How to Pretend You Know the Song
Daphne Logan
Okay, you're out with some friends, they're all singing along to something on the radio--you don't know it, have never heard it, and now feel as awkward as your grandmother at a four-kegger. How do you fix it? Fake it. As long as you follow the beat, lip synch a little and move along, no one will notice.
Lyrics
How do you sing along to something you've never heard before? It's easy!
Start with the refrain
Pay close attention--zone out for a minute and concentrate on what the artists are saying.
Find some similarities
There has to be (or at least I'd like to think there is) some logic holding the song together--latch onto them.
Try memorization
Memorize at least one solid line of the refrain the first time around. The next time you hear it, try singing it quietly.
TIP: Don't sing too loud. Test the water, don't assume it won't change, though, artists can be awfully tricky creatures. Stick with a line or two you feel comfortable with.
Music Types
- Rock
You may not know what they are saying, but make the most sense out of it as you can. Pick one sentence and stay with it.
- Country
The refrain is pretty predictable and easy to follow, use it to build your confidence.
- Rap/R&B
Even if you can't get the refrain right, pay attention to the beat and your movements more, and concentrate on the next step, Sing Produce.
Sing Produce
Once you've got a handle on the song, picture the produce section of a grocery store. All you need is words, so you're saying something; good produce words are: watermelon, grapefruit, kiwi, orange, apples. Mouth them in any order you choose. It will look like you're singing along to the song, but will still allow you to keep your mind on your movements.
TIP: Mix it up. Throw in a "lettuce" if you feel comfortable. Make sure not to put any voice behind it--don't let your friends know what you're actually saying. For produce names and ideas, visit DelMonte, Family of Fresh Produce.
Music Types
- Rock
Mouth the words angrily as if you are talking to a rival.
- Country
Remember to keep the words slow and drawn out for slower moving country melodies. You probably don't want to enunciate "Watermelon" but instead, "Wahdermillon".
- Rap/R&B
The faster you can say the words the better off you are.
Keep Movement In Mind
- The Yes Motion
Rock your head back and forth in a smooth, even motion. Pretend you're saying, "Yes," to something, but keep it moving to the beat.
- The Shrug Motion
Bring your shoulder bones straight up halfway to your ears and release. Continue this motion, but keep it smooth. As you start to get comfortable, try to move other body parts along with it.
Note: If you feel like you're endangering your health, slow down. The Shrug Motion may not be achieved by everyone. Use caution.
- The Foot Tap
Keep the time of the song by tapping your toes against the ground for each beat. This movement is good to show a general appreciation for the song.
- The Finger Snap
Secure your middle finger along the pad of your thumb. Keep a lot of tension between the two tips and with a quick downward motion, pull your middle finger toward the palm of your hand and your thumb upward.
For this situation, don't worry if it doesn't make a snapping noise, the motion alone will help you fit in. Try moving the hand you're snapping around--shake it or bounce it if you like.
TIP: Improvise. Add a finger snap. Go ahead and tap a foot, maybe even both feet. Switch up your movements. Move through the above list freely. Try not to overdo it, though--if you feel like you're "flailing" settle the motions down.
Music Types
- Alternative/Rock
The Yes Motion works well. Do not try to snap along with a rock song.
- Country
The finger snap works well on slower songs, especially older country songs. Give the Shrug a try for faster upbeat country. You can always fall back on the Tap, and in some cases use a more aggressive movement and stomp.
- Rap/R&B
The Yes Motion can be used for both fast and slow songs. It's important to use the finger snap during very mellow songs, and even then, use it sparingly.
Be Confident
Confidence is all you have--you're jamming to a song you don't actually know, half-dancing, half-singing, while mouthing the words to the produce section, so do it with confidence.
Own the song. Become the imposter you always thought you could be. Act as cocky as the guy (or girl) who wrote it--just don't get caught singing the wrong words. With any luck, the friends you're with will probably see how confident you are and think they have the wrong lyrics. If everyone you're with seems to be feeling unsure of themselves, you're doing something right. Keep fighting the good fight.
However...
Don't Lose Sight of Your Goal
You are only trying to pretend you know the song. Act only as confident if you feel you have a reason to do so. Don't get too into what you're doing--because saying "watermelon, kiwi, apple, etc.," and throwing together a Snap, Yes, Tap movement will probably give you enough to go on, but you're not an expert. If a conversation erupts about the artist, title, music video, etc., don't seem too interested.
TIP: Saying "Watermelon, Watermelon, Kiwi, Apple" will not work in conversation about the artists. Your friends will actually expect you to know what you're talking about. It's best to stay quiet, but look interested. Change the subject to the weather, or something you actually understand.
Keep these steps in mind the next time a social situation makes you feel out of the loop. Once you get the hang of it, singing a song you've never heard will get easier. Good Luck!
Stay A Step Ahead of the Radio
- Rolling Stone
- Billboard Charts
- Music Television
- Country Music Television
- Black Entertainment TV--Music
If You Don't Know the Lyrics, You're Not Alone.
"We covered 'Hey Jude.' My father panicked, misunderstanding the lyrics and thinking our lead singer was belting out 'Hey, Jew' to a roomful of Holocust survivors." --Ben Stiller
Want to Know the Actual Lyrics?
Need Practice?
Other Things You Can Fake
Questions or Comments Daphne Logan