Mental Floss

MUSIC

Now you know how to sing the alphabet in a few other languages!

English isn’t the only alphabet, and not every alphabet will fit into “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Here are some other songs from around the world to help them learn their ABCs.

Arika Okrent




Singer and songwriter Mae Muller, performing on behalf of the United Kingdom, in rehearsal for the Eurovision Song contest 2023.

According to the Eurovision rules, no song can be over three minutes, and no live animals are allowed on stage—but just about anything else goes.

Meg Van Huygen




You might want to give those 'Born in the U.S.A.' lyrics another look.

Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the U.S.A.' isn't the patriotic anthem you think it is, and it turns out that 'Gangnam Style' has a real message behind it.

Erik van Rheenen, Scott Beggs




Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson, a gifted contralto, was one of the most famous singers of all time, interpreting everything from Black spirituals to Italian opera.

Shannon Leigh O'Neil


Don’t let your favorite pop star drain your bank account.

There is a way to get those elusive tickets without the opening-day frenzy and having to empty your bank account—it all comes down to knowing when to buy concert tickets. 

Alexia Kontolemos






Duke Ellington with members of his orchestra in New York, 1946.

Time to press play on “Take the ‘A’ Train” and find out how Edward Ellington became the Duke.

Ellen Gutoskey