An answer song is written and composed as a direct response to another song, usually in disagreement.
Why Write an Answer Song?
Responding to a popular song allows a songwriter to clearly differentiate herself from other artists, from contemporary trends, or from values she doesn’t share. Notably, Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land is Your Land” in response to Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America”.
- An answer song can be used to criticize the values expressed in the source song, becoming a kind of open letter set to music.
- The songwriter can take the voice of a character who didn’t get a chance to speak in the source song.
- The songwriter can riff on the source song and write jokes.
- An answer song could also be a continuation or expansion of a previous song.
Some opportunistic songsters have capitalized on contemporary hit singles by piggybacking their tune on the success of the original. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles was followed up in 1964 with “Yes, You Can Hold My Hand” by the Beatlettes, but is anyone listening to the Beatlettes now?
And finally, answer songs have been used to start ersatz feuds between artists–both of whom typically benefit from media coverage.
More Answer Songs
- Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote “Sweet Home Alabama” in response to Neil Young’s “Southern Man”.