Every Breath You Take – The Police
The Police’s 1983 single Every Breath You Take became arguably their most popular, and in the eyes of many it’s a moving declaration of a lover’s devotion. However, pay close attention and the song’s lyrics just as easily describe a stalker; composer Sting certainly thinks so, remarking that fans have “misinterpreted it as being a gentle little love song, when it’s quite the opposite.”
Hey Ya! – Outkast
While most view Hey Ya! as a party song, the lyrics actually tackle the subject of an unhappy marriage. The lyrics thank Mom and Dad “for sticking through together / because we don’t know how,” state that “separate’s always better” and “we know we’re not happy here.” As for shaking it like a Polaroid picture? Well, we aren’t sure about that one either.
Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
What to most is an extravagantly romantic power ballad is actually so much more. The song’s writer Jim Steinman stated that Total Eclipse of the Heart was actually intended as a supernatural romance that was initially titled ‘Vampires in Love’. With the lyrics about the power of darkness and forbidden love, it’s easy to hear the song’s gothic origins still lurking under the surface.
Like a Virgin – Madonna
The meaning behind Madonna’s 1984 hit Like a Virgin has been discussed endlessly. Some think it’s about girlish innocence, while others (ie Quentin Tarantino in Reservoir Dogs) have a more vulgar interpretation. Alas, neither of these was intended by songwriter Billy Steinberg, who says the song is about being romantically damaged and starting a new relationship that heals all the wounds of the past.
Closing Time – Semisonic
On the surface, Semisonic’s 1998 hit Closing Time is about a bar kicking out the last drinkers as they close for the night. Surprisingly, it’s really about childbirth. Frontman Dan Wilson initially wrote the song when his wife was pregnant, and drummer Jacob Slichter suggests the lyrics imply “being sent forth from the womb as if by a bouncer clearing out a bar.”
Harder to Breathe – Maroon 5
Maroon 5’s 2002 breakthrough song Harder to Breathe is about a toxic, high-pressure relationship – but not the kind you think. Adam Levine wrote the song not about troubles with a romantic partner, but his fraught relationship with the music industry and record label Octone, who kept pushing the band to write more and more songs, which left them feeling short of breath.
Who Let the Dogs Out – Baha Men
One-hit wonders Baha Men delighted canine lovers everywhere with their 2000 smash Who Let the Dogs Out – but did you realise the song is actually a feminist anthem? The ‘dogs’ in question are in fact catcallers, and the chorus of “who let the dogs out” is from the perspective of women shouting back at the men disrespecting them.
MMMbop – Hanson
Hanson’s 1997 hit MMMbop was widely considered a throwaway pop song based on the meaningless words used in the chorus – but if you listen to the verses, there’s a bit more to it. The song talks about how everything “goes so fast,” reminding listeners of the need to savor their experience, because our time on this earth is limited. Pretty deep for three mop-haired teenagers!
In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins
Phil Collins’ 1981 classic In the Air Tonight sparked an urban legend that Collins really did meet a man who refused to save a drowning swimmer. In truth, the song is more metaphorical, inspired by the collapse of Collins’ first marriage. Still, the singer-songwriter says that his favorite thing about the song is hearing people’s misinterpretations about it, so no need to let the urban legends die.
London Calling – The Clash
Adopted by some as a London anthem, The Clash’s 1979 classic London Calling comes off as a political piece criticizing how overrun and unsupported the people of the city were at the time. In reality, however, the song was written more prosaically about a fear of drowning, as there were very real concerns that the River Thames might overflow and flood the city.
Blackbird – The Beatles
Included on 1968’s The White Album, The Beatles’ Blackbird is a beautiful song, even if you assume it’s literally about the common garden avian. Though a song about an injured blackbird learning to fly would be lovely in its own right, Paul McCartney actually wrote it in support of the American civil rights movement of the 1960s, optimistically looking forward to greater racial harmony.
You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
Similar to The Police’s Every Breath You Take, James Blunt’s 2004 breakthrough hit You’re Beautiful is widely considered a love song, but its composer insists it’s very much the opposite. Blunt has stated that You’re Beautiful is a song about a man who is high on drugs and stalking a woman on the subway, which is about as far from romantic as you can get!
Heart-Shaped Box – Nirvana
The lyrics of Nirvana’s 1993 single Heart-Shaped Box have been read in various ways. Kurt Cobain himself described it as being about young children with cancer, which was the saddest thing he could think of. However, Cobain’s widow Courtney Love endorses a different stance, claiming the title was a euphemism for her intimate lady parts. Let’s say this one we leave open to interpretation.
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
Green Day’s uncharacteristically gentle 1997 hit Time of Your Life is a favorite for college graduations and leaving parties, although this isn’t quite how Billie Joe Armstrong intended it. Armstrong wrote this song about a girlfriend who was moving far away and the difficult breakup that came along with it. It’s less of the fond farewell that some think, but a more bitter, painful parting.
Macarena – Los del Rio
Los del Rio were mid-90s one-hit wonders thanks to the catchy pop tune Macarena and its memorable dance routine. However, most listeners were so busy trying to remember the dance steps, they didn’t pay attention to the lyrics, which are clearly about a woman who repeatedly cheats on her husband while he’s away in the army. And to think kids love this song!
One Way or Another – Blondie
Featured on their classic 1978 album Parallel Lines, Blondie’s One Way or Another is often interpreted as a light-hearted chase between romantic interests, and/or a revenge song. Really, it’s somewhere between the two. Singer Debbie Harry revealed that the song is about a time she was stalked. Although it was terrifying, Harry tried to make the song more fun than the situation she experienced.
Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People
If you were a teen in 2010, you might well have thought Foster the People’s Pumped Up Kicks was just an oddball tune about some cool new shoes. In reality, the song is about a school shooting at a school in a privileged area. For this reason, the song was pulled from the radio in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook school shooting.
Jump – Van Halen
Van Halen’s 1984 hit Jump seems like a party tune, but singer David Lee Roth says it originated from a very dark place: he reportedly once saw on TV a man standing at the edge of a building when a crowd below yelled “Don’t jump!” Feeling nihilistic, Roth thought to himself, “Jump.” Somehow, the upbeat tune we ended up with came from this moment.
Gangnam Style – Psy
Psy’s 2012 K-Pop smash hit Gangnam Style conquered the world, thanks in part to its viral dance. Few were aware the song is actually a satire of consumerism in South Korea’s Gangnam District, mocking those who prioritize looking rich and glamorous over all other things.
S&M – Rihanna
Rihanna’s 2010 hit S&M was at the time criticized for its lyrics, which seem to explicitly discuss some, let’s say, niche bedroom antics. However, the singer says the song is actually a metaphor for her relationship with the media, and how the pleasure and pain of living in the limelight can be mixed up at times.
Macho Man – The Village People
Songwriters Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo allegedly believed masculinity was under attack due to the feminist movement, and wrote Macho Man as a reaction against this. However, as the song went on to be recorded by gay disco icons Village People, the message was presented in a somewhat different manner, hence the song is now considered a camp classic.
99 Luftballons – Nena
A 1983 worldwide hit from German band Nena, many listeners seem to miss that 99 Luftballoons (later re-recorded in English as 99 Red Balloons) is all about the fear of nuclear war. Songwriter Carlo Karges was inspired by balloons being released at a concert in West Berlin; he imagined what would happen if they floated into Soviet airspace and were mistaken for UFOs.
Royals – Lorde
Lorde’s 2013 hit Royals is quite explicitly about rejecting the lavish lifestyles of the rich and famous – but in reality this wasn’t the main impetus behind the song. The singer simply saw the word ‘Royals’ on baseball player George Brett’s t-shirt in a photograph, and the word resonated with her purely on an aesthetic level, inspiring her to build a whole song around it.
Poker Face – Lady Gaga
The lyrics to Lady Gaga’s 2008 hit Poker Face are fairly ambiguous, alluding to keeping a secret – and it was ultimately revealed that the secret is Gaga’s bisexuality. She has always been a great supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, but her own place in that community was often ignored. Poker Face is about being with a man but fantasizing about a woman at the same time.
American Pie – Don McLean
Don McLean’s 1971 smash hit American Pie is one of the best-loved songs of all time, even if few people have any clear idea of what it’s really about. Some listeners might not know that ‘the day the music died’ refers to February 3rd, 1959, the day when three rock’n’roll icons – Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper – were killed in a plane crash.
All Star – Smash Mouth
Familiar to millions thanks to its memorable use in Shrek, Smash Mouth’s 1999 song All Star has been read as a song about following your dreams, and an anti-establishment warning against imminent ecological disaster. The band’s main inspiration, however, was to write something uplifting and inspirational for their young fans, after they received large amounts of fan mail from kids who were being bullied.
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton’s famous 1977 love song Wonderful Tonight was born not out of adoration, but annoyance. It originated from a night when Clapton was late for a party because his wife Patti Boyd could not decide what to wear. Clapton got bored, picked up his guitar, and that is how Wonderful Tonight came to be. Not so romantic, unless you’re in love with punctuality.
I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton
Later made more famous by Whitney Houston’s cover, Dolly Parton’s 1974 song I Will Always Love You seems to be about the end of a romantic relationship. However, Parton actually wrote the song as a farewell to her long-time mentor and singing partner Porter Wagoner. In it, she wanted to convey that she still appreciated him even though she was forging her own path.
Losing My Religion – R.E.M.
Considering the title, it’s easy to assume R.E.M.’s 1991 hit Losing My Religion is about a crisis of faith. However, it’s more about an emotional breakdown rather than anything to do with religion or spirituality. Singer-songwriter Michael Stipe was evoking an archaic saying – to ‘lose one’s religion’ was once taken to mean breaking with one’s morality after personal circumstances push you over the brink.
Waterfalls – TLC
Anyone who grew up in the 90s will recall girl group TLC and their 1995 hit Waterfalls. Most people interpreted the song as being about slowing down and appreciating life, but it deals with far more complex issues such as poverty, crime, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic which was still a significant issue at the time.
Slide – Goo Goo Dolls
Goo Goo Dolls’ 1998 hit single Slide put the band on the map. It seems to be about young lovers rebelling against their parents – but apparently it’s not as sweet as people originally thought. Lead singer Johnny Rzeznik has explained that Slide is about a teenage couple. After the girlfriend falls pregnant, she is debating whether to get an abortion or marry her boyfriend.
Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen
Taken from the 1984 album of the same name, Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 hit Born in the USA is an anti-war anthem about how the US government failed its soldiers during and after the Vietnam War. This was lost on then-President Ronald Reagan and his supporters, who misinterpreted the track as a flag-waving patriotic anthem based on the title and refrain alone.
Semi-Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind’s 1997 single Semi-Charmed Life was a hit thanks to its catchy ‘doo-doo-doo’ chorus, so many listeners missed the fact that the song deals with substance abuse. Jenkins explained that he chose the ‘bright and shiny sound’ to demonstrate how drugs can make you feel like you’re living a ‘semi-charmed life’ on the outside, whilst you’re really a mess on the inside.
Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffet’s 1977 classic Margaritaville is usually considered the perfect song to kick back and relax with in the summertime. However, listening closely to the lyrics reveals a darker undertone to the breezy tune. The narrator sings about being constantly blackout drunk, getting tattoos he can’t remember, and ‘wasting away’ so badly he can’t even find the salt. A cautionary tale?
Always – Bon Jovi
Big-haired rockers Bon Jovi had one of their biggest hits with 1994’s Always. With lyrics that seemed like a bold declaration of love, most listeners took the song as a romantic ballad. However, most failed to realize that Always is really a dark song written from the perspective of a stalker, not unlike Every Breath You Take and You’re Beautiful.
Perfect Day – Lou Reed
Widely covered and often used on TV ads for everything from cars to clothes, Lou Reed’s 1972 classic Perfect Day is usually considered a simple, upbeat love song. Alas, the song has a far less sunny meaning, as Reed composed the track not in tribute to a loved one, but in reference to the illicit substances that he was addicted to at the time.
Love Song – Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles’ 2007 hit, Love Song, has been interpreted by many listeners as a song about romance. However, the singer wrote the song to express her frustration with her record label – who had been rejecting her songs, saying they weren’t commercial enough. Bareilles wrote the song, with its chorus “I’m not gonna write you a love song,” as an angry response to this.
Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams’ 1984 hit Summer of 69 is considered a classic reflection on coming of age – yet anyone who does the math might be confused, as the Canadian singer-songwriter was in fact only nine years old in the summer of 1969. Adams has since admitted the title is a cheeky reference to not ’69 the year, but a position in the bedroom. Naughty!
Pink Houses – John Mellencamp
Like Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp’s 1983 song Pink Houses was misunderstood as being pro-American when it was actually criticising Reagan’s America and the whole ‘greedy capitalist’ culture of the times. Nonetheless, conservative politicians have often used the song to their benefit at campaign events, which always angered Mellencamp.
Paper Planes – M.I.A
M.I.A.’s Paper Planes became an instant hit when it was released in 2008, but many listeners misinterpreted the song’s meaning. M.I.A. later clarified that she wrote the song as a critique of anti-immigrant sentiment in the US, which she felt overlooked the contributions of immigrants to American culture.
American Woman – The Guess Who
Rock band The Guess Who enjoyed their biggest hit with 1970’s American Woman, which some listeners misinterpreted as a feminist anthem meant to empower American women – perhaps not realising The Guess Who are actually from Canada, and wrote the track to make fun of Americans and list all their faults.
Feel it Still – Portugal. The Man
The band Portugal. The Man released their hit single Feel it Still in 2017. At first, many listeners thought that the song was about lead singer John Gourley’s daughter. However, as Gourley later explained, the song was actually inspired by the fraught political and social climate in the US at the time, with references to the civil rights movements dating back to the 1960s.
The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens
Most people think The Lion Sleeps Tonight – the widely-covered song first recorded by The Tokens in 1961 – is literally about the king of the jungle having a snooze. The song is actually adapted from an African song which references the Zulu King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, who died in 1828. The lyrics imply that Shaku will one day rise from his ‘sleep’ to liberate his people.
Chandelier – Sia
In 2014, singer-songwriter Sia exploded onto the music scene with her hit single Chandelier. Since its release, many have viewed the song as just a carefree party anthem. But Sia actually took inspiration from her own past experiences with binge-drinking and partying. It was her way of giving listeners an honest depiction of what life is like for someone who partakes in such excesses.
Firework – Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s Firework is a fun and upbeat song, but there’s a less cheerful side to it. Perry was inspired to write the song when thinking about her mortality. She thought about how much she’d regret leaving this world without ever having done something awe-inspiring, like lighting up the sky as fireworks do.
A Little Bit Longer – The Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers are known for their relationship and breakup anthems – and at first glance, A Little Bit Longer fits this category. However, fans were shocked when Nick Jonas revealed the song’s true meaning. The hit was actually about Nick’s struggle with diabetes. With this knowledge, lyrics such as ‘Waiting on a cure, but none of them are sure’ make a lot more sense.
Can’t Feel My Face – The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s 2015 hit Can’t Feel My Face was interpreted by fans as a song about the excitement of a new romantic relationship. However, the singer explained the true meaning in an interview – sharing that the single is actually about his struggle with illegal substances, overuse of which quite literally left him with no feeling in his face at times.
Blank Space – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is known for her relationship anthems, as well as the speculation regarding which one of her high-profile relationships served as the inspiration. Blank Space appears to fit the mold as her other hits; however, this is not the case. Swift wrote the 2014 song as a parody of the media’s portrayal of her as boy-crazy serial dater.
Barbie Girl – Aqua
Contrary to appearances, Aqua’s 1997 pop hit Barbie Girl is not an anthem about the iconic doll. The song actually aims to make a statement about how society views women and pressures them to be like ‘barbies’. Despite Aqua’s attempt at criticism, most listeners just took the anthem as a fun song about Barbie and Ken.
Higher – Creed
American rock band Creed were known for their religious beliefs, so their 1999 hit Higher was often assumed to be either about God, or simply about getting high on substances. However, frontman Scott Stapp has explained that the song was actually written about the power of lucid dreaming, and was inspired by a recurring nightmare he had.
The A Team – Ed Sheeran
On the surface, The A Team has all the hallmarks of a classic Ed Sheeran love song: gently strummed acoustic guitar, catchy melodies and lyrics about a girl. Dig a little deeper, however, and you’ll discover some relentlessly bleak subject matter. Inspired by a gig he played for the homeless charity Crisis, The A Team is actually about a young, drug-addicted sex worker.
Imagine – John Lennon
An anthem of unity and tolerance, John Lennon’s Imagine sounds like a distillation of the values underpinning the hippy counterculture of the 60s. Rather than a sappy collection of platitudes, however, the track is actually far more explicitly political than most people realize, with Lennon himself describing it as “virtually the Communist manifesto.”
No Woman, No Cry – Bob Marley
Outside of Jamaica, Bob Marley’s record No Woman, No Cry is often taken as a song about the inescapable pain that accompanies romantic relationships (basically, if you’re single you won’t have anything to cry about). However, the meaning of the words is actually more like “woman, don’t cry,” and the song is about women living in the ghettos of Kingston.
American Girl – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Released in 1976 by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, American Girl is generally assumed to be an ode to the indefatigable American spirit, embodied by a small-town girl with big dreams. In reality, the lyrics are about a woman trapped in a mundane existence, desperately longing for a way out.
Y.M.C.A. – The Village People
With its catchy chorus, infectiously energetic disco beat and iconic dance, The Village People’s Y.M.C.A. is a party staple guaranteed to get everyone moving. Most people don’t give much thoughts to the lyrics they’re singing along to, however, with columnist David Barry once noting: “I think a lot of people are unaware that the song is about men picking up other men.”
Angel – Sarah McLachlan
Angel is one melancholy song, but people don’t realize quite how specifically depressing the lyrics really are. While it’s often assumed that the record is about the ubiquitous yearning for comfort we all feel when life is hard, in reality Sarah McLachlan penned the track in memory of Smashing Pumpkins Jonathan Melvoin, who tragically passed away of an overdose in 1996.
Save the Last Dance for Me – Doc Pomus
Save the Last Dance for Me is a popular first song with newlyweds, but the meaning behind the lyrics is pretty depressing. Doc Pomus was largely wheelchair bound after a childhood bout of polio, and the song is about his wife dancing with other men for most of their wedding night, because he only had enough strength to join her for the last dance. Still beautiful, but also strikingly sad.
Run Through the Jungle – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Given that Fortunate Son – probably Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most well-known song – was written as a protest against the Vietnam War, it’s not all that surprising that Run Through the Jungle was assumed to be in the same vein. John Fogarty, the band’s lead singer, would later clarify that the song was actually intended as a statement about the issue of weapons in the United States.
All My Love – Led Zeppelin
A notably softer number from the tail-end of Led Zeppelin’s discography, on first listen All My Love sounds like it’s written as a love-letter to a romantic interest. In truth, Robert Plant wrote the song for his son, Karac, who passed away in 1977 at the age of five after contracting a stomach virus.
Forever Young – Alphaville
With its triumphant synths and lyrics about dancing in style while longing for eternal youth, Alphavilla’s 1984 anthem Forever Young is generally taken as an ode to youthful exuberance. In reality, the song is about the threat of nuclear annihilation. The lyrics make a lot of sense once you know, but if you missed the track’s grim meaning, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
You Are My Sunshine – Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell
You Are My Sunshine is often thought of as an upbeat love song, thanks to its widely known refrain of “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey.” However, most of the record’s other lyrics – such as “Then you left me to love another, you have shattered all my dreams” – are decidedly less cheery, and often overlooked.
(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party) – The Beastie Boys
Almost immediately upon its release in 1986, The Beastie Boys’ record (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party) became a party anthem, and it remains one to this day. The band have clarified on multiple occasions that the song is actually a scathing satire of frat boy culture, but the irony is completely lost on the frat boys who insist on blasting it at every gathering.
Nirvana – Polly
Kurt Cobain was known for writing lyrics filled with dense, incomprehensible imagery, so it’s perhaps not surprising that the true meaning of Polly flew over fans’ heads. While the track is clearly about a girl named Polly, what’s less obvious is that the lyrics were written about a horrific real-life case of a 14-year-old girl who was kidnapped and horrifically abused after a rock concert.
Money for Nothing – Dire Straights
Dire Straights’ most commercially successful single, Money for Nothing was criticized for its use of homophobic slurs, with many assuming they revealed Mark Knopfler’s homophobia. In reality, the song is written from the perspective of two working class men disparagingly talking about musicians, with the slurs used to indicate their distaste for people like Knopfler himself.
Skinny Love – Bon Iver
The phrase “skinny love” is often used to describe a situation in which two people have feelings for each other, but are too shy to express it. This meaning is commonly applied to the Bon Iver track of the same name, but it’s completely wrong; the lyrics are actually about a dysfunctional relationship that needs to end, as the love is becoming “skinny” as it withers away.
Happy Shiny People – R.E.M.
Happy Shiny People stands as an oasis of optimism in R.E.M.’s mostly melancholy discography… or does it? It does not. In reality, the phrase “happy shiny people” is lifted from Chinese Communist Party propaganda posters, revealing a sinister core beneath the song’s light, breezy veneer.
Swimming Pool – Kendrick Lamar
Known for his contemplative lyrics, in 2012 Kendrick Lamar tackled themes of alcoholism and peer pressure on his record Swimming Pool (Drank). That meaning was completely lost on the revelers who turned the track into one of the most ironic drinking anthems of all time, and after the song’s release social media was soon swamped with videos of people knocking back shots every time Lamar says “drank.”
Mask Off – Future
One of Future’s most successful records, Mask Off is often taken as little more than a rapper flexing about his nice cars and jewelry while detailing his extensive drug use. This reading misses the song’s more nuanced themes of covering up one’s insecurities with substance abuse, a flashy lifestyle and reckless behavior.
Wake Me Up When September Ends – Green Day
The misunderstanding about the meaning of Wake Me Up When September Ends can be largely attributed to the music video, which depicts American soldiers in the Middle East. As a result, the track was taken to be a reference to the unforgettable attacks that occurred in September of 2001, and the collective grief shared by Americans. In reality, the lyrics are about the passing of Billie Joe Armstrong’s father.
A Tout le Monde – Megadeth
Released on Megadeth’s 1994 album Youthanasia, A Tout le Monde was widely interpreted as a song about suicide. While the lyrics do have the feel of a suicide note, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine later explained that song is actually written from the perspective of a person who is addressing their loved ones shortly before dying. Still pretty grim, but slightly less bleak than most people think.
