Revealing the True Meanings Behind These Misunderstood Songs

Published on 09/19/2023
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‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ – Billy Joel

Misheard: “We didn’t start the fire, it was always burning, said the worst attorney”
Correct: “We didn’t start the fire, it was always burning, since the world’s been turning”

Billy Joel considers “We Didn’t Start the Fire” to be one of his least favorite songs, although American listeners disagree. After its 1989 debut, the song garnered a lot of radio and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, in the style of a stream-of-consciousness, lists all the moments that, in Joel’s opinion, made up his generation. Since there are so many songs on the list, Joel has acknowledged that it is difficult to remember them all.

'We Didn't Start The Fire' Billy Joel

‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’ Billy Joel

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‘Forget You’ – CeeLo Green

Misheard: “I guess he’s an expert, and I’m more an attorney”
Correct: “I guess he’s an Xbox, and I’m more Atari”

CeeLo Green uses the F-bomb 16 times in the song’s original, profanity-filled version of it over the course of 3.5 minutes. Even so, within a week of its release, it crossed the 2 million watch barrier on YouTube and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

'Forget You' CeeLo Green

‘Forget You’ CeeLo Green

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