What was the artist really thinking when they wrote that line? In Song Meanings, we go beyond the melody to uncover the stories, inspirations, and hidden messages behind your favorite tracks. From debunking urban legends to exploring the deep personal history that shaped iconic lyrics, we help you understand the music you remember on a whole new level.
It is common practice for songwriters to make up stories about the inspirations behind the songs they write, often years after the fact. They do this to change the image of the song to make it more friendly to changing attitudes, or to change their own image. For example, I don’t believe for a second … Read more
The song One Vision appeared on Queen’s 12th studio album, 1985’s A Kind of Magic and became the lead single from that record. It was also notably featured in the 1986 movie Iron Eagle. The initial idea for the song was conceived by Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor, but the entire band wrote the song together and … Read more
Song: Orange Crush (1988) Artist: R.E.M. Writers: Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe Label: Warner Bros Orange Crush was the first released single off of R.E.M.’s sixth studio album, their first with Warner Bros. Although the album focused on the band’s political and environmental concerns, as well as its ambivalence with the record … Read more
Since Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John references The Wizard Of Oz, many interpret the song as referencing actress July Garland. The first thing to realize is that when you are interpreting the lyrics of an Elton John song, you are interpreting the lyrics of Bernie Taupin, so you have to think about what … Read more
Although American Girl never charted in the U.S. the first time it was released in 1976, it has become one of the favorite Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers songs of all time. It is considered an absolute staple of classic rock and may be the song most identified with the band’s sound. It’s certainly my … Read more
I read a curious line about the White Stripes song Seven Nation Army on American Songwriter: “There’s no disputing that the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” is better known for its iconic guitar line than its lyrics.” (1) Now, I’m not aware of any statistical database from which you could mine such revelations, but are … Read more
Song: Every Breath You Take (1983) Artist: Police Album: Synchronicity (A&M) Writer: Gordon Summer (Sting) I cringe every time I hear someone covering The Police song (by Sting) Every Breath You Take or using it as part of another song. The reason this is so cringeworthy is that people use this song as if … Read more