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Best Songs For Lyric Pranks
Lyric pranks are one of the funniest ways to confuse, amuse, or even flirt—all through text. Whether you’re messing with your best friend, trying to drop hints to a crush, or just bored on a Tuesday, the right song can turn a casual chat into a viral moment.
Let’s break it down: what makes a great lyric prank, which songs work best, and how to pull it off like a text message ninja.
What’s a Lyric Prank?
A lyric prank is when you send someone a series of song lyrics over text—one line at a time—making it seem like you’re being serious. The prank works best when the lyrics start off sounding natural or personal, then escalate into confusion, comedy, or drama.
Pro tip: The best lyric pranks start subtle and end in full-on ridiculousness. Know your audience. Don’t send breakup lyrics to your actual ex (unless that’s the point…
How to Pull Off a Great Lyric Prank
1. Choose the Right Person
Make sure the recipient is likely to engage and not get genuinely upset. Avoid pranking someone who’s dealing with something serious.
2. Pick the Right Song
Start with lyrics that sound like a real message. Avoid songs that open with obvious cues like “This is a song” or specific names.
3. Time It Right
Send it during a moment when the recipient is likely to text back—like lunch breaks or evenings.
4. Don’t Let It Go Too Far
Once the prank has landed, it’s best to come clean before confusion turns to frustration.
5. Have Fun With It
Lyric pranks are lighthearted by nature. Keep the tone playful and enjoy the shared laugh.
Types of Lyric Pranks and Best Song Choices
Each relationship calls for a different tone. Here’s how to choose the right type of prank for your audience.
For Friends: Classic Confusion
Use absurd or out-of-context lyrics to create maximum confusion.
Example:
“Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?”
— Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody”
Other options:
- “Basket Case” by Green Day
- “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne
For Crushes: Subtle and Flirty
Try romantic lyrics that could be taken as serious flirtation—or song lyrics.
Example:
“I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets”
— Ed Sheeran, “Perfect”
Other options:
- “Gorgeous” by Taylor Swift
- “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John
For Best Friends: Inside Jokes and Personal Humor
Use a song you both know, or something that plays on your shared sense of humor.
Example:
“I need a dollar, dollar, a dollar is what I need”
— Aloe Blacc, “I Need a Dollar”
Other options:
- “Barbie Girl” by Aqua
- “Wannabe” by Spice Girls
For Exes: Caution Advised
Only prank exes if you’re on good terms. Use dramatic or nostalgic lyrics that might hint at unresolved feelings.
Example:
“I heard that you’re settled down, that you found a girl and you’re married now.”
— Adele, “Someone Like You”
Other options:
- “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
- “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa
For Parents: Trendy and Confusing
Pick something modern and catchy that they probably won’t recognize.
Example:
“I’m gonna ride ’til I can’t no more”
— Lil Nas X, “Old Town Road”
Other options:
- “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish
- “Savage Love” by Jason Derulo
For Anyone: Random Mashups
Mix lyrics from different songs for maximum confusion.
Example:
Start with “Hello from the other side” (Adele), then follow with “I can’t feel my face when I’m with you” (The Weeknd).
Top Songs for Lyric Pranks
Here are some of the most reliable lyric prank songs, along with the kinds of reactions they typically provoke.
| Song | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| “Hello” – Adele | Anyone | Opens with a believable “Hello?” and builds slowly. |
| “Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac | Exes / Friends | Moody and relatable; makes people think it’s personal. |
| “Telephone” – Lady Gaga | Friends | Starts mid-conversation with chaotic lyrics. |
| “Gorgeous” – Taylor Swift | Crushes | Flirty and funny. |
| “Never Gonna Give You Up” – Rick Astley | Everyone | The classic Rickroll—always delivers. |
| “Comfortably Numb” – Pink Floyd | Music Nerds | Mysterious tone; dark but clever. |
| “Basket Case” – Green Day | Friends | Feels like a serious rant at first. |
| “See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa | Old friends | Nostalgic and sincere. |
| “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen | High-energy friends | Builds into full dramatic power. |
Tips to Avoid a Lyric Prank Fail
- Avoid lyrics with unusual names, locations, or outdated references.
- Don’t use violent, explicit, or overly emotional lyrics unless you’re absolutely sure the recipient will understand the joke.
- If someone starts to take the lyrics seriously, pause and explain quickly.
Related Playlists and Articles
- Best Lip Sync Battle Songs
- Top Karaoke Duets That Always Work
- Ultimate 80s Playlist
- Best Songs to Soundtrack a Text Message Breakup
Final Thoughts
A lyric prank is more than just a joke—it’s a tiny moment of performance art. It catches people off guard, sparks curiosity, and usually ends in laughter. Whether you’re aiming for playful, romantic, or totally absurd, the perfect lyric and the perfect moment can make someone’s day.
Have a favorite lyric prank that worked too well? Share it with us—we just might add it to the list.
Songs WE Like for Lyric Pranks
Hello by Adele
This is one of the easiest songs for lyric pranks for those getting started because it opens with “Hello?” and thus, the person on the other end is going to expect a regular chat.
Of course, you don’t have to wait with this one, if you don’t get a quick reply, just fire off “Can you hear me?” and go from there.
Can You Feel The Love Tonight by Elton John
This is a great lyric prank song to use with someone that you either have a crush on, have a romantic connection with or an ex that you still get on with.
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
“Now here you go again, you say you want your freedom,” might strike fear into the heart of a cheating lover or being a charming opening line for a crush and it might just make a good friend laugh.
Telephone by Lady Gaga
Like Adele, this is an easy one to get started with “Hello, hello baby” is a good opening line and then the rest of the lyrics are crazy enough to confuse and then have them laughing when they work out what’s going on.
Don’t Stop Me Now by Lady Gaga
Send this to your one and only and they’re soon going to be wanting to know what, exactly, it is that you plan on doing that they shouldn’t stop you doing?
Gorgeous by Taylor Swift
“You should take it as a compliment, That I got drunk and made fun of the way you talk”.
It is a great opener for a lyric prank.
Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
There’s never a bad time to Rick-roll someone.
It makes for a solid lyric prank.
Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd
Another song that begins with “Hello? Hello?” but then gets dark pretty quickly.
Any Floyd fan is going to roll about with mirth when they work it out.
Basket Case by Green Day
“Do you have the time to listen to me whine?”
Enough said, right?
See You Again by Wiz Khalifa
The lyrics sound like you’re encouraging a friend to head out for the evening.
It works really well as a lyric prank.
