Although most people see “Hey Ya!” as a fun, upbeat party anthem, its lyrics dive into the theme of an unhappy marriage.

The song expresses gratitude to Mom and Dad “for sticking through together / because we don’t know how,” and goes on to mention that “separate’s always better” and “we know we’re not happy here.” As for shaking it like a Polaroid picture? Well, that part remains a mystery!

What many perceive as a sweeping romantic power ballad is actually far more complex. According to songwriter Jim Steinman, “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was originally meant to be a supernatural love story titled “Vampires in Love.”

With lyrics touching on darkness and forbidden passion, the song’s gothic roots are still evident beneath its dramatic surface.

The meaning of Madonna’s 1984 hit “Like a Virgin” has sparked endless debate. While some believe it’s about innocence, others, like Quentin Tarantino in Reservoir Dogs, offer a more provocative take.

However, songwriter Billy Steinberg revealed the real inspiration: the song is about overcoming emotional scars and finding a new relationship that brings healing and renewal.

Semisonic’s 1998 hit “Closing Time” may seem like it’s simply about a bar closing down for the night and ushering out its last patrons. Surprisingly, the song is actually a metaphor for childbirth.

Frontman Dan Wilson wrote it while his wife was pregnant, and drummer Jacob Slichter has pointed out that the lyrics suggest “being sent forth from the womb, like a bouncer clearing out a bar.”

Maroon 5’s 2002 breakout hit “Harder to Breathe” explores a toxic, high-pressure relationship—but not the romantic kind you’d expect.

Adam Levine wrote the song about the band’s tense dealings with their record label, Octone, which constantly pressured them to produce more songs, leaving them feeling suffocated. Fortunately, all that pressure seemed to pay off in the end!

The Baha Men became one-hit wonders with their 2000 smash “Who Let the Dogs Out,” a song beloved by dog lovers everywhere—but did you know it’s actually a feminist anthem?

The “dogs” in the song refer to catcallers, and the famous chorus, “who let the dogs out,” is meant to represent women calling out the men who disrespect them.

Hanson’s 1997 hit “MMMbop” was often dismissed as a lighthearted pop tune, mainly due to its catchy but seemingly nonsensical chorus. However, if you pay attention to the verses, there’s a deeper message.

The song reflects on how quickly life passes, urging listeners to cherish their experiences, as our time is fleeting. Not bad for three mop-haired teens!

Phil Collins’ 1981 hit “In the Air Tonight” gave rise to an urban legend claiming Collins once witnessed a man refuse to save a drowning swimmer.

In reality, the song is a metaphor, inspired by the emotional fallout from Collins’ first marriage. However, the singer-songwriter admits that one of his favorite aspects of the song is hearing people’s wild misinterpretations—so there’s no need to let those urban legends fade away!

Widely embraced as a London anthem, The Clash’s 1979 hit “London Calling” is often seen as a politically charged critique of the city’s neglected and struggling population.

In truth, though, the song was inspired by a more literal fear—the possibility of the River Thames overflowing and flooding the city.

Featured on 1968’s The White Album, The Beatles’ “Blackbird” is a beautiful song, even if taken at face value as a tune about a garden bird.

However, while the idea of an injured blackbird learning to fly is touching, Paul McCartney actually wrote the song as a hopeful message in support of the American civil rights movement, envisioning a future of greater racial harmony.

Much like The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” James Blunt’s 2004 hit “You’re Beautiful” is often mistaken for a love song, but its creator strongly disagrees.

Blunt has explained that the song is actually about a man who is high on drugs and stalking a woman on the subway—definitely not a romantic scenario!

The lyrics of Nirvana’s 1993 single “Heart-Shaped Box” have sparked multiple interpretations. Kurt Cobain once explained that the song was inspired by the heartbreaking image of children with cancer, something he found profoundly sad.

Meanwhile, his widow, Courtney Love, offers a different take, suggesting the title is a euphemism for her intimate parts. This one, it seems, is best left to personal interpretation.

Green Day’s unusually mellow 1997 hit “Time of Your Life” has become a go-to anthem for graduations and farewell parties, but that wasn’t Billie Joe Armstrong’s original intent.

Armstrong wrote the song about a girlfriend moving away, capturing the pain and difficulty of their breakup. Rather than the nostalgic farewell many believe it to be, it’s a more bittersweet and emotional parting.

Los del Rio became mid-90s one-hit wonders with their infectious pop hit “Macarena” and its iconic dance routine. However, while most people were busy mastering the dance moves, they may have missed the lyrics.

The song is actually about a woman who repeatedly cheats on her husband while he’s serving in the army—quite the surprise for a song beloved by kids!

Blondie’s “One Way or Another,” from their 1978 album Parallel Lines, is often seen as a playful chase between romantic interests or a vengeful anthem. In reality, it’s a bit of both.

Singer Debbie Harry explained that the song was inspired by her experience being stalked. Though the situation was frightening, she tried to inject a sense of fun into the song to lighten the dark reality behind it.

If you were a teen in 2010, you might have thought Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” was just a quirky song about trendy shoes.

In truth, the song addresses the grim topic of a school shooting in an affluent area. Due to its subject matter, the track was pulled from radio airplay following the Sandy Hook school shooting.

Van Halen’s 1984 hit “Jump” may sound like an energetic party anthem, but according to singer David Lee Roth, it has a surprisingly dark origin. Roth once saw a man on TV standing on the edge of a building as a crowd below shouted, “Don’t jump!”

In a moment of nihilism, Roth thought, “Jump.” Amazingly, this somber moment inspired the upbeat song we know today.

Psy’s 2012 K-Pop sensation “Gangnam Style” took the world by storm, largely due to its catchy beat and viral dance.

Many didn’t realize that the song is actually a satire of consumerism in South Korea’s Gangnam District, poking fun at people who prioritize appearing wealthy and glamorous above everything else.

Rihanna’s 2010 hit “S&M” faced criticism for its lyrics, which appear to delve into, let’s say, some unconventional bedroom activities.

However, the singer clarified that the song is actually a metaphor for her relationship with the media, reflecting how the pleasure and pain of fame often blur together.

Songwriters Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo reportedly felt that masculinity was being threatened by the feminist movement, and wrote “Macho Man” as a response to this.

But when the song was recorded by gay disco legends Village People, its message took on a different tone, transforming it into the camp classic we know today.

Nena’s 1983 global hit “99 Luftballoons” (later re-recorded as “99 Red Balloons”) is often misunderstood, with many missing its underlying theme of nuclear war.

Songwriter Carlo Karges was inspired by balloons released at a West Berlin concert and imagined the chaos that might ensue if they drifted into Soviet airspace and were mistaken for UFOs.

Lorde’s 2013 hit “Royals” is widely recognized as a rejection of the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy, but that wasn’t the song’s true inspiration.

The idea actually came from a photo of baseball player George Brett wearing a t-shirt that said “Royals.” The word struck Lorde for its aesthetic appeal, prompting her to craft an entire song around it.

The lyrics to Lady Gaga’s 2008 hit “Poker Face” are somewhat cryptic, hinting at the idea of concealing a secret. It was later revealed that the song is about Gaga’s bisexuality.

While she has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, her own identity within that community was often overlooked. “Poker Face” reflects the experience of being with a man while secretly fantasizing about a woman.

Don McLean’s 1971 classic “American Pie” is beloved by many, though few fully understand its deeper meaning.

One key reference in the song, ‘the day the music died,’ points to February 3rd, 1959—the tragic day when rock and roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper lost their lives in a plane crash.

Known to millions for its iconic appearance in Shrek, Smash Mouth’s 1999 hit “All Star” has been interpreted as both a call to chase your dreams and a critique of looming environmental catastrophe.

However, the band’s true motivation was to create an uplifting and inspirational anthem for their young fans, inspired by the many letters they received from kids who were struggling with bullying.

Eric Clapton’s iconic 1977 love song “Wonderful Tonight” wasn’t inspired by pure adoration, but rather frustration. The song came about one evening when Clapton was delayed for a party because his wife, Patti Boyd, couldn’t decide what to wear.

Out of boredom, he grabbed his guitar—and thus, “Wonderful Tonight” was born. Not quite the romantic tale you might expect, unless you’re a fan of punctuality!

Though best known through Whitney Houston’s iconic cover, Dolly Parton’s 1974 song “I Will Always Love You” is often mistaken as being about the end of a romantic relationship.

In reality, Parton wrote it as a heartfelt farewell to her mentor and longtime singing partner, Porter Wagoner, expressing her deep gratitude and appreciation as she embarked on her own independent journey.

Given its title, R.E.M.’s 1991 hit “Losing My Religion” is often mistaken for a song about a crisis of faith. However, it actually describes an emotional breakdown rather than anything religious or spiritual.

Singer-songwriter Michael Stipe was referencing an old expression—”losing one’s religion” used to mean abandoning one’s composure or morality when personal circumstances become overwhelming.

Anyone who grew up in the ’90s will remember TLC’s 1995 hit “Waterfalls.” While many saw it as a song about taking life slow and appreciating the moment, it actually addresses much deeper topics.

The song tackles serious issues like poverty, crime, and the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic, which was a major concern during that time.

The Goo Goo Dolls’ 1998 hit “Slide” catapulted the band to fame, and it initially appears to tell the story of young lovers defying their parents. However, it’s not quite as innocent as it seems.

Lead singer Johnny Rzeznik has revealed that the song is actually about a teenage couple facing a difficult decision—whether the pregnant girlfriend should have an abortion or marry her boyfriend.

Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 hit “Born in the USA,” from the album of the same name, is actually an anti-war anthem criticizing how the US government mistreated its soldiers during and after the Vietnam War.

However, this message was completely missed by then-President Ronald Reagan and his supporters, who mistakenly saw it as a patriotic anthem, focusing only on the title and chorus.

Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 hit “Born in the USA,” from the album of the same name, is actually an anti-war anthem criticizing how the US government mistreated its soldiers during and after the Vietnam War.

However, this message was completely missed by then-President Ronald Reagan and his supporters, who mistakenly saw it as a patriotic anthem, focusing only on the title and chorus.

Jimmy Buffet’s 1977 classic “Margaritaville” is often seen as the ultimate laid-back summer anthem. However, a closer listen reveals a more somber undertone beneath the carefree vibe.

The narrator reflects on frequent blackouts, getting tattoos he doesn’t remember, and ‘wasting away’ so badly he can’t even find the salt. Could it be more of a cautionary tale than it seems?

Bon Jovi’s 1994 hit “Always” became one of the band’s biggest successes, with most listeners interpreting its lyrics as a passionate love ballad.

However, many missed the darker side of the song—it’s actually written from the perspective of a stalker, much like “Every Breath You Take” and “You’re Beautiful.”

Lou Reed’s 1972 classic “Perfect Day,” frequently covered and used in TV ads for everything from cars to fashion, is often seen as a straightforward, uplifting love song.

However, the track carries a much darker meaning—Reed wrote it not as a tribute to a loved one, but as a reflection on his addiction to illicit substances at the time.

Sara Bareilles’ 2007 hit “Love Song” is often mistaken as a tune about romance. However, the singer actually wrote it out of frustration with her record label, which had been rejecting her work for not being commercial enough.

The chorus, “I’m not gonna write you a love song,” was her defiant response to the pressure they put on her.

Bryan Adams’ 1984 hit “Summer of ’69” is often seen as a nostalgic coming-of-age anthem, though some may be puzzled by the timeline, as Adams was only nine years old in 1969.

The singer has since confessed that the title isn’t about the year at all, but rather a playful reference to a certain bedroom position. Cheeky!

Much like Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.,” John Mellencamp’s 1983 song “Pink Houses” was widely misunderstood as a patriotic anthem.

It was actually a critique of Reagan-era America and the era’s ‘greedy capitalist’ culture. Despite this, conservative politicians frequently used the song at campaign events, much to Mellencamp’s frustration.

M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” quickly became a hit upon its 2008 release, though many listeners misunderstood its message.

The artist later explained that the song was actually a critique of anti-immigrant attitudes in the US, highlighting how these views often ignore the significant contributions immigrants make to American culture.