Top 10: 80’s Songs that Made Chicks Want to Change Their Names

While 80’s bands certainly didn’t pioneer the idea of using chicks’ names in song titles, there was definitely a plethora of songs to choose from for this list, the second Top 10 List in my new series.

Not only was there tons to choose from, there was even multiple songs using the same names (with slight variations). 

And yes, I’m looking at you JANE, JAYNE and JANIE!

Understand that the following statement is coming from someone named “CHERI” ok? There’s just something about hearing one’s name set to music and sung unabashedly for all the world to hear that just tugs at the strings of my cold, black GenX heart.

In our minds, we KNOW the song/s are not about us specifically, but this matters not. 

To put it simply: hearing your name in a song is just plain cool.

#10 - “Dear Abby” by Dead Kennedys

Yes, true, the song is essentially a “Dear Abby” letter about a coroner who can’t afford the cost of living for his family, so he brings home body parts from the morgue & mixes them with Tuna Helper to save money on food costs, while simultaneously worrying about what will happen if his family finds out. 

The response to “Reaganomics Victim” from Dear ol’ Abby was the sage advice to just make sure the body was blessed by a clergyman first and other than that he was a-okay to continue his human smorgasbord makes this song (and name) an 80’s punk fan favorite.

#9 - “Sweet Jane” by Cowboy Junkies

Who knew that “Jane” was SO big in the 80’s that I thought of FOUR songs with the name in the title in just a few minutes’ time.  

So was it simply a really popular name at the time or did musicians just love how easy it was to rhyme - - that is the question.

(Not for nothing but - this is the second time I’ve highlighted a song recently specifically because of it’s inclusion in my all-time favorite movie, Natural Born Killers - the soundtrack of which was produced by the brilliant Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.)

#8 - “Charlotte the Harlot” by Iron Maiden

OK – I know Iron Maiden isn’t necessarily everyone’s cup of tea but – neither is Dead Kennedys and I’ve listed them already so why the hell not, right?  

Not only did I wish my name was “Charlotte” in the 80’s, but I had several girlfriends who felt the same… and when 4 out 5 dentists recommend Crest – well, you go with Crest!

#7 - “Jack and Diane” - John Mellencamp

I actually knew quite a few “Diane”s in the 80’s, so it was a smart naming choice for John Mellencamp to use in the most successful single in his discography.

And besides, who doesn’t love a little ditty ‘bout 2 American kids growin’ up…. in the heartland?

#6 - “My Michelle” by Guns N’ Roses

“Michelle” is another name that’s featured in many songs spanning a few decades actually, let alone in the 80’s.

But you best believe if this list alternatively represented the 60’s - of course it would have been this one.

(I was thisclose to featuring “Fly High Michelle” by Enuff Z’nuff (the singer of which is crazy in all the best ways… but that’s a story for another day) instead but my daughter’s undying love for Axl Rose tipped the scales in GnR’s favor on this one.)

What?  I never claimed this list was unbiased! 🙂

#5 “Rosanna” - Toto

If there’s a GenXer who doesn’t remember this music video, then your “I Love the 80’s” card is hereby revoked.  

Personally, I leaned more towards wishing I’d been named “Roxanne” but The Police released that one in the 70’s so “Rosanna” (lol Roseanne Rosannadanna) makes the cut!

#4 - “Carrie” by Europe

This song (which for some reason I thought was by Warrant…) comes in at the 4-spot. 

Falling into my favorite “Power Ballad” category, this one was a no-brainer. Around my neck of the woods in the 80’s, the chicks I knew named “Carrie” were almost always the popular cheerleader types, so it makes sense that so many “non-Carries” wanted to run to the courthouse for a name change the moment they turned 18.

#3 - “Amanda'“ by Boston

Boston’s “Amanda” is another great power ballad from this generation that to this day, when I hear it on CLASSIC rock stations (*ahem*) it immediately transports me back to my 13 year old self in 1986, being tortured by my dad as he (unsuccessfully) attempted to hit the high and steady notes in the chorus while we cleaned the house every Saturday. 

But “Amanda” was a cool name, and definitely coveted by many chicks who wanted to be taken by surprise and made to realize!

#2 - “867-5309 / Jenny” by Tommy Tutone

Ohhhh the poor, poor souls who owned this phone number back in the day when Tommy Tutone released “867-5309/Jenny“! 

But you can’t tell me you didn’t SING her phone number in your head as you read it here, now can you? 

You even bobbed your head a little, I know – it’s OK.

NUMERO UNO!

What better choice for the TOP SPOT on this list than “Oh Sherrie” by Steve Perry??  

Remember earlier when I mentioned just how unbiased I (never) claimed to be?  Since this song bears my actual name – I guess this is the proverbial pudding of the falsehood of said claim. 

But oh… our love…. it holds on, holds on.

YOUR TURN!!! What songs would you add to this list??