Rock Music T-shirts Jimmy Page

Let the Music Do the Selling — Popular Songs and Lyrics in TV Commercials

There was a time when music and lyrics, called jingles, would be specifically written for products advertised on TV.  Although there are still advertisers who hire songwriters to write specific music and lyrics for their particular product, many have switched to licensing popular songs to use in their TV ads.  This is because many people are already familiar with the music and lyrics of these songs, so an instant, pleasant association is created with the products being advertised.  These are a few of those songs.

“Rock and Roll” – by Led Zeppelin

Commercial:  Cadillac

When Led Zeppelin sold this song and its classic lyrics to Cadillac, many die-hard fans screamed, “SELLOUT!”  Especially because, until that time, Zeppelin had a strict anti-licensing policy regarding all of their songs and lyrics.  It was rumored that singer Robert Plant opposed licensing the song to Cadillac and was outvoted by guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones, although he stated in a Chicago Sun Times article that he thought the ad would be a great medium for exposing the song to a generation of new listeners who never tune in to classic radio.  Still, there are very few Zep fans who don’t cringe when some kid refers to “Rock and Roll” as “The Cadillac Song.”

“Revolution” – by The Beatles

Commercial:  Nike

“Revolution” was one of the first songs to set off the widespread licensing of song lyrics and music for TV commercials, and it also set off a huge uproar among Beatles’ fans, who felt it disrespected John Lennon’s memory, and his political beliefs.  Unfortunately, the surviving Beatles could not control their song performance rights, which were held by Capitol Records, or the rights to their lyrics and music, which were held by Michael Jackson.  Still the controversy was so fierce that Nike ditched plans to use Beatles songs in future TV ads.

“Lust for Life” – by Iggy Pop

Commercial:  Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

A cruise line that advertises itself with the music and lyrics of a song about heroin addiction?  Now, that’s REALLY freestyle cruising!  Royal Caribbean wanted to be associated with the song’s upbeat tempo, and the lyrics of its chorus, which emphasize living life with gusto.  But it definitely didn’t want to be associated with any questionable lyrics.  So the version used in the commercial begins with the lyrics, “Here comes Johnny Yen again,” skips past “With the liquor and drugs/And the flesh machine/He’s gonna do another strip tease,” and jumps right to the chorus, “Lust for life.”

“Baby Come Back” – by Player

Commercial:  Swiffer WetJet

The music and lyrics of this 1978 #1 hit were given new life in a Swiffer WetJet commercial.  A lover’s lament, those lyrics, “Baby come back/You can blame it all on me/I was wrong/And I just can’t live without you,” are now being sung by mops that are apparently stalking women who’ve ditched them for the dapper and dashing Swiffer WetJet.  The mops try to woo the ladies back by crooning this song’s lyrics, and sending them flowers and candy.  They may be housewives, but c’mon–they’re not desperate!!

About the Author

To find more popular lyrics used in TV commercials, check out Lyricsanimal. They also have the newest lyrics used to make big sales on TV.

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