10 Creepy Myths Surrounding Popular Songs

If you’ve ever referred to a drunken relative's karaoke screeching as ‘murdering a classic’, you’ve been unknowingly referencing a very real phenomenon in the Philippines.

As a common pastime within Filipino culture, karaoke presents a chance to unwind and belt out some well-loved tunes. Considering he’s universally celebrated across a variety of nations and cultures, Frank Sinatra used to be a popular choice. That is, until the ‘My Way Killings’ began.

According to reports, at least six people have been murdered during – or as a result of – a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’. The killers supposedly lashed out in order to prevent or end out-of-tune versions of the song, expressing displeasure at the victim’s poor vocal skills. The song has since been banned in most karaoke bars across the country.

This phenomenon has been blamed on the nation’s violent drinking culture, the puritanical nature with which people regard My Way, as well as the arrogance contained within its boastful lyrics.

But it’s not the only instance of ‘karaoke rage’ documented – butchering popular tunes in front of the wrong audience has led to some real butchering in China, Thailand and Malaysia, countries known for their love of karaoke.