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ATM: Twenty first century opening lines

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It’s become the norm in recent years that I compile a charitable general knowledge quiz for teams of local professionals – accountants/solicitors/etc.

It’s now traditional that during the “pie and peas” interval there is a “just for fun” lyrics round that normally consists of opening lines to popular hit singles. The difficulty I’m having is in having lyrics from the last fifteen years that are memorable – basically, my musical taste has veered to what would once have been the folk and country sections of my local HMV and there is little or no point in asking about The Unthanks, Tom Russell – or even Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

And so I seek some help from The Massive – what are the opening lines from the twenty-first century that people will either know or feel they ought to have known when the answers are revealed. I’ve used Alicia Keyes’ “Empire State of Mind” and Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” in previous years to give an idea of the level of recognition that I need (we need to keep the teams in a good mood to spend more on the raffle tickets).

All contributions greatly appreciated.

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Comments

          • That album is unfairly underestimated IMHO. The Tap were going through a difficult time and couldn’t stand each others’ company so they sent their contributions in to the studio by courier (this was before the internet, remember). St Hubbins was being held by headhunters in Papua New Guinea (according to Tufnel) and Smalls was helping the Marylebone police with their enquiries at the time so it’s not surprising it’s not as iconic as their iconic first album (The None More Black Album) but it’s still very iconic IMHO. OOAA.

  5. It might seem crazy what I’m about to say, sunshine she’s here, you can take a break. (Happy)

    This hit, that ice cold, Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold. (Uptown Funk)

    This is the end, hold your breath and count to ten. (Skyfall)

  10. Come up to meet you, tell you I’m sorry (The Scientist)

    I’ve never seen a diamond in the flesh (Royals)

    I wanna hold ’em like they do in Texas plays (Poker Face)

  14. I used to rule the world
    Seas would rise when I gave the word
    Now in the morning I sleep alone
    Sweep the streets I used to own

    Coldplay – Viva La Vida

    One for Tigger

    I got a bone to pick
    I don’t want you monkey mouth motherfuckers sittin’ in my throne again

    Kendrick Lamar – King Kunta

    This is really hobbit forming

    Oh, misty eye of the mountain below
    Keep careful watch of my brothers’ souls
    And should the sky be filled with fire and smoke
    Keep watching over Durin’s sons

    Ed Sheeran – I see fire

  15. I stay out too late
    Got nothing in my brain
    That’s what people say, mmm-mmm
    That’s what people say, mmm-mmm

    Taylor Swift – Shake it off

    Like the legend of the Phoenix
    All ends with beginnings
    What keeps the planets spinning (uh)
    The force from the beginning

    Daft Punk – Get Lucky

  18. Thanks for the responses so far- especially those who gave me the answer as well as the lyric ??There’s certainly some here to use – although I may give the Kendrick Lamarr lines a swerve if that’s ok, KFD. I do have a job to retain, after all.

  21. Maybe it’s the way she walked – Straight into my heart and stole it,
    through the doors and past the guards, just like she already owned it.
    Best Song Ever – One Direction

  24. In one single moment your whole life can turn around
    I stand there for a minute staring straight into the ground
    (Dry Your Eyes – The Streets)

    Let’s all go on an urban safari
    We might see some illegal migrants
    (Plan B -Ill Manors)

  27. Tim Hicks.’Stronger Beer’

    So here’s to you my southern neighbor
    All kiddin’ aside
    It takes me six beers to get pissed drunk, but for you it takes nine. Sucker!

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