19 Songs Throughout History That Most People Don't Realize Had Deeper Meanings

Warning: This post discusses racism, violence, and drug use.

Some songs are so familiar that most of us don't really listen to the lyrics anymore. They're wedding staples, stadium anthems, and radio classics, even though many were written about death, war, heartbreak, racism, or other surprisingly heavy subjects. Others have meanings that are almost the exact opposite of how they're usually used.

Here are 19 songs with stories that many listeners never realize:

1. "Pumped Up Kicks" — Foster the People (2010)

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2. "Strange Fruit" — Billie Holiday (1939)

3. "A Change Is Gonna Come" — Sam Cooke (1964)

4. "Blowin' in the Wind" — Bob Dylan (1962)

5. "Hey Ya!" — OutKast (2003)

6. "Semi-Charmed Life" — Third Eye Blind (1997)

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7. "In My Own Lifetime" — Sammy Davis Jr. (1970)

8. "Born in the U.S.A." — Bruce Springsteen (1984)

9. "This Land Is Your Land" — Woody Guthrie (1940)

10. "Every Breath You Take" — The Police (1983)

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11. "Fortunate Son" — Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

12. "Lift Every Voice and Sing" — James Weldon Johnson (1900)

13. "You're Beautiful" — James Blunt (2005)

14. "Mississippi Goddam" — Nina Simone (1964)

15. "Ol' Man River" — Paul Robeson (1927)

16. "Closing Time" — Semisonic (1998)

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17. "The One I Love" — R.E.M. (1987)

18. "I Will Always Love You" — Dolly Parton (1974)

19. And, "Puff, the Magic Dragon" — Peter, Paul and Mary (1963)

Are there songs you loved for years before you found out what they were actually about? Tell us in the comments below!

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is an organization that provides resources to help US citizens understand and stand up for their rights, as well as take action against racial injustices.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, you can call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and find more resources here .

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