Sometimes, when listening to the words of a song, we may feel they hold a strong meaning for us, however, sometimes, that meaning is only the one we ourselves attribute to the lyrics. Taken on their own they are, at best, random, if not utterly nonsensical.
Other times we are sure of the meaning of the lyrics, yet, we are not sure which person the songwriter was really referring to when they wrote the song – although we have our suspicions.
Here are a few of those famous songs that fall into those categories and what is purported to be the real person or meaning behind them.
“Dude (Looks Like a Lady)”
The story here is reported in Vince Neil’s autobiography. One night Steven Tyler and Joe Perry went out drinking, when Tyler noticed a woman that he thought was gorgeous even though she was looking the other way. Apparently, he instantly fell in love. But, when the ‘lady’ turned around, she wasn’t actually a lady at all, but Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil.
“Like a Rolling Stone”
In June 1965, Bob Dylan was moved enough to write ten pages of verse which he says was “telling someone something they didn’t know…”
The piece was never actually written to be a song, however, with some distillation by Dylan and the impromptu help from a young 21-year-old session guitarist named, Al Kooper, (who, even though he wasn’t an organ player, actually played the organ in a rehearsal playback) it became a very notable hit.
The lyrics are about falling from grace and are reported to be about Andy Warhol’s treatment of heiress, socialite and Andy Warhol superstar, Edie Sedgwick, and about Sedgwick’s eventual downfall (although this would have been a mere prediction by Dylan at the time) if she didn’t move away from the drug-induced 60s scene.
Although, Howard Sounes, Dylan’s biographer suggests that the song isn’t about one person in particular but more about the lifestyles that some of those in the movie and music industry at the time.
“White Christmas”
The sun is shining, the grass is green
The orange and palm trees sway
There’s never been such a day
In Beverly Hills, LA
Perhaps not many people would immediately realise that these are the opening lyrics to the song, “White Christmas”, although the final two lines in the opening verse do give some indication:
But it’s December the 24th
And I am longing to be up North
Bing Crosby’s version was in the 1942 movie “Holiday Inn”, although this first verse was not included – for obvious reasons, since the scene was set in the middle of a snow storm.
But, the composer Irving Berlin, wrote it one December when he was staying in Beverley Hills.
“Daniel”
No, this Elton John classic isn’t about one of his ex-lovers. Neither is it about Elton’s real brother. Actually the lyrics are written by Bernie Taupin (long-term writing partner of Elton’s) who was inspired by a story he’d read about how so many soldiers who had returned from Vietnam were generally unhappy in one way or another by the way they were greeted, either because of the adulation or torment, so much so, that they were forced to leave their homes and find places where they were no longer known.
The song is about the way a younger brother of a disabled (i.e. blinded) Vietnam veteran feels when his brother leaves.
Many have said that the last verse explained the true meaning of the song but this was cut by Elton as the song was already too long. Taupin denies this, however.
“You’re So Vain”
Carly Simon’s scathing attack on a man who is more concerned about their image than anything else has been said to be about a one-time partner, Warren Beatty. Warren Beatty, believed himself to be the subject of the song. He actually called the singer and said, “Thanks for the song”. I bet you think this song is about you, don’t you, don’t you, Warren?
Simon herself says that it is really a combination of men, although, she has excluded Mick Jagger and her ex-husband, James Taylor as being the man who walked into a party like he was walking on to a yacht. Others have suggested, David Bowie, David Cassidy, Dan Armstrong, and Cat Stevens.
In 2010, Simon reportedly said that, “The answer is on the new version of ‘You’re So Vain’. There’s a little whisper – and it’s the answer to the puzzle.” And, indeed, there is supposed to be the name ‘David’ whispered backwards at about two and a half minutes into the new version – or is that just a gimmick to sell the new version?
The real identity still remains a mystery.
Knowing the Real Meaning and the Real Identity
When writing a song, the fascination of finding out what was really meant and who the person was and the mystery behind it works. Not so, however, when it comes to writing a Will.
If there is ambiguity about the meaning of the words in a Will, a court is left to construe them – and, many times, a court has to take the literal meaning of the words, which is not always what the person writing their Will had in mind.
Further, it might be that, if they are not correctly identified, the real beneficiary, the person who was intended to receive a legacy under the Will, does not receive a penny without a long, and expensive, court battle.
Of course, the best way to prevent this is to have a Will drafted by a professional who can clearly define the intentions of the Testator (i.e. the person writing their Will) and ensure that the beneficiaries are unmistakable.
Perhaps, that is not so much fun and it is definitely not so ‘rock ‘n’ roll’, but it is much less strain and upset and a far better scenario for those left behind!
Although, we don’t think anyone has written a song about it yet!
If you would like any help with writing your Will, please do give us a call on: 020 8920 3360 and we will be happy to discuss your options with you.
Alternatively, why not email us at: info@twb.org.uk, or visit our website: http://www.twb.org.uk.
In the meantime, do you know of any songs which have hidden meanings or are written about an unidentified person? Leave us a comment and let us know.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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