The top ten unanswered questions in songs

This was Alan Robertson's idea. He noted that 'War, huh, what is it good for?' and 'Where are the clowns?' were both answered, but that 'Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the fandango?' was not. This has been the most popular Top 10 to date, attracting hundreds of nominations…

John Rentoul
Saturday 17 October 2015 13:36 EDT
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How soon is now?
How soon is now? (Getty)

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1. 'Who let the dogs out?'

The Baha Men didn't say. Alan Robertson wants to know.

2. 'Have you seen your mother, baby, standing in the shadow?'

Rolling Stones. Cameron is still waiting. (The B-side asks another, “Who's Driving Your Plane?”)

3. 'Should I stay or should I go?'

The Clash. The question Robert Epstein asks himself at every party he's ever been to. Also asked by Arieh Kovler, Chris Jones, Phil Pelling and Mitchell Stirling.

4. 'And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England's mountains green?'

William Blake. Ian Griffiths points out that there are several more in “Jerusalem”.

5. 'Are we human or are we dancer?'

The Killers. Nominated by Matt Chorley. This may have also featured in the top 10 of incomprehensible lyrics.

6. 'Strange little girl, where are you going?'

The Stranglers. Tom thinks he knows.

7. 'Why do fools fall in love?'

Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers. Truly one of life's great unanswered questions, say Alasdair Brooks, Phil Pelling, John Richards and Pete C.

8. 'What becomes of the brokenhearted?'

Jimmy Ruffin. Question 7 is answered with another question, say John Porter and Alasdair Brooks.

9. 'How soon is now?'

The Smiths. Mike Katz, Rob Fuller and Rob Marchant need to know because they've got stuff to do.

10. 'How does it feel to treat me like you do?'

That's “Blue Monday” by New Order, not David Mills losing the plot.

Next week: People who would have been good on Twitter

Coming soon: Anachronistic skeuomorphs (such as a picture of a floppy disk to mean “save”). Send your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.uk

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