GREATEST OPENING OF A SONG

[buckjohnson]

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May

http://www.songfacts.com/lyrics.php?findsong=1225

I have been listening to music all day while doing chores and I heard this great opening line from the Temptations, "My Girl". Smokey's lyrics, plus the great James Jamerson bass playing, (a melodic riff reminiscing/mimicry of a heartbeat) and David Ruffin's sweet but very aggressive singing style all together makes this the greatest opening of a song ever, The metaphoric above-mentioned line, the bass playing, and the singing voice all combine to give the song an opening that allows is to stay on point and conversely speak of and define the greatest human emotion, love, and its greatest collateral damage, heartbreak. It is nostalgia at it best, and when listen with an open mind, a fresh mind (because of the numbing times it has been played in TV shows and movies) it betrays a tenderness that goes beyond music genres, race, class, and sex. It is a lonesome song without sadness, a stalking quality without being predatory, and wholesomeness without being saturated or full sugary connotations (despite the bee and honey imagery)

I would like others to comment on what they think is the greatest opening of a song and add additional commentary on why.

[Dirky]

The Temptations knew how to start a song off. Ball of Confusion has a terrific beginning too. That might be my favorite intro.

As for opening lines, I'll have to think it over a bit.

[rockabilly]

Gotta have " Enter Sandman " on here.

[BellaBellucci]

G'n'F'n'R - Sweet Child O' Mine

Incredible riff. Great lyrics.

'She got a smile that it seems to me reminds me of childhood memories.'

Sure, the working is a little clunky, but it gives you a great visual.

~BB~

[shemale-411]

One song, and one song only - Bulls On Parade - Rage Against The Machine, grabs me buy the balls, flings me around the room, kicks me out the front door and makes me wanna run outside and join a riot from the first heart pounding thump!

[scroller]

I'm not going to claim this is my "best ever" (it's not even remotely the kind of music I normally listen to), but... the other day Sophie B. Hawkins' "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover" came on and it made the hair on my arms stand on end from the first note. Something incredibly creepy/seductive about that song, it must have gotten hardwired in my brain sometime in the 90's.

[jaycanuck]

G'n'F'n'R - Sweet Child O' Mine

I was going to say Welcome to the Jungle.

[rockabilly]

ACDC's " You shook me all night long "

[JeniferTS]

'hit me baby one more time'

[Jericho]

Carry on my wayward son: