21 Best Songs With Green In The Title
Contents
12. “A Certain Shade of Green” by Incubus
Song Year: 1997
Incubus brings its trademark heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and energetic vocals to create an intense and powerful sound.
“A Certain Shade of Green” talks about feeling trapped and wanting to break free from the monotony of everyday life. It encourages listeners to take control of their lives and pursue their dreams, even if it means going against the norm.
13. “Bein’ Green” by Kermit the Frog
Song Year: 1970
Yeah, it’s a Muppets song. So? It may be cute, and sure, it’s sung by a frog, but that doesn’t take away from the song’s power any more than the same takeaway from “The Rainbow Connection.”
It debuted on Sesame Street and became an instant classic. It’s cute, it’s catchy, it’s clever. But more important, it carries a message of self-acceptance and the importance of learning to be comfortable in one’s own skin.
Little kids watched, and those were the very people who needed to hear that message.
14. “Big Green Tractor” by Jason Aldean
Song Year: 2009
Country music often sings the praises of the simple life, and “Big Green Tractor” is no exception. Driving around in a big green tractor might not be the sexiest thing you could ever do, but it can be fun and satisfying.
It boasts a laid-back, easy-going feel, and the lyrics are about appreciating the little things in life and finding joy in the company of others. It’s got a killer hook, too, so singing along with it— another of life’s simple pleasures— is almost mandatory.
15. “On Green Dolphin Street” by Miles Davis
Song Year: 1959
Bronisław Kaper wrote “On Green Dolphin Street” in 1947, but perhaps the definitive version comes from trumpet legend Miles Davis, who included it on his seminal album Kind of Blue.
It was originally written for the 1947 film Green Dolphin Street, but after Davis got through with it, most people forgot that flick. The song is well known for its back-and-forth trips from a Latin-infused verse to its swing chorus. It’s a jazz standard these days, so if you stop by a jazz club late at night, the chances of hearing someone in there play this song are pretty good.
16. “Green Christmas” by Barenaked Ladies
Song Year: 1996
If you have to have a Christmas song (and if the color green is involved, you kind of do), you may as well have one from the funny, smart, lyrically gifted Barenaked Ladies. It’s a humorous take on Christmas with lyrics describing a dysfunctional family holiday.
The song features a catchy melody and upbeat instrumentation because that’s what you get from these creative Canadians, and it has ended up being that rare Christmas song that BNL fans love to hear year-round.
17. “Green Disease” by Pearl Jam
Song Year: 2002
Eddie Vedder and company dropped “Green Disease” as part of 2002’s Riot Act, kicking the song off with driving drums and the band’s standard two-guitar attack.
The green disease in question, of course, is greed. Pearl Jam has long spoken out against injustice, battling against Ticketmaster, testifying before Congress, and trying to make the world better with their music.
One way to do that is to point out the world’s shortcomings, and Vedder’s lyrics do a fine job here. Social commentary has rarely sounded so cool.
18. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” by Wilson Pickett
Song Year: 1971
If it’s by Wilson Pickett, it’s probably got a cool factor to it. If there are also horns involved, there’s no “probably” to it.
“Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” features Pickett’s powerful vocals and a funky rhythm section, and it warns the listener not to get fooled by appearances because even the sweetest, kindest, prettiest of them all might just be in it for the money— your money.
19. “Green Eggs and Swine” by 3rd Bass
Song Year: 1991
Though it has “green” in the title, this song is hip-hop gold. It opens with what very well might be the Wicked Witch of the West reading from Dr. Seuss, then gives over to a block-rock beat topped with the inescapable swagger of 3rd Bass.
The lyrics are funny now and then, but the gist revolves around the exploitation of artists in general and rap music in particular. “Green Eggs and Swine” was part of the group’s second and final album, Derelicts of Dialect.
20. “Green Eyes” by Coldplay
Song Year: 2002
Coldplay features Chris Martin, formerly Mr. Gwenyth Paltrow. Due to who he used to be married to and that Martin himself comes off as kind of a weirdo, Coldplay often gets dismissed. And that’s too bad because they’re a pretty great band.
“Green Eyes” is a love song with acoustic guitar, a piano, and some strings laying a foundation for Martin’s vocals. It’s an effective piece of music describing the pain of separation from a loved one and the hope of being reunited.
21. “Green Gloves” by The National
Song Year: 2007
In this song, the green gloves represent the narrator’s efforts to hold a failing relationship together. It’s a subdued piece of music with frontman Matt Berninger turning in some somber, brooding vocals over quiet guitar and spare percussion.
The couple in the lyrics tries and ultimately fails to make a real connection with each other. Things are ending, but it’s not for lack of trying.
Top Songs With Green In The Title, Final Thoughts
Songs about green aren’t ubiquitous, but the ones we know are all pretty great pieces of music over several genres. If we missed your favorite, remember what Kermit said about how it’s hard to be green now and then. And we’re sorry.