Written By Jaya Pathak
Behind the lyrics: the stories that inspired iconic songs
Music has incredible power of connecting people ,medium of story telling ,raises emotions ,shares experience and ideas that resonated across the world. In music history iconic songs of all time came out because of the personal experience (relationships, breakups, divorce, marriage, families ,mental health ,struggles ,parenthood )and so many of the artist or bands, that were experienced by them on that time. In this article we will explore the stories behind the unforgettable songs that form the lyrics and unfolded the stories behind it and created history.
“Imagine” – John Lennon
This song has been written by John Lennon imagine and was very influencer song of the time and became and anthem of hope and unity. This song reflects the personal vision of Lennon’s for a peaceful planet and the song’s also dream of a world without conflict or borders. The Lennon’s wife Yoko Ono was the inspiration of this poetry of peace and Utopia. In 20th century it became one of the most iconic song because of the simplicity of the lyrics and soft music, hopeful message for a peaceful planet and unity across the nation.
Like a rolling stone – bob Dylan
This iconic song “like a rolling stone” was born from the frustration and disillusionment with the society by Bob Dylan. This song reflects about unknown person who lives a luxurious life and now finding herself as a rolling stone and vulnerable.
The song has been written by Dylan during his transition from folk musician to an electric rock music and the lyrics behind the song was also reflecting about the alienation in social climate that time. Bilal himself address that the phrase like “a rolling stone” was not a story of specific person but it is the exploration of human sufferings , voice of disconnection from the world and alienation to challenge the harse reality of life. The rebellious spirit of the song made it the timeless anthem for the time.
“Hotel California”-Eagles
“Hotel California” this song’s inspiration was the excess and temptation. In 1970, it is a metaphorical explanation of excess, materialism and dark side of fame. The eagles crafted this song to show the pleasure seeking lifestyle of loss Angeles at that time and also showing the dangers that come across with the luxurious lifestyle.
The lyrics of the song describe about a traveller who arrived at the luxurious hotel only to find that he can never leave-used as a metaphor for the trapping of excess materialistic desire of the time. this song also meant to convey a sense of spiritual decay and also a symbol for the darker side of fame, wealth and critics on American dream.
“smells like teen spirit” – Nirvana
During 90s this song smells like teen spirit has became and anthem for youth rebellion. Kurt cobain wrote this song by the sensation of frustration and alienation that characterized by the youth of that time. This title of the song quickly became an anthem for the generation of 90s who fill themselves away from the mainstream culture symbolizes, it as a grunge movement. This song captured the complexity of modern life and the hollow promises of fame and success.
“Bohemian Rhapsody”- Queen
Freddie Mercury, queen’s legendary frontman , wrote this song by the inner conflicts as a fusion of Rock Opera and personal struggle. This song by Mercury shows about the inner struggles with her identity and acceptance, that was represented in the most innovative and operatic rock song. She also never address clearly about the meaning behind the song . This operatic and dramatic song has become a cultural touchstone for the musical genius and youth.
“Tears in heaven”- Eric Clapton
Eric clapton’s wrote this song after death of his 4 year old son, conor, became the inspiration of one of the most heart breaking songs that have ever return” tears in heaven.” knees interview also Eric Clapton said that this song fill his grief and deals with the happiness and also deals with healing from the music. After the accidental fall of his son from the New York apartment window, this song has been created as a reflection of love ,loss and healing.
“I will always love you”- Dolly parton
In 1970, the song originally written and perform by dolly Parton, on” I will always love you” created a place in music history. She said that she wrote the song as a heart felt farewell to her long time collaborator and mentor , Porter, Wagoner. The emotional death of the song has been addressed in its bittersweet farewell which reflects about the love and gratitude while addressing someone the best in future and leaving behind or the end of the era. This emotional song made the history among the new generation of listeners.
“Let it be”- The Beatles
This song the let it be husband written by Paul Mc Cartney, during the break up of his band and remarking it as the last song of Beatles together. Song by Mc Cartney was an inspiration by a dream of his mother who passed away when he was just 14 years old. His mother Mary said him in his dream “ let it be” that was led to the foundation of the song lyrics. This song was dedicated to the millions of listeners with its calm and soothing voice , as a message of peace during the uncertain period of time in life.
“What’s going on” – Marvin Gaye
This song during 1970, written by Marvin gaye, was the reflection of pain and confusion that was caused by the social disturbance and the personal loss of his close friend during the war. “What’s going on” the lyrics of the song was the question to the American government during the political and social disturbance, including the civil rights movement and Vietnam war. This revolutionaries song marked in the history as The anthem for social change during the situation of protest.
“Landslide”- Fleetwood Mac
Landslide written by Stevie Nicks, at the turning point of her life whether she has to pursue career in music. The lyrics of the song conveys that the changing situation of the life, inner deep feelings about father daughter relationship and growth.
Conclusion
The untold stories behind every great songs- States about the moment of inspiration that led to the creativity of lyrics. People love and know about the meaning of the music because of these stories which reflects the love and loss that add layers to these stories. The power of music is not only to connect the people with their emotions but they are also capable to tell the stories and experience of others. So if you listen any of your favourite music track, just take a while and think Deeper about the story behind the lyrics.
