Photo: weheartit
Wow. We were totally off.
By Rachel Khona — Written on Apr 01, 2016
The 90s overall were a pretty awesome decade as far as decades go. Facebook didn't exist so if you wanted to stalk an ex, you actually had to stalk them. Clueless came out and permanently changed our lexicon. Plus, hello: The music!
Speaking of music, have you ever wondered what some of those songs really meant? If you're anything like me, the answer would be only when you're drunk or high. Obviously, we all know "Don't Speak" is about Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal's breakup because Gwen is nothing if not straightforward when it comes to her songwriting.
But there are some songs that remain a little more mysterious. Lucky for you, like Buddha I'm here to enlighten. Here are some of the most misunderstood songs of the 90s.
1. "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind
Did you think this song was about a happy-go-lucky-skipping-down-the-street kind of life? Well, you're WRONG. Massive fail. According to the lead singer Stephan Jenkins, the song is about crystal meth addiction.
One of the lyrics you probably missed? "Doing crystal meth will lift you up until you break." Bet you didn't see that coming.
2. "Steal My Sunshine" by Len
This song might have sounded like cheer in a bottle, but it was actually about depression. Someone is stealing the singer's sunshine, get it?
3. "Heart-Shaped Box" by Nirvana
You may think this is about Courtney Love's vagina, Courtney herself has proclaimed, but in reality nothing could be further from the truth. Kurt told biographer Michael Azerrad that the song is about children with cancer.
4. "MMMBop" by Hanson
Chances are, you didn't think this little ditty by three blond boys was as seemingly innocent as a blooming flower and the futility of life. Turns out, it is.
You have so many relationships in this life
Only one or two will last
You go through all the pain and strife
Then you turn your back and they're gone so fast
Oh yeah
And they're gone so fast, yeah
Not sure how any of us missed this one.
5. "Barbie Girl" by Aqua
No, this song isn't just about being rich and fabulous. Turns out, this seemingly vapid song is mockery of the sexism of Barbie. The band put a note on their album stating that the song is a social commentary.
6. "Give It Away" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
I thought for sure this was a song about lots and lots of sex... with everyone. But even Anthony Kiedis has a softer side. He noted in his autobiography, Scar Tissue, that he was inspired by a girlfriend who gave him her favorite jacket because she believed it created "good energy." His resulting new philosophy was to "give it away."
7. "Closing Time" by Semisonic
Like everyone else in the known universe, you probably think this song is about finding someone to hook up with as the bar closes. Wrong! What originally started out as a lighthearted song to close Semisonic's shows, lead singer Dan Wilson says "Closing Time" morphed into a song about the birth of his first child.