Songs that are often used inappropriately/misunderstood...

[trip]

"Last Train to Clarksville" by the Monkees...it sounds like fluff but I read an interview where they said it was actually about a soldier going off to war in Vietnam and now instead of seeing it as a light and fluffy song it kind of makes me said (but still has a catchy tune, lol)

I remember that song! Fort Campbell Ky is near Clarksville. My DH (boyfriend at the time) was stationed there before he went to Viet Nam.

 

[kate_wdw]

Alcohol by Barenaked Ladies - Actually, a lot of Barenaked Ladies songs are not what they seem to be.

This isn't quite the same thing, but Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison was originally about an interracial relationship and titled Brown Skinned Girl.

This is another one that isn't quite what you're asked for (and may be fighting words to some), but Whitney Houston's rendition of I Will Always Love You has always bothered me, because it's not at all in keeping with the lyrics.

 

[kate_wdw]

How about the classically misunderstood "I Will Always Love You"? Great song, but good heavens, please stop playing it at weddings.

I didn't see this before I posted. I agree totally!

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

I'm not sure about being misunderstood, but I always get a chuckle at the rampant overuse of Chelsea Dagger, a song about a prostitute, in every kind of movie and tv show and sporting event. The Fratellis are fabulous, but they do have more than one song!

 

[FlightlessDuck]

U2's One should NOT be used for weddings. It is NOT a song about romantic love.

 

[firecracker725]

Our dear friends (and their parents) danced to Crank Dat by Soulja Boy at their wedding. They all thought that Superman meant...ya know, Superman. They nearly died when I told them to look up "Superman" on Urban Dictionary.

 

[crashbb]

You are my Sunshine.

 

[kerstfan1]

did not know i will always love u was a sad song

 

[BlueStarryHat]

did not know i will always love u was a sad song

I saw it played as the wedding song where the bride died six weeks later of a brain tumor. The only time it was ever appropriate and we were all a mess.

 

[kate_wdw]

did not know i will always love u was a sad song

Listen to Dolly Parton's version, which more accurately conveys its meaning. (It should, she wrote it.)

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Ugh one of my biggest pet peeves is people not listening to the lyrics of songs and then therefore using them at inappropriate times (weird peeve, I know). How about the classically misunderstood "I Will Always Love You"? Great song, but good heavens, please stop playing it at weddings.

This is another one that isn't quite what you're asked for (and may be fighting words to some), but Whitney Houston's rendition of I Will Always Love You has always bothered me, because it's not at all in keeping with the lyrics.

Agree with both of these. It's truly a sad, sad song and a big reason why I prefer Dolly's version. You can hear the pain and sorrow in her voice when she sings it and so you know that it isn't some romantic power ballad.

You are my Sunshine.

One of the first ones I thought of.


I also agree with the OP about I'll Be Watching You. It's not sweet and romantic. It's creepy. And it's supposed to be creepy. Sting once gave an interview where he said numerous people have come up to him and told him that I'll Be Watching You was their and their partner's "song" and he really didn't understand why.



Another song that shouldn't be played at weddings: We've Got Tonite/We've Got Tonight. I was at a wedding where they couple danced to this as their first dance. I couldn't help but wonder why NO ONE who knew about this idea ahead of time didn't suggest that they listen to the lyrics before making it a major part of their wedding.

 

[Jessica14]

I don't know how true this is, but someone told me that Don Henley's "End of Innocence" is not about a child's experience with divorce but a political protest song during the Reagan years. I have no idea if either of these are true. If anyone had a clue I'd be interested in knowing

Jessica

 

[BlueStarryHat]

I remember once a senator from New Jersey formally proposing that Bruce Springsteen's Born To Run be the state song. Then they listened to the actual lyrics:


Baby this town rips the bones from your back
Its a death trap, it's a suicide rap
We gotta get out while were young


Hm. Wonder why *that* proposal went nowhere?

 

[Ryan1989]

You are my Sunshine.

The most upbeat, sad song about losing the girl and being miserbale!

 

[Praying Colonel]

I don't know how true this is, but someone told me that Don Henley's "End of Innocence" is not about a child's experience with divorce but a political protest song during the Reagan years. I have no idea if either of these are true. If anyone had a clue I'd be interested in knowing

Jessica

Yep--definitely a protest song, a commentary on innocence lost as a society. He makes it clear in that "Tired old man that we elected King" line.

Same for "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" from Henley's previous album. It was basically a commentary on how American society was turning a blind eye to what Henley believed was U.S. imperialism.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I don't know how true this is, but someone told me that Don Henley's "End of Innocence" is not about a child's experience with divorce but a political protest song during the Reagan years. I have no idea if either of these are true. If anyone had a clue I'd be interested in knowing

Jessica

Funny! I had no idea anyone thought it was about anything other than politics

Same with "Fire and Rain" I am kind of stunned people don't realize it is a sad song--it is so slow you would never miss hearing some of the lyrics.

 

[nmmom95]

I always laugh when I see the cruise commercial that uses Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life."

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Almost any song used during the Macy's 4th of July show last night.

 

[Diznygrl]

The song Louie Louie as recorded by the Kingman back in the 1960's was banned in many locals as pornographic. There was even an FBI investigation. It was not, the lyrics were slured. I recall a talent show when I was in high school back then where the principal stormed onstage and stopped a band in mid song and ordered them to leave the stage.

To this day I still don't know what the hell they're saying in that song!!

Almost any song used during the Macy's 4th of July show last night.

You mean Usher's 4th of July Spectacular?

 

[PrincessKsMom]

You mean Usher's 4th of July Spectacular?