Take a brain break & guess the names of these 1981 songs with just one lyric
1981 gave us power pop anthems, synth-driven hits, and soul-stirring ballads that defined early MTV culture. This quick quiz tests your knowledge of that unforgettable year in music.
Each question features one lyric. Try to guess before scrolling to see the answer with fascinating facts about its creation.
Question 1
“And she’ll tease you, she’ll unease you. All the better just to please you”
Answer
“Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes. Originally written in 1974 by Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss, the song became a hit when Carnes recorded it with synthesizers in 1981. Bette Davis, then 73, wrote thanking them for making her “part of modern times.”
Question 2
“I play along with the charade. There doesn’t seem to be a reason to change”
Answer
“Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield. Springfield took a stained glass class in Pasadena, where he crushed on a classmate’s girlfriend. The man’s name was Gary, but Springfield changed it to Jessie after seeing the name on a softball jersey.
Question 3
“Our lives have just begun, forever. I’ll hold you close in my arms. I can’t resist your charms.”
Answer
“Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. This duet spent nine weeks at number one and became 1981’s biggest-selling single. Richie wrote it specifically for the Franco Zeffirelli film soundtrack.
Question 4
“And love, I’ll be a fool for you, I’m sure. You know I don’t mind”
Answer
“9 to 5” by Dolly Parton. Parton created the rhythm by clicking her acrylic fingernails on the set to simulate typewriter sounds. The soundtrack credits “nails by Dolly” for her percussion contribution.
Question 5
“Showers wash all of my cares away. I wake up to a sunny day”
Answer
“I Love a Rainy Night” by Eddie Rabbitt. This crossover country-pop hit spent two weeks at number one and became one of 1981’s most memorable radio staples.
Question 6
“And I’m gonna keep on lovin’ you. ‘Cause it’s the only thing I wanna do”
Answer
“Keep On Loving You” by REO Speedwagon. Lead vocalist Kevin Cronin wrote this heartfelt ballad about maintaining love through difficulties, delivering the band’s first number-one hit.
Question 7
“I’ve been patient, I’ve been good. Tried to keep my hands on the table. It’s gettin’ hard, this holdin’ back. You know what I mean”
Answer
“Physical” by Olivia Newton-John. Released late in 1981, this provocative fitness-themed song spent 10 weeks at number one. The suggestive lyrics and workout video made it controversial yet irresistible.
Question 8
“There’s a party going on right here. A dedication to last throughout the years”
Answer
“Celebration” by Kool and the Gang. This universal party anthem became the band’s only number-one hit. It’s now synonymous with sporting victories and celebrations worldwide.
Question 9
“Forever. Let me wake to see you each and every morning. Let me hear you whisper softly. In my ear”
Answer
“Lady” by Kenny Rogers. Lionel Richie wrote and produced this ballad specifically for Rogers. It topped both pop and country charts, spending six weeks at number one.
Question 10
“Ev’ry girl wants you to be her man. But I’ll wait my dear till it’s my turn”
Answer
“The Tide Is High” by Blondie. Originally a 1967 reggae song by The Paragons, Blondie transformed it into a New Wave classic with synthesizers and Debbie Harry’s vocals.
Wrap-up
These quizzes spark nostalgia while providing a quick mental workout. How many did you get right? Share your score in the comments and create a playlist of these 1981 classics.
Related:
- Quiz: Can you guess the 1971 song from just one lyric?
- Can you guess the 1975 song from just one lyric?
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