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.
She’ll only come out at night…” For decades, we all thought we knew exactly who the “Maneater” was. But years after the song topped the charts, John Oates and Daryl Hall started telling a different story, one involving corporate greed and New York City. Is the song really a social commentary, or is this a … 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 put it together … Read more
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 industry (this was their first major label release) Orange Crush was the only overtly political song on the album. … Read more
The Wizard of Oz Connection 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 … 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 favorite Tom … 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.” Now, I’m not aware of any statistical database from which you could mine such revelations, but are you telling me … Read more
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 it is a romantic and heartfelt declaration of love. As many people who have actually paid attention to … Read more