Music v. Words

The power of music can overwhelm the literal meaning (as reflected by the lyrics) of a song despite the musician's intent.  Sometimes it's just the music battling the words.  Other times it's the music plus a key phrase blotting out the underlying meaning.  So, is the "real" meaning what the writer intended or what the listener hears?   Some examples that come quickly to mind below.  Do you have any songs that fit the bill?



Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen.  The music plus the refrain are anthemic and seen by many as a very affirmative statement about America.  That's not how Bruce meant it - he saw it as a sad commentary on the Vietnam War and its aftermath  But it doesn't matter how he meant it - the music and refrain overpower his original intent and, reportedly, he wasn't happy about it.  Give it a listen:

Another example is Hey Jealousy by the Gin Blossoms.  A catchy rock tune, a perfect 90s song.  Rolls right along with a solid guitar solo and it caught my attention the very first time I heard it.  But it took me many listens before realizing it contains some of the most pathetic loser lyrics ever such as "If you don't expect too much from me, I might not let you down". 

And what about Every Breathe You Take by The Police?  Heard by many as a romantic song (and apparently used in many weddings since its release in the mid-80s), the lyrics are downright creepy.  Call 911 immediately if anyone says this to you:

Every breath you take
And every move you make
Every bond you break, every step you take
I'll be watching you

Every single day
And every word you say
Every game you play, every night you stay
I'll be watching you

Oh can't you see
You belong to me
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take

Every move you make
And every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake
I'll be watching you

Since you've gone I been lost without a trace
I dream at night I can only see your face
I look around but it's you I can't replace
I feel so cold and I long for your embrace

I keep crying baby, baby, please

Oh can't you see
You belong to me
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take

Every move you make
And every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake
I'll be watching you

Every move you make, every step you take
I'll be watching you

I'll be watching you
(Every breath you take, every move you make)
(Every bond you break, every step you take)
I'll be watching you
(Every single day, every word you say)
(Every game you play, every night you stay)

I'll be watching you
(Every move you make, every vow you break)
(Every smile you fake, every claim you stake)
I'll be watching you
(Every single day, every word you say)
(Every game you play, every night you stay)

I'll be watching you
(Every breath you take, every move you make)
(Every bond you break, every step you take)
I'll be watching you
(Every single day, every word you say)
(Every game you play, every night you stay)

I'll be watching you
(Every move you make, every vow you break)
(Every smile you fake, every claim you stake)
I'll be watching you