We’ve noticed a crazy number of songs about psychos. It’s certainly a fascinating subject that makes excellent fodder for songwriting. But which ones are the greatest? Take a walk on the wild side and explore our favorites with us. Let’s jump in!
About the Song: David Byrne started writing Psycho Killer in 1973 when he was still in school in Rhode Island. He and drummer Chris Frantz had a band called the Artistics. The inspiration for the tune’s subject was Alice Cooper, who was extremely popular at the time. Frantz had a girlfriend, Tina Weymouth, who spoke French and helped them with the French bridge.
About the Song: This Ramones single and record have been hailed as a return to the Ramones’ punk rock roots. It’s also somewhat biographical. Three of the four band members struggled with addiction when they recorded this album.
About the Song: The Sonics is a garage band formed in Tacoma, Washington, in 1960. Their sound is hard-driven and aggressive. In fact, many consider it a significant influence on punk and garage music. This oldie was also partly inspired by the movie Psycho.
About the Song: Sting wrote his smash hit in 1982. He was married to Irish actress Francis Tomelty, but he was having an affair with her best friend, Trudie Styler. It was a big scandal, so Sting retreated to Ian Fleming’s Goldeneye estate in Jamaica.
About the Song: Nobody thinks this novelty piece is that funny, but it’s certainly a song about a psycho and has a twist at the end. The lyrics are from the point of view of a man who’s being “driven crazy” by someone who left him.
About the Song: Leon Payne was known as “The Blind Balladeer” because he was blind in both eyes. He was born blind in one eye and lost the rest of his sight in a childhood accident. Payne was a traditional country music singer and songwriter, best known for his hits I Love You Because, You’ve Still Got a Place in My Heart, and Lost Highway, which Hank Williams made famous.