‘London Calling’ – The Clash

This song, though it evolved to take on a wider meaning, including the common interpretation that it is a criticism of British politics and international relations, was originally about something much simpler.

In 1979, a British newspaper ran a headline that warned that, with rapid global warning, there was a risk that the Thames river might overflow and flood London. When Mick Jones found this out, he (in his own words) “flipped.” So the song is less about politics, and more about a fear of drowning.

‘Pink Houses’ – John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp wrote “Pink Houses” as a rebuke of early 1980s Reaganomics, and the conservative “greed is good” culture of the time. However, its uplifting music and “Ain’t that America” chorus often has led to the song being misunderstood as a simple patriotic tune.

Those who’ve misunderstood the song include conservative political candidates and organizations who’ve used the song only to receive public rebuke from the staunchly liberal Mellencamp.

‘Higher’ – Creed

One of 1999’s biggest hits, Creed’s “Higher” has gone on to be the band’s signature song, and is emblematic of the post-grunge rock scene of the time. While on the surface the song seems to likely either be about a drug-induced high or (on the opposite side of the spectrum) Creed’s publicized Christianity, it’s actually about neither.

Instead, according to lead singer Scott Stapp, the song is actually about the concept of lucid dreaming.

‘Buddy Holly’ – Weezer

Well, first of all, this song isn’t really about Buddy Holly at all, but most people who have listened to it know that. Most of those people hear the lyrics “You know I’m yours/and I know you’re mine/and that’s for all time,” and assume that the song is about a romantic relationship, but singer Rivers Cuomo tells a different story:

It’s about a particular girl I knew; … it’s about my commitment to her, … my willingness to defend her. It’s very platonic. Not a romantic thing at all.

If you listen carefully to the lyrics, it turns out none of them are really explicitly romantic, people just assume based on the fact that it’s a guy singing about a girl, which is exactly what Weezer is singing about.

‘Always’ – Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi, a band known for power ballads like “I’ll Be There for You” and “Bed of Roses,” scored one of their biggest hits with 1994’s “Always.” Perhaps due to their reputation as balladeers, many seemed to ignore the darker underpinnings of the song’s lyrics.

Jon Bon Jovi explained of the lyrics, “It’s a sick little twisted lyric. So many people feel it’s so romantic and so wonderful, but truthfully, this guy is practically a stalker. He’s a sick human being.”

Mr. Tambourine Man’ – Bob Dylan

Many think that Bob Dylan’s 1965 classic “Mr. Tambourine Man” – later famously covered by The Byrds – was an autobiographical song about the singer finding his musical muse through drugs.

However, the song is actually a tribute to touring musician Bruce Langhorne, who played in Dylan’s band and played a large Turkish frame drum similar to a tambourine in performances and on recordings.