The surprising true meaning behind 15 popular songs

Stephanie MarcusOct 1, 2020, 20:33 IST

Some songs have a different meaning than you think.Rihanna/YouTube

There are plenty of popular songs that are misunderstood by listeners, according to the artists who wrote them.
Rihanna's "S&M" isn't actually about sex (it's about her relationship with the media), but Bryan Adams' "Summer of '69" is about sex.
Semisonic's popular drinking anthem "Closing Time" is surprisingly about the birth of the lead singer's daughter.
Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA," Clash's "Rock the Casbah," and John Lennon's "Imagine" all have hidden political messages.

If you've never read all the lyrics to certain songs or you've only heard them in passing, there's a chance you have no idea what they are actually about.

Many of the most misunderstood or misinterpreted songs have a catchy hook, killer chorus, and memorable melody, which can sometimes be a recipe for distraction where intended messaging is concerned.

Here are some popular songs you've probably misinterpreted.

Rihanna's "S&M" isn't actually about sex.

A scene from the "S&M" music video. Youtube/ Rihanna

REM's "The One I Love" is not a love song.

A scene from "The One I Love" music video. Youtube/remhq

The Goo Goo Dolls' "Slide" is about dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.

A scene from the "Slide" music video. Youtube/ Goo Goo Dolls

Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" is a bitter breakup song masquerading as a feel-good track.

A scene from the "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" music video. Youtube/ Green Day

Third Eye Blind's "Semi-Charmed Life" isn't about feeling dissatisfied. It's about drug addiction.

A scene from the "Semi-Charmed Life" music video. Youtube/ Thrillington

Don McLean's classic campfire song "American Pie" disguises its depressing nature with catchiness.

A scene from the "American Pie" music video. Youtube/ maildavenow

Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" is not a song that celebrates the country.

A scene from the "Born in the USA" music video. Youtube/ Bruce Springsteen

Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" isn't about letting go of an epic romance.

Dolly Parton performing live. Youtube/ TransLucenT3D

Semisonic's "Closing Time" isn't actually an anthem for the last call.

A scene from the "Closing Time" music video. Youtube/ SemisonicVEVO

Clash's "Rock the Casbah" was inspired by the 1979 ban on music in Iran.

A scene from the "Rock the Casbah" music video. Youtube/ The Clash

Bryan Adams' song "Summer of '69" is not referencing the year.

A scene from the "Summer of '69" music video. Youtube/ Bryan Adams

Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" wasn't written after he saw a man let another man drown — it's about his divorce.

A scene from the "In the Air Tonight" music video. Youtube/ Phil Collins

John Lennon's "Imagine" isn't simply a song about unity and world peace.

A scene from the "Imagine" music video. Youtube/ John Lennon

Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" is about someone who died from heroin addiction.

A scene from the "Angel" music video. Youtube/ Nettwerk Music

"MMMBop" is a word Hanson made up, but it's supposed to be a measurement of time.

A scene from the "MMMBop" music video. Youtube/ Hanson

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