‘Summer of ’69’ – Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” is such a powerful blast of nostalgia that it’s easy to assume the Canadian singer and his writing partner, Jim Vallance, wrote it about their own times as teenagers in 1969.

Only problem? Adams was only 9 years old in 1969. The song does contain some real allusions to the writers’ lives, but the 69 number was, according to Adams, chosen as a reference to the 69 sexual position.

‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ – Nirvana

Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a beloved song, but its meaning remains a mystery, even to Kurt Cobain, the band’s frontman. The title came from a friend who wrote it on Cobain’s wall, unaware it was a deodorant brand.

Cobain aimed to create the ultimate pop song, intending to express his feelings about his generation and surroundings. However, he also said it was meant to mock the idea of a revolution. Drummer Dave Grohl suggested the lyrics had no real meaning.

‘Paper Planes’ – M.I.A.

Many think M.I.A.’s 2008 hit “Paper Planes” was about a drug dealer, however the singer herself explained that the song was actually about the immigrant experience in the United States. She explained, “I was thinking about living [in Bed-Stuy], waking up every morning – it’s such an African neighborhood. I was going to get patties at my local and just thinking that really the worst thing that anyone can say [to someone these days] is some s*** like: ‘What I wanna do is come and get your money.’

People don’t really feel like immigrants or refugees contribute to culture in any way. That they’re just leeches that suck from whatever. So in the song I say ‘All I wanna do is [sound of gun shooting and reloading, cash register opening] and take your money.’ I did it in sound effects.

‘Ticket to Ride’ – The Beatles

The Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride” is thought by many to be a reference to a young woman riding a train to see her boyfriend. However, according to John Lennon, the song had a different meaning entirely.

He claimed that the song actually referenced cards indicating a clean bill of health, carried by German prostitutes in the 1960s. The Beatles famously played in Hamburg, Germany often prior to attaining worldwide fame.

‘Slide’ – Goo Goo Dolls

“Slide,” the first single from the Goo Goo Dolls’ 1998 album Dizzy Up the Girl, helped the group achieve superstar status. However, according to lead singer/songwriter Johnny Rzeznik on an episode of VH1 Storytellers, there was much more to “Slide.”

In introducing the song, he said, “… The song is actually about these two teenage kids, and the girlfriend gets pregnant and … they’re trying to decide whether she should get an abortion, or they should get married, or what should go on. …”

‘One’ – U2

U2’s “One” may seem like a song celebrating unity, but it was born during a turbulent period for the band. Bono, the lead singer, explained that the song reflects not the idea of everyone living together but the recognition of differences. It’s a bit punk rock and anti-romantic.

The lyrics say, “We are one but not the same; we get to carry each other.” It’s about helping each other, even if it’s not always romantic. Surprisingly, many people choose it for their weddings, but Bono finds that a bit odd since the song is more about separation.