Nearly everyone in the world enjoys listening to music. And I think we’ve all gone through phases where we continuously play our favorite music. But how often have we considered the ideas underlying such songs? Have you ever listened to music and questioned the meaning behind the lyrics? What is the target audience for the song? Alternatively, what was going through the singer or songwriter’s head as they were writing that particular song?
The majority of people on the planet adore listening to music. And I think it’s safe to say that we have all gone through phases where we continuously play our favorite music. But how often have we given those songs’ ideas any thought? Have you ever been wondering about a song’s lyrics when you were listening to it? or to whom the song was addressed? Alternatively, what was going through the head of the musician or songwriter as they were writing that particular song?
Now that you think about it, songs can be somewhat difficult. The 15 well-known songs that have hidden meanings that not even the most devoted fans are aware of will be revealed today!
15 popular songs with hidden meanings: Secrets Revealed
1. Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles – 2019
How did we overlook that Harry Styles’ song Watermelon Sugar has a very sexual tone? Just look at the lyrics and the music video — all the clues are there.
“I want your belly
And that summer feelin’
Getting washed away in you
Breathe me in
Breathe me out
I don’t know if I could ever go without”
And Harry Styles himself attested to this reality!
Harry explained to the crowd during a performance in Nashville that this song is essentially about the feminine orgasm that enhances the sweetness of daily living. Now that you are aware of the song’s hidden meaning, give it another listen. What does it do to you?
2. Chandelier by Sia – 2014
Sia’s song Chandelier, which discusses her battles with alcoholism and addiction, is essentially an anti-pop hymn. Read the lyrics below before you throw them away. You’ll no doubt make the connection between them and the information we just shared.
“Can’t feel anything, when will I learn?
I’m gonna live like tomorrow doesn’t exist
Like it doesn’t exist
I’m gonna fly like a bird through the night
Feel my tears as they dry
But I’m holding on for dear life
‘Cause I’m just holding on for tonight
On for tonight
Sun is up, I’m a mess”
The Grammy-winning musician Sia further claimed that she developed Chandelier as a song that would fight against the constant impulse to continue partying and festivity.
3. 1985 by Bowling For Soup – 2004
Bowling For Soup’s song 1985 is actually a cover of the original song by fellow pop-punk fan SR-71!
You’ll hear that this cover song, performed in 1985 by the pop-punk band Bowling For Soup, is less energetic when you compare the two renditions. The pacing also seems a little wrong. Any music lover will almost certainly notice these variances right away. But even if you were unaware of these two little-known facts, both song versions are quite similar to one another.
4. The Way by Fastball – 1998
The chart-topping Fastball single The Way has a lot more going on than you might have expected. The real-life tragic tale of an elderly Texas couple named Raymond and Lela Howard, who was terribly afflicted with mental illness, served as the basis for this soundtrack.
Don’t trust us? Check out these lyrics:
“They made up their minds
And they started packing
They left before the sun came up that day
An exit to eternal summer slacking
But where were they going without ever knowing the way?
You can see their shadows wandering off somewhere
They won’t make it home
Their children woke up
And they couldn’t find ’em
They left before the sun came up that day
They just drove off and left it all behind ’em”
According to the legend, one day the two of them went on a drive and got lost. They were discovered later, lifeless and lying in a ditch. And the tragic tale of the old couple is essentially summarised in these sentences. Quite a complex hidden meaning, yes?
5. Slide by The Goo Goo Dolls – 1998
The Goo Goo Dolls’ song Slide isn’t actually a love song as many people believe. Instead, this song explores the decision-making process of a young couple after an unexpected pregnancy.
Not certain Take a look at these lyrics:
“Don’t you love the life you killed?
The priest is on the phone
Your father hit the wall
Your ma disowned you
Do you wanna get married Or run away?
And I’ll do anythin’ you ever dreamed to be complete
Oh, we’ll run away, run away, run away”
The secret we revealed is essentially captured in these phrases. Additionally, you can no longer ignore the fact that the song’s second stanza, which starts with the words “Don’t you adore the life you killed?” suggests that the pair either had an abortion or is considering one.
6. Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind – 1997
The furthest thing from a radio-friendly pop song you will probably hear is Third Eye Blind’s Semi-Charmed Life. You did really hear correctly!
Before you start to disbelieve us, check out these lyrics and make your own judgment.
“I want something else to get me through this
I want something else, I’m not listening when you say good-bye
I was taking sips of it through my nose
Doing crystal meth will lift you up until you break
Those little red panties pass the test
Slide up around the belly, face down on the mattress one”
Well, I’m very confident that these words reveal the song’s genuine hidden meaning. Don’t you believe there are occasions when titles might be highly misleading?
7. Waterfalls by TLC – 1994
Another song that is mistakenly classified as a love song but is actually the complete opposite is TLC’s Waterfalls. Actually, it offers a shocking social critique of murder, drug use, and HIV. Simply put, this song exposes everything that primarily affects both young black men and women.
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8. No Rain by Blind Melon – 1992
Actually, Blind Melon’s song No Rain sheds light on bassist Brad Smith’s battles with depression.
Read these lyrics first.
“I just want someone to say to me,
“I’ll always be there when you wake.”
And I don’t understand why I sleep all day
And I start to complain
That there’s no rain
And all I can do is read a book to stay awake
And it rips my life away,
But it’s a great escape”
You see our point by now. The band’s most well-known song was dropped by lead singer Shannon Hoon so that he could write a song for his depressed teammate. The song’s lyrics speak of Brad’s early years in Los Angeles when he was battling depression and had no motivation to leave his bed in the morning.
9. Under The Bridge by The Red Hot Chili Peppers – 1991
The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song Under The Bridge is essentially a tribute to Anthony Keidis, the singer’s drug-using days. Yes, you’re right.
The Los Angeles bridge that singer Anthony Keidis used to do drugs or shoot up is mentioned in this song.
Look at this phrase from the song: “Under the bridge downtown, is where I drew some blood,” if you’re having trouble believing us.
What do you suppose that means?
10. Summer Of 69 by Bryan Adam – 1984
One of the most well-known songs that everyone has likely heard numerous times and grooved to is Bryan Adam’s Summer of 69. The hidden gem of this song is that it’s not exactly an homage to Americana. In actuality, this song is about the first summer when Bryan Adams, the vocalist, was 69 years old. Yes!
Still, doubting our credibility? Check out these lyrics:
“Spent my evenings down at the drive-in
And that’s when I met you, yeah
Standin’ on your mama’s porch
You told me that you’d wait forever
Oh, and when you held my hand
I knew that it was now or never
Those were the best days of my life
Me and my baby in ’69”
We are aware that you or almost anyone may believe that this soundtrack is a tribute to legends of the 1960s simply because Bryan Adams purchased his actual first six-string at the Five and Dime. I’m sorry to break your bubble, but that is untrue.
11. Pink Houses by John Cougar Mellencamp – 1983
In actuality, John Cougar Mellencamp’s song Pink Houses is a protest song against America. This is absurd, right?
These lyrics are ironic in nature.
“Oh, but ain’t that America
For you and me
Ain’t that America
Something to see, baby
Ain’t that America
Home of the free, yeah”
Additionally, many politicians have attempted to include this song in their campaigns. John Cougar Mellencamp, the singer, asserted that the song was about how the American dream has evolved over time to become dystopian and corrupted.
12. Only The Good Die Young by Billy Joel – 1977
The title of Billy Joel’s song Only The Good Die Young should not lead one to believe that it contains some sort of deep philosophical message. Actually, this song has a sexually suggestive tone to it (gasp)
Check out the lyrics here.
“Come out, Virginia, don’t let me wait
You Catholic girls start much too late
You got a nice white dress and a party on your confirmation
You got a brand new soul
Come out, come out, come out
Virginia, don’t let me wait”
These words alone are evidence that a young male is attempting to persuade a Catholic girl to give up her virginity. This song is extremely misleading and contrary to its title because every phrase contains a hidden message.
13. A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash – 1969
In real actuality, Johnny Cash did not write the song A Boy Named Sue. Why do we mean that?
We are referring to the fact that Shel Silverstein, a famous poet, and creator of children’s books, wrote the song’s lyrics. This is undoubtedly a great and well-known rock song thanks to Johnny Cash’s recognizable baritone voice, but the truth is the truth. Is it not?
14. Mr. Tambourine Man by Bob Dylan – 1965
Actually, Bob Dylan wrote the song Mr. Tambourine Man as a tribute to a drug dealer. You heard us correctly.
You must be considering why you choose to keep this a secret at this point. Right? The cause is actually rather straightforward. Songs discussing the use of illegal drugs would have most certainly been subject to censorship during the time this song was written and released. The artists have to think outside the box to avoid this. Mr. Tambourine Man by Bob Dylan, on the other hand, gives very little space for interpretation if you pay close attention to the words. You may check it out.
“Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Take me on a trip upon your magic swirlin’ ship
My senses have been stripped
My hands can’t feel to grip
My toes were too numb to step
Wait only for my boot heels to be wanderin’
I’m ready to go anywhere
I’m ready to fade
Into my own parade
Cast your dancing to spell my way
I promise to go under it”
15. Tutti Frutti by Little Richard – 1955
You’re just too far removed to understand the significance of Little Richard’s well-known song Tutti Frutti. This song is essentially a tribute to Little Richard’s passion for anal intercourse. Can you ever enjoy this song in the same manner again? So, I guess, never! You’re just too far removed to understand the significance of Little Richard’s well-known song Tutti Frutti. This song is essentially a tribute to Little Richard’s passion for anal intercourse. Can you ever enjoy this song in the same manner again? So, I guess, never!
You can tell what Little Richard is attempting to say from the lyrics of “She rock to the east She rock to the west.” Imagine that this is the upbeat song that we have all enjoyed dancing to and singing along to at events like weddings and parties. How odd!
We sympathize with you; we wish we had known about this horrible hidden meaning sooner (sigh)
How many of these secrets were familiar to you? Did you learn any further information on a well-known song or performer?