While the common thread is the reference to teeth, the songs vary in their messages and tones, making the collection intriguing and multifaceted.
Are these songs suitable for all ages?
Most of the songs are appropriate for a general audience. However, it’s advisable to review individual songs as some may contain mature themes or lyrics, particularly those intended for adult listeners.
Can these songs serve as a dental health awareness tool?
While these songs primarily entertain and explore various themes, they can indirectly serve as conversation starters about dental hygiene and health. By presenting teeth and smiles in music, these songs could subtly encourage discussions about oral care.