Episode Overview

Podcast: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona
Date: January 21, 2026
Episode: Rock Wars – Rock Song With The Best Opening Lyric Line

This episode of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness centers around the beloved weekly segment “Rock Wars.” The hosts challenge each other to pick the rock song with the best opening lyric line, in celebration of National One Liner Day. The lively banter between John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Michael Paulson, and their crew leads to spirited discussion, personal picks, and memorable quotes—culminating in a call-in vote for the segment’s winner. The episode is filled with music geekery, humor, and a frank appreciation of iconic rock lyricism.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Challenge: Best Opening Lyric Line (02:31–03:24)

• Brady announces the week’s “Rock Wars” topic:

  “Being that it’s national one liner day—the coolest opening line of a rock song.” (02:36, Brady)

• Clarifications:
  • The line must be the first sung lyric, not just part of a cool intro or refrain.
  • Listeners are invited to send suggestions via email or text.

2. Hosts’ Picks and Rationale

A. Michael’s Pick: Volbeat – “Still Counting” (04:49–05:13)

• Opening line:

  “Counting all the assholes in the room, I’m definitely not alone.”

• Michael argues:

  “That’s the show’s theme, you know.” (05:10, Michael Paulson)
  Humorously connects the song’s blunt, self-aware lyric with the morning show’s irreverent style.

B. John’s Pick: Simon & Garfunkel (Disturbed cover) – “The Sound of Silence” (05:18–06:54)

• Opening line:

  “Hello darkness, my old friend.”

• John’s view:

  “That’s 3,000 thoughts in five words. It’s an incredible line.” (06:34, John Holmberg)
  He praises the poetic power and recognizability of the lyric, though jokes about Disturbed frontman David Draiman singing it “like Dracula” (06:33, John Holmberg).

C. Brady’s Pick: The Rolling Stones – “Sympathy for the Devil” (07:24–07:58)

• Opening line:

  “Please allow me to introduce myself, I’m a man of wealth and taste.”

• Brady on his choice:

  “This is the first song that came to mind. ... The intro gets you right into the frame of mind.” (07:24, Brady)
  The group praises the lyrical sophistication and swagger of the Stones’ opener.

3. Hosts React, Debate, and Banter

• John on the Power of Opening Lyrics:

  “A lot of people missed it on email—they just picked a cool opening, like, the line wasn’t great. ... It’s a powerful opening line. Not just a great start to a song.” (04:19, John Holmberg)

• Group jokes about covers vs. originals (07:39–08:13):
  • Guns N’ Roses vs. Stones on “Sympathy for the Devil”
  • Disturbed’s theatrical cover of Simon & Garfunkel

4. The Phone Vote and Winner (08:13–09:47)

• A caller, Alan, is brought in to judge. He dramatically votes for Brady (Pop Pop):

  “Pop Pop is swinging for defenses and coming after all your cheese. Pop up for the win!” (09:26, Alan)

• Alan puts John in last place, who laughs off “flubbing it.”
• The hosts discuss their affection for both the Stones and GNR versions of “Sympathy for the Devil.”
• Brady wins, and the segment closes out with celebratory banter and a nod to rock trivia.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On picking the right lyric:

  “You can't be this mad... He makes his own reality and chastises even anyone who tries to personally destroy somebody who challenges it.” (01:22–01:48, John Holmberg, referencing Trump and political impressions)

• Banter on Disturbed’s cover:

  “Then Dave Draymond sang it like Dracula.” (06:33, John Holmberg)
  “He almost sings it like Jason.” (06:54, Michael Paulson)

• More quips:

  “The show's theme, you know.” (05:10, Michael Paulson, about “Still Counting”)
  “That’s 3,000 thoughts in five words.” (06:34, John Holmberg, on 'Hello Darkness...')
  “It’s a great line because you know what you’re getting into. I mean, they cut right to the middle of the cheese right there.” (08:16, John Holmberg, on Benny Mardones’ notorious opener)

• Victory and closure:

  “The song is exactly 7 minutes and 26 seconds, which is my birthday. It’s almost like they did it for me.” (09:47, John Holmberg, about “Sympathy for the Devil”)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 02:31 | Rock Wars topic announced: Best opening lyric line | | 04:49 | Michael presents Volbeat pick | | 05:18 | John presents Simon & Garfunkel pick | | 07:24 | Brady presents Rolling Stones pick | | 08:13 | Listener vote called in | | 09:26 | Alan declares Brady/Pick winner | | 09:47 | Hosts discuss “Sympathy for the Devil” covers |

Episode Structure

• Theme: The power and impact of opening rock lyrics
• Hosts’ Selections: Each presents and champions their favorite, with rationale and musical fanfare
• Group Reaction: Casual, humorous, honest discussion about rock lyrics and covers
• Listener Involvement: Phone-in voting with playful stakes
• Resolution: Celebratory win for Brady with “Sympathy for the Devil”

Final Notes

This episode is a celebration of rock music’s storytelling power, distilled into its boldest opening lines. With humor, friendly rivalry, and some pokes at each other’s choices, the hosts remind listeners of rock’s enduring wit and poetry—making for an episode that’s equal parts fun and musically insightful.