Top 5 Songs

In honor of John Cusack's character in High Fidelity, I present several "Top 5" song lists. It won't take the reader long to discern my taste in music. Of course, these lists should not be treated as the definitive, final authority.

Top 5 Cynical Rock Songs

• Won't Get Fooled -The Who - The more things change, the more they stay the same.
  
• It Ain't Me Babe - Bob Dylan - Maybe more sarcastic than cynical.
  
• Punk Rock Song - Bad Religion - The song goes through everything wrong in the world and exclaims "this is just a punk rock song." It's cynical on its surface in the hope of pushing the listener to action.
  
• Holiday in Cambodia - Dead Kennedys - Most DK songs could end up in this list.
  
• Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen - A downer of a song, "nothing really matters."
  

Honorable Mentions

• Shitloads of Money - Liz Phair - Also sarcastic, and yet, the song sounds confessional.
  
• Bear Mountain Picnic - Bob Dylan - About getting conned.
  
• I Saw Her Again Last Night - The Mamas and the Papas - Made even more depressing when you understand it is autobiographical.
  
• We Got to Get Out of This Place - The Animals - "You'll be dead before your time is due."
  
• Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival - An indictment of the ruling class.
  

5 Top Break-Up Songs

• Already Gone - The Eagles - A victory take on the break-up.
• Don't Think Twice - Bob Dylan - Would also make the list of most bitter songs.
• Free Bird - Lynard Skynard - Title says it all.
• Every Breath You Take - The Police - Also the creepiest song.
• Without You - Harry Nilsson - So very sad and over the top.

5 Top Long, Larger than Life Rock Songs

• Paradise By the Dashboard Light - Meatloaf - Should probably have also made the cynical list.
  
• Free Bird - Lynard Skynard - There's a reason annoying drunk people shout out "Free Bird!" requests.
  
• American Pie - Don McLean - Overplayed on all classic rock stations, but still a goody.
  
• Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppplin - "Zepplin!"
  
• Layla - Eric Clapton
  

Honorable Mention

• Won't Get Fooled - The Who

I'm open to suggestions for revisions or additional lists.