Song Meanings

You may not know who Ram Jam are. But just a few seconds of their best-known song will remind you. Ok, it's their only song most people know. But Black Betty was a huge hit for them. Despite it not even being their song. It existed long before the band did and their version of it generated a lot of controversy. It still generates controversy to this … [Read more...] about “Black Betty” Lyrics & Meaning (Ram Jam)

Icelandic music has a long tradition. But it is only in the past 30 years or so that it has made a name for itself in the United States. It did this through a series of rock, pop and indie artists, who all had something in common. Their music was different from what you generally hear in the US. Quirky is a word often used to describe it. Artists like The … [Read more...] about “Little Talks” Lyrics & Meaning (Of Monsters And Men)

Sweet Home Alabama is the biggest southern rock hit ever. There is no disputing that. It is also a controversial song, with a somewhat disturbing history. There is no disputing that either. Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote it in response to another famous musician, as a defense of southern values. But perhaps, not all southern values of the time period deserved … [Read more...] about “Sweet Home Alabama” Lyrics & Meaning (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Pumped Up Kicks has generated a lot of controversy over the years. Numerous radio stations have banned it and plenty of critics still attack it to this day. Even Mark Foster, the singer and writer responsible for song, says he is considering retiring it. The band Foster The People has always defended their biggest hit, but Foster says he can't control how people … [Read more...] about “Pumped Up Kicks” Lyrics & Meaning (Foster The People)

Quick, name an artist who has not covered House of the Rising Sun. Ok, so there are a lot of them. But the point is, it can seem like just about every musician out there as done a version of it. And why not? Many of those versions are great songs, with the one by The Animals leading the way. It is the most famous and most popular one. But none of the people … [Read more...] about “House Of The Rising Sun” Lyrics & Meaning

What was the song Michael Jackson first moonwalked to? You guessed it! Billie Jean. But that is not the only claim to fame this song can boast. It is also Jackson's biggest hit song ever and it anchored the best-selling album of all time in Thriller. But there is a lot of confusion surrounding the meaning of Billie Jean, in large part due to statements by the singer … [Read more...] about “Billie Jean” Lyrics & Meaning (Michael Jackson)

Stevie Nicks was a big reason for Fleetwood Mac's success. And she has had a hugely successful solo career, too. Edge of Seventeen was released on her first solo album Bella Donna. It did well back then, but never broke into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. However, it has found huge success since then. It is now one of Stevie Nicks' most famous songs and it … [Read more...] about “Edge Of Seventeen” Lyrics & Meaning (Stevie Nicks)

The vast majority of popular (and unpopular) music has meaningless lyrics. They talk frivolous topics in the same way hundreds of other songs have already talked about them. In other words, they have no depth. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does make you appreciate a song with a meaning so much more. How To Save A Life by The Fray is one such … [Read more...] about “How To Save A Life” Lyrics & Meaning (The Fray)

All Too Well is widely considered Taylor Swift's greatest song. It is a true masterpiece and showcases her incredible songwriting ability. It is also the quintessential breakup song and a big reason Swift has become famous for these types of songs. Apparently the original version was around 20 minutes long. It was whittled down to around five minutes for the album, … [Read more...] about “All Too Well” Lyrics & Meaning (10 Minute Version)

Have you seen the movie Easy Rider? The soundtrack was groundbreaking and remains one of the most famous movie soundtracks of all time. The Weight is included on that soundtrack, although as a cover version by Smith. The deluxe edition of the soundtrack includes the original song by The Band. This song was a seminal tune of the sixties. But what are they actually … [Read more...] about “The Weight” Lyrics & Meaning (The Band)