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In Tune Twist, we run the lyrics of a hit song through multiple languages, then translate them back into English—and this autumn, we’re featuring somewhat spooky songs in the run up to Halloween.
Here’s a hint that might help you identify this tune: The song, which was released in late 1983, features uncredited background vocals by a well-known musician.
In a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, the artist behind the track recalled letting his father—a prominent music executive—listen to an early demo. It did not go as he had hoped: “He said something like, ‘Yeah, yeah, that’s alright. That’s OK. Don’t give up your day job, young man. Keep writing and you’ll come up with something one day.’ I was devastated.” The song ultimately became a Top 10 hit—and a mainstay on Halloween party playlists to this day.
Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it? Test your deciphering skills and your musical knowledge below.
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