What makes a memorable lyric? As a writer for The Times put it in a recent feature (connected to the Sky Channel debut in the UK of the game show, Don't Forget The Lyrics) "First of all, a memorable lyric is not the same thing as a great lyric."

Absolutely true. It goes on to say "If you want to write a memorable lyric, it helps to have something to say that resonates with the human experience," using U2's I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For as an example. The only quibble I'd have with this idea is that without a distinctive melody, or rhythm, or voice, it's difficult to believe that any lyric would have that initial impact, no matter how universal the theme. (Would that U2 song be as memorable if it weren't for Bono's voice?)

And according to those About.com lists, one of the top most memorable lyrics of a couple of years ago was the Pussycat Dolls Don't Cha. (That link will take you to the Sims version, rather prefer it to the real Dolls myself.) Admittedly Don't Cha sticks in the mind like a tick to a dog's ear. But hardly a universal sentiment, I shouldn't think, wishing one's girlfriend was hot like her.

Then, in a hop, skip and rather large leap, there is the matter of misheard lyrics, providing hours of fun online. Here's someone having a go at translating Orff's Carmina Burana...which, if this interpretation is correct, has memorable lyrics whether or not you understand them.

For more fun and games with music videos (and some good music too), go to Radio2Tube for all the videos posted on the blog to date.