Take a brain break and guess the names of these 1982 songs with just one lyric
The year 1982 brought new wave energy, rock anthems, and unforgettable synth-pop hits that defined the early MTV era. This quiz tests your knowledge.
Each question features one distinctive and memorable lyric. Try guessing before scrolling to the answer.
Question 1
“Face to face, out on the heat. Hangin’ tough, stayin’ hungry. They stack the odds still we take to the street. For the kill, with the skill to survive”
Answer
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Written for Rocky III at Sylvester Stallone’s request, this anthem spent six weeks at number one.
Question 2
“He smiled, so I got up and asked for his name. “That don’t matter”, he said, “’cause it’s all the same”
Answer
“I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. Originally a 1975 Arrows song, Jett’s cover dominated charts for seven weeks.
Question 3
“We all know that people are the same whereever you go. There is good and bad in ev’ryone. We learn to live, when we learn to give”
Answer
“Ebony and Ivory” by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. This collaboration promoting racial harmony spent seven weeks at number one.
Question 4
“My blood runs cold. My memory has just been sold. My angel is the centerfold”
Answer
“Centerfold” by The J. Geils Band. Peter Wolf’s nostalgic track spent six weeks atop the charts.
Question 5
“I was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar. That much is true. But even then, I knew I’d find a much better place. Either with or without you”
Answer
“Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League. This synth-pop masterpiece featured trading vocals and helped define MTV’s sound.
Question 6
“Jacky sits back, collects his thoughts for the moment. Scratches his head and does his best James Dean”
Answer
“Jack & Diane” by John Cougar. The hand-clap breakdown became iconic in this heartland anthem.
Question 7
“I feel the magic in your caress. I feel magic when I touch your dress. Silk and satin, leather and lace. Black panties with an angel’s face”
Answer
“Abracadabra” by Steve Miller Band. Middle Eastern-influenced synthesizers topped charts for two weeks.
Question 8
“After all that we’ve been through. I will make it up to you, I promise to”.
Answer
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago. This power ballad marked Chicago’s return to number-one status.
Question 9
“Now I know. I’ve got to run away. I’ve got to get away. You don’t really want. Any more from me”
Answer
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell. Originally a 1964 Gloria Jones soul song, this synth-driven cover became a new wave anthem.
Question 10
“Oh, you don’t know me but you make me so happy. I tried to call you before but I lost my nerve. I tried my imagination but I was disturbed”
Answer
“867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone. This power pop earworm made the phone number infamous nationwide.
Question 11
“It was the heat of the moment. Telling me what my heart meant. The heat of the moment. Showed in your eyes”
Answer
“Heat of the Moment” by Asia. Progressive rock supergroup members created this radio-friendly hit.
Question 12
“I can see your face still shining through.The window on the otherside”
Answer
“Rosanna” by Toto. This Grammy-winning single showcased studio musicians at their finest.
Question 13
“’Cause when you say you will, it always means you won’t. You’re givin’ me the chills, baby, please, baby, don’t”
Answer
“Mickey” by Toni Basil. This cheerleader anthem pioneered MTV’s visual style.
Question 14
“Strangers waitin’. Up and down the boulevard. Their shadows searchin’ in the night”
Answer
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey. This classic power ballad reached number nine in 1982.
Question 15
“All of my life I’ve been waitin’ in the rain. I’ve been waiting for a feeling that never, ever came.It feels so close, but always disappears”
Answer
“Harden My Heart” by Quarterflash. The saxophone hook dominated rock radio throughout 1982.
Question 16
“The wild dogs cry out in the night. As they grow restless longing for some solitary company”
Answer
“Africa” by Toto. The marimba-driven arrangement became timeless with sophisticated production.
Question 17
“Only in dreams could it be this way. When you love someone. Yeah, really love someone”
Answer
“Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner. This synthesizer-driven ballad spent ten weeks at number two.
Question 18
“Don’t have to be so inviting. Tryin’ to give myself a little bit of fun, yeah. You always look so invitin’. You ain’t as green as you are young”
Answer
“Hurts So Good” by John Cougar. This contradictory title reached number two on the charts.
Wrap-up
How many did you get right? Share your score with friends and create a nostalgic playlist of these memorable 1982 classics from the unforgettable early MTV era.
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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