James Blunt's 'You're Beautiful' is not the romantic song many people think it is.

• The song was written from the perspective of someone high on the subway, leering at another man's girlfriend.
• Blunt envisioned the story ending with the stalker character committing suicide.
• This darker subtext is showcased in the music video where the protagonist jumps off a cliff.

Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' is often misunderstood, with no clear revolutionary message in its lyrics.

• Listeners often misheard the lyrics, with the title referencing a deodorant brand and not featured in the song.
• Kurt Cobain stated the lyrics are nonsensical, denying a deeper meaning despite its reputation as a Gen X anthem.
• The song includes random poetry and lyrics, often written last minute by Cobain.

Contrary to popular belief, 'Who Let The Dogs Out' by the Baha Men has a feminist message.

• The term 'dogs' is not meant as an insult to women but refers to misbehaving men at a party.
• The original song was a response to catcalling, with women calling out the harassers.
• The Baha Men's music video can be interpreted to show men transforming into dogs and back.

Jimi Hendrix's 'Purple Haze' lyrics are commonly misheard, but do not involve kissing a man.

• Many believed Hendrix sang 'Excuse me while I kiss this guy' rather than 'kiss the sky'.
• Hendrix found the misunderstanding amusing and would intentionally sing the wrong lyrics live.
• The misinterpretation didn't bother him, and it became a part of his performances.

Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the USA' is often mistaken for a patriotic song but is critical of America.

• The song tells the story of a Vietnam War veteran's struggles upon returning home.
• Its catchy chorus has led to misinterpretation and misuse by politicians without Springsteen's approval.

Phil Collins' 'In the Air Tonight' is not about witnessing a drowning, but was inspired by personal turmoil.

• An urban legend suggests the song recounts Collins witnessing a drowning and addressing the non-rescuer.
• Collins actually wrote the song during his divorce and improvised the lyrics.

'99 Luftballons' by Nena is not a light-hearted song but a commentary on the Cold War.

• The song imagines balloons causing a nuclear war after being mistaken for an attack.
• The English version, '99 Red Balloons', maintains the serious message against a poppy synth beat.

Manford Man's Earth Band's 'Blinded By the Light' contains a frequently misheard lyric involving a 'deuce'.

• Listeners often mishear 'wrapped up like a deuce' as a reference to a feminine hygiene product.
• The original Bruce Springsteen lyric was 'cut loose like a deuce', while the cover version altered it.
• The band claims it was a technical issue with recording that led to the confusion.

R.E.M.'s 'The One I Love' is mistakenly considered a love song but actually depicts an abusive relationship.

• Guitarist Peter Buck described it as 'savagely anti-love'.
• Michael Stipe, the lead singer, was hesitant to record it due to its violent nature.
• The song's true meaning is often overlooked, leading to its inappropriate use in romantic settings.