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The Meaning Behind “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin
When the Latin pop music explosion took hold in America starting in 1999, former Menudo singer Ricky Martin was at the forefront of the movement. He had released four Spanish language albums prior and...
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The Geographical Meaning Behind “Surfin’ U.S.A.” by The Beach Boys
Chubby Checker’s 1962 hit “Twistin’ U.S.A.” name-checked American cities. Songwriter Kal Mann references 17 different cities as the song celebrates the “shimmy and shake” of different locales. Brian...
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The Personal Inspiration Behind Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years”
One of Iron Maiden’s most famous and accessible songs was inspired by the real-life fatigue and heartache that can come from spending excessive time on the road and being away from home, as the band...
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The Meaning Behind “In a Little While” by U2
The last song Joey Ramone heard before he died in 2001 was “In a Little While” by U2. His brother, Mickey Leigh, told Mojo that Ramone went to “that place where songs go after they’re played.” Bono...
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Behind the Song “Good Riddance (The Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
“Before I would ever consider myself a punk rocker, before that, I’m a songwriter,” Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong proclaimed to MTV’s John Norris just before the release of Nimrod, the band’s...
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Behind the Meaning of the Country Classic “Clay Pigeons”
Blaze Foley‘s calling card was undoubtedly “Clay Pigeons.” This powerful country standard is a shining testament to his songwriting–which was rooted in his ability to tell a robust story in just a few...
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The Meaning Behind “Come Undone” by Duran Duran
When Duran Duran released their second self-titled album in 1993 (popularly known as The Wedding Album), they had not had a Top 10 hit in five years or a Top 20 or platinum album in seven years. Their...
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The Meaning Behind “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” by Bee Gees
When you listen to the gleaming harmonies of the Bee Gees, you can’t help but think they’re the product of closeness between the three Brothers Gibb. But the truth is that the relationship between the...
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The Meaning Behind “And I Love Her” by The Beatles
A Hard Day’s Night began a new era for The Beatles. They were evolving into a whole new band. In the early days, they covered Chuck Berry and Little Richard songs. The gigantic success of “I Want To...
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The Meaning of “Aqualung” by Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull’s “Aqualung” is a member of a fairly small group of songs that achieved immense popularity despite lasting well over five minutes. Maybe it’s guitarist Martin Barre’s hard-edged opening...
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The Meaning Behind “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison
Calling Mark Morrison a “bad boy” is nearly a euphemism. Though his run-ins with the law are certainly intriguing, letting them overshadow his music is a mistake. He had a string of hits in the...
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The Mundane Meaning Behind “25 or 6 to 4” by Chicago
Every songwriter has their own process. Sometimes, it starts with a melody. Other times, it begins with a hook or a single line. Maybe they overhear a conversation at the grocery store that sparks a...
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Behind the Meaning of “Keep Driving” by Harry Styles
No one can deny Harry Styles is living life in the fast lane. The life of any popstar has a measure of chaos. In his Harry’s House cut, “Keep Driving,” Styles sings about moving forward and trying to...
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On the Brink of Extinction: The Meaning of “Great White Buffalo” by Ted...
Before the 19th century, the American Bison roamed plentifully among all regions of North America. There were an estimated 60 million buffalo in the late 18th century. The animal was a food source for...
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Behind the Tongue-Twisting Nursery Rhyme “Peter Piper”
There are many functions for nursery rhymes. Some lull us to sleep. Some entertain. Some tell stories and elucidate truths about the world that human beings need to know. Others teach us to speak well...
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Behind the Meaning of “O Sole Mio” by Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti was known as “The King of the High Cs.” He had sung “O Sole Mio” countless times and won the Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Performance in 1980 for his recording of the song....
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5 “Darker” Elvis Presley Songs Lisa Marie Presley Called Her Favorites
Lisa Marie Presley was a fan of all the eras of her father’s music, but it was Elvis Presley‘s 1970s songs that resonated with her the most. “I’m definitely a fan of all that stuff,” revealed Presley...
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A Story Told from Three Perspectives: The Meaning Behind “betty” by Taylor Swift
When a songwriter tells a story, perspective is vital. Is the story happening now, or is it being remembered and recounted at a later time? Is the story being told by the person who experienced it, or...
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The Influences and Meaning Behind “Follow Me” by Uncle Kracker
When Uncle Kracker began recording his double-Platinum album Double Wide, he was drawing from his influences. It was largely a rap record. He pulled out a verse he’d written years before about drugs...
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The Trisha Yearwood Song That Brings Don Henley to Tears
Don Henley wrote a line of heartrending songs with Glenn Frey—from the Eagles‘ Hotel California track “Wasted Time” to “Desperado” and throughout his solo career with “The Heart of the Matter,” and...
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