Too much tertiary education... Former performer/wrestler, teacher, scientist; Published author & Father... Want to be a writer if I grow up...
Published March 10th 2023
Before 1983, the day was a popular musical topic
Following on from my recent column of sun songs (recent songs, early songs, sunshine, and sunrise and sunset), it was suggested by a regular reader that I do songs about the day time. I looked through my archives, and…
Now, this is not days of the week. I've done that in the past. It is also not about specific holidays (like Christmas Day). This is songs with the word "day" meaning simply the time between sunrise and sunset, or several thereof. So that meant listening to a lot of songs. I mean, a lot of songs. I also decided any songs that appeared in the sun lists would not be used here. And I've still got a decent list here of songs about the day.
One song per artist, one version of each song, I need to like the song – you know the rules.
Let's have songs about a day! Early, by the way, is more than 40 years old as I type this, so from 1983 and earlier.
'School Days' by Chuck Berry (1957)
The days of school are best when they're over and you can rock, according to Berry's classic song. Days spent in school is something everyone who was ever a teenager can relate to.
'That'll Be The Day' by Buddy Holly (1957)
The song that first propelled Holly into the spotlight, this song is still such a great track to listen to. It was later the name of a film, where it was sung by Bobby Vee, but no one can match Buddy.
'One Fine Day by The Chiffons (1963)
The girl groups of the 1960s recorded some of the most magnificent vocal harmonies, and this is such a fine example of that genre.
'A Day In The Life' by The Beatles (1967)
There were quite a few Beatles songs I could have chosen, but I went for the classic from Sgt Pepper's because it is just such a wonderful piece of music, and one of the best Beatles songs, in my opinion.
'Those Were The Days' by Mary Hopkin (1968)
Produced by Paul McCartney, based on a Russian song, this wistful track topped the British charts as it almost harkens back to an earlier form of music. It's really a pleasant little song.
'Celebration Day' by Led Zeppelin (1970)
From Led Zeppelin III, this hard-rocking track is just a great bit of rock music from a band that seemed they could do no wrong on their first four albums.
'Another Day' by Paul & Linda McCartney (1971)
A song some might consider twee, but I quite enjoy it. In most compilation albums, it is credited to Paul alone, but the album Ram was credited to Paul and Linda, so I'll stick with that.
'Day After Day' by Badfinger (1971)
From the word go, that amazing guitar just makes you want to sit up and take notice of this song. There was a rumour they were The Beatles recording under a pseudonym, but that was obviously wrong. This band could have done so much if tragedy had not struck them in the mid-70s.
'Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again' by The Fortunes (1971)
And we go from rock to rock-pop with a bit of (I guess) sort of bubblegum music. This is just a fun song, really, despite the lyrics being depressing.
'One Of These Days' by Pink Floyd (1971)
Apart from one spoken line in the middle, this is an instrumental, but it is my favourite Pink Floyd track that does not appear on their big 3 albums.
'Perfect Day' by Lou Reed (1972)
One of those misunderstood songs that people use for cheerful images, despite it being about drugs. However, it is one of Reed's best tracks.
'Six Days On The Road' by The Flying Burrito Brothers (1972)
I know they are not the original artists, but this version is the one I prefer, with those rock stylings added to a classic country track about truck driving.
'Day Of The Eagle' by Robin Trower (1974)
Early hard rock, this track from a little remembered artist really shows that the template for the rockers that would follow was well-established.
'Happy Days' by Silver Studs (1976)
This is this Australian band's version of the theme song of the titular TV sitcom, and I actually like it better than whoever did the version on the TV show. Yes, the days of the week are mentioned, but every day is a happy one.
'Day Trip To Bangor' by Fiddler's Dram (1979)
Another throwback to an earlier musical time, this rather interesting song about driving to a UK holiday spot really stood out at the time as being different to everything else on the radio.
'Face The Day' by The Angels (1980)
One of The Angels' slower tracks, this one was always a joy to hear live as they really played up the bluesiness of it on stage.
'One Perfect Day' by Little Heroes (1982)
One of those songs by an Australian band that no-one outside of the country seems to remember, and even then many Australians may not know it. It is a wonderful track from a time when Australian music was on the ascendency.
'Blue Day' by Mi-Sex (1983)
Mi-Sex were known for one song ('Computer Games') but they had a decent catalogue of great tracks. I prefer this one, to be honest, and have done since I bought the 45.
'Made My Day' by Tim Finn (1983)
And we finish with a track by Tim Finn, released as Split Enz was winding down. He released a number of great solo singles at the time, and this is definitely one of his best.
19 songs about the day from 1983 and before! Why 19? Because I stupidly did the initial list, and even finished it, with a song included from one of my sun lists. I didn't realise until I'd started to post it. I know. I set the rules and can't even follow them.
Still, I hope you found something here you enjoyed. Oh, and the recent songs about the day are coming soon.
I remember hearing the wonderful Badfinger song on the radio back when I was 11 (1971)
I looked up the tragedy that you mentioned. Two band members hung themselves a few years apart because of financial difficulties, very sad.
Regarding Mi-Sex, I met Steve Gilpin back when they were touring. He was a lovely down to earth guy, sad about his death too.
