The 50 Gayest Songs of All Time: Hooray!

MarkD Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 10:14 AM EST

No Rick Astley? C'mon

Kat Sat, May 17, 2008 at 10:21 AM EST

I might have just skimmed over it...but yeah...the music video for

The Darkness-Thing called love

Mike Aldiero Tue, Apr 22, 2008 at 03:59 PM EST

What about "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" by Wham

J Sat, Apr 12, 2008 at 04:22 AM EST

the gayest song ever is "insatiable" by Savage Garden. Hands down.
Sounds like a pretty steamy hetero song until you realize he's talking about his gay lover.

reallyblue Sat, Mar 22, 2008 at 06:41 PM EST

hey where is Darren Hayes on this list???

nick Thu, Mar 13, 2008 at 09:08 PM EST

the gayest song ever is never gonna give you up by rick astley.

Drive-In-Freak Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 06:49 AM EST

Hellooooo?
Where's Prince?

TeensyPielet Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 09:03 PM EST

Are you serious? THE gayest song ever, and i mean it still makes me blush when i hear it. Jet Boy Jet Girl by Elton Motello.

Alien8 Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 04:01 PM EST

AuntieEm, I think they actually meant 'gay' in a derogatory way, which is why they aren't making fun of lesbians (who are usually pretty cool). They forgot we all have gay friends and relatives and mostly don't use 'gay' as an insult. "That song's gay? Wow, I had no idea."
Reframe it as "Songs that Take It Up The @$$" and you'll have the sentiment exactly.

Al Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 03:35 PM EST

Granted, I go back a ways, but Lobo's two hits, Me and You and A dog named Boo, and Don't Expect Me to Be your Friend
Also, Savage Garden ANYTHING

Alien8 Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 03:34 PM EST

"He's So Gay" by Zappa
"Let the Eagle Soar" by Ashcroft
Anything by the awful BeeGees

but, er, 'Rikki' is a chick name. Even a gay dude wouldn't spell Ricky that way. And Steely Dan has the gayest name, but it's an in-joke. You had to be there back then to know.

pcp Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 03:18 PM EST

top 50 (or, 50-21) is available by clicking the "definitive list" link in the first paragraph. Some of the "how is X song not on the list" are in the 50-21 list...

Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 02:47 PM EST

I admit I do not know where the top 50 list is nor do I care to but how did "It's Raining Men" not make the top 20? Without a doubt one of gayest songs I have ever had to listen to.

Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 01:29 PM EST

Billy, don't you lose my number- Phil Collins

Stephanie T. Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

Thank You! Boys Say Go is DM's only gay song. Strangelove is an SM song just like Master and Servant.

Lilith Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 01:20 PM EST

Seasons In The Sun - Terry Jacks
Escape: The Pina Colada Song - Rupert Holmes
You Light Up My Life - Debbie Boone
Anything by Olivia Newton-Joh
Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney
I've Never Been To Me - Charlene
Muskrat Love - Capt & Tenille
Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus

EdF Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 01:14 PM EST

going back a way: but what happened to "Ricky, Don't Lose That Number" and, wait for it, LOLA

Susan Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 11:58 AM EST

When Kris Kristofferson and the Grateful Dead covered "Me and Bobby McGee",they ALWAYS referred to Bobby as "he."

chris Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 11:39 AM EST

"I'm Comin' Out" by Diana Ross and "I want Muscles" by Diana Ross.

Jonas Grumby Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 12:36 AM EST

TipToe Thru The Tulips by Tiny Tim did not even get a mention.

suzanne Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:37 PM EST

Pet Shop Boys "Sodom & Gomorrah Show"

mym Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 09:46 PM EST

"I Confess" by the English Beat
"I Want to Break Free" Queen

LIZ Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 09:42 PM EST

"DON'T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME"- ELTON AND GEORGE'S LOVE DUET. IS GEORGE PLAYING THE SON AND ELTON PLAYING DADDY? WHY DON'T YOU WANT HIM TO GO DOWN ON U?

Nix Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 08:42 PM EST

I agree, we must have Mark Harris write a deeply heartfelt column about this list immediately! Because obviously "gay" here means the same thing it means in the Jimmy/Ben video: spangly, campy, torchy, drag. Meanwhile, the gayest man I ever knew (love ya baby) listened only to male country singers. Because duh. Male country singers. Yee-haw!

Wes Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 07:55 PM EST

It's gay for a man to cover Me and Bobby McGhee? Uh...a man wrote it, and Bobby is a woman. Look it up.

morgan cantone Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 06:18 PM EST

i don't know what makes those songs so great.

Los Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 06:16 PM EST

Definitely Mick Jagger & David Bowie's 'Dancing in the Street,' however I dunno if it will have the same effect without the music video accompanyment (Watch the video and you'll find out exactly why this song is at least top 10 worthy. YouTube it).

Mallard Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 06:10 PM EST

"Afternoon Delight" by the Starlight Vocal Band. That is about as ghey as you can get. The nadir of the 70s.

Benny Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 06:01 PM EST

I have to say "can't get enough of you" by Depeche Mode. And "you spin me 'round at number 49"? WTF. And of course they totally missed "total eclipse of the heart" by Bonnie Tyler. Not a gay song per se, but 5 out of 7 drag queens will tell you otherwise.

Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 05:45 PM EST

Only read the top 20, but surely Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed.

John Adams Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 05:23 PM EST

This is supposedly an "all time" selection? What I see here are certainly very few songs which ever had the attention of the major world Gay communities such as those in San Francisco and New York. The number one song, originally a jazz tune going back over 65 years, is quite clearly "My Buddy". Get in the game people!

Snarf Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 05:17 PM EST

Hmmm you may have a point there Woody (point? woody? hee!)

Woody Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 04:09 PM EST

Somebody mentioned Depeche Mode "Strangelove" and I have to strongly protest. That song is very hetero... strongly S&M as well. On the other hand, their song "Boys Say Go" off their first album is 130% gay and should be number 1 on this list.

"Boys meet boys, it's forever.
Boys meet boys, get together.
Don't say no, boys say go!"

How is that NOT number 1? Vince Clarke is one super gay dude, and thankfully Depeche Mode is much less gay since he left.

birdgirl39 Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 03:45 PM EST

How about "One Night in Bangkok" by Murray Head? (Yes, that IS the man's last name....)

Susan Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST

Here's some more-
Rufus Wainwright's "Gay Messiah"
Whenever a male singer(s) covers "Me&Bobby McGee"
Melissa Etheridge "Only one" (lesbian relationship angst)
Mika "Billy Brown"
Frank Zappa "Bobby Brown" (similar theme to Mika's)
Of Montreal "When a man loves a man"
Michael Jackson "In the closet"
Cyndi Lauper "True Colors"
Madonna "Justify my love"
Clay Aiken "Invisible" (in the video,Aiken is surrounded by screaming,adoring women,but he eyes a hunky guy)
Paul Anka/Michael Buble "You are my miracle"

Mike in Moncton Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST

Anything by Annie Lennox, or the Eurythmics for that matter.

Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:49 PM EST

Don't Stop Me Now-Queen

Florian Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:34 PM EST

My top 10 would be:

10)Brand New Lover-Dead Or Alive
9) Tarzan Boy - Baltimora
8) Kiss Me - Stephen "Tin-Tin" Duffy
7) Cccant You See - Vicious Pink
6) Slice Me Nice - Fancy
5) Harry Houdini - KonKan
4) Don't Leave Me This Way - The Communards
3) Crucify - Army Of Lovers
2) Native Love\You Think You're A Man\You're So Beautiful - Divine
1) Male Stripper - Man Parrish

What can I say? I love my 80s.

nicole Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:22 PM EST

How about "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" by Big and Rich? Pretty gay for a country song.

R. D. Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:16 PM EST

It always amuses me to be at a ballgame (or other event) and see all the 'Family Values' types jump up and really get into "YMCA" when it's played. Don't they know that it's about gay men cruising for 'young men' at the YMCA? If they did, would they be so excited to let their kids sing along? Ha Ha! ROTFL

OliverDeuce Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:14 PM EST

Aw, c'mon people:

This Charming Man - The Smiths
The Crying Game - Boy George
Boys Keep Swinging - David Bowie

annie Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:10 PM EST

i love the awesome "will & grace" reference! "gay it forward"--amazing.

Pouncer Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:08 PM EST

The Aussie trend is strong in this list. I'd still say Physical is way gayer than Xanadu, if we're talking Olivia Newton-John.

Ben Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:05 PM EST

Why is it whenever there's a gay list, it's almost always outdated disco songs or 1950s and 1960s singers? These are not the songs of my generation (I'm 32... today), so why are so many of them included? I don't consider Ethel Merman and Gloria Gaynor gay icons or gay anything.

AuntieEm Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 02:00 PM EST

As usual in a compendium of "gayest" things, the list is heavy on the gay man side and very light on the gay woman side. As someone mentioned already, where is Melissa Etheridge? or the Indigo Girls or Ani DiFranco? I guess I should be grateful that at least k.d.lang made the list.

Smerdyakov Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:59 PM EST

"John, I'm Only Dancing" by David Bowie. Hands down. End of discussion. Every other song is competing for second place.

J Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST

Where's Tarzan Boy by Baltimora? I would have thought for sure that was top ten material

rihar Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:54 PM EST

"All the Young Dudes" Mott the Hoople. I'm surpised it's not in the top 50 (I checked)

Stephanie T. Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

I almost forgot Boys and Girls by Blur and Boys Say Go by Depeche Mode.

Stephanie T. Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

I made an error, it was The SOS Band who sang Take Your Time not The Dazz Band. Oh, and I would like to add in Lola by The Kinks, and Rebel, Rebel by David Bowie. Rebel, Rebel is not a Gay anthem, but it's about a woman who might be a man.

David Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:40 PM EST

We Are Family by Sister Sledge...by now the scourge of any gay man with ears over the age of 30.

David Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:40 PM EST

We Are Family by Sister Sledge...by now the scourge of any gay man with ears over the age of 30.

Stephanie T. Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

Rough Boys- Pete Townsend
I Love to Hate You-Erasure
Big Girls, You are Beautiful-Mika
Freddy-Mika
This Charming Man-The Smiths
IXUS2- Wire ("I see a man, kissing a man..")
So Many Men (So Little Time)-Miquel (pronounced "Michael") Brown
Take Your Time, Do It Right- Dazz Band
Give Me Tonight-Shannon

Lyssa Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

You all need to take a moment and listen to "Sumthin' Serious" by The Audio Club. So gay! :)

Snarf Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

Almost forgot "You Think Your a Man" by Divine.

Snarf Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 01:04 PM EST

How Soon Is Now - the Smiths
Can You Forgive Her - Pet Shop Boys
If You Could Read My Mind - Stars on 54
Gimmie!Gimmie!Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) ABBA
MacArthur Park - Donna Summer
Strangelove - Depeche Mode
Chains of Love - Erasure
Love To Love You - Suzanne Palmer
Appreciate Me - Amuka
Dive In the Pool - Thunderpuss

Loves me some Kylie, but that's my 2cents (and for the love of all that's holy can we please leave "I Will Survive" dead, buried, and in the ground?)

Dan Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

This list is somewhat misleading I think. Why? Well...it's an Australian pubilcation. Hence, all the Kylie love (even though I agree BTDYK and YDNY are classic gay anthems). She's an icon in the UK/Australia..and..not really all that popular in the U.S. Also..note the inlusion of Olivia Newton-John!!

Meaghan Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"? Gay? I beg to differ.

Sara Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 12:56 PM EST

Before you guys complain about songs being left out, read the FULL list of 50 instead of just the top 20 that Popwatch posted.

Stef Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

What?!? No Cher?

garciamomma Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

tainted love by soft cell.....especially after Idol this week

Antoinette Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

I agree with all the songs other posters have mentioned but I just wanted to give a special acknowledgment to the comment by Mikey. I agree completely and have always wondered about that myself. And you stole my line, I'm just saying.

Emoney Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:41 AM EST

I have to agree with others that an artist's gayness is not what matters -- it's the song's gayness that counts. I do think "Let's Hear it for the Boy" is super gay and should at least be in the top 50.

Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:35 AM EST

Did Mark Harris ok this list?

Kel Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:29 AM EST

what about Mika? has anyone listened to "billy brown". and really, what is more gay than scissor sisters?

Harry Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:22 AM EST

No Rufus or Smiths? Maybe this list represents the worst gayest songs of all time!

to birdgirl39 Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:21 AM EST

That's probably why it's No. 3 on the list.

GP Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

I see one of my favorites came it at No. 43: KD Lang's “Constant Craving.” LOVE THAT SONG.

mikey Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:14 AM EST

I've long contended that Jailhouse Rock is the gayest song ever:
Number 47 said to Number 3
"You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see
I sure would be delighted with your company
Come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me"
There aren't many co-ed prisons out there, so who is this number 3 that number 47 has his eye on? Just what is the Jailhouse Rock, anyway -- it sounds like a code phrase to me. And how would one use a wooden chair as a substitute for a partner?
I love The King and I don't think he meant anything by the song, I'm just saying.

mykietown Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:13 AM EST

Pet Shop Boys, "West End Girls"
George Michael, "Faith"
George Micheal, "Freedom"
Wham!, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go"
Celion Dion, "River Deep, Moutain High"
Erasure, "I Love to Hate You"

birdgirl39 Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:09 AM EST

I know this is not specifically a "gay" song, but I have yet to meet a gay man who DOESN'T know the words to this one...."I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. Oh, hey....GAYnor! Get it?

to heer Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

Because Kylie is the Aussies' Madonna.

GP Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:02 AM EST

Wake Me up Before You Go-Go has to be the gayest song ever even if you didn't know George was gay. As for EJ, he's gay but I don't think of his songs as gay. Anyone remember Phoebe's famous line from Friends: Hold me Closer Tony Danza?! That would definitely make the list

heer Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 11:01 AM EST

How can 2 obscure Kylie Minogue songs beat out "I'm Coming Out" for a spot in the top 10?

queen of disrepair Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 10:09 AM EST

I am bitterly disappointed that Peter Brown's "Do you Wanna Get Funky with Me?" is not on this list. Wham is way back at 40rty something on the main list. Haddaway is also missing *sigh*.

Shana Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 09:58 AM EST

Not every gay song has to be disco. I'm thinking Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window" for that line "what do they know about this love anyway."

Matthew Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST

I'm Too Sexy is the gayest song of all time.

Anon Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 09:06 AM EST

How about "Let's Hear it for the Boy"

Suz Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 08:27 AM EST

It's not a list of the gayest artists of all time, it's a list of the gayest songs. So just because Rufus Wainwright is gay, it doesn't necessarily mean one of his songs belongs on this list. I'm just saying.

Darla Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 07:43 AM EST

Notably missing:

Freedom, George Michael
I'll tumble for ya, Culture Club
I.m still standing, Elton John

Should make the list...just stunned there is no EJ...oops, Sir EJ.

Amanda Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 07:04 AM EST

And where is the Elton John? I would put "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" (the duet version with George Michael) and "Rocket Man" on here.

Amanda Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 07:00 AM EST

According to Television Without Pity's Jacob, the gayest song of all time is "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham! It's hard to disagree. This list has no validity without George Michael.