teeth

A Bite-Sized History of Teeth in Music

Teeth, those pearly white chompers, may seem like an unlikely subject for musical inspiration. But they’ve actually inspired countless songs, from the hilarious to the heartfelt, and played a surprisingly prominent role in music history.

The Early Years: Teeth in Folk and Blues

Folk and blues traditions often embraced the grittier side of life, and teeth were no exception. Early blues singers would often lament lost teeth in their songs, reflecting hardships and tough times. One funny anecdote is that of blues legend Robert Johnson, who, after a tooth extraction, reportedly lost his voice temporarily. His bluesy cries of “My teeth, my teeth!” might not have made the top charts, but they definitely added a new layer of authenticity to his music.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Era: Gnawing at the Beat

Rock ‘n’ roll brought with it a rebellious spirit, and teeth became a symbol of defiance. Groups like The Stooges and The Ramones used the image of teeth in their lyrics and stage presence, signifying raw energy and aggression. The Rolling Stones, with their infamous “snaggletooth” frontman, Mick Jagger, pushed the boundaries even further, incorporating teeth into their music and style with a playful, almost sinister flair.

Pop Culture and the Smile:

As pop music emerged, teeth took on a more positive role. Think Britney Spears’ gleaming smile on the cover of “Oops!… I Did It Again” or the catchy chorus of “My Teeth Are My Best Feature” by fictional pop star, Tiffany Valentine. The focus shifted to the power of a smile, associating teeth with confidence, happiness, and, of course, selling toothpaste!

Funny Facts and Foibles:

• The Lost Tooth Song: Remember the classic “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”? It actually has a lost tooth counterpart: “The Itsy Bitsy Tooth” (complete with a lyrical ode to the tooth fairy!).
• A Tooth-ful of Fame: One of the most iconic images in music history is Queen frontman Freddie Mercury’s giant, dazzling set of pearly whites. He even had custom-made dentures to enhance their size and sparkle.
• Dental Dilemmas: One of the most bizarre musical stories involves the 1980s pop star, Rick Astley. He claims to have lost a tooth during a particularly energetic performance, and his frantic search for it became a memorable backstage anecdote.

The Future of Teeth in Music:

While the obsession with teeth in music may have slightly subsided, the subject remains a potent symbol, evoking feelings of power, fear, and joy. From dentist-themed rock bands to experimental electronic music using digitized tooth sounds, the future of teeth in music is as unpredictable as a root canal.