Songs can stir the heart, give a lift to a depressing day, and just as importantly, help to bring a city to mind. Think of “I Left My Heart In San Francisco,” “New York, New York,” and “Kansas City” to appreciate what a good song can evoke.
“April In Paris” creates an immediate connection with that city (and, for that matter, a month as well). But what about Las Vegas? Yes, we have “Viva Las Vegas,” but that often reminds people of Elvis rather than Las Vegas.
So, why not take some existing song titles and see if they can be modified to better connect with Las Vegas?
Here are a few examples:
“Wouldn’t It Be Dice”
The Beach Boys recorded “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” as a musical reflection of Brian Wilson’s infatuation with a girl. “Wouldn’t It Be Dice” would serve as a paean to craps players who long for more table games and fewer slot machines.
“Do You Know The Way To The Buffet?”
Dionne Warwick sang “Do You Know The Way To San Jose” and it immediately did wonders for the city (and Miss Warwick’s pocketbook). Now that buffets are starting to come back to the Las Vegas Strip, it’s time to put them in an accessible location off the casino floor, and this song may shame the resorts into doing just that.
“I Want To Fold My Hand”
“I Want To Hold Your Hand” was the first Beatles record to be made using four-track equipment. In today’s digital world, we’ll get cleaner sound from “I Want To Fold My Hand,” which is either a tribute to a savvy poker player or a depressing ballad about an unlucky player with no money left. You decide this one.
“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”
With a nod to The Platters, this is one song whose title won’t be changed. If you’ve ever been in a casino….
“Rolling In The Dough”
Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” was her international breakout hit. Repurposed for Las Vegas, it is a celebratory anthem for jackpot winners up and down the Strip and Downtown.
“Life’s A Bet”
Motörhead’s “Life’s A Bitch” is the perfect title as a metaphor for losing. But the Las Vegas mantra is more to the point: “Life’s A Bet” means there is no sure thing, whether it’s winning or losing. The important part is the journey…and enough money to get home.
“I Believe In A Thing Called Vegas”
The Darkness had a hit with “I Believe In A Thing Called Love.” Our title version, however, could be the ultimate salute to the city that never sleeps.
These are but a handful of suggested song titles for eliciting the Las Vegas we all know. Impractical, you say? Las Vegas can do anything it sets its mind to do.
Viva Las Vegas!
