TLDR;
This video explores the fascinating phenomenon of misunderstood songs in music history. It covers examples ranging from protest anthems misinterpreted as patriotic celebrations to seemingly upbeat tracks with dark, hidden meanings. The video highlights the irony and complexity within music, where songs are often perceived differently than intended by their creators.
- Songs with hidden meanings
- Songs misinterpreted by listeners
- Ironic anthems
Patriotic Anthems That Aren't [0:32]
The video starts by addressing songs often mistaken as patriotic, such as "Fortunate Son" by CCR, which is actually a protest against the Vietnam War and the elite sending the working class to fight. Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" is also discussed as a sarcastic portrayal of a Vietnam veteran's struggles post-war. Lastly, "This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie is examined as a critique of private property and economic disparity, initially toned down due to fears of McCarthyism.
Songs with Communist undertones [1:46]
John Lennon's "Imagine" is presented as a seemingly sweet song about spreading love, but it was described by Lennon himself as virtually the Communist Manifesto, sugar-coated to reach a wider audience. Lennon intentionally made the song palatable to disseminate his leftist ideas more effectively.
Closing Time's Real Meaning [2:19]
Semisonic's "Closing Time" is commonly thought to be about getting kicked out of a bar at the end of the night, but it's actually about the birth of the lead singer's child. The lyrics take on a new meaning when viewed in the context of childbirth.
The Truth Behind "In the Air Tonight" [2:54]
The widely circulated story of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" being about a man who witnessed another man drowning is false. Phil Collins clarified in an interview that the song was an improvised rant about his divorce, with lyrics made up on the spot during a studio session.
Vampires in "Total Eclipse of the Heart" [3:24]
Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is not just an average love song; it was originally written for a musical about Nosferatu, the vampire. The lyrics, filled with references to shadows, darkness, and immortality, align with the vampire theme.
The Story Behind "Royals" [3:50]
Lorde's "Royals" appears to be about materialism, which is the true meaning behind the song, but the title was inspired by a photo of Kansas City Royals player George Brett in a National Geographic magazine. Lorde liked the word "Royals" and incorporated it into her song.
"Who Let The Dogs Out" - A Feminist Anthem? [4:23]
Baha Men's "Who Let The Dogs Out" is revealed to be a feminist protest song denouncing catcalling. The lyrics describe a party where men start name-calling women, who then respond to the harassment.
"Good Riddance" - A Breakup Song [4:54]
Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" is often played at high school graduations, leading people to believe it's about moving on to a new phase of life. However, it is actually a breakup song with sarcastic undertones.
"Summer of '69" - Not About the Year [5:35]
Brian Adams' "Summer of '69" is not about the year 1969.
Dark Lyrics Behind Popular Dance Songs [5:44]
"Macarena" by Los del Rio is about a woman named Macarena cheating on her boyfriend with two of his friends while he is deployed in the military.
Stalker Songs Misinterpreted as Love Songs [6:09]
The Police's "Every Breath You Take" is often played at weddings, but it is actually about a creepy stalker. Similarly, James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" is inspired by a breakup and has frightening undertones, despite being perceived as a romantic song.
Upbeat Tunes with Dark Themes [6:53]
Third Eye Blind's "Semi-Charmed Life" is a catchy, fast-paced song that masks its dark lyrics about a couple addicted to crystal meth. Alphaville's "Forever Young," a popular prom song, is actually about the fear of nuclear war.
Songs Inspired by Historical Events [7:46]
The Beatles' "Blackbird" was written after learning about the Little Rock Nine, African-American students who challenged racial segregation. Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" was originally by Dolly Parton as a farewell song to her mentor, Porter Wagoner, not a romantic love song.
Ironic Anthems [8:59]
The video concludes with examples of songs that ironically became anthems for the very thing they were making fun of. Kendrick Lamar's "Swimming Pools" is about alcoholism but became a song to drink to. Beastie Boys' "Fight For Your Right" was a satire of party anthems but became a frat boy anthem. Blur's "Song 2" was a parody of American grunge music but became their only big hit in the U.S. Blues Traveler's "Hook" was about how lyrics don't matter, and its catchy hook made it the band's biggest hit.