The wrong song

[PennLady]

Many of us remember Reagan's campaign trying to appropriate Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA," not realizing (or perhaps not caring) about the actual words, in which a Vietnam Vet comes back to the US and is disillusioned about his country.

What other wrong songs have you encountered? I thought of this because I just watched the end of the NY Rangers/NJ Devils NHL playoff series. The Devils won, 4-3 in overtime, and after the handshake, presentation of the Prince of Wales trophy, Springsteen's "Glory Days" played on the PA.

Seriously? Your team just beat the no. 1 seed, they're in the Stanley Cup finals, and you're playing a song about middle-aged men and women reliving their past glories?

My worst experience with this was at a Washington Capitals' game, probably around 1997 or so. It was a regular season game, and the Caps were trailing (not an unusual thing at the time) and they played "Lonesome Loser" by Little River Band. Accurate, I can admit, but still -- shouldn't the home arena try to express a little confidence? Maybe bravado?

Anyway -- tell us your wrong song.

 

[Cruel2BKind]

Nothing specific, but everyone thinks that the song 'Jump' is a happy song. They play it as an inspirational piece. Watch the video,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlq0lYB3iSM

check the lyrics.

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/v/van+halen/jump_20142804.html

It's about suicide.

This fun fast-paced song that is always played at parties, it's about suicide.

 

[BTTap]

First of all, PennLady just went up in my estimation for being an NHL fan. What a great game tonight! So glad I decided to hang in and watch it rather than go out.
Fun topic!
A 'wrong song' experience I've had (repeatedly) has been the use of The Police's "Watching You," as a theme song for weddings (first dance of the married couple, etc.). Of course, this song was used a lot more in the 80's and early 90's. The song, while hauntingly beautiful on a casual listen, is about a stalker/obsessed ex-boyfriend. Not really the best theme for a budding marriage, imho.

 

[Stella_Omega]

about ten years ago, Pete Townsend sold a bunch of songs to Toyota, including "Bargain" which is about giving up everything for the one thing that means the most to you-- a cause, your God, the love of your life.

The dumbasses used it to talk about some economy model they were selling at a reduced rate... because "Bargain" right?

"I'd gladly lose me to find you
I'd gladly give up all I have..."

For a cheap Toyota?

 

[Stella_Omega]

First of all, PennLady just went up in my estimation for being an NHL fan. What a great game tonight! So glad I decided to hang in and watch it rather than go out.
Fun topic!
A 'wrong song' experience I've had (repeatedly) has been the use of The Police's "Watching You," as a theme song for weddings (first dance of the married couple, etc.). Of course, this song was used a lot more in the 80's and early 90's. The song, while hauntingly beautiful on a casual listen, is about a stalker/obsessed ex-boyfriend. Not really the best theme for a budding marriage, imho.

Also Green Day's "Time of Your Life" or as it's more properly titled "Good Riddance," which my kid had to sing for his graduation. The kids, who knew what the song was about, were rolling their eyes in time to the song they were singing...

And then there is the lovely "under the bridge" by RHCP, which made so many people go buy a punk-funk album thinking they were getting some sweet MOR sounds. Not to mention a ballad about nearly dying of a heroin overdose.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

"Meet the New Boss/We Won't Get Fooled Again" toward the end of Summer of Sam. Really, Spike Lee found nothing better than this song of rebellion and defiance to celebrate the capture of a serial killer? What the fuck does that have to do with the Son of Sam? Damn, that was almost as dumb as his CSA film. (Don't get me started on that badly researched "documentary".)

Spike Lee should go back to writing more useful films and more fitting soundtracks.

Then again, the movie sucked ass, anyway. Spike Lee is capable of much better work.

 

[Bramblethorn]

A 'wrong song' experience I've had (repeatedly) has been the use of The Police's "Watching You," as a theme song for weddings (first dance of the married couple, etc.). Of course, this song was used a lot more in the 80's and early 90's. The song, while hauntingly beautiful on a casual listen, is about a stalker/obsessed ex-boyfriend. Not really the best theme for a budding marriage, imho.

Yeah, that would've been my first pick (though title is "Every Breath You Take", IIRC). Sting has mentioned that he finds it REALLY CREEPY when people take that one as a romantic love song.

Bryan Adams "Run To You" when used by people who haven't noticed it's about infidelity.

Throw in any song that mistakes "I can't live without you" for a healthy way to express affection, but that's my biases speaking there.

But it's hard to beat "99 Luftballons" being used in a Cadbury's ad.

 

[PennLady]

First of all, PennLady just went up in my estimation for being an NHL fan. What a great game tonight! So glad I decided to hang in and watch it rather than go out.

BTT -- if you click on the link in my sig, on my submissions page there are a couple of hockey-themed romances, specifically Nothing Gets Through and the current (and ongoing) Rhythm & the Blue Line. MugsyB started it, so check out her page, too.

A 'wrong song' experience I've had (repeatedly) has been the use of The Police's "Watching You," as a theme song for weddings (first dance of the married couple, etc.). Of course, this song was used a lot more in the 80's and early 90's. The song, while hauntingly beautiful on a casual listen, is about a stalker/obsessed ex-boyfriend. Not really the best theme for a budding marriage, imho.

That's definitely a mis-used song. Another one in that vein, and in many ways spookier, is Marillion's "A Collection." Here are the lyrics. I even wrote a story with that one as influence.

 

[PennLady]

Throw in any song that mistakes "I can't live without you" for a healthy way to express affection, but that's my biases speaking there.

I never paid much attention to "Help Me, Rhonda," by the Beach Boys, but once I did I realized it was about a one-night stand, or perhaps a rebound romance. Those guys. Hiding it behind such upbeat music.

Lyrics: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/beach+boys/help+me+rhonda_20013638.html

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Well, now I'm not as bothered by the fact that this song sucked ass....at least my work won't ever be misused.

You got the same first name as that lingerie place, and you light up the room with your pretty face.

You got all kinds of charm and tons of grace, plenty of style, with your winning smile.

But do you see yourself, as I see you, when you look in the mirror for an hour or two, putting on your makeup and brushing your hair, in your silk underwear?

Your life has not been fine, I guess it must have been tough. When I said you were the slender kind, you said you weren't slender enough.

I don't know just what happened. I don't know who hurt you. Someone crushed your self-esteem and broke your heart in two.

But do you see yourself, as I see you, when you look in the mirror for an hour or two, putting on your makeup and brushing your hair, in your silk underwear.

Sexy silk underwear.

Wrote that about a decade or so back. But it never got anywhere, so at least won't be misinterpreted. It's a about girl who views herself as unattractive and fat, while a semi-secret admirer fantasizes about her and thinks of her as very sexy indeed. He "sees" her with his mind's eye in very sensual and erotic attire. The disconnect between his interest and her low self-esteem is the whole point. However, if it had done better, no doubt someone would view it as a seduction tale or an account of an extramarital affair or something. Then cheaters everywhere would playing it as a "cheating song" before, during, and after the tryst.

Small consolation, but it is some.

 

[BTTap]

Yeah, that would've been my first pick (though title is "Every Breath You Take", IIRC). QUOTE]

Shit! Consider me corrected.

There's a story in LW (where I frequently lurk), I think it might be called "Wife's Trip to New York," or something like that. It's ok. But, it contains the lyrics for "You Are My Sunshine," in it. It reminded me what a dark song it really is. Yet, it's rather benign chorus is used as a kid's song, a lullaby, even.

 

[soflabbwlvr]

The first one that comes to my mind is also "Every Breath You Take." My favorite, however, is "Lust for Life," by Iggy Pop Video. A song about drugs and alcohol consumption, used as the theme for the drug and alcohol themed movie "Trainspotting," and the appropriated first in a credit card commercial, and then later by Royal Caribbean Cruises.

 

[Safe_Bet]

Then again, some songs just fit perfectly!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKhmlxyTz1U&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[lovecraft68]

Also Green Day's "Time of Your Life" or as it's more properly titled "Good Riddance," which my kid had to sing for his graduation. The kids, who knew what the song was about, were rolling their eyes in time to the song they were singing...

And then there is the lovely "under the bridge" by RHCP, which made so many people go buy a punk-funk album thinking they were getting some sweet MOR sounds. Not to mention a ballad about nearly dying of a heroin overdose.

You beat me to it! They sang this at my daughters graduation last year as well.

 

[lovecraft68]

Another song that I think is misconstrued as meaningful or sweet is Clapton;s you look wonderful tonight.

The songs about a drunken idiot who can't even drive himself home and passes out on her.

Because Clapton lead that lifestyle for years, I think he meant this in a different way than it seems to have been taken.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

To all the girls I've loved before
The doctor says I've got a sore
It's been there all along
I may have done some wrong
To all the girls I've loved before

To all the girls I once caressed
You better go and get a test
What started with hello
Could now be causing woe
To all the girls I've loved before

I looked it up, so now I'm knowing
That if you ever came my way
You really should be H.M.O.- ing
It also wouldn't hurt to pray

To all the girls who shared my life
I hate to cause you any strife
My message won't take long
Please check inside your thong
If you're a girl I've loved before

To all the girls who cared for me
I've lived just like a busy bee
I took my task to heart
To pollinate a part
Of all the girls I've loved before

You should have planned on always "no" - ing
And telling me "put that away"
If you find any lesions showing
You'll know my love is here to stay

To all the girls I've loved before
It's something you just can't ignore
The evidence is strong
I gave infected schlong
To all the girls I've loved before

To all the girls I've loved before
I want you all to know the score
Because I came along
My virus may belong
To all the girls I've loved before

 

[PennLady]

I don't know about the Clapton song. I mean, yes, the guy is in no condition to drive ("I've got an aching head") but that doesn't mean he's drunk. Don't the headaches usually come the following morning?

Billy Joel's "Always a Woman" is another one. Sounds very sweet and ballad-y but the lyrics -- that woman must be psychotic. Or the guy likes being jerked around.

 

[lovecraft68]

I don't know about the Clapton song. I mean, yes, the guy is in no condition to drive ("I've got an aching head") but that doesn't mean he's drunk. Don't the headaches usually come the following morning?

Billy Joel's "Always a Woman" is another one. Sounds very sweet and ballad-y but the lyrics -- that woman must be psychotic. Or the guy likes being jerked around.

Maybe Billy Joel was a masochist, cause you're right.

 

[Stella_Omega]

The first one that comes to my mind is also "Every Breath You Take." My favorite, however, is "Lust for Life," by Iggy Pop Video. A song about drugs and alcohol consumption, used as the theme for the drug and alcohol themed movie "Trainspotting," and the appropriated first in a credit card commercial, and then later by Royal Caribbean Cruises.

That's right! I laughed my head off when I heard that for Caribbean Cruises. I thought-- how perfectly inappropriate.

 

[nastyman12a]

Was Trapped in my own level of hell recently. When I was forced to relive the 70's by hearing the Pina Collada song. In all my life, I've never heard such a stupid lyrics.

He's tired of his lady been together to long.

In the end he makes arrangements to cheat after reading a personal Ad. And it ends up being his lady that posted the ad he responds to. Ok I know this is supposed to be a song about rediscovering your lover. But maybe the romantic in me ( for those of you that know me don't cringe too much on that statement) But to me that's the opening for one hell of a fight. Not the sweet "Oh it's you ending in the song"

 

[lovecraft68]

Was Trapped in my own level of hell recently. When I was forced to relive the 70's by hearing the Pina Collada song. In all my life, I've never heard such a stupid lyrics.

He's tired of his lady been together to long.

In the end he makes arrangements to cheat after reading a personal Ad. And it ends up being his lady that posted the ad he responds to. Ok I know this is supposed to be a song about rediscovering your lover. But maybe the romantic in me ( for those of you that know me don't cringe too much on that statement) But to me that's the opening for one hell of a fight. Not the sweet "Oh it's you ending in the song"

Nice one! I've always felt that way. Nothing romantic about a pair of cheats.

Another one, that brings to mind is that Uncle Craker song "follow me"

What a fun song! A guy fucking a married woman. I love the line "And I'm not scared" Makes me think "You will be when hubby shows up with the shotgun asshole."

 

[Safe_Bet]

This one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE18CGmtXqM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[BTTap]

Another song that I think is misconstrued as meaningful or sweet is Clapton;s you look wonderful tonight.

The songs about a drunken idiot who can't even drive himself home and passes out on her.

Because Clapton lead that lifestyle for years, I think he meant this in a different way than it seems to have been taken.

Are you sayin' this song is about a dude with a case of the beer-goggles?

 

[lovecraft68]

Are you sayin' this song is about a dude with a case of the beer-goggles?

Pretty much, who knows, maybe she was a rancid barfly.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Pretty much, who knows, maybe she was a rancid barfly.

She is the same woman he wrote "Layla" for.