Daddyjt 8,587 Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Maybe I’m the only one, but have any of you had a song that you’d heard hundreds of times, and then one day, you actually listened to the lyrics, and found the song to take on an entirely different meaning? I recently experienced this with “Escape”, by Rupert Holmes. You all know it, it’s the catchy Piña Colada song. Well, if you did not know it, the lyrics are a bit dark! (See below). Has anyone else experienced this - shock (or at least surprised) when you learn the actual lyrics of a familiar song? Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes You know I love my lady, we'd been together so long We're like a worn-out recording of my favorite song So while she lay there sleeping, I read the paper in bed And in the personal columns, there was this letter that read If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain If you're not into yoga, if you have half a brain If you like making love at midnight in the dunes of the cape Then I'm the love that you've looked for, write to me and escape I didn't think about my lady, I know that sounds kind of mean But me and my old lady had fallen into the same old dull routine So I wrote to the paper, took out a personal ad And though I'm nobody's poet, I thought it wasn't half-bad Yes, I like piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain I'm not much into health food, but I am into champagne I've got to meet you by tomorrow, cut through all this red tape At a bar called Scrappy Malloy's, we'll plan our escape So I waited with high hopes, then she walked in the place I knew her smile in an instant, I knew the curve of her face It was my own lovely lady, and she said, "Oh, it's you" Then we laughed for a moment, and I said, "I never knew" I never knew you liked piña coladas, or getting caught in the rain And the feel of the ocean, and the taste of champagne If you like making love at midnight in the dunes of the cape Then you're the lady that I've looked for, come with me and escape 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loner_t 2,568 Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Lamenting the slow death of a young love! How the grime of the daily grind covers the little gems of innocence. 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddyjt 8,587 Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share Posted October 21, 2019 Here’s another one that hit me pretty hard when I figured out what was really being said in the lyrics - "Carolina In My Mind" James Taylor In my mind I'm going to Carolina. Can't you see the sunshine, can't you just feel the moonshine? Ain't it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind? Yes, I'm going to Carolina in my mind. Karen she's the silver sun, you best walk her way and watch it shine, watch her watch the morning come. A silver tear appearing now I'm crying, ain't I? I'm going to Carolina in my mind. There ain't no doubt in no ones mind that loves the finest thing around, whisper something soft and kind. And hey, babe, the sky's on fire, I'm dying, ain't I? I'm going to Carolina in my mind. In my mind I'm going to Carolina. Can't you see the sunshine, can't you just feel the moonshine? Ain't it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind? Yes, I'm going to Carolina in my mind. Dark and silent late last night, I think I might have heard the highway calling. Geese in flight and dogs that bite. And signs that might be omens say I'm going, going I'm gone to Carolina in my mind. Now with a holy host of others standing round me, still I'm on the dark side of the moon. And it seems like it goes on like this forever, you must forgive me if I'm up and gone to Carolina in my mind. In my mind I'm going to Carolina. Can't you see the sunshine, can't you just feel the moonshine? Ain't it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind? Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind. Gotta make it back home again soon, gotta make it back on home again soon, gotta make it back to Carolina soon, can't hang around, no babe, gotta make it back home again, gotta make it back to Carolina soon... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilDent 1,703 Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 On 10/20/2019 at 6:22 PM, Daddyjt said: 8 recently experienced this with “Escape”, by Rupert Holmes. You all know it, it’s the catchy Piña Colada song. Well, if you did not know it, the lyrics are a bit dark! (See below). I never paid attention to the lyrics. I remember my mom really liking this guy and listening to his cassette. And if my memory serves, I remember seeing him perform at Disneyland when I was a kid. It had to be around the late 70's/early 80's. I had no idea that the lyrics had such an adulterous/cheating theme. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryG 2,846 Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 I usually read lyrics of songs if available! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichP714 3,151 Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 Here's one that still confuses me (easily done I guess). Elvis Costello "Alison" Lyrics: Oh it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl. And with the way you look I understand That you are not impressed. But I heard you let that little friend of mine Take off your party dress. I'm not going to get too sentimental Like those other sticky valentines, Cause I don't know if you've been loving somebody. I only know it isn't mine. Alison, I know this world is killing you. Oh, Alison, my aim is true. Well I see you've got a husband now. Did he leave your pretty fingers lying In the wedding cake? You used to hold him right in your hand. I'll bet he took all he could take. Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking When I hear the silly things that you say. I think somebody better put out the big light, Cause I can't stand to see you this way. Alison, I know this world is killing you. Oh, Alison, my aim is true. My aim is true. AT various times, I've been convinced that by 'my aim is true' he's telling Alison that he has pure intentions (and she should be with him instead of the alterantives). Or else he's saying 'I won't miss' should she decide she's had enough ? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadvw 2,800 Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 10 hours ago, BarryG said: I usually read lyrics of songs if available! Who does that? I thought it was all about the music......... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilDent 1,703 Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 26 minutes ago, RichP714 said: Oh, Alison, my aim is true. My aim is true. I always interpreted this lyric as Mr. Costello informing said ingénue that he had the desire and required skills to both sexually satisfy and liberate her from her ho-hum, domestic existence. Maybe I'm reading too much into this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryG 2,846 Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 Read along to music, similar to when mom used to sing along with Mitch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichP714 3,151 Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, PhilDent said: I always interpreted this lyric as Mr. Costello informing said ingénue that he had the desire and required skills to both sexually satisfy and liberate her from her ho-hum, domestic existence. Maybe I'm reading too much into this one. I think it's purposefuly vague with intentional double entendre, but EC himself denies it has anything to do with shooting anything ‘We Built This City On Sausage Rolls’ And More Of The Most Commonly Misheard Song Lyrics https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/misheard-song-lyrics-6787 I remember Born in the USA being received as a patriotic anthem, when it's really about the shameful experiences of Vietnam. Similarly, Neil Young's 'Rockin' in the free world' was often misinterpreted as an American pride song when it isn't Dig this bit from SNL (we were all kids when he played this on SNL) where he intentionally thrashes his guitar strings Edited October 22, 2019 by RichP714 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_at_HHH 2,608 Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 One of the things that really got me started into music was a Jr. High English teacher who used popular song lyrics as the subject for studying poetry. That forced me into really listening to and analyzing the lyrics. So many songs have meanings far beyond their apparent surface message. If in doubt, spend some time reading through the words to many of Steely Dan's hits (caveat : some are not as involved). To me, the lyrics add a huge piece to music, but then I have to admit I spend most of my time on instrumental tracks these days... (there's likely a psychology thesis in there somewhere) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kve777 6,640 Posted October 23, 2019 Share Posted October 23, 2019 Nine Inch Nails. Tool. 'nuff said. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbskeam 1,718 Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 " Similarly, Neil Young's 'Rockin' in the free world' was often misinterpreted as an American pride song when it isn't " I remember the time and place I first heard this song. Camp Lejeune E-club eating lunch. went out the next day and bought the cd This Mortal Coil - Song To The Siren Long afloat on shipless oceans I did all my best to smile 'Til your singing eyes and fingers Drew me loving to your isle And you sang Sail to me Sail to me Let me enfold you Here I am Here I am Waiting to hold you Did I dream you dreamed about me? Were you here when I was forced out Now my foolish boat is leaning Broken lovelorn on your rocks For you sing, "Touch me not, touch me not, come back tomorrow Oh my heart, Oh my heart shies from the sorrow" Well I'm as puzzled as the newborn child I'm as riddled as the tide Should I stand amid the breakers? Or should I lie with death, my bride? Hear me sing, "Swim to me, swim to me, let me enfold you Here I am, here I am, waiting to hold you" 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loner_t 2,568 Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 Dire Straits' Six-Blade Knife is an interesting one. Billy Joel's Stilleto is another one. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddyjt 8,587 Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 Jim Croce could say more in two and a half minutes than many artists can say in a whole album... "Photographs And Memories" Photographs and memories Christmas cards you sent to me All that I have are these to remember you Memories that come at night Take me to another time Back to a happier day, when I called you mine But we sure had a good time When we started way back when Morning walks and bedroom talks Oh, how I loved you then Summer skies and lullabies Nights we couldn't say goodbye And of all of the things that we knew Not a dream survived Photographs and memories All the love you gave to me Somehow it just can't be true It's all I've left of you But we sure had a good time When we started way back when Morning walks and bedroom talks Oh, how I loved you then 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Receiver2000 2,396 Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 What the hell does Steely Dan's "Everybodys Gone to the Movies" off Katy Lied mean? Pretty damn creepy to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_at_HHH 2,608 Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 A lot of Steely Dan songs can fall into the Creepy, or at least Disturbing realm. Two Against Nature has some real winners: Gaslightiing Abbie and Cousin Dupree out to be enough to rattle one's comfort zone quite thoroughly. Or go dig into the means of Kid Charlemagne and The Royal Scam for some fun. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Receiver2000 2,396 Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Makes Peter Paul and Mary's "Puff The Magic Dragon" seem pretty innocent. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_at_HHH 2,608 Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 2 minutes ago, Receiver2000 said: Makes Peter Paul and Mary's "Puff The Magic Dragon" seem pretty innocent. Very much so! Then again, nobody ever claimed Walter and Donald were normal - even themselves. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Community Admin AndrewJohn 8,035 Posted August 16, 2020 Community Admin Share Posted August 16, 2020 While considering a wedding play list last night, this one came up. Was a favorite of my kids..., back a ways. My wife noted that the female vocal refrain lyric was not "kissing the night away", but "pissing the night away." When my son was 4 and 5 singing this song as one of his favorites at the time, I don't know if he knew either ! LoL. I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink He sings the songs that remind him of the good times He sings the songs that remind him of the best times (Oh Danny Boy, Danny Boy, Danny Boy) I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink He sings the songs that remind him of the good times He sings the songs that remind him of the best times (Don't cry for me, next door neighbour) I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddyjt 8,587 Posted September 21, 2020 Author Share Posted September 21, 2020 Does anyone know WTF the lyrics to Roundabout by Yes mean?? "Roundabout" I'll be the roundabout The words will make you out 'n' out I spend the day your way Call it morning driving thru the sound and in and out the valley The music dance and sing They make the children really ring I spend the day your way Call it morning driving thru the sound and in and out the valley In and around the lake Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there One mile over we'll be there and we'll see you Ten true summers we'll be there and laughing too Twenty four before my love you'll see I'll be there with you I will remember you Your silhouette will charge the view Of distant atmosphere Call it morning driving thru the sound and even in the valley In and around the lake Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there One mile over we'll be there and we'll see you Ten true summers we'll be there and laughing too Twenty four before my love you'll see I'll be there with you Along the drifting cloud the eagle searching down on the land Catching the swirling wind the sailor sees the rim of the land The eagle's dancing wings create as weather spins out of hand Go closer hold the land feel partly no more than grains of sand We stand to lose all time a thousand answers by in our hand Next to your deeper fears we stand surrounded by million years I'll be the roundabout The words will make you out 'n' out I'll be the roundabout The words will make you out 'n' out In and around the lake Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there Twenty four before my love and I'll be there I'll be the roundabout The words will make you out 'n' out You spend the day your way Call it morning driving thru the sound and in and out the valley In and around the lake Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there One mile over we'll be there and we'll see you Ten true summers we'll be there and laughing too Twenty four before my love you'll see I'll be there with you 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Receiver2000 2,396 Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 Thank you. Pretty trippy song that I always loved. I never gave it much thought but guess that I assumed the reference to a roundabout was a traffic circle and driving through life or something like that. Great tune!!!!! Will need to hunker down and give it a critical listening now😁. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sk1Bum 9,803 Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 On 8/16/2020 at 6:13 AM, AndrewJohn said: While considering a wedding play list last night, this one came up. Was a favorite of my kids..., back a ways. My wife noted that the female vocal refrain lyric was not "kissing the night away", but "pissing the night away." When my son was 4 and 5 singing this song as one of his favorites at the time, I don't know if he knew either ! LoL. I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink He sings the songs that remind him of the good times He sings the songs that remind him of the best times (Oh Danny Boy, Danny Boy, Danny Boy) I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink He sings the songs that remind him of the good times He sings the songs that remind him of the best times (Don't cry for me, next door neighbour) I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (ooh) I get knocked down, (we'll be singing) But I get up again (pissing the night away) You are never gonna keep me down (when we're winning) Are you sure that's not about an old man trying to get a night's sleep? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_at_HHH 2,608 Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 50 minutes ago, Daddyjt said: Does anyone know WTF the lyrics to Roundabout by Yes mean?? Sorry Daddyjt - you are WAY too straight & sober, and not into mysticism enough to understand Jon Anderson lyrics. 😀😀 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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