‘Silly’ Pop Songs That Have Way Deeper Meanings Than You Think

Music is all around us. You can hear it on the radio, on your streaming playlists, and even in grocery stores. But what’s going on in these tunes, beyond pleasant melodies? Well, guess what: Many of them are songs with deep meanings.

But you never would’ve guessed it based on one listen…

Psy – Gangnam Style

It’s not just a silly viral video hit. Psy’s dance-infused track “Gangnam Style” is a sharp piece of socioeconomic satire. The titular “Gangnam” refers to a district in South Korea that’s wealthy and privileged — think Beverly Hills.

Thus, Psy is poking fun at those who think too highly of themselves, mimicking their affectations in a deliberately low class song and video.

The Weeknd – Can’t Feel My Face

[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id=”RTK_K67O” mobile_id=”RTK_5yk0″]

A simple song about love gone awry? With The Weeknd, nothing is that simple. “Can’t Feel My Face” is a literal description of what happens when you take too much cocaine. The rest of the song metaphorically describes his relationship with the drug as if it was a woman.

So the next time you dance to this song, remember you’re dancing to the confessions of a drug addict.

Lady Gaga – Poker Face

Bisexuality. For Lady Gaga, she was born this way. And “Poker Face” is an examination of what it meant to hide this identity. As she fooled around with men, she would fantasize about women. To keep these men from second guessing, she practiced her… well, now you get it.

Semisonic – Closing Time

Semisonic’s “Closing Time”. The perfect anthem for misfits, drinkers, and… unborn children? That’s right: “Closing Time” is actually sung from the perspective of an unborn child, about to leave the womb.

Lead singer Dan Wilson said he didn’t realize the song was about his soon-to-be-born child until after he wrote it, in a case of subconscious inspiration.