Music has always been a method of escape; a gateway into a world that allows us to detach from reality. However, in the past 6 months, music has allowed us all to take a break from the crushing reality that is 2020 as a whole.
Between Covid-19, political leaders being… well, political leaders, and the ever-so-slight feeling of impending doom, music has been something of a saving grace for many. Now, more than ever before, music has provided us with a chance to retreat from everyday life and its stresses. And in honour of that, we’re bringing you a series of the greatest song stories of all time. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy.
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Taking it back to the early 90’s, “Every Breath You Take” was sung all over the world, happily and without care. The lyrics “every breath you take and every move you make / every bond you break / any step you take / I’ll be watching you” were initially judged to be sweet, soft and loving… until Sting spoke about the track in an interview 1993, stating his concern for the public’s response to the song, claiming that it was never intended to be a positive love song, more of a warning about the darker and possessive side of love and lust.
“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Released in 1992, “Tears in Heaven” by iconic English singer, songwriter and guitarist Eric Clapton is perhaps one of the most heart-breaking songs to exist, and its raw and vulnerable lyrics are what have made it a firm favourite, and deemed to be one of the most notable song stories of all time. The track was written during Clapton’s 6-month hiatus after the tragic death of his young son. It has become one of Clapton’s most well-known songs.
“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac songs always have layers of depth to them when it comes to their core. The English-American rock band never failed to disappoint when it came to their music, and “Go Your Own Way” is arguably the group’s most popular song, detailing members Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s breakup from Buckingham’s perspective. However, Nicks claimed that many of lyrics in the song were not accurate, claiming that some of his accusations “weren’t true”.
“Daniel” by Elton John
Elton John’s lyricist Bernie Taupin claimed that their 1973 song, “Daniel”, is “the most interpreted song that we’d [Elton John] ever written”. Many thought the song was about a lover named Daniel, but Taupin cleared up any confusion in a tribute to his and Elton’s 1991 “Two Rooms Album” and explained the true meaning ode – an ode to a soldier returning home to Texas from the Vietnam War.
“Y.M.C.A” by Village People
A classic at any 70s-themed club night – “Y.M.C.A” by the Village People, a disco music group that dominated the late 70s with this track. Funnily enough, the track stemmed from a conversation between two members while recording their third studio album. Member Jacques Morali asked fellow group member Victor Willis what Y.M.C.A stood for… and the rest is history.
“Maneater” by Hall & Oates
“Maneater” was written by American duo Daryl Hall and John Oates (known as Hall & Oates) and was the opening track from their eleventh studio album “H20”, released in 1982. “Maneater” and its lyrics and title may perhaps suggest that the song is about a powerful woman, however Hall spoke about the misunderstanding behind the song’s intention, stating it was actually about New York City in the 80s.
“Manic Monday” – The Bangles
Written by the musical legend Prince, “Manic Monday” was given to all-female pop-rock band The Bangles in the mid 80s after Prince decided that the song wasn’t ideal for his all girl group, Apollonia 6. Nonetheless, some rumours started circling that the song was only given to The Bangles on the basis that Prince was able to sleep with one of the members.
“Vienna” by Billy Joel
“Vienna” is a wonderful track from American composer, singer and songwriter Billy Joel, and it is soft-rock song describing the joys of youth. Billy Joel spoke to the New York Times in 2008 about his love for the track, and why he chose Vienna to represent a time of freedom, love and the beauty of youth.
For a more in-depth and detailed look into the stories of these incredible songs, head to storyofsong.com to find out more.
Image credit: William Iven