Some of the biggest songs to smash through the charts have had abysmal, creepy, or straight-up frightening lyrics. But if you add a catchy melody to a song, it’s easy to not pay attention to the actual subject matter of the track. It happens all the time. Let’s look at four popular songs from the last few decades that have surprisingly spooky lyrics you might have missed!
1. “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Bad Moon Rising” is one of CCR’s biggest hits, complete with their signature upbeat vibe and happy energy. A lot of diehard fans have been listening to this song since 1969. But, many haven’t really grasped the fact that it’s full of spooky lyrics about the apocalypse.
“Don’t go around tonight / Well it’s bound to take your life / There’s a bad moon on the rise.”
It’s a real testament to music theory. If this song was composed in minor over major, it would have sounded like a terrifying omen or lament.
2. “Crash Into Me” by Dave Matthews Band
If you’re only a casual Dave Matthews Band listener, you might have missed the dark and creepy lyrics in “Crash Into Me” from 1996. However, this particular band is no stranger to inserting creepy, often sexual lyrics into their songs.
“Oh I watch you there / Through the window / And I stare at you / You wear nothing but you / Wear it so well.”
Yup, the song’s about a peeping tom. And “Crash Into Me” even made it to a few family-friendly film soundtracks back in the day.
3. “Run For Your Life” by The Beatles
The Beatles rarely ever make it to lists like these. On the contrary, quite a few of their songs have made it to conspiracy theory lists about subliminal lyrics and drug innuendo. That being said, “Run For You Life” from 1965 has song pretty dark lyrics about infidelity and murder.
“I’d rather see you dead, little girl / Than to be with another man / Baby, I’m determined / And I’d rather see you dead.”
This definitely isn’t your typical Beatles song. Though, it is worth mentioning that the line in question was actually stolen from an Elvis Presley track.
4. “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind
With a song as catchy as this 1997 alternative rock track, it’s not surprising that most listeners missed the message behind “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind.
“The sky was gold, it was rose / I was takin’ sips of it through my nose / And I wish I could get back there, someplace back there / Smilin’ in the pictures you would take / Doin’ crystal meth, will lift you up until you break.”
This addictive (sorry, bad pun) song is about taking methamphetamine. It’s also about the horrors that can follow those who fall into the grip of addiction. When the song first dropped, it’s not clear if listeners were just ignoring the dark lyrics or simply did not really notice them.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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