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The 20 Classic Songs Hidden In Old Dominion's "Song For Another Time": A Deep Dive Analysis

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Released in 2016, Old Dominion’s “Song For Another Time” is far more than just a catchy country-pop hit; it is a masterclass in songwriting, a lyrical puzzle, and a tribute to music history. The track, which became the band's second No. 1 single, uses a clever conceit: the narrator attempts to delay an inevitable breakup by referencing a string of classic songs, essentially asking for one last night of blissful denial. This deep-cut analysis, updated for late 2025, explores the genius behind the lyrics and reveals the full list of 20 iconic tunes the band managed to weave into a single, cohesive narrative.

The song’s brilliance lies in its topical authority—it doesn't just mention song titles; it integrates them directly into the conversation between the couple, making the lyrics feel both nostalgic and incredibly fresh. The band, including lead singer Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, and Geoff Sprung, crafted a tune that speaks to anyone who has ever wished they could rewind the clock on a relationship that is clearly coming to an end, all while paying homage to legends of rock and country music.

Old Dominion: The Architects of Modern Country-Pop

Old Dominion, formed in Nashville, Tennessee, is known for its witty lyrics, genre-bending sound, and members who were already established songwriters before forming the band. Their collective talent is what makes a song as complex as "Song For Another Time" feel so effortless. The band’s core members are:

  • Matthew Ramsey (Lead Vocals, Guitar): The primary voice and one of the main songwriters, known for his distinctive vocal delivery and clever phrasing.
  • Trevor Rosen (Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals): A key songwriter, contributing to many of the band's hits and other artists' chart-toppers.
  • Brad Tursi (Guitar, Vocals): Another accomplished songwriter who adds a sharp, contemporary guitar edge.
  • Geoff Sprung (Bass, Vocals): The backbone of the rhythm section.
  • Whit Sellers (Drums): Provides the driving, often rock-influenced percussion.

The song was featured on their debut full-length album, *Meat and Candy* (2015), which established them as a major force in country music. The album title itself, a nod to their blend of sweet melodies ("candy") and substantive songwriting ("meat"), perfectly encapsulates the style of "Song For Another Time."

The Lyrical Genius: How "Song For Another Time" Works

The central theme of "Song For Another Time" is the desire to pause a moment before a painful goodbye. The narrator knows the relationship is over—the "plane’s gonna fly away"—but he wants to hit the "pause button" for one more night.

The genius is in the execution. Instead of just saying "let's forget about it," the band uses song titles to create a vocabulary of denial. Every reference is a plea to ignore the reality of the situation. The lyrics suggest, "Right now we both know / We're Marina del Rey / Plane's gonna fly away / And you'll be on it / And by this time tomorrow / I'll be 'Yesterday'." This opening stanza immediately sets the stage, using George Strait's "Marina Del Rey" and The Beatles' "Yesterday" to frame the impending heartbreak.

The song is a brilliant example of a concept that should have been too complicated to work, yet it flows naturally, proving the lyrical dexterity of the band's writers.

The Full List of 20 Classic Song References

The true "topical authority" of this track comes from the sheer volume and seamless integration of the referenced material. The writers—Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Jesse Frasure, and Josh Osborne—managed to cram 20 distinct song titles into the lyrics, creating a musical scavenger hunt for listeners. Here is the definitive list of the classic songs Old Dominion name-checks:

  1. "Right Now" - Van Halen (Used in the opening line: "Right now we both know...")
  2. "Marina Del Rey" - George Strait (Used to set the scene: "We're Marina del Rey...")
  3. "Yesterday" - The Beatles (Referencing the coming heartbreak: "I'll be 'Yesterday'.")
  4. "This Time" - The Kinks (A plea for a different outcome: "This time with you...")
  5. "Free Fallin’" - Tom Petty (Used to describe the feeling: "I’m 'Free Fallin'’.")
  6. "I Can’t Make You Love Me" - Bonnie Raitt (The sad realization: "I can't make you love me...")
  7. "Fade Into You" - Mazzy Star (Setting the mood: "Let's 'Fade Into You'...")
  8. "Only The Lonely" - Roy Orbison (The inevitable future: "I'll be 'Only The Lonely'.")
  9. "I Want Crazy" - Hunter Hayes (Describing the desired intensity: "I want crazy...")
  10. "Kiss A Girl" - Keith Urban (A simple, immediate action: "I wanna 'Kiss A Girl'.")
  11. "All The Small Things" - Blink-182 (Focusing on the moment: "All the small things.")
  12. "Red Dirt Road" - Brooks & Dunn (Nostalgia for the past: "Down some 'Red Dirt Road'.")
  13. "You Shook Me All Night Long" - AC/DC (A classic rock energy reference: "You shook me all night long.")
  14. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" - Queen (The feeling of the relationship: "Crazy little thing called love.")
  15. "Smoke A Little Smoke" - Eric Church (A casual, relaxing activity: "Smoke a little smoke.")
  16. "Barefoot Blue Jean Night" - Jake Owen (The perfect summer moment: "Barefoot blue jean night.")
  17. "Summer Nights" - Rascal Flatts (Creating a memory: "Summer nights.")
  18. "Let's Stay Together" - Al Green (The ultimate plea: "Let's stay together.")
  19. "Time Is On My Side" - The Rolling Stones (The hope for delay: "Time is on my side.")
  20. "I Got A Feeling" - Black Eyed Peas (The overall mood: "I got a feeling.")

This extensive list showcases the band's broad musical knowledge, spanning multiple genres from classic rock (Van Halen, AC/DC, Queen) to classic country (George Strait, Brooks & Dunn) and 90s alternative (Mazzy Star, Blink-182).

Legacy and Continued Relevance in 2025

Despite being released nearly a decade ago, "Song For Another Time" remains a staple in Old Dominion’s live shows and a frequent play on country radio, a testament to its unique structure and universal theme. Its success helped propel *Meat and Candy* to platinum status and cemented the band's place as a modern country powerhouse.

The song’s topical authority is reinforced by the fact that Old Dominion continues to evolve, releasing new music and touring extensively, with mentions of their ongoing activities, including performances in 2024, keeping them in the spotlight. For fans of deep lyrical analysis, the track offers endless discussion, making it a perennial favorite for music critics and casual listeners alike who enjoy uncovering the secrets hidden within a hit song.

Ultimately, "Song For Another Time" is a sonic time capsule, a clever piece of songwriting that perfectly captures the bittersweet feeling of a beautiful moment you know you can't keep, all wrapped up in a package of musical history.

The 20 Classic Songs Hidden in Old Dominion's
old dominion song for another time
old dominion song for another time

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