There’s something uniquely captivating about songs that fixate on teeth—those little enamel soldiers that serve as symbols of beauty, danger, vulnerability, and power. From the raw edge of rock anthems to the intimate confessions of indie ballads, teeth have appeared in song lyrics as metaphors for everything from desire and violence to aging and transformation. This curated collection celebrates the diverse ways musicians have explored this surprisingly versatile subject, featuring both classic tracks that have stood the test of time and fresh releases that prove artists continue finding new angles on this peculiar theme. Whether you’re discovering these songs for the first time or revisiting old favorites with renewed appreciation, prepare for a musical journey that bites.
“Teeth” by Lady Gaga – Pop Perfection with a Dangerous Edge
Lady Gaga’s “Teeth” from The Fame Monster remains one of pop music’s most electrifying explorations of desire and danger, blending theatrical production with provocative lyricism. The track features pulsating synths and Gaga’s commanding vocal delivery as she transforms dental imagery into a metaphor for the thrilling fear that accompanies intense attraction. Producer Teddy Riley brought his signature urban-pop fusion to the recording, creating layers of electronic texture that support Gaga’s declaration of wanting to show her teeth—a primal assertion of both vulnerability and power. The song’s bridge builds to a crescendo that showcases Gaga’s impressive vocal range while maintaining the track’s danceable momentum, proving why she became one of the defining pop artists of the 2010s.
“Sweet Tooth” by Cavetown – Indie Vulnerability at Its Finest
Cavetown’s “Sweet Tooth” offers a tender, bedroom-pop approach to dental metaphors, using the concept of sweetness and decay to explore emotional fragility and young love. Robin Skinner’s gentle vocal delivery floats over lo-fi production characterized by warm guitar tones and understated percussion that creates an intimate listening atmosphere. The track’s production aesthetic perfectly captures the DIY spirit that has made Cavetown a beloved figure in the indie and LGBTQ+ music communities, with home-recorded elements adding authenticity to the emotional narrative. Lyrically, the song uses cavity-inducing sweetness as a stand-in for relationships that feel good in the moment but might cause long-term damage, a relatable concept delivered with Skinner’s characteristic sincerity and poetic economy.
“Teeth in the Grass” by Iron & Wine – Americana Storytelling with Dark Undertones
Sam Beam’s “Teeth in the Grass” showcases Iron & Wine’s mastery of atmospheric folk storytelling, weaving unsettling imagery into deceptively beautiful musical arrangements. The track features Beam’s whisper-soft vocals layered over finger-picked acoustic guitar patterns and subtle orchestral elements that create a haunting sonic landscape. Released as part of the critically acclaimed The Creek Drank the Cradle, this song demonstrates Beam’s ability to find poetry in disturbing imagery, using the visual of teeth scattered in grass to evoke themes of mortality and nature’s indifference. The production maintains a stark, minimal quality that allows the lyrical content to take center stage, while strategic use of reverb creates spatial depth that makes the listening experience feel both intimate and expansive—perfect for those looking to explore more sophisticated listening through quality headphones.
“Toothpaste Kisses” by The Maccabees – Indie Rock Romance
The Maccabees captured the awkward intimacy of young relationships with “Toothpaste Kisses,” a track that transforms a mundane morning moment into something unexpectedly romantic. Orlando Weeks’ distinctive vocal delivery brings character to lyrics that celebrate the unglamorous reality of domestic closeness, while the band’s energetic instrumentation—featuring angular guitar work and propulsive drumming—elevates the concept beyond novelty. The song’s production balances raw indie-rock energy with melodic sophistication, creating a sound that influenced countless British indie bands throughout the late 2000s. This track became a cult favorite among fans who appreciated The Maccabees’ ability to find profound meaning in everyday experiences, establishing them as one of the UK’s most authentic indie rock voices.
“Canine” by Everything Everything – Art Rock Complexity
Everything Everything’s “Canine” demonstrates how teeth imagery can serve as a vehicle for exploring animalistic instincts and social commentary through experimental rock arrangements. The track showcases the band’s signature approach to art-rock, featuring Jonathan Higgs’ falsetto vocals navigating complex rhythmic patterns and unexpected harmonic shifts. Production-wise, “Canine” layers electronic elements with organic instrumentation, creating a dense sonic tapestry that rewards repeated listening and reveals new details with each pass. The song’s exploration of primal behaviors through the metaphor of bared teeth reflects Everything Everything’s intellectual approach to songwriting, addressing themes of masculinity, aggression, and societal expectations with both musical and lyrical sophistication.
“Lost My Head There” by The 1975 – Synth-Pop Introspection
The 1975’s “Lost My Head There” incorporates subtle dental references within a broader meditation on regret and self-destruction, wrapped in the band’s polished synth-pop production. Matty Healy’s vocals drift across atmospheric synthesizer pads and programmed beats that create the spacious, nocturnal vibe that became a signature element of their early work. The track’s production features the careful layering of electronic and acoustic elements that characterized The 1975’s rise to prominence, demonstrating their ability to balance pop accessibility with emotional depth. While the tooth imagery appears more obliquely here than in other tracks on this list, the song’s examination of physical manifestations of anxiety—including jaw-clenching and teeth-grinding—resonates with listeners who’ve experienced the somatic effects of stress.
“Teeth Like God’s Shoeshine” by Modest Mouse – Alternative Rock Masterclass
Modest Mouse opened their landmark album The Lonesome Crowded West with “Teeth Like God’s Shoeshine,” a seven-minute epic that showcases Isaac Brock’s unique lyrical perspective and the band’s dynamic range. The track builds from a quiet, almost spoken-word introduction into explosive sections featuring distorted guitars, aggressive drumming, and Brock’s distinctive yelping vocal delivery. This song exemplifies Modest Mouse’s ability to capture feelings of alienation and existential anxiety through unconventional metaphors, with the title phrase evoking images of divine indifference and the grinding nature of modern existence. The production maintains a raw, slightly chaotic quality that perfectly complements the song’s thematic exploration of life’s absurdities, making it essential listening for anyone exploring the deeper corners of ’90s alternative rock.
“Sweet Tooth” by Scott Helman – Canadian Pop-Rock Energy
Canadian artist Scott Helman delivered a different interpretation of the sweet tooth concept with his pop-rock track that explores addiction to relationships and the inability to resist temptation. Helman’s powerful vocal performance drives the song forward, supported by punchy production featuring prominent drums, electric guitar riffs, and contemporary pop production techniques. The track demonstrates Helman’s gift for crafting radio-friendly hooks without sacrificing emotional authenticity, a balance that earned him recognition in the Canadian music scene and beyond. Released during a period when Helman was establishing himself as one of Canada’s most promising young artists, “Sweet Tooth” showcases the kind of polished songcraft that benefits from experiencing through premium earbuds that can capture every production nuance.
“Baby Teeth” by Screaming Females – Punk Intensity Meets Guitar Virtuosity
Screaming Females’ “Baby Teeth” combines Marissa Paternoster’s ferocious guitar work with lyrics that use dental imagery to explore themes of growth, loss, and transformation. The track features Paternoster’s distinctive vocal snarl and some of the most technically impressive guitar playing in contemporary punk rock, with extended solos that showcase her background in jazz and classical music. Production on the song maintains the raw, energetic quality that defines Screaming Females’ sound while allowing enough clarity for listeners to appreciate the instrumental complexity beneath the aggressive surface. The metaphor of baby teeth—temporary, vulnerable, eventually replaced—serves as a powerful vehicle for examining the painful but necessary processes of personal evolution, delivered with an intensity that makes the band’s live performances legendary.
“Wisdom Tooth” by Japanese Breakfast – Dream Pop Delicacy
Michelle Zauner’s Japanese Breakfast project delivered “Wisdom Tooth” as a shimmering piece of dream pop that uses dental pain as a metaphor for emotional anguish and difficult growth. The track features Zauner’s ethereal vocals floating over lush synthesizer textures and carefully arranged guitars that create an almost celestial sonic atmosphere. Production work on the song demonstrates Zauner’s evolution as a producer, with attention to spatial dynamics and tonal color that transforms a potentially mundane subject into something transcendent. The wisdom tooth metaphor resonates on multiple levels—representing both the literal pain of maturation and the philosophical idea that growth often requires suffering, themes Zauner has explored throughout her work with Japanese Breakfast and in her memoir.
“Shark Smile” by Big Thief – Indie Folk Storytelling
Big Thief’s “Shark Smile” showcases Adrianne Lenker’s gift for creating vivid, unsettling imagery through deceptively simple folk arrangements, with tooth and smile imagery playing a central role in the song’s narrative. Lenker’s intimate vocal delivery and poetic lyrics are supported by the band’s sensitive instrumental accompaniment, featuring gentle guitar work and subtle percussion that creates space for the story to unfold. The song exemplifies Big Thief’s approach to production, which favors warmth and presence over polish, often recording live to capture the spontaneous chemistry between band members. The track’s exploration of predatory relationships and survival instincts through shark imagery demonstrates Lenker’s ability to find fresh angles on familiar metaphors, establishing Big Thief as one of contemporary indie folk’s most compelling voices.
“Grillz” by Nelly feat. Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp – Hip-Hop Cultural Phenomenon
Nelly’s “Grillz” became a defining track of mid-2000s hip-hop, celebrating decorative dental jewelry as a symbol of success and street culture while maintaining an infectious, party-ready energy. The song features memorable verses from Paul Wall, whose expertise in Houston’s grillz culture brought authenticity to the track, alongside contributions from Ali and Big Gipp that add regional flavor. Production by Jermaine Dupri creates a bouncy, Southern-influenced beat characterized by crisp snares, synthesizer melodies, and a hook that became unavoidable on radio and in clubs during 2006. Beyond its commercial success, “Grillz” documented a specific moment in hip-hop culture when dental modification became a mainstream fashion statement, influencing everything from jewelry trends to how artists presented themselves visually.
“Fang” by Matt Champion – Contemporary Hip-Hop Innovation
Matt Champion’s “Fang” represents the newer generation of hip-hop artists using tooth imagery to explore themes of danger, attraction, and self-presentation through genre-blending production. The track features Champion’s laid-back delivery over production that incorporates elements of alternative R&B, electronic music, and traditional hip-hop, creating a sound that defies easy categorization. As a member of BROCKHAMPTON before pursuing solo work, Champion brings an experimental approach to song structure and sonic palette, with “Fang” showcasing his ability to craft atmospheric tracks that maintain commercial appeal. The song’s production emphasizes space and texture, using minimal elements strategically to create maximum impact—an approach that highlights the importance of listening environment and audio quality.
“Teeth Dreams” by The National – Indie Rock Anxiety Anthem
The National transformed the common anxiety dream of losing teeth into “Teeth Dreams,” a characteristically brooding track that captures middle-aged existential worry through Matt Berninger’s baritone vocals. The song features the band’s signature sound—intricate guitar interplay between Aaron and Bryce Dessner, subtle keyboard textures, and Bryan Devendorf’s precise drumming creating a foundation for Berninger’s observational lyrics. Production on the track demonstrates The National’s refinement over multiple albums, with careful attention to dynamics and arrangement that allows the song to build emotional intensity gradually. The lyrics examine the stress dreams that plague people as they age, using dental anxiety as a gateway to broader themes of mortality, responsibility, and the fear of falling apart—subjects The National has explored throughout their acclaimed catalog.
“Crocodile Teeth” by Childish Gambino – Genre-Defying Experimentation
Donald Glover’s Childish Gambino project delivered “Crocodile Teeth” as part of his continuous evolution away from traditional hip-hop toward a more experimental, genre-fluid approach to music-making. The track features Glover’s distinctive vocal delivery navigating a production landscape that incorporates elements of funk, soul, electronic music, and psychedelia, creating something that defies conventional categorization. Production credits include Ludwig Göransson, Glover’s frequent collaborator who has helped realize his increasingly ambitious sonic visions across multiple albums. The crocodile teeth metaphor serves as a representation of danger lurking beneath seemingly calm surfaces, a theme that runs through much of Glover’s artistic work across music, television, and film.
“Bite Down” by Bastille – Alternative Pop Darkness
Bastille’s “Bite Down” explores themes of self-destruction and toxic relationships through aggressive production and Dan Smith’s emotive vocal performance, using biting imagery throughout the lyrics. The track features the band’s characteristic blend of alternative rock instrumentation and electronic production elements, creating a sound that appeals to both indie rock fans and mainstream pop audiences. Producer Mark Crew helped Bastille craft a sonic identity that balances arena-ready choruses with more experimental production touches, evident in the layered vocals and synthesizer work throughout “Bite Down.” The song’s examination of the ways we hurt ourselves and others—represented through the physical act of biting—demonstrates Bastille’s ability to address dark subject matter while maintaining musical accessibility, a combination that has made them one of the UK’s most successful alternative acts.
“Lost a Tooth” by Califone – Experimental Folk Artistry
Califone’s “Lost a Tooth” represents the more experimental end of Americana music, with Tim Rutili’s project creating a sound that incorporates found sounds, unconventional instrumentation, and abstract lyricism. The track features Rutili’s weathered vocal delivery over a sparse arrangement that might include everything from traditional folk instruments to field recordings and electronic manipulation. Production on Califone’s work often emphasizes texture and atmosphere over conventional song structure, creating pieces that feel more like sonic collages than traditional compositions. The image of a lost tooth becomes a meditation on aging, decay, and the physical markers of time’s passage, delivered with an artistic sensibility that rewards patient, attentive listening through dedicated audio equipment.
“Vampire Smile” by Kyla La Grange – Dark Pop Elegance
British artist Kyla La Grange delivered “Vampire Smile” as a haunting exploration of dangerous attraction, using vampire fangs as an obvious but effective metaphor for relationships that drain us. The song showcases La Grange’s powerful vocal abilities, moving from vulnerable verses to a soaring, anthemic chorus supported by dramatic production featuring orchestral elements and electronic beats. Production work emphasizes the theatrical qualities of the concept while maintaining enough restraint to keep the track from feeling overwrought, a difficult balance that La Grange and her collaborators execute successfully. The track gained attention for its combination of dark lyrical themes with accessible pop songcraft, establishing La Grange as an artist capable of bringing depth to the indie-pop landscape.
“Teeth” by 5 Seconds of Summer – Pop-Rock Heartbreak
5 Seconds of Summer’s “Teeth” represents the band’s evolution from teen pop-rock toward more mature themes and production approaches, exploring the addictive nature of toxic relationships. The track features the band’s tight instrumental interplay—honed through years of touring—combined with contemporary pop production techniques that give the song radio-ready polish. Vocalist Luke Hemmings delivers the lyrics with conviction, supported by harmonies and a production that emphasizes both the pop hooks and the rock instrumentation that defined the band’s appeal to a broad audience. Released as part of their continued reinvention, “Teeth” uses the physical sensation of pain to represent emotional damage, a straightforward but effective approach that resonated with the band’s fanbase and introduced them to new listeners.
“Fangs” by Matt Champion & Dominic Fike – Collaborative Chemistry
The collaboration between Matt Champion and Dominic Fike on “Fangs” brings together two distinctive voices from contemporary alternative hip-hop and indie rock, creating a track that showcases both artists’ strengths. The production features a laid-back groove that allows both Champion’s rap-influenced delivery and Fike’s more melodic approach to shine, with instrumental elements that draw from funk, R&B, and psychedelic rock. Both artists represent a generation of musicians who resist genre boundaries, instead creating hybrid sounds that reflect diverse musical influences and modern production capabilities. The fang imagery in the song serves as a representation of the sharp edges people present to protect themselves, exploring vulnerability and defense mechanisms through a musical lens that feels fresh and contemporary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes teeth such a popular subject in songwriting?
Teeth serve as powerful metaphors in songwriting because they represent multiple contradictory concepts simultaneously—beauty and danger, vulnerability and strength, permanence and fragility. Artists gravitate toward dental imagery when exploring themes of attraction mixed with threat, as seen in songs like Lady Gaga’s “Teeth” and Kyla La Grange’s “Vampire Smile,” where teeth symbolize the dangerous appeal of intense relationships. Additionally, teeth connect to universal human experiences like aging, pain, and self-image, making them relatable entry points for listeners while allowing songwriters to explore complex emotions through concrete physical imagery.
Are there specific music genres that use teeth imagery more frequently?
While teeth imagery appears across all musical genres, certain styles utilize it more prominently due to thematic alignment with genre conventions. Alternative and indie rock frequently employ tooth and dental metaphors when exploring anxiety and existential themes, as demonstrated by The National’s “Teeth Dreams” and Modest Mouse’s “Teeth Like God’s Shoeshine,” where the imagery connects to feelings of decay and impermanence. Hip-hop culture has embraced dental imagery in a completely different context through celebration of grillz and decorative dental work, with Nelly’s “Grillz” becoming a cultural touchstone that documented how dental modification became synonymous with success and style in certain communities.
Which artists have written multiple songs about teeth or dental themes?
While most artists explore dental imagery sparingly, some have returned to tooth-related metaphors across multiple tracks in their discographies. Lady Gaga has incorporated teeth imagery beyond her song “Teeth,” using dental references in live performances and visual presentations to emphasize themes of power and provocation. Childish Gambino has also referenced teeth and biting across several tracks throughout different albums, using the imagery to explore themes ranging from aggressive confidence to vulnerability, demonstrating how the metaphor can be adapted to serve different artistic purposes within a single artist’s evolving body of work.
How has the meaning of teeth in popular music changed over time?
The symbolic use of teeth in music has evolved significantly, reflecting broader cultural shifts and changing attitudes toward dental aesthetics and health. Earlier folk and blues traditions often referenced teeth in terms of decay and loss, connecting dental problems to poverty and aging in a literal, documentary fashion. Contemporary pop and hip-hop have transformed teeth into symbols of wealth and self-expression through grillz culture and cosmetic dentistry, celebrating enhanced smiles as markers of success, while alternative genres continue using dental imagery to explore psychological states like anxiety, represented by teeth-grinding and dental nightmares that manifest internal stress through physical symptoms.
What production elements work best for songs about teeth?
Songs about teeth benefit from production choices that emphasize the sharpness or vulnerability the imagery suggests, with producers often using sonic textures that mirror the lyrical themes. Tracks exploring teeth as dangerous or aggressive elements frequently feature harder production elements—distorted guitars, aggressive beats, sharp percussive sounds—that sonically represent the cutting nature of teeth, as heard in Screaming Females’ “Baby Teeth.” Conversely, songs using dental imagery to explore vulnerability or pain often employ softer, more atmospheric production with space and reverb that creates an introspective listening environment, demonstrated effectively in Japanese Breakfast’s “Wisdom Tooth,” where ethereal production matches the emotional delicacy of the subject matter.