Revealing the True Meanings Behind These Misunderstood Songs

Published on 09/19/2023
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‘Blackbird’ – The Beatles

“Blackbird” is one of the most contentious songs in The Beatles’ famed catalog. On the surface, the song appears to be a normal love song composed primarily by Paul McCartney. However, McCartney has stated at various occasions throughout the years that the song’s lyrics are a reference to the Civil Rights Movement that was taking place in the United States at the time.

'Blackbird' The Beatles

‘Blackbird’ The Beatles

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‘Semi-Charmed Life’ – Third Eye Blind

The 1997 breakthrough single by Third Eye Blind is best remembered for its pop sound and earworm chorus of “doot doot doot, dootdootdoot.” However, the song’s catchy appeal betrays its sinister core. Stephan Jenkins, the song’s lead singer and lyricist, has indicated that the song is about addiction. “It’s about a time in my life when it seemed like all of my friends were just sort of tapped out on speed.” He described the song’s music as “bright and shiny on the surface, and then it just pulls you down in this lockjawed mess.” The music I composed for it is not intended to be bright and shiny for the purpose of being bright and shiny.”

'Semi Charmed Life' Third Eye Blind

‘Semi Charmed Life’ Third Eye Blind

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