Earlier this week on an episode of DangerI was intrigued by one of the unusual categories presented by presenter Alex Trebek. The answers had to consist of words with exactly five syllables, two of which I got the questions correct.
Two of the five syllable words I missed were “abolitionist” and “insurmountable”, two that I should have received. Long after the game ended and the classic Final Jeopardy theme song faded away, I was still trying to think of relatively common words that were five syllables.
My attention was focused, as is often the case, on popular music. Here are ten one-word song titles that fit into the Jeopardy category of Five Syllable Words.
Elvis Costello’s “Opportunity”
This melody, like most of the others produced by Nick Lowe get happy album, is riddled with lines like “The eyes in his bedroom were like a button he was pressing.”
Carly Simon’s “Anticipation”
Before the smash hit “You’re So Vain” for a few years, this title track is the highlight of the diva’s second album.
“Imagination” by Earth, Wind and Fire
The soul band had a ton of hits besides this, including “Fantasy”, “Shining Star” and “September”.
“Radioactive” by Gene Simmons
The Kiss bassist had little success with this title on his first solo album, but Paul Rodgers wrote a more popular tune when he formed The Firm after the demise of Bad Company.
“Uncomplicated” by Elvis Costello
Five albums after his first five-syllable title track, Elvis struck again with this opening track from the Blood and Chocolate album.
Rod Stewart’s “Infatuation”
Former Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck appears on this single from the legendary pop rocker, who also convinced Beck to make a cameo in the corresponding video.
“Undeniable” by Mat Kearney
This single comes from the indie rocker’s second album, Nothing to lose.
“Apothecary” of Ambrosia
Bassist Joe Puerta sings the lead in this smooth drug-themed gem from Life Beyond LA., the album that first put the band on the charts because of “How Much I Feel.”
“Aphrodisiac” by Loudon Wainwright III
The popular legend worked this melody in the Therapy album, which fits perfectly with a song about a veteran singer’s one-night stand with promising appeal.
“Louisiana” by Randy Newman
The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 is the subject of this tune, featured by the veteran composer. good guys album.
