Here’s my question – does anyone know of a song

a) as good as No Surrender, sonically, lyrically and thematically (within the quality boundaries of the decade) with

b) a title direct, yet powerful enough that one wouldn’t necessarily be embarrassed to get a tattoo of it somewhere (yes, I’ve debated getting a “No Surrender” tat on my calf for years) and

c) a chorus catchy enough to be a radio single that

d) either overcomes the boundaries of its cliche or

e) isn’t a cliche at all and is

r) well enough written that you don’t want to stab yourself after the 30th listen.

So, to start us off, a refresher.

Gotta prepare first though:

Turn the lights off. Then turn the volume up. Hit play.  Lean back in your chair/bed/lovers arms and relax.   Close your eyes.   There is no video.  Just what the music finds for you.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN5e2qZr1Oc

Still not feeling it?  Then I guess you’re not human!

But seriously.  Just stop reading if that does nothing for you

Still here?  Good.

OK.  So what is that for the 90s?  Not bound by genre.  Could be an RnB song.  Could be country.  Who knows.  I was thinking about it tonight while running, and wondering if Rancid’s “Life Won’t Wait” could be a contender (I haven’t heard it in a while).  The title seems to fit criteria b), and the song tiself fits in d/e & r.  But a…ahhh “a”.  No, it’s not “a”.

So, better candidates?  I’ll be thinking about it.  Drawing a blank right now.

Anyone else?