19 Songs About Television

As someone who loves to unwind in front of the TV, I’ve always been fascinated by how music captures the essence of our favorite shows and the magic of television itself. Whether it’s the catchy theme songs that instantly transport us to another world or the tracks that explore our complex relationship with the screen, music and TV are inseparable companions in our entertainment journey.

In this playlist, I’ll take you on a tour of 19 songs that celebrate, critique, and reflect on the world of television, each offering a unique perspective on the small screen that has captivated audiences for decades. 

1. “Coffee & TV” by Blur

“Coffee & TV” is a song by British rock band Blur, featured on their sixth studio album, 13, released in 1999. The song was written and sung by guitarist Graham Coxon, marking a departure from the band’s usual frontman, Damon Albarn.

The lyrics reflect Coxon’s personal struggle with alcoholism and his desire to escape the pressures of fame. After giving up drinking, Coxon found solace in simple pleasures like watching television and drinking coffee, which became the central theme of the song.

The music video for “Coffee & TV” is particularly notable, featuring a sentient milk carton named “Milky” searching for Coxon, who appears as a missing person on its side. The video received critical acclaim, winning several awards, and became iconic in its own right.

2. “T.V. Talkin’ Song” by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s “T.V. Talkin’ Song” critiques the pervasive influence of television on society. The lyrics describe a scene in Hyde Park, London, where a speaker warns about the detrimental effects of television, likening it to a false god that can destroy families and lead individuals astray.

The song conveys a message about the dangers of media consumption, suggesting that television can manipulate and distort reality, leading to a loss of personal freedom and mental clarity.

The narrative unfolds with the speaker’s warnings inciting a riot, which ironically gets filmed by a TV crew, highlighting the paradox of media coverage and its influence on public perception.

3. “Television, the Drug of the Nation” by Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy

“Television, the Drug of the Nation” by Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy is a powerful critique of television’s role in society. The song describes television as a drug that numbs and controls the masses, turning a nation under God into one under the influence of this pervasive medium.

The lyrics emphasize how television shapes public opinion, promotes consumerism, and distracts people from critical social issues.

The song’s message is a call to awareness about the manipulative power of television, urging listeners to recognize its impact on their lives and society as a whole.

4. “TV” by Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish’s “TV” is a reflective and politically charged song that addresses various contemporary issues through the lens of television and media consumption. The lyrics touch on personal struggles with mental health, societal issues like the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the public’s fascination with celebrity trials, such as Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard.

Eilish uses television as a metaphor for escapism and the overwhelming nature of modern life. The song explores themes of isolation, the impact of media on personal relationships, and the societal tendency to focus on sensational news rather than significant political changes.

Eilish’s introspective style and poignant lyrics resonate with her young audience, encouraging them to reflect on these issues critically.

5. “Love For Sale” by Talking Heads

“Love For Sale” by Talking Heads is a track from their 1986 album True Stories. Written by David Byrne, the song is a satirical take on the commercialization of love, drawing parallels to television advertising. The lyrics mimic a TV sales pitch, presenting love as a product available for purchase. This reflects the 1980s phenomenon where products were marketed as essential to personal happiness and fulfillment, a trend that has continued into modern advertising.

The song’s upbeat and catchy rock style contrasts with its critical message, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

6. “I’m the Slime” by Frank Zappa

“I’m the Slime” is a single by Frank Zappa and The Mothers from the 1973 album Over-Nite Sensation. The song is a critique of television’s influence on society, portraying it as a corrupting force. Zappa uses vivid imagery to describe television as “gross and perverted,” a tool of the government and industry designed to manipulate and control viewers.

The song’s satirical tone and complex musical arrangement, which includes contributions from Ike & Tina Turner, underscore Zappa’s disdain for the medium’s pervasive impact on culture.

7. “Television Man” by Talking Heads

“Television Man” is a track from Talking Heads’ 1985 album Little Creatures. The song explores the relationship between individuals and television, highlighting how the medium can dominate personal lives and shape perceptions.

David Byrne’s lyrics reflect on the omnipresence of television and its role in modern society, often serving as a source of both information and distraction. The upbeat, eclectic sound of the song complements its commentary on the pervasive nature of television.

8. “Sleeping With the Television On” by Billy Joel

“Sleeping With the Television On” is a song from Billy Joel’s 1980 album Glass Houses. The song presents a narrative of romantic longing and missed connections, using the metaphor of a television left on as a symbol of loneliness and unfulfilled desires.

The protagonist, unable to express his feelings to the object of his affection, ends up metaphorically “sleeping with the television on,” highlighting themes of isolation and the fear of rejection. The song’s pop-rock style and relatable lyrics make it a standout track on the album, despite not being released as a single.

9. “Satellite of Love” by Lou Reed

“Satellite of Love” is a song by Lou Reed from his 1972 album Transformer. The song explores themes of jealousy and voyeurism, using the metaphor of watching a satellite launch on television to reflect the protagonist’s feelings about an unfaithful lover.

The lyrics convey a sense of longing and introspection, with the line “I love to watch things on TV” highlighting the passive nature of the protagonist’s emotional state. David Bowie, who co-produced the album, provided background vocals, adding to the song’s ethereal quality.

10. “Watching TV” by Roger Waters

“Watching TV” is a track from Roger Waters’ 1992 album Amused to Death. The song, featuring Don Henley, addresses the influence of mass media, particularly television, on public perception of historical events. It focuses on the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, using the fictional story of a woman killed during the protests to illustrate how television can shape global awareness and empathy.

Waters critiques the passive consumption of media, highlighting the disconnect between viewers and the reality of the events they watch.

11. “Throw Away Your Television” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

“Throw Away Your Television” is a song from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2002 album By the Way. The song serves as a critique of television’s pervasive influence on modern life, encouraging listeners to disconnect from the medium and engage more actively with the world around them.

The lyrics suggest that television can lead to a passive and disconnected lifestyle, urging a “clean decision” to abandon it in favor of more meaningful experiences.

12. “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” by a-ha

“The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” is a song by Norwegian band a-ha, released in 1985 on their debut album Hunting High and Low. The song explores the contrast between the idealized reality presented on television and the complexities of real life. It reflects on the power of television to provide an escape from mundane or difficult situations, while also critiquing its superficiality.

The song’s dramatic and uplifting sound, combined with its introspective lyrics, made it a significant hit, reaching number one in the UK.

13. “TV Casualty” by The Misfits

“TV Casualty” is a song by the punk band The Misfits, featured on their album Static Age. Released in 1985, the song critiques the pervasive influence of television on individuals and society. The lyrics depict a person who is entirely consumed by television, to the point of neglecting other aspects of life.

The imagery used in the song, such as “blue filtered light” and “paint smears on everything I own,” paints a picture of a life dominated by the glow of the TV screen.

The song’s punk rock style underscores its critical message about the dangers of excessive media consumption.

14. “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” by Gil Scott-Heron

“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is a spoken-word poem and song by Gil Scott-Heron, first recorded for his 1970 album Small Talk at 125th and Lenox. The piece is a powerful critique of consumer culture and media’s role in shaping public consciousness. Scott-Heron uses the refrain to emphasize that true social change cannot be commodified or broadcasted through mainstream media.

Instead, he argues that revolution requires active participation and awareness beyond what television can offer.

The song is considered a seminal work in the development of hip-hop and rap, and it remains a poignant commentary on media and activism.

15. “Television, Television” by OK Go

“Television, Television” is a track by the band OK Go, known for their innovative music videos and catchy pop-rock sound. The song addresses the numbing effect of television on viewers, highlighting how it can lead to passivity and a disconnection from reality.

The lyrics suggest a critical view of television’s role in modern life, encouraging listeners to be mindful of its influence. While the song maintains a lively and energetic tone, its underlying message is a call for greater awareness of media consumption.

16. “Television Rules the Nation” by Daft Punk

“Television Rules the Nation” is a track from Daft Punk’s 2005 album Human After All. The song features a repetitive and hypnotic electronic beat, characteristic of Daft Punk’s style, with the titular phrase repeated throughout. The track explores themes of media dominance and the pervasive influence of television in contemporary culture.

By using minimal lyrics and a driving rhythm, Daft Punk effectively conveys the idea of television’s omnipresence and its power to shape societal norms and behaviors. The song’s simplicity and repetition underscore its commentary on media saturation.

17. “57 Channels (And Nothin’ On)” by Bruce Springsteen

“57 Channels (And Nothin’ On)” is a song by Bruce Springsteen from his 1992 album Human Touch. The song humorously critiques the proliferation of television channels and the lack of meaningful content. Springsteen wrote it as a commentary on the emptiness and superficiality of modern media consumption, reflecting on how having numerous channels does not necessarily equate to quality entertainment.

The lyrics tell the story of a man who, despite having access to 57 channels, finds nothing worth watching, highlighting a sense of loneliness and disconnection. The song’s rockabilly style and catchy refrain underscore its satirical take on consumer culture and media saturation.

18. “My Country” by Randy Newman

“My Country” is a track from Randy Newman’s 1999 album Bad Love. The song explores the role of television in American culture, particularly its impact on family dynamics and social interactions. Newman paints a picture of a family gathered around the television, using it as a backdrop to comment on the growing dependence on media for communication and entertainment.

The lyrics reflect on nostalgia and the changes in societal values, with television serving as a symbol of both connection and isolation. Newman’s satirical and poignant style critiques how media consumption shapes perceptions and interactions within the family unit.

19. “Found a Job” by Talking Heads

“Found a Job” is a song by Talking Heads from their 1978 album More Songs About Buildings and Food. The song begins with a couple, Bob and Judy, expressing frustration over the lack of engaging television content. Instead of remaining passive, they decide to create their own television show, which becomes a success and revitalizes their relationship.

The song is a commentary on creativity and the potential to transform dissatisfaction into productive action. David Byrne uses this narrative to suggest that individuals should pursue what they love and not settle for mediocrity. The song’s upbeat disco-influenced rhythm complements its message of empowerment and innovation.

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.