3 Classic Singable Songs That You Don’t Know The Title

Some songs just live rent-free in our heads. A catchy melody can stick with you for decades. But the title? That part often gets lost along the way. We all know the feeling—humming a tune or blurting out a lyric while asking someone, “What’s that song called again?” These three iconic tracks are prime examples. Everyone knows them, but hardly anyone remembers what they’re actually named.

“Escape” – Rupert Holmes
You probably know this one as “The Piña Colada Song.” And honestly, who doesn’t? That famous line—If you like piña coladas / And gettin’ caught in the rain…—has been stuck in our heads since the ’70s. But believe it or not, the real title is “Escape.” That name doesn’t exactly scream tropical vibes, which is likely why no one remembers it. Still, it was a massive hit for Rupert Holmes, and he probably doesn’t care what you call it—just as long as you’re still listening.

“Careless Whisper” – George Michael
This one gets remembered for that smooth-as-silk saxophone riff. The song itself is iconic, but its title? Not so much. “Careless Whisper” isn’t even part of the chorus—it’s hidden in the second verse, where most casual listeners miss it entirely. But even without the title sticking in our minds, the song became one of George Michael’s most beloved and recognizable hits. The mood it sets is unforgettable, even if the name slips by.

“Baba O’Riley” – The Who
Ask a casual fan what this song is called, and you’ll probably hear “Teenage Wasteland.” And fair enough—that phrase is repeated loud and clear in the chorus, while “Baba O’Riley” is never even mentioned. So what’s with the actual title? It’s a tribute to Meher Baba, an Indian guru who inspired Pete Townshend, and Terry Riley, an experimental composer. The name might not be memorable to the masses, but the message hit home. Spiritually deep and musically groundbreaking, it remains one of The Who’s most legendary tracks—even if people get the name wrong every time.

So next time someone sings you a familiar melody but blanks on the title, give them a break. They’re probably thinking of one of these unforgettable—yet strangely misnamed—classics.