As humans, we love to search for the meaning in things. One of the best things about music, is how it has the ability to mean different things to different people. Some songs just hit us different. Usually though, there is some underlying meaning or story that the artist is trying to get across. Most of the time, it’s not too difficult to figure out what is trying to be related through music. But, sometimes, boy do we get it wrong. Check out these popular song that don’t mean what we likely thought they did.
Some of you might be a little too young to remember, or have even heard of, this song. But, it is one of the most famous songs out that that doesn’t really mean what the majority of people think it does. When this song was released, it was a pretty popular wedding song for the bride and groom to have their first dance to. Most people think it is a song about being oh-so-very in love. However, it’s actually a song about a stalker. Ooookkaaayy then! Have a listen.
Though most people think this song promotes partying and having a good time, complete with plenty of drinks flowing, they would be wrong. Really, it’s a song about the dangers of alcoholism. Lamar actually reveals some very dark parts of his past, as well as times he gave into peer pressure. It’s definitely a much deeper and meaningful song than many seem to be aware of.
Are you old enough to remember the global phenomenon that was the Macarena? The song and dance that nobody could escape there for awhile? While the song was incredibly popular everywhere from dance clubs to weddings to even schools for its upbeat and “happy” sound, the lyrics behind the song paint a completely different picture. The lyrics actually tell a story about a girl named Macarena who cheats on her boyfriend who has nearly entered the army with two of his friends. Ouch.
This is another example of a song with an upbeat tempo and catchy beat that fooled people into believing that it was a “happy” song. While it definitely is a certified bop, it is actually about some really dark subject matter. It was even used in a ton of advertisements until people started really listening to the lyrics. In actuality, the song is a response to school shootings. The group wrote the song in hopes to raise awareness about mental illness and gun violence among young people.
