DJs have been our companions, keeping us on our feet with captivating beats, fresh remixes, and new tunes for our playlists. It’s no wonder that countless songwriters have dedicated songs to DJs, expressing their appreciation or urging them to crank up the volume. In this article, we present 20 melodies that pay homage to the art of DJing, perfect additions to your playlist and guaranteed to get the party started.
1. “Pon de Replay” by Rihanna
Let’s kick off with Rihanna’s 2005 hit, “Pon de Replay.” The song begins with the iconic lyrics, “Come, Mr. DJ, song pon de replay / Come, Mr. DJ, won’t you turn the music up?” The rest of the track follows suit, as Rihanna invites everyone to join in the dance and urges the DJ to keep replaying her song. A chart-topping anthem of the 2000s, this masterpiece holds a worthy place in any party playlist and is undoubtedly one of the best odes to DJs.
2. “Panic” by The Smiths
The Smiths’ “Panic” takes a different approach when it comes to DJs. Unlike many other songs on this list, “Panic” doesn’t glorify DJs or celebrate their work. Instead, the track carries a negative tone, reflecting the band’s dissatisfaction with DJs. The song was written in response to the Chernobyl incident when the band heard the news and a DJ immediately played a song, which they found inappropriate. The lyrics convey their discontent: “Burn down the disco / Hang the blessed DJ / Because the music that they constantly play / It says nothing to me about my life.”
3. “Something For the DJs” by Pitbull
Released on his 2011 album Planet Pit, Pitbull’s “Something For the DJs” is a vibrant celebration of going out, dancing, and appreciating the DJ’s artistry. Throughout the track, Pitbull encourages listeners to embrace the joy of the moment, making it an excellent addition to any DJ-themed playlist.
4. “Hey, Mr. DJ (Keep Playin’ This Song)” by Backstreet Boys
Backstreet Boys’ 1997 hit, “Hey, Mr. DJ (Keep Playin’ This Song),” follows the boy band’s story as they venture into a bar or club. Upon arrival, they are instantly captivated by a woman they desire to know better. As a result, they plea with the DJ to keep the music going, as they sing, “Hey Mr. DJ, keep playin’ this song for me / Out on the floor in my arms, she’s gotta be.”
5. “Play” by Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez’s 2001 hit, “Play,” also pays tribute to the DJ. The song narrates Lopez’s fascination when she hears her favorite song played by the DJ. It compels her to hit the town and immerse herself in the experience of dancing and enjoying the music. In the chorus, she joyfully exclaims, “Play, come on play that song / Play it all night long / Just turn it up and turn it on / Play, come on, DJ, play that song.”
6. “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” by Usher
Usher’s “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” from his 2010 EP Versus is a testament to the liberating power of the club atmosphere. After a long week, Usher is ready to let loose and have a good time. However, amidst the revelry, he encounters a mysterious girl who feels strangely familiar, leading him to believe that the DJ is responsible for his newfound love. The lyrics express his excitement: “So dance, dance like it’s the last, last night / Of your life, life, gon’ get you right / ‘Cause baby, tonight / The DJ got us falling in love again.”
7. “DJ” by David Bowie
David Bowie’s 1979 track, aptly titled “DJ,” satirizes the DJ culture of the 1970s. Bowie wrote the song as a critique of how DJs were treated during that era. A single mistake or misplaced track could ruin a DJ’s career. Throughout the song, Bowie conveys the attributes and anxieties that come with being a DJ, proclaiming, “I am a D.J., I am what I play / I’ve got believers / Believing in me.”
8. “God Is a DJ” by P!nk
P!nk’s 2003 song, “God Is a DJ” from her album Try This, delves into her personal journey and aspirations. She reflects on her past and envisions her future while drawing parallels with the atmosphere of a club, where a DJ reigns supreme. The lyrics beautifully encapsulate her thoughts: “If God is a DJ, life is a dance floor / Love is the rhythm / You are the music.”
9. “I Am the DJ” by Neon Trees
Neon Trees’ “I Am the DJ,” released in 2012, explores the aftermath of a romantic relationship’s end. Although longing for their beloved, the singer knows they won’t reunite, leaving them to relive cherished memories in their mind. The lyrics poignantly express this sentiment: “I am the DJ / And you are the record that I play.”
10. “Can You Hear Me” by Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias’ 2008 hit, “Can You Hear Me,” delves into the aftermath of a failed romance. Still heartbroken, Iglesias seeks solace at a club, yearning for the DJ to drown his sorrows with melodious therapy. In this way, music becomes his remedy for heartache.
11. “Don’t Blame The World, It’s the DJ’s Fault” by Cobra Starship
Cobra Starship’s “Don’t Blame the World, It’s the DJ’s Fault” offers an escape from life’s woes. Their remedy for sadness? Attending a music-filled gathering and surrendering to the DJ’s tunes. The band’s lyrics convey the spirit of release and abandon: “Don’t blame the world, it’s the DJ’s fault / I’ll save your soul, get on the floor, baby.”
12. “All Night Long” by Alexandra Burke and Pitbull
Alexandra Burke’s “All Night Long,” featuring Pitbull, narrates the story of falling in love while dancing at a club. In the presence of her special someone, all worries dissipate, and they revel in the music’s embrace. The lyrics beautifully capture their connection: “You got me all night long / So tell the DJ play it / All night long.”
13. “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life” by Indeep
Indeep’s 1982 classic, “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life,” delves into heartbreak and the healing power of music. The group explains their broken hearts, but when they hit the club, they realize the DJ and the music they play can momentarily alleviate their pain. As such, they sing, “Last night a DJ saved my life with a song.”
14. “Tik Tok” by Kesha
Kesha’s 2009 sensation, “Tik Tok,” exudes the carefree party spirit that dominated the late 2000s. The track captures Kesha’s routine as she wakes up and prepares to venture back into the night. It’s no surprise that DJs receive a shout-out in this ultimate party anthem. The lyrics radiate unadulterated excitement: “Don’t stop, make it pop, DJ, blow my speakers up / Tonight, I’ma fight ’til we see the sunlight.”
15. “All I See” by Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue’s “All I See” also pays homage to DJs. The song opens with Minogue’s lamentation about being unable to spend time with friends as she prepares for a weekend with her significant other. As the chorus hits, Minogue reveals that they’ve gone out to a club, where they dance together, seemingly impervious to any external disturbance. She joyfully reveals, “Right