‘Semi-Charmed Life’ – Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind’s 1997 smash hit ‘Semi-Charmed Life’ seemed to have a sugar coated pop feel to it, especially with the catchy chorus of “doot doot doot, dootdodootdoot.” However, you may be surprised to learn that the track actually has a darker underbelly. Stephan Jenkins, the lead singer and songwriter explained how the song has a “bright and shiny on the surface, and then it just pulls you down in this lockjawed mess”. The reason for this is as the song is about the seductiveness of speed and crystal meth, and how it pulls you in. In fact it’s a “dirty, filthy song about snorting speed and getting blow jobs.” As for the title choice of the song, Jenkins explained how it “refers to a life that’s all propped up. You know, the beautiful people who lead bright and shiny lives that on the inside are all fu**** up.”
Semi Charmed Life Third Eye Blind
‘Born in the U.S.A.’ – Bruce Springsteen
As perhaps the most misunderstood American anthem of all time, Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” is actually loaded with hidden ironies and misconceptions. For 30 years we have seen Americans throw fit-pumps in the air to the explosive and catchy chorus. However Bruce Springsteen has attempted to clarify the meaning in various interviews and even brought out an acoustic version to make the biting lyrics hit home more. In fact, the track recounts the story of a young man’s experiences having to fight in the Vietnam War, and the evident psychological scars that he brought back home with him. Even so, I don’t think this would stop any American from throwing fist pumps in the air when the chorus comes on!
Born In The U.S.A. Bruce Springsteen
