Wait, that song is about what ??

[Matthew_S]

I am old enough (37) to remember a time when popular songs were often subtle or sly about their lascivious/sordid/unpopular/'controversial' content. 

And even when they were not subtle at all, still as a kid, you (or maybe just me) may not have realized what a song was actually about. 

I was reminded of this when I was playing Rock Band with my 2 youngest kids.  As my daughter sang along with "Pump It Up" and cheerily shouted, "I love this song,"  I was reminded of my childhood revelation concerning "Lola" by the Kinks.  I thought it was a catchy song, fun to sing along with.  And then a few years later, I actually listened to the lyrics.  "Wait, what?!" is a suitable expression of my confused mind at that moment.

I'm not alone in this, right? 

[nec13]

No, you're not.

It took me years to realize that "I Touch Myself" was about the joy of self-stimulation.

[masterofsparks]

I shocked when I found out what "Orgasm Addict" was really about.

[Dan B]

"Scars on my body/scabs on my d"

[daveB from Oakland]

she bop, she bop

[Christina]

I still remember that pervert Louis Armstrong, singing about omlettes!

Revolting.

[DoodleJump!]

When I was little I was a huge Heart fan, and I still remember the day I thought twice about the lyrics in Crazy on You. All of the sudden, the song meant more than having a big crush on somebody.

[Chris L]

"Down in the Tube Station at Midnight" by the Jam is actually about a plum shortage that struck England in the late 19th century.

[Martin]

Early PE lyrics, especially on Fear of a Black Planet, took some decypherin' for this 13-year-old Swede. Burn Hollywood Burn and Fight the Power were literal enough, but Anti-Nigger Machine and Pollywannacracka were tougher.

[Sarah]

I remember the first time I listened to the lyrics of "Free Bird" after having heard it approximately five million times in an assortment of bars over the years.  Made me want to kick someone.  

[yesno]

I think that Volkswagen had the same reaction, after they used the song Roman P. by Psychic TV in a commercial.

[JonFromMaplewood]

I get a chuckle out of "Submission" by the Sex Pistols because it is NOT about anything naughty.  It's about a submarine mission.

[gravy boat]

One of many great moments from Arrested Development is when Michael Cera and his cousin realize the meaning behind the words in their duet "Skyrockets in Flight, Afternoon Delight"

[daveB from Oakland]

GG Allin's "Bite It You Scum" is about the day that he helped an old lady across the street, rescued a puppy, and volunteered at the local 4-H club.

[Reeleyes]

I get a chuckle out of "Submission" by the Sex Pistols because it is NOT about anything naughty.  It's about a submarine mission.

I believe "Captain Jack" by Billy Joel piloted that sub.