Revealing the True Meanings Behind These Misunderstood Songs

Published on 09/19/2023
ADVERTISEMENT

‘Closing Time’ – Semisonic

Semisonic’s “Closing Time” has become an anthem for last calls all around the world, with innumerable bars and clubs playing it as the night’s final tune. However, the lyrics of the song have little to do with a bar. Instead, they were originally penned about his girlfriend’s pregnancy by musician Dan Wilson. However, the band recognized the bar link early on and said that they anticipated that’s what listeners would assume the song was about.

'Closing Time' Semisonic

‘Closing Time’ Semisonic

ADVERTISEMENT

‘In The Air Tonight’ – Phil Collins

Many consider this Phil Collins song to be one of the darkest pop hits of all time. According to urban mythology, the song depicts a man watching another man drown and doing nothing to save him, all of which was allegedly witnessed by Collins himself. The singer then wrote the song, invited the man to a gig, and performed it in front of him. The story went viral in the early days of the internet, and was even referenced in Eminem’s hit “Stan,” which included the line, “You know the song by Phil Collins, ‘In the Air of the Night’ (sic) about that guy who coulda saved that other guy from drownin’, but didn’t, then Phil saw it all, then at a show he found him?” The story, however, is a complete fabrication. According to Collins, the song has no clear story and is more of a stream of mind on his experiences following his divorce.

'In The Air Tonight' Phil Collins

‘In The Air Tonight’ Phil Collins

ADVERTISEMENT