Dave Grohl Reveals the Four Songs He Wishes He Had Written Dave Grohl Reveals the Four Songs He Wishes He Had Written

Dave Grohl, the iconic frontman of Foo Fighters and former drummer of Nirvana, has contributed to some of rock’s greatest anthems. Yet even legends have moments of envy. In a recent interview, Grohl shared four songs he wishes he’d written, spanning a surprising range of genres from punk to pop to universal classics.

Kim Wilde – “Kids In America”
A departure from Grohl’s usual rock and grunge territory, this 1980s pop anthem holds a special place in his heart. Grohl admitted to being infatuated with Wilde during his youth, saying, “Every punk-rock boy I knew was hopelessly in love with Kim Wilde, and so was I.” His admiration for the track led him to record his own version, which he described as a tribute to both Wilde and the song’s “iconic, anthemic” vibe.

Patty & Mildred Hill – “Happy Birthday to You”
Grohl’s second pick comes with a dose of humor. The universally sung birthday song is a money-making machine, and Grohl joked about the fortunes it could have brought him: “It would be like owning the rights to pizza.” Beyond financial envy, Grohl said it might even help him earn respect from his kids, who see his rock-star status as just another “dad job.”

Bad Brains – “Sailin’ On”
Returning to his punk-rock roots, Grohl highlighted Bad Brains’ 1982 hardcore track. Hailing them as “America’s greatest hardcore punk-rock band,” he reflected on their raw energy and unmatched live performances. “I was in love with their music – it was so fast, so distorted, so dissonant,” Grohl recalled, showing deep respect for the pioneering band.

John Lennon – “Imagine”
Grohl’s final pick is perhaps his most personal. As a child, Grohl learned to play guitar by strumming along to Lennon’s records, making the former Beatle a formative influence. Of “Imagine,” Grohl said, “It’s a beautiful song with a really timeless quality,” praising its universal message and Lennon’s genius as a songwriter.

A Diverse Palette of Influence
The four songs highlight Grohl’s eclectic tastes, ranging from punk rebellion to pop anthems to introspective classics. His admiration underscores a universal truth among artists: even the most accomplished creators continue to be inspired by and learn from their peers.


Photo Credit: Antonio Scorza / Shutterstock.com


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