Podcast

The Story Song Podcast

Music, Music Commentary, Music History

THE STORY SONG PODCAST is the music review, comedy, pop culture podcast that provides commentary, analysis, and the history of narrative songs from all genres and all eras—from obscure one-hit wonders to well-known classics, and some of the biggest hits of all time. Join your hosts as they discuss details only hinted at in the lyrics and speculate about every aspect of each song. We tell the story of the songs that tell a story.

Episodes
231
Releases
Every two weeks
Typical length
1 hr 27 min
On air since
2018
Latest episode
1 day ago

Episodes

231 episodes, newest first

  1. Rasputin by Boney M.

    Season 8, Episode 177

    Show notes

    In this wunderbar episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review “Rasputin” by Boney M. — a 1978 disco hit about a certain cat that really was gone.

    “Rasputin” by Boney M. (from the album Nightflight to Venus) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 27 min
  2. Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon

    Season 8, Episode 176

    Show notes

    Happy Halloween from THE STORY SONG PODCAST! In this episode, your hosts review the 1978 rock classic, “Werewolves of London” by singer/songwriter Warren Zevon.

    “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon (from the album Excitable Boy) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 32 min
  3. The Gambler by Kenny Rogers

    Season 8, Episode 175

    Show notes

    All aboard the train bound for nowhere! It’s the very special 175th episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they revisit and re-review the 1978 country music classic, “The Gambler,” written by Don Schlitz and performed by Kenny Rogers.

    “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers (from the album The Gambler) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 34 min
  4. SSP Minisode: The Gambler: The Movie: The Minisode Bonus

    Season 8

    Show notes

    BONUS EPISODE: The celebration of the upcoming 175th episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST begins with this special bonus episode. Join your hosts on a train bound for nowhere as they discuss The Gambler, the 1980 television movie adapted from the classic story song, written by Don Schlitz and performed by Kenny Rogers.

    The Gambler. Starring Kenny Rogers, Christine Belford, Bruce Boxleitner, Harold Gould, Clu Gulager, Lance LeGault, Lee Purcell, and Ronnie Scribner. Teleplay by Jim Byrnes. Story by Cort Casady and Jim Byrnes. Suggested by “The Gambler,” a song by Don Schlitz. Directed by Dick Lowry.

    The Gambler is available to stream from Shout! Studios on YouTube and on Tubi. Learn more at IMDb.

    “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers (from the album The Gambler) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 31 min
  5. SSP Minisode: Total Bummers Bonus

    Season 8

    Show notes

    Trigger warning: This episode delves into songs that discuss sensitive topics, including domestic violence, abortion, suicide, and gun violence. Listener discretion is advised.

    It’s the sad ending of ALL-BUMMER SUMMER on THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for a conversation about songs that are TOTAL bummers, which were too sad to discuss as regular episodes.

    “Luka” by Suzanne Vega (from the album Solitude Standing) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    “What's the Matter Here?” by 10,000 Maniacs (from the album In My Tribe) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    “Oh Father” by Madonna (from the album Like a Prayer) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    “Brick” by Ben Folds Five (from the album Whatever and Ever Amen) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    “The Freshmen” by The Verve Pipe (from the album Villains) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    “I Don't Like Mondays” by The Boomtown Rats (from the album The Fine Art of Surfacing) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People (from the album Torches) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam (from the album Ten) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    “Stan” by Eminem (from the album The Marshall Mathers LP) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

    THE STORY SONG PODCAST is a member of the Pantheon Podcast Network.

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    1 hr 1 min
  6. He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones

    Season 8, Episode 174

    Show notes

    ALL-BUMMER SUMMER continues on THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the 1980 country music classic, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” by singer/songwriter George Jones.

    “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones (from the album I Am What I Am) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 29 min
  7. Tecumseh Valley by Townes Van Zandt

    Season 8, Episode 173

    Show notes

    Trigger warning: This episode delves into “Tecumseh Valley” by Townes Van Zandt, a song that discusses the suicide of one of its characters. Listener discretion is advised.

    ALL-BUMMER SUMMER continues on THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the 1968 country music classic, “Tecumseh Valley,” written and performed by singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt.

    “Tecumseh Valley” by Townes Van Zandt (from the album For the Sake of the Song) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    “Tecumseh Valley” by Townes Van Zandt (from the album Our Mother the Mountain) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 29 min
  8. You Better Sit Down Kids by Cher

    Season 8, Episode 172

    Show notes

    ALL-BUMMER SUMMER continues on THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the Top 10 pop hit from 1967, “You Better Sit Down Kids,” written by Sonny Bono and performed by legendary singer and actress, Cher.

    “You Better Sit Down Kids” by Cher (from the album With Love, Cher) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 34 min
  9. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

    Season 8, Episode 171

    Show notes

    ALL-BUMMER SUMMER continues on THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the classic 1988 folk-rock hit, “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman.

    “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman (from the album Tracy Chapman) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 19 min
  10. I Started a Joke by The Bee Gees

    Season 8, Episode 170

    Show notes

    It’s the start of ALL-BUMMER SUMMER with this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, which started the whole world laughing. Join your hosts for their review of the classic 1968 pop hit, “I Started a Joke” by The Bee Gees.

    “I Started a Joke” by The Bee Gees (from the album Idea) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 23 min
  11. Kiss Me Deadly by Lita Ford

    Season 8, Episode 169

    Show notes

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1988 hard rock hit, “Kiss Me Deadly” by Lita Ford. It ain't no big thing.

    “Kiss Me Deadly” by Lita Ford (from the album Lita) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 21 min
  12. It Must Be Him by Vikki Carr

    Season 8, Episode 168

    Show notes

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1967 pop hit, “It Must Be Him” by Vikki Carr — adapted from “Seul Sur Son Étoile,” composed and performed by Gilbert Bécaud, with lyrics by Maurice Vidalin and English lyrics by Mack David.

    “It Must Be Him” by Vikki Carr (from the album It Must Be Him) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 10 min
  13. Pass the Dutchie by Musical Youth

    Season 8, Episode 167

    Show notes

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1982 reggae hit, “Pass the Dutchie” by Musical Youth.

    “Pass the Dutchie” by Musical Youth (from the album The Youth of Today) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 19 min
  14. I Got a Man by Positive K

    Season 8, Episode 166

    Show notes

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1992 hip hop hit, “I Got a Man” by Positive K.

    “I Got a Man” by Positive K (from the album The Skills Dat Pay da Bills) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 20 min
  15. Hazard by Richard Marx

    Season 8, Episode 165

    Show notes

    In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1992 soft rock hit, “Hazard” by prolific singer / songwriter Richard Marx.

    “Hazard” by Richard Marx (from the album RUSH STREET) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 25 min
  16. Gimme Three Steps by Lynyrd Skynyrd

    Season 8, Episode 164

    Show notes

    Hey there, fellow. In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1973 Southern rock classic, “Gimme Three Steps” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

    “Gimme Three Steps” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (from the album Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 17 min
  17. Want Ads by Honey Cone

    Season 8, Episode 163

    Show notes

    Extra extra, read all about it! In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1971 R&B hit, “Want Ads,” performed by Honey Cone.

    “Want Ads” by Honey Cone (from the albums Sweet Replies and Soulful Tapestry) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 6 min
  18. Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin

    Season 8, Episode 162

    Show notes

    In the season premiere episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1959 jazz classic, “Mack the Knife,” performed by Bobby Darin and written by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht (with English lyrics by Marc Blitzstein) for the musical, The Threepenny Opera.

    “Mack the Knife” by Bobby Darin (from the album That's All) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 37 min
  19. SSP 2025 New Year's Special Bonus

    Show notes

    BONUS EPISODE: Drop the ball and pour the champagne, it’s the start of another year! Join your hosts for their annual end-of-year bonus episode with a look back at the episodes from 2025 and some friendly competition. Happy New Year from THE STORY SONG PODCAST!

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 38 min
  20. Zat You, Santa Claus? by Louis Armstrong

    Season 7, Episode 161

    Show notes

    In this special holiday episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 1953 jazz classic, “’Zat You, Santa Claus?” by Louis Armstrong.

    “’Zat You, Santa Claus?” by Louis Armstrong (from the album Louis Wishes You a Cool Yule) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.

    Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Bluesky (@storysongpodcast.bsky.social), Instagram (storysongpodcast), Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser.

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    1 hr 23 min