Host Alex Trebek had to provide additional information for a vague category on a recent episode of the Jeopardy game show, so he explained that each track was searching for a three-word song title. However, two of those three words are the same, one at the beginning and the other at the end of the title.
The various tracks led to well-known songs, such as “Time After Time” by Cyndi Pauper and “One On One” by Hall and Oates. Later in the category came “Fly Robin Fly” from the Silver Convention and “On and On” by Stephen Bishop. Billy Preston, one of the few musicians who recorded with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, had the fifth response with his hit “Nothing From Nothing.”
Here are fifteen other less popular songs that could have been more challenging if they had been included in that category, three-word titles that start and end with the same word. Since Wilco has two of those songs, “War On War” and the title track from the Sky Blue Sky album, they have been excluded.
Never say never from Styx
Cornerstone spawned big hits like “Babe” and “Why Me”, but this track is one of the highlights on that album.
Godspell day by day
As if the song from the hit musical needed a stronger argument for immortality, Homer sings a memorable version throughout an episode of The Simpsons.
My Oh My by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Few song titles are made up of just a pronoun and an interjection, so the modern duo accomplished a great feat a few years ago.
Run Joey Run by David Geddes
Joey is the target of a disgruntled father, but the bullet ends up striking and killing his daughter.
Home sweet home to Motley Crue
The picturesque title seems to contradict the typical heavy music of the popular metal band.
Hand in hand by Elvis Costello
It is not the love song that its name indicates, but it is one of the most endearing songs of This Year’s Model.
Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie
Major Tom’s fate is updated in this hit, and its spooky video, of Scary Monsters and Super Creeps.
Face the Face by Pete Townshend
For his fourth solo effort, the Who guitarist took a completely different direction, and this was White City’s first single.
Heart to heart of Ambrosia
Joe Puerta and David Pack have a country-tinged duet in this song from Life Beyond LA
Livin ‘Ain’t Livin’ by Firefall
Not as well known as “Strange Ways” or “Just Remember I Love You,” this title track for the sandwich remains in all of the band’s greatest hits collections.
People Are People by Depeche Mode
While I can certainly think of exceptions to the statement, it has endured as the group’s most recognized hit.
Black Is Black by Los Bravos
There is no gray area, according to this smash hit from 1970.
Begin the beginning by REM
Appropriately, this tune kicks off the Georgia-based band’s fourth album, Life’s Rich Pageant.
Why Oh Why by Woody Guthrie
Aside from his many talking and political blues songs, Guthrie wrote many catchy nursery rhymes like this one.
Dog Eat Dog by Ted Nugent
Before Cat Scratch Fever, the rocker sang about the other house pet on his second album, Free For All.
