LOVE TRAX: This Popular Song Almost Had a Different Title

We are revisiting some of your favorite love songs of the ’80s and ’90s this month – all part of THROWBACK LOVE TRAX! 

We’re looking at the stories behind the songs – and today’s feature is “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper.

It was a huge hit in 1984, earning Lauper her first No. 1 hit in the United States and a nomination for Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards!

Despite all that, “Time After Time” was one of the last songs recorded for her debut album, She’s So Unusual. 

Lauper first came up with the title “Time After Time,” after seeing it in the TV Guide, referring to the 1979 film of the same name.

She intended to use the title as a placeholder only while she worked on the music and lyrics with musician Rob Hyman.

They were both inspired by relationship troubles: Hyman was just out of a relationship, and Lauper was having trouble with her boyfriend/manager at the time, David Wolff.

Lauper later tried to change the song’s title, but eventually said that “Time After Time” had become so fundamental to the song it wouldn’t be the same without it.

Her record label wanted “Time After Time” to be her debut single, but Lauper didn’t think it was a good career move and released “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” first.

Now, this is not the only song that was almost called something different!

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was nearly called “Starlight,” can you imagine??? Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian” was originally named after the band’s drummer’s sister, Christy. “Sister Christy,” anyone? And Aerosmith’s “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” was supposed be “Cruisin’ for a Lady!”

We think it all worked out for the best! Enjoy today’s THROWBACK LOVE TRAX!