10 Songs You Won't Believe Peaked At Number 2

The idea of a number one record is surely that the most popular song takes hold during the reigning weeks, it makes sense that many of our best loved tracks have enjoyed enviable streaks at the top. However there are equally a huge amount of songs that fell through the cracks and failed to hit the very top of the charts. Even more gut-wrenching for the artist, is when their single stalls at number 2. Oh man, that must be a real downer. Second is the first to lose after all. But unbelievably, some of the catchiest and biggest selling songs ever are in this boat. You actually wouldn't believe that these 10 singles only hit number two on the UK singles chart.

10. Girls Just Want To Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3X__OuIdW0 The song that truly defines Cyndi's long and continuing career, is undoubtedly "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". This piece of pop perfection is synonymous with the 1980s and MTV has listed it as one of the Top 100 tracks of that decade. However, Cyndi failed to take the song to top spot in the UK and this iconic tune stalled at number 2 back in 1983. This is a single that Cyndi herself has released twice in her career, with her follow up 1994 reggae version reaching number 4 in 1994. Cyndi's version is a karaoke hit and is a beacon of female strength and liberation, all with a catchy hook to go with it. There isn't anyone who hasn't howled the chorus of this favourite at window-busting levels. I know I have. Many times. No shame. In addition the song has spread like wildfire in popular culture, with live cover versions by Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj as well as a country version by X Factor contestant Taylor Henderson, hitting number 2 on the Australian iTunes chart in 2013. It is a song that has staying power, and a special place in millions of hearts.