Lyrically Speaking: Tell me a story

[astrnomr]

One of the reasons why I tend to dislike current music is that it doesn't mean anything. There might be some good music, but the lyrics are often nothing more than a random collection of words. There used to be a time when songs weren't just music -- they told stories. They would go through the whole exposition-conflict-climax-denouement phases. And so, that is the theme of today's quiz. Please keep in mind that I want the original artist, not a cover version.

1. Well another man might have been angry
And another man might have been hurt
But another man never would have let her go
I stashed the bill in my shirt

2. He came on a summer's day
Bringin' gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn't stay
No harbor was his home

3. And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?

4. Brother thought his wife musta left town
So he went home and finally found
The only thing Papa had left him, that was a gun

5. Yeah I'm lookin' for the king of 42nd Street
He drivin' a drop top Cadillac
Last week he took all my money
And it may sound funny
But I come to get my money back

6. Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er

7. And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy
Ya gotta learn to play it right

8. I guess you didn't know it
But I'm a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you

9. Sister, I implore you
Take him by the hand
Take him to some shady bower
Save me from the wrath of this man

10. By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
Theres been a hoot owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this?

Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected)

Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?

[littlebeast13]

Spoiler

One of the reasons why I tend to dislike current music is that it doesn't mean anything. There might be some good music, but the lyrics are often nothing more than a random collection of words. There used to be a time when songs weren't just music -- they told stories. They would go through the whole exposition-conflict-climax-denouement phases. And so, that is the theme of today's quiz. Please keep in mind that I want the original artist, not a cover version.

1. Well another man might have been angry
And another man might have been hurt
But another man never would have let her go
I stashed the bill in my shirt
Taxi - Harry Chapin

2. He came on a summer's day
Bringin' gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn't stay
No harbor was his home
Brandy - Looking Glass

3. And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?
Copacabana - Barry Manilow

4. Brother thought his wife musta left town
So he went home and finally found
The only thing Papa had left him, that was a gun

5. Yeah I'm lookin' for the king of 42nd Street
He drivin' a drop top Cadillac
Last week he took all my money
And it may sound funny
But I come to get my money back
You Don't Mess Around With Jim - Jim Croce

6. Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er
Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot (That LS classic makes another appearance!)

7. And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy
Ya gotta learn to play it right
The Gambler - Kenny Rogers

8. I guess you didn't know it
But I'm a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you
The Devil Went Down To Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band

9. Sister, I implore you
Take him by the hand
Take him to some shady bower
Save me from the wrath of this man

10. By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
Theres been a hoot owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this? - Moesha

Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected)

Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?

[MarleysGh0st]

Spoiler

3. And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?

Copacabana - Tony Orlando and Dawn?

6. Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot

7. And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy
Ya gotta learn to play it right

The Gambler - Kenny Rogers

8. I guess you didn't know it
But I'm a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you

The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels

[megaaddict]

Spoiler

1. Taxi, Harry Chapin

2. Brandy, Looking Glass

5. You Don't Mess Around With Jim, Jim Croce

6. Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Gordon Lightfoot

8. Devil Went Down To Georgia, Charlie Daniels Band

10. Wildfire, Michael Murphy

Bonus: Moesha?

Double Bonus: Whitney Houston?

Final Bonus: I'll go with Chapin since he's the only one I know who's dead.

Great category. With you 100% on the lack of full story songs today. A little surprised not to see (or really surprised if I didn't recognize) any of Dylan's contributions to the genre, particulary Tangled Up In Blue and Hurricane. But I can't complain since I rarely get over 50% on any given LS.

[astrnomr]

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this?

CORRECTION: It wasn't the mother, it was the girl's aunt. And, she apparently did sing it as a bedtime story.

[littlebeast13]

10. By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
Theres been a hoot owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row

They are playing this song right now on the Music Choice channel I'm listening to!!!!!! I about fell out of my seat when I heard that set of lyrics!!!! Why couldn't they have played this a half an hour earlier!?!?!?!?!?

And the sad thing is I love the song, I just haven't heard it anywhere near enough to remember the damn lyrics to it.....

lb13

[gsabc]

Spoiler

HAD TO PLAY TODAY, WHEN I RECOGNIZE SO MANY. MY FAVORITE SONG STYLE, TOO, WHICH MAKES THIS ONE OF MY FEW STRONG POINTS IN MUSIC. I WILL WITHDRAW BACK INTO THE WEEDS AGAIN AFTER PLAYING.

1. Well another man might have been angry
And another man might have been hurt
But another man never would have let her go
I stashed the bill in my shirt
TAXI - HARRY CHAPIN

2. He came on a summer's day
Bringin' gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn't stay
No harbor was his home
BRANDY - LOOKING GLASS

3. And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?
COPACABANA - BARRY MANILOW

4. Brother thought his wife musta left town
So he went home and finally found
The only thing Papa had left him, that was a gun
THE NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN GEORGIA - VICKI LAWRENCE

5. Yeah I'm lookin' for the king of 42nd Street
He drivin' a drop top Cadillac
Last week he took all my money
And it may sound funny
But I come to get my money back
YOU DON'T MESS AROUND WITH JIM - JIM CROCE

6. Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er
WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD - GORDON (!) LIGHTFOOT

7. And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy
Ya gotta learn to play it right
THE GAMBLER - KENNY ROGERS

8. I guess you didn't know it
But I'm a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you
THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA - CHARLIE DANIELS BAND

9. Sister, I implore you
Take him by the hand
Take him to some shady bower
Save me from the wrath of this man

10. By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
Theres been a hoot owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row
WILDFIRE - MICHAEL MURPHY

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this? NO IDEA; SIMPSONS? EVERYBODY (EXCEPT ME) LOVES RAYMOND?

Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected) GUESSES: CAROLE KING? RITA COOLIDGE?

Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues? HARRY CHAPIN, FOR HIS WORLD HUNGER YEAR WORK (DIED WAY TOO YOUNG; WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE HEARD HIS TAKE ON RONALD REAGAN'S "KETCHUP IS A VEGETABLE")

[ToLiveIsToFly]

Spoiler

1. Well another man might have been angry
And another man might have been hurt
But another man never would have let her go
I stashed the bill in my shirt
Taxi - Harry Chapin

2. He came on a summer's day
Bringin' gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn't stay
No harbor was his home
Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass

3. And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?
Copacabana - Barry Manilow

4. Brother thought his wife musta left town
So he went home and finally found
The only thing Papa had left him, that was a gun
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia - Vicki Lawrence

5. Yeah I'm lookin' for the king of 42nd Street
He drivin' a drop top Cadillac
Last week he took all my money
And it may sound funny
But I come to get my money back
You Don't Mess Around With Jim - Jim Croce

6. Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot

7. And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy
Ya gotta learn to play it right
The Gambler - Kenny Rogers

8. I guess you didn't know it
But I'm a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you
The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band

9. Sister, I implore you
Take him by the hand
Take him to some shady bower
Save me from the wrath of this man
Gallows Pole - Led Zeppelin

10. By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
Theres been a hoot owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row
Wildfire - no idea on artist.

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this?
The Simpsons?

Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected)
prominent singer from the early 70s whose husband had veto power over what she sang? Um, I'm a little tempted to say Sonny and Cher - Sonny doing something idiotic just figures, but it doesn't feel right. Ike and Tina feels even less right, but I'm going to go with that instead. I'll say Ike rejected it because he didn't like the idea of the violence happening to a man.

Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?
Harry Chapin

[ToLiveIsToFly]

Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?

My brother used to play this song a lot.

[Sir_Galahad]

Spoiler

1. Taxi - Harry Chapin
2. Brandy - Looking Glass
3. Copacabana - Manilow
4. The Night the lights Went out in Georgia - Sam Cooke
5. Don't Mess Around with Jim - Jim Croce
6. Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot
7. The Gambler - pre-facelift Kenny Rogers
8. Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band
9. Gallows Pole - Led Zeppelin
10. Wildfire - ??

B: ?

DB: ?

FB: Harry Chapin

[mntetn]

Spoiler

1. Taxi, Harry Chapin
2. Brandy, Looking Glass
3. Copacabana, Barry Manilow
4. The Night the Lights Went out in GA, Vicki Lawrence (and Reba McEntire later)
5. Don't Mess Around With Jim/Slim, Jim Croce
6. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Gordon Lightfoot
7. The Gambler, Kenny Rogers
8. The Devil Went Down to GA, Charlie Daniels
9. (so close!)
10. Wildfire, Michael Murphy

Bonus:
Double Bonus: Loretta Lynn (WAG)
Final Bonus: There's only a couple of these who are "posthumous" to begin with, so I'll guess Harry Chapin.

[kroxquo]

Spoiler

1. Well another man might have been angry
And another man might have been hurt
But another man never would have let her go
I stashed the bill in my shirt

Taxi - Harry Chapin one of my favorite singers ever.

2. He came on a summer's day
Bringin' gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn't stay
No harbor was his home

Brandy - Was the group Looking Glass?

3. And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?

Copacabana - Barry Manilow (one of those that I'm embarrassed to know)

4. Brother thought his wife musta left town
So he went home and finally found
The only thing Papa had left him, that was a gun

5. Yeah I'm lookin' for the king of 42nd Street
He drivin' a drop top Cadillac
Last week he took all my money
And it may sound funny
But I come to get my money back

I can sing the whole thing. Is the title You Don't Mess Around Jim? - Jim Croce

6. Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er

The Wreck Of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot

7. And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy
Ya gotta learn to play it right

The Gambler - Kenny Rogers

8. I guess you didn't know it
But I'm a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you

The Devil Went Down To Georgia - Charlie Daniels

9. Sister, I implore you
Take him by the hand
Take him to some shady bower
Save me from the wrath of this man

10. By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
Theres been a hoot owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row

Wildfire? - can't remember the artist if it is

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this?

Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected)

Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?

If it wasn't Harry Chapin, it should have been

[Bob78164]

Spoiler

1. Taxi, Dan Fogelberg
2. Ride, Captain, Ride, The Association

5. Don't Mess Around with Jim, Jim Croce
6. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Gordon Lightfoot

8. The Devil Went Down to Georgia, Charlie Daniels Band

--Bob

[ghostjmf]

Spoiler

1. Darn! Kris Kristofferson?

2. Sandy? I know the girl is "rhymes with 'an'"-dy. Could be Mandy. But going with Sandy./Looking Glass

4. The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia/Vicki Lawrence

5. Don't Mess Around With Jim? WAG/Jim Croce; I know he sang it, I just don't know which song

6. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald/Gordon Lightfoot

7. The Gambler/Kenny Rogers

8. The Devil Went Down To Georgia/Charlie Rich

10. Wildfire/America

Bonus: No Idea; gonna guess Judging Amy. Probably will be Gilmore Girls, which I've never seen, where the girl is too old for bedtime stories, but anyway.

Double Bonus: Gonna guess Loretta Lynn, & the reason "bad for image"

Final Bonus: Posthumous meaning "dead"; Croce?

edited only to spoilerize (obviously!)

[KillerTomato]

Spoiler

1. Taxi - Harry Chapin
2. Brandy - That band that kinda sounded like Three Dog Night. Three Dog Night?
3. Copacabana - Boring Manilow
4. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia - Vicky Lawrence
5. You Don't Mess Around with Jim - Jim Croce
6. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot
7. Nope.
8. The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band
9. Nope
10. Nope

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this?

This is so familiar, but I can't remember where I saw it.


Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected)

Celine Dion, rejected because it didn't work in French. Then again, what does?


Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?

Harry Chapin?

[KillerTomato]

Spoiler

The Shortest Story
Harry Chapin


I am born today, the sun burns it's promise in my eyes;
Mama strikes me and I draw a breath and cry.
Above me a cloud softly tumbles through the sky;
I am glad to be alive.

It is my seventh day, I taste the hunger and I cry;
My brother and sister cling to Mama's side.
She squeezes her breast, but it has nothing to provide;
Someone weeps, I fall asleep.

It is twenty days today, Mama does not hold me anymore;
I open my mouth but I am too weak to cry.
Above me a bird slowly crawls across the sky;
Why is there nothing now to do but die?

That song just tears me apart.

[T_Bone0806]

Spoiler

1-Taxi-Harry Chapin
2-Brandy (You're a Fine Girl-Looking Glass
3-Copacabana-Barry Manilow
4-The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia-Vicki Lawrence
5-You Don't Mess Around With Jim-Jim Croce
6-The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald-Gordon Lightfoot
7-The Gambler-Kenny Rogers
8-The Devil Went Down to Georgia-Charlie Daniels Band
9-Gallows Pole-Led Zeppelin
10-Wildfire-Michael Murphey

Bonus: ??
Double Bonus: Helen Reddy
Final Bonus: Harry Chapin

[elwoodblues]

Spoiler

1. Taxi - Harry Chapin
2. Brandy - Looking Glass
3. Copacabana - Barry Manilow
5. You Don't Mess Around With Jim - Jim Croce
6. Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot
7. The Gambler - Kenny Rogers
8. The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band
10. Wildfire - Michael Murphy

Final Bonus: Harry Chapin

[TheConfessor]

Spoiler

1. Well another man might have been angry
And another man might have been hurt
But another man never would have let her go
I stashed the bill in my shirt
HARRY CHAPIN -- TAXI

2. He came on a summer's day
Bringin' gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn't stay
No harbor was his home
LOOKING GLASS -- BRANDY

3. And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?
BARRY MANILOW -- COPACABANA

4. Brother thought his wife musta left town
So he went home and finally found
The only thing Papa had left him, that was a gun
VICKI LAWRENCE -- THE NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN GEORGIA

5. Yeah I'm lookin' for the king of 42nd Street
He drivin' a drop top Cadillac
Last week he took all my money
And it may sound funny
But I come to get my money back
JIM CROCE -- YOU DON'T MESS AROUND WITH JIM

6. Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er
GORDON LIGHTFOOT -- THE WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD

7. And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy
Ya gotta learn to play it right
KENNY ROGERS -- THE GAMBLER

8. I guess you didn't know it
But I'm a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you
CHARLIE DANIELS -- THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA

9. Sister, I implore you
Take him by the hand
Take him to some shady bower
Save me from the wrath of this man
DIXIE CHICKS -- GOODBYE EARL

10. By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
Theres been a hoot owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row
MICHAEL (MARTIN) MURPHY -- WILDFIRE

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this?
THE SIMPSONS

Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected)
IT WAS OFFERED TO CLAUDINE LONGET, BUT ANDY WILLIAMS TURNED DOWN, THINKING IT MIGHT INSPIRE CLAUDINE TO SHOOT SPIDER SABICH.

Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?
HARRY CHAPIN

[mellytu74]

Couldn't make it yesterday.

Spoiler

1. Taxi - Harry Chapin
2. Brrandy - Looking GLass
3. Copacabana - Barry Manilow
4. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia - Vicki Lawrence
5. Don't Mess Around with Jim - Jim Croce
6. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerlad - Gordon Lightfoot
7. The Gambler - Kenny Rogers
8. The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band
9. Nope
10. The thing about the horse

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this?

Sounds like The Simpsons

Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected)

Sonny & Cher? No idea on the reason

Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?

Harry Chapin

[SportsFan68]

Spoiler

1. Well another man might have been angry
And another man might have been hurt
But another man never would have let her go
I stashed the bill in my shirt

Taxi, Harry Chapin

2. He came on a summer's day
Bringin' gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn't stay
No harbor was his home

Brandy, Looking Glass. RadioDude played this whilst I was on the road to Texas.

3. And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?

Copacabana, Barry Manilow

4. Brother thought his wife musta left town
So he went home and finally found
The only thing Papa had left him, that was a gun

The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, Vicki Lawrence

When I saw today's subject, I hoped I'd see a couple of familiar songs -- this is one of 'em.

5. Yeah I'm lookin' for the king of 42nd Street
He drivin' a drop top Cadillac
Last week he took all my money
And it may sound funny
But I come to get my money back
Say Jack! You don't tug on Superman's cap.
You don't spit into the wind.
You don't mess around with no Lone Ranger
And you don't mess around with Jim, Jim Croce

6. Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er

Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Gordon Lightfoot

7. And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy
Ya gotta learn to play it right

The Gambler, Kenny Rogers

8. I guess you didn't know it
But I'm a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you

Devil Went down to Georgia, Charlie Daniels Band

I hear this at least once a week during drive time. Some RadioDude at my favorite station likes it.

10. By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
Theres been a hoot owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row

Wildfire, Michael Martin Murphy

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this?

Since it's Vicki Lawrence, I'll guess Carol Burnett Show.

Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected)

I'll guess Cher. I'll guess Sonny turned it down because it was the dumbest thing he'd ever heard. I mean, because he couldn't figure out what it said. I mean, because it made no sense. You know what I mean.

Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?

I'll guess Harry Chapin.

I also hoped for Choctaw Ridge, but oh well.

[NellyLunatic1980]

Spoiler

1. "Taxi", Harry Chapin
2. "Brandy, You're a Fine Girl", Looking Glass
3. "Copacabana", Miss Barry Manilow
4. "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia", Vicki Lawrence
5. "You Don't Mess Around with Jim", Jim Croce
6. "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", Gordon Lightfoot
7. "The Gambler", Kenny Rogers
8. "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", Charlie Daniels
9. pass
10. pass
Bonus: pass
Double Bonus: Cher was offered it, but Sonny Bono though it might offend those "suthren folk"
Final Bonus: Jim Croce?

[starfish1113]

Spoiler

1. Taxi - Harry Chapin
2. Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) - Looking Glass
3. Copacabana - Barry Manilow
4. Nope
5. Nope
6. Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot
7. The Gambler - Kenny Rogers
8. The Devil Went Down To Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band
9. Nope
10. Nope

Bonus 1 - Nope
Bonus 2 - Nope
Bonus 3 - The only I got that is dead is Harry Chapin. I'll go with that.

[VAdame]

Spoiler

Dang, how'd I miss this yesterday -- finally ones I know
1. Well another man might have been angry
And another man might have been hurt
But another man never would have let her go
I stashed the bill in my shirt

TAXI - Harry Chapin

2. He came on a summer's day
Bringin' gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn't stay
No harbor was his home

BRANDY - Looking Glass

3. And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?

COPACABANA - Barry Manilow

4. Brother thought his wife musta left town
So he went home and finally found
The only thing Papa had left him, that was a gun

The Night That the Lights Went Out in Georgia - Vicki Lawrence

5. Yeah I'm lookin' for the king of 42nd Street
He drivin' a drop top Cadillac
Last week he took all my money
And it may sound funny
But I come to get my money back

You Don't Mess Around With Jim - Jim Croce

6. Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er

Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot

7. And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy
Ya gotta learn to play it right

The Gambler - Kenny Rogers

8. I guess you didn't know it
But I'm a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you

The Devil Went Down To Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band

9. Sister, I implore you
Take him by the hand
Take him to some shady bower
Save me from the wrath of this man

Oh well, I didn't say I knew ALL of 'em

10. By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
Theres been a hoot owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row

WILDFIRE - Michael Martin Murphy

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this?

Nah

Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected)

Grrr, I've vaguely heard this but don't remember details
Mebbe Dolly Parton?

Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?

Gotta be Harry Chapin!

[astrnomr]

One of the reasons why I tend to dislike current music is that it doesn't mean anything. There might be some good music, but the lyrics are often nothing more than a random collection of words. There used to be a time when songs weren't just music -- they told stories. They would go through the whole exposition-conflict-climax-denouement phases. And so, that is the theme of today's quiz. Please keep in mind that I want the original artist, not a cover version.
Judging from the high scores and the number of people who came out of the woodwork to play, it appears I'm not the only one who feels this way about music.

1. Well another man might have been angry
And another man might have been hurt
But another man never would have let her go
I stashed the bill in my shirt
Harry Chapin - Taxi

2. He came on a summer's day
Bringin' gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn't stay
No harbor was his home
Looking Glass - Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)

3. And then the punches flew
And chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot
But just who shot who?
Barry Manilow - Copacabana

4. Brother thought his wife musta left town
So he went home and finally found
The only thing Papa had left him, that was a gun
Vicki Lawrence - The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia

5. Yeah I'm lookin' for the king of 42nd Street
He drivin' a drop top Cadillac
Last week he took all my money
And it may sound funny
But I come to get my money back
Jim Croce - You Don't Mess Around with Jim

6. Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er
Gordon Lightfoot - The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

7. And the night got deathly quiet
And his face lost all expression
Said, if you're gonna play the game, boy
Ya gotta learn to play it right
Kenny Rogers - The Gambler

8. I guess you didn't know it
But I'm a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare
I'll make a bet with you
Charlie Daniels Band - The Devil Went Down to Georgia

9. Sister, I implore you
Take him by the hand
Take him to some shady bower
Save me from the wrath of this man
Led Zeppelin - Gallows Pole
I love the way the pace of the song increases as you can sense the mounting desperation.

10. By the dark of the moon I planted
But there came an early snow
Theres been a hoot owl howling by my window now
For six nights in a row
Michael Martin Murphy - Wildfire

Bonus: In what I thought was a hilarious scene, song #2 was used in a prime time show as a bedtime story (lyrics only) between mother and daughter. What show was this?
The Simpsons. As I mentioned in the correction, it was actually Aunt Selma singing the song to Lisa. I can see how I could easily misremember it as Julie Kavner does the voice not only for Marge, but for her sisters Selma and Patty as well.

Double Bonus: Although song #4 became a #1 hit (and a "one hit wonder" for the singer), it was originally shopped around by the songwriter, but there weren't any takers. What prominent singer was the song offered to, and why did her husband reject it? (10 points for artist, 10 points for reason it was rejected)
It was offered to Cher, but Sony Bono (who was still her husband back then) rejected it because he thought it would offend southerners. That didn't make a lot of sense because he okayed songs like "Half Breed" and "Dark Lady", which offended people everywhere. Apparently, Cher wasn't even aware that she had been offered the song until years later. Meanwhile, the songwriter (Bobby Russell) offered it to his wife (Vicki), and it was a #1 hit -- her only hit. Lawrence and Russell divorced soon after.

Final Bonus: Which of these artists was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for campaigning on social issues?
Harry Chapin. On December 7, 1987, Harry Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his campaigning on social issues, particularly his highlighting of hunger around the world and in the United States. His work on hunger included being widely recognized as a key player in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977.

Results:
210 ToLiveIsToFly
210 T_Bone0806
200 TheConfessor
200 gsabc
200 SportsFan68
190 mellytu74
190 mntetn
190 Vadame
180 NellyLunatic1980
180 Sir_Galahad
170 elwoodblues
160 kroxquo
140 littlebeast13
140 KillerTomato
130 starfish
130 megaaddict
110 ghostjmf
70 Bob78164
70 MarleysGh0st

Standings:
775 ToLiveIsToFly
730 T_Bone0806
590 NellyLunatic1980
505 littlebeast13
490 mellytu74
480 elwoodblues
470 Sir_Galahad
460 starfish
450 minimetoo26
440 TheConfessor
390 kroxquo
350 mntetn
310 megaaddict
310 KillerTomato
210 macrae1234
200 gsabc
200 SportsFan68
190 VAdame
170 Bob78164
125 MarleysGh0st
110 ghostjmf
100 ShamelessWeasel