A Few False Endings

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False endings, over the years, have become commonplace - especially in the realm of rock. To begin, let's define a "false ending." A "false ending," is when it seems as though a song is over because the music stops (or starts fading out). However, the music fades back IN within several seconds or so. This concept has since been applied to nearly any form of music known to mankind, although it is still, to this day, more common in rock.

Example 1: The Beatles "Strawberry Fields Forever

In this mysterious classic by the Fab Four, the music goes up to 3:30 where it fades out. You think the song is over, but seven seconds later, surprise! THE MUSIC FADES BACK IN. Yet folks, it's rather abrupt. While we're at it, Hello Goodbye, from the same record Magical Mystery Tour, "ends" for two seconds before the music suddenly restarts and fades back out. I couldn't find a video for that one, however.

Example 2: Bachman Turner Overdrive "Let it Ride"

This one beats the Beattles. The song appears to be over at 3:36, but ONE SECOND LATER, the music starts back up - even sooner than Strawberry Fields Forever, or Hello Goodbye. (Maybe there should've been a "Canadian Invasion, ha)?

Example 3: Queen "Somebody to Love"

Ah yes! It all comes back to....the Queen! This 1977 mega-hit seems to be over around the 3:57 (ish) mark, building up to a crashing ending with Mercury bloating out "looooooooooooooooooove," but not after singing at his highest possible falsetto; but wouldn't you know, the song restarts a second or two and goes on for CLOSE TO ANOTHER MINUTE. Unlike the other two examples that we've seen, this one however ends PROPERLY - no pun intended (i.e. doesn't fade out).

Example 4: Some Styx Songs

 These are not REALLY false endings, but Blue Collar Man (1978) and Don't Let it End (1984) are semi-false. Particularly, the former builds up in the final chorus and until you hear the organ, you think that song is done! As for the latter, it builds up simillarly up to the 4:13 (ish) mark, but then it replays the verse melody for several more rounds before fading out (see they really didn't want to let it end :-).

These are just the primary examples. There are plenty more out there! Comment on them if you think of them - these were all I could think of.

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