Classic Rock Songs Everyone Instantly Knows Just By Their Opening Line

The music industry peeps hammer on about how the chorus is the most important hook of a song. They're right, but do you know what else is equally important? The opening line. Seriously, think about this: how many classic rock songs are instantly identifiable by their opening lines? Sure, sometimes the music serves as the cue to signal the brain to pay closer attention, but the moment the voice appears, that's it — the mood changes. Everyone sits up and takes notice, because they know magic is about to happen.

We have gone through our Spotify and Apple Music playlists to pick out the five classic rock songs from yesteryear that we believe are instantly noticeable based on their opening lines. The trick here was to choose tracks when, as soon as the vocalists sang the opening line, we filled in the rest of the words, because that's how well we knew what was to come. Now, this doesn't mean that all these songs are personal favorites or the best rock 'n' roll tunes of all time, but it's undeniable that they're memorable to the average listener.

Rock 'n' roll has always been associated with the dark side, as musicians and groups are often linked to elements of the occult. A big reason for this is due to tunes like the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil," which is from the 1968 album "Beggars Banquet." As the opening track of the album, legendary vocalist Mick Jagger wastes no time unleashing a crackerjack of an opening line after a few adlibs over the instrumental section. "Please allow me to introduce myself," Jagger croons. "I'm a man of wealth and taste."

Is he introducing himself here, because it does sound like him? Nope. Jagger is singing from the perspective of the old horned one himself: the Big D. The devilish one who's probably got the moves like Jagger — sorry, Maroon 5. Even though it sounds like a rah-rah-devil track, it's actually far more thought-provoking than that. It explores humanity's dark nature and signifies how evil has lurked in every corner throughout history. Naturally, the Stones received a ton of backlash toward the song, as the critics cried out, "Satan worshippers!"

Despite the seriousness of the lyrics and unique point-of-view storytelling, there's still something hypnotizing and alluring about "Sympathy for the Devil." Yes, it's aided by a strong instrumental section that sees the Stones at the peak of power, but Jagger's opening line is unforgettable. It disarms the listener, who may not be ready for the journey through darkness they're about to embark on.

Imagine the ultimate sing-along song for any party or large group of people. If the first one that comes to mind isn't Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" (from 1975's "A Night at the Opera"), then please try again until it is. There will never be another band like Queen, nor will there be a song like this ever made (though many artists have tried). It's a first-round pick for any rock 'n' roll hall of fame, and it's widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time.

Yet, it isn't only the musical journey that "Bohemian Rhapsody" takes the listener through on its various peaks and valleys; it's also about the unmistakable a cappella intro that reels everyone into this aural masterpiece. In the recording of the track, vocalist Freddie Mercury dubbed his own voice several times over to create the choral section. There's no time for silence here, as the multiple Mercurys kick off with, "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?"

Much like the telling of an epic tale, "Bohemian Rhapsody" slowly builds to the excitement and crescendo; however, it knows how to set the stage for what's to come by laying down the marker from the get-go. No words can ever do this song's brilliance total justice, as Mercury and Queen's otherworldly songwriting skills do all the talking here.

Sometimes, the opening line of a track doesn't kick in until near the one-minute mark, as the music tickles the senses, making us wonder, "Wait, is this the song I think it is?" That's exactly what happens in the Eagles' "Hotel California," which is from the 1976 album of the same name.

The electric guitar teases the hint of what's lurking on the horizon's dawn, but as soon as Don Henley hits the famous drum fill, everyone has no doubt about what comes next. Henley belts out, "On a dark desert highway/ Cool wind in my hair," and a switch flips as the listener adds, "Warm smell of colitas/ Rising up through the air."

While the lyrics of "Hotel California" serve more as a warning about the dangerous lifestyle of its said place, the melody turns out to be equally as addictive as the excess of the town. Unquestionably, this is a song from 1976 that defines rock history, since multiple generations know it, love it, and sing along to it, with almost everybody identifying the track from its oblation-like opening line. Try to get "Hotel California" out of your head for the next hour now — it's impossible.

Run through Black Sabbath's comprehensive catalog and there's no shortage of hits to pick from. A major crowd-pleaser, especially when countries become infatuated with war and violence, is "War Pigs" from the 1970 album "Paranoid."

The song kicks off with Tony Iommi letting his guitar reverb, as Bill Ward lays down a gentle beat. "War Pigs" shifts into second gear as Iommi knocks out a loud two-note riff, then Ozzy Osbourne's distinguishing vocals ring over the silence. "Generals gathered in their masses/ Just like witches at black masses," the Prince of Darkness sings.

Fans know that the meaning behind Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" is that it's an anti-war song, and the opening line leaves no confusion about the band's stance on the matter and all those who adore the act. It's such a wicked and powerful lyric that leads to a track that may very well be Ozzy's finest vocal performance. Also, the structure of "War Pigs" is what makes it work as well as it does. If it had been composed differently, it might not have had the same impact. Fortunately, the opening line sets off a firecracker of a song from the legendary heavy metal — plus, its message is something that every politician should be forced to listen to at least once a year.

There are rare tracks where the opening music and line work in unison to glorious effect. Take Journey's 1981 classic "Don't Stop Believin'" — off the album "Escape" — for instance. As soon as the piano lifts the curtain on the song, it doesn't take too long before Steve Perry's voice announces his arrival with the powerful lyrics: "Just a small-town girl, livin' in a lonely world."

What this opening line does is paint a picture in the listener's mind. From that moment on, everyone wants to find out this story about a group of people pursuing their dreams. We want to know more about them, their trials and tribulations; we want to root for the underdogs to succeed, much like we would want anyone to do for us and our own ambitions.

Ironically, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" is a classic rock song that deserved to go to No. 1, but never did. That accolade doesn't matter in retrospect, since it's arguably the band's most recognizable track now. As soon as the piano and Perry's vocals come together in the beginning, everyone knows that this is the anthem for all the dreamers and believers.