The sad meanings behind these happy-sounding songs
They’re the songs we turn to when we need a pick-me-up after a lousy day, but have you ever had a proper listen to some of your favourites? They may be darker than they seem! Here are 7 happy-sounding songs with surprisingly grim lyrics.
“You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmie Davis
The title alone is enough to stir up the warm and fuzzies, but if you listen beyond the sweet chorus of this classic 1939 song, you’ll find it’s actually quite dark, referring to themes of death and loss quite often throughout.
“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” by The Beatles
With its jaunty piano rhythm and Paul McCartney’s cheerful vocals, you’d never know that “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” actually dealt with some seriously sinister subject matter – namely, a schoolboy named Maxwell who murders people with his silver hammer.
“99 Luftballons” by Nena
You’d be forgiven for not realising the depressing lyrics behind this song, given it’s in German, but you may be surprised to learn it’s not as cheery as it may sound. It tells the story of 99 red balloons released into the sky being mistaken for UFOs and causing 99 years of war.
“I Don’t Like Mondays” by The Boomtown Rats
On the surface, this song penned by front man Bob Geldof sounds quite lovely, but its lyrics were actually inspired by a 16-year-old girl who went on a shooting spree at her school. Her explanation? "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day."
“It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore
This Quincy Jones-produced hit definitely has an upbeat tune, but did you know why the protagonist was crying at her party? As it turns out, the song is about a girl who’s crush brings another girl to her party without asking. Poor lass!
“Mamma Mia” by ABBA
Released in 1976, “Mamma Mia” became one of ABBA’s most recognisable hits, but behind the catchy lyrics and fun beat lies a sad meaning. It tells the story of a girl who is cheated on by her lover, but can’t resist taking him back.
“Electric Avenue” by Eddy Grant
Fun, funky and reggae-inspired, this hit 1982 song is actually a take on the 1981 Brixton riot – particularly Electric Avenue, named for its status as the first electrically lit street in Brixton. The riots began after tensions rose among the area’s Caribbean immigrant community.
What other happy-sounding songs have you found hidden meanings in? Let us know in the comment section below.
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