If there’s one thing I like the sound more of than my own voice, it’s my own name being sung much better than I ever could in bops and ballads. According to WhatNationalDayIsIt, March 21 is National Hannah Day.
Now, as I am named Hannah, I think I should know best that every day can be a celebration of my namesake. But what better way to ring in this truly momentous span of 24 hours than finding the best soundtrack?
Below, I will rank ten songs that utilize Hannah in the title, lyrics or both to discern what the anthem is for this perfect, palindromic personal identifier. Also, thanks to Spotify user Hannah Good for creating this playlist. The description, by the way?
“I deserve this playlist.”
Yes, you do, Hannah. As do I.
Thanks For the Shout-Out, But I’ll Pass
Off the bat, I don’t think any of these songs are that bad, and I may be a bit biased on the subject. These are simply songs that I don’t resonate with too much or don’t aid the Hannah-ness I am to feel every day.
1. “Hannah” by SWMRS: The imagery of this song definitely didn’t resonate with me at the mention of “weed makes me silly.” However, I do like good music and math does kill me as is also mentioned in the song. I also appreciated the integration of the infamous Hannah + banana rhyme I’ve heard since the beginning of time. Altogether, I’m sure this song is a banger to Hannah’s who are just… not me. And that’s okay!
Favorite lyrics: “I’m Hannah, I go here // I’m cuckoo bananas // Why can’t you understand me?”
2. “Hard Hearted Hannah” by Ella Fitzgerald: There is something to be said about a classic song like this; however, there’s just not much for me to say. I think the song is quite catchy but definitely not something I would gravitate to; it’s still got a pretty cool groove. Also, I don’t super relate to the idea of a tough heart… I prefer to wear mine on my sleeve.
Favorite lyrics: “The meanest gal in town // Leather is tough, but Hannah’s heart is tougher”
Spelled Forward or Backwards, It’s Just Meh
Again, I appreciate all my adoring fans. But whatever way you choose to spell my name being referenced in this song, it’s nothing that I’m crazy about.
1. “Hannah Hunt” by Vampire Weekend: This song is sweet in the idea of a guy and a girl wonderfully named Hannah take on life with not much beyond each other to make it through. Hannah sounds like a thoughtful girl who’s lost in her own world but happy to be a bright spot in someone else’s, which is something I can also say of myself (most times). Plus, it points out the perceptive nature of this Hannah in the lives of those she loves. It’s not a get-up-and-dance song, but if I’m looking for a song to hear with my 6-letter moniker mentioned, this is an okay one!
Favorite lyrics: “A man of faith said hidden eyes // Could see what I was thinking // I just smiled and told him that was only true of Hannah // And we glided on through Waverly and Lincoln”
2. “Hanna” by STRFKR: This song is short and sweet—literally. I definitely wouldn’t have discovered it had it not been for the playlist, but I am pleasantly surprised by how much I like this song without much substance! Maybe that goes to show, sometimes the most simple reason to love a song, especially a song about a girl with my name, is its brief beauty. Also, I did place it in this category because that is not the preferred spelling.
Favorite lyrics: “I, I never fall in love // I never fall in love again // I love you”
3. “Well That Was Easy” by Franz Ferdinand: It definitely has a beat conducive to head-banging but in terms of Hannah relatability, this one is relatively neutral. It’s a cool indie, alt sound but I don’t connect to the usage of my namesake.
Favorite lyrics: “But oh Hannah, how I miss you // Oh Hannah, how I miss you // Oh Hannah, how I miss you now”
Top-Tier Tunes (Probably About Me)
These songs are beautiful and banging and written by boys who love me. Well… Hannah can dream. But seriously, these songs make my name into the best music.
1. “Hannah” by COIN: As soon as I discovered this band and this song in particular, I knew I had to find some obscure holiday all about Hannahs so I could incorporate this bop! The vocalist is apologizing for the ways his life doesn’t align with Hannah; and if there’s one thing I know about Hannahs or myself in particular, I want to be free to do my own thing. That’s not to say I’m quick to brush off love, but this Hannah definitely had an impact on this dude to write a wonderful song with her in mind.
Favorite lyrics: “I’m sorry Hannah // But I’ve got other plans // So keep on dancing // Into the arms of another man // Hold your head up, Hannah // Hold your head up high // I’m sorry, Hannah // How will you know if you never try?”
2. “Hannah” by Freelance Whales: This song has such a synth-y, upbeat melody throughout it and the imagery is beautiful. It gives me very coming of age vibes. The relationship seems like one full of contradictions (although not unpleasant), Hannah is a girl worth decoding. Whoever the Hannah is that they’re singing about, she sounds whimsical, complex and a person I’d like to meet… and not just to talk about our name.
Favorite lyrics: “And if you’re partial to the night sky // If you’re vaguely attracted to rooftops // Hannah takes the stairs // Cause she can’t tell // It’s a winding spiral case // Is she right side up or upside down?”
3. “i wanna be your girlfriend” by girl in red: This song is so good. So, so, so good. This song is moody and aesthetic, plus it has such a good beat to it. It’s fantastically free-spirited and the strumming settles into the swells of my heartbeat as I shake, shimmy and sing along to the lyrics. I feel cooler knowing this song features my name, and it’s a go-to song when I need to be reminded that cool people can write cool songs about people who share my name. I highly recommend you listen to it, whether you’re a Hannah or not.
Favorite lyrics: “Oh Hannah, tell me something nice // Like flowers and blues skies // Oh, Hannah, I will follow you home // Although my lips are blue and I’m cold”
4. “Hannah” by Ray LaMontagne: Oh wow, this is a song I wish was written about me! LaMontagne’s voice is simultaneously gritty and glides over my eardrums like butter. The lyrics are also so haunting and complex, which bears even a Google search to get the true poetry of Ray’s songwriting. There’s a rhythmic drumming and a tickling of the ivories that makes me glad I share my namesake with this beautiful song and the ballad she inspired.
Favorite lyrics: “Now I’d walk one mile on just broken glass // To fall down at your feet // Mmm Hannah you’re the queen of the street”
5. “Memory Motel” by The Rolling Stones: Did you expect anything less from The Stones? Because I certainly didn’t. And yet, this was the first time I’d heard this heavenly ballad about a girl named Hannah. This will definitely become one of my new favorite song references. Also, the idea of a memory motel is so hauntingly beautiful and holds nostalgia that can only be held and captured confidently in song lyrics. I love the way Hannah is described in this song; it makes me wish someone would look at my finer details and commit them to memory… and then book a bittersweet hotel stay.
Favorite lyrics: “Hannah baby was a honey of a girl // Her eyes were hazel // And her teeth were slightly curved // She took my guitar and she began to play // She sang a song to me // Stuck right in my brain”
I hope reading this article reminded you to treat the Hannahs in your life like a heartwarming song. Now that’s music to my ears!