21 Secrets Behind Songs You’ve Heard a Thousand Times
Every hit song has a story, and some are surprising. From unexpected inspirations to behind-the-scenes drama, these stories add depth to the music. Here are 21 secrets behind songs you already love.
1. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles
“Hey Jude,” one of The Beatles’ most beloved hits, was originally written by Paul McCartney to comfort John Lennon’s son, Julian, during his parents’ divorce. Originally titled “Hey Jules,” McCartney changed it to “Hey Jude” because it sounded better. The song, which is one of the longest to ever top the charts, became an anthem of hope and reassurance for many.
2. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple
The iconic riff of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” was inspired by a real fire. The band was in Montreux, Switzerland, to record an album when they witnessed the Montreux Casino catch fire during a Frank Zappa concert. The “smoke on the water” refers to the smoke from the fire spreading over Lake Geneva, which the band saw from their hotel.
3. “American Pie” by Don McLean
Don McLean’s “American Pie” is a complex and cryptic song, but its famous line “The day the music died” refers to the tragic plane crash in 1959 that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. The song’s lyrics reflect McLean’s nostalgic view of the changing musical landscape of America in the 1960s.
4. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” was inspired by a red-headed bank clerk who flirted with her husband shortly after their marriage. Additionally, the name “Jolene” came from a young fan Parton met at one of her concerts. The song’s pleading lyrics and catchy melody have made it one of Parton’s most enduring hits.
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5. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles
Despite popular belief that “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” was a veiled reference to LSD, The Beatles denied this. John Lennon said the song was inspired by a drawing his son Julian made of his classmate, Lucy. The imagery in the lyrics was influenced by the surrealistic style of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.”
6. “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.
R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” is not about religion at all. The phrase is an old Southern expression meaning “at the end of one’s rope.” Lead singer Michael Stipe said the song was about unrequited love and the feeling of being at your wit’s end.
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7. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
A love song with one of the most iconic guitar riffs, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” was written by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash as a simple string skipping exercise. The lyrics were penned by lead singer Axl Rose, who was inspired by his then-girlfriend Erin Everly.
8. “Hotel California” by The Eagles
The Eagles’ “Hotel California” is a metaphorical song about the dark side of the American dream. The lyrics paint a picture of a luxurious and hedonistic lifestyle that ends up being a trap from which escape is impossible. The song has been subject to many interpretations, but the band members have explained it as a commentary on the decadence of the 1970s.
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9. “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon
Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” has sparked decades of speculation about the identity of the vain subject. Simon has kept it a closely guarded secret, although she’s revealed that the second verse refers to Warren Beatty. The rest of the song, however, remains a mystery.
10. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” Queen’s operatic masterpiece, is shrouded in mystery. Freddie Mercury, who wrote the song, never fully explained its meaning, leading to widespread speculation and interpretation. Some believe it’s about Mercury’s personal struggles, while others think it’s just a nonsensical story set to music.
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11. “Let It Be” by The Beatles
Paul McCartney wrote “Let It Be” after a dream in which his deceased mother, Mary, appeared to him during a tumultuous period in his life. She comforted him with the words “let it be.” The song later became The Beatles’ final single before McCartney announced his departure from the band.
12. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
Billy Joel’s signature song “Piano Man” is a semi-autobiographical tale. It was inspired by Joel’s experiences playing piano at The Executive Room in Los Angeles. The characters in the song are based on real people Joel encountered while working there.
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13. “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” marked a significant shift in his music style and was considered revolutionary at the time. Dylan said the song originated from a 10-page long, rambling piece of verse, which he later distilled into the lyrics of the song.
14. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
Originally written in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” was re-written in 1997 for Princess Diana after her tragic death. The new version, “Candle in the Wind 1997,” became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
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15. “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton wrote “I Will Always Love You” as a farewell to her mentor and business partner, Porter Wagoner, when she decided to pursue a solo career. The song was later popularized by Whitney Houston’s cover for the film “The Bodyguard.”
16. “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” was reportedly inspired by a dream in which he was walking under the sea. The dream was a reflection of Hendrix’s feelings of alienation and confusion. The song became one of the defining tracks of the psychedelic rock era.
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17. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s classic “My Way” was adapted from a French song called “Comme d’habitude.” The English lyrics were written by Paul Anka specifically for Sinatra. It became one of Sinatra’s most famous and enduring songs, often associated with his personality and career.
18. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton wrote “Tears in Heaven” as a poignant tribute to his four-year-old son, Conor, who tragically died after falling from a New York apartment building. The song expresses Clapton’s grief and his struggle to come to terms with his loss.
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19. “Imagine” by John Lennon
John Lennon’s iconic song “Imagine” is a plea for peace and a utopian world without borders, religions, or possessions. The lyrics reflect Lennon’s hope for a world of unity and harmony. It has become an anthem for peace movements around the world.
20. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” was inspired by police brutality witnessed by Four Tops member Renaldo “Obie” Benson. Gaye, deeply affected by social and political issues of the time, used the song to express his concerns about war, poverty, and environmental degradation.
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21. “Killing Me Softly with His Song” by Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly with His Song” was inspired by Lori Lieberman, who wrote a poem after seeing Don McLean perform. Lieberman’s poem caught the attention of songwriters Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox, who turned it into the song later made famous by Flack.
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