Revealing the True Meanings Behind These Misunderstood Songs

Published on 07/06/2023
ADVERTISEMENT

‘Perfect Day’ – Lou Reed

The song “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed has been featured in countless cheerful, upbeat ads for items such as Sony’s Playstation 4 and AT&T’s cellular service… which is odd given that it’s about heroin. The song, which is frequently misinterpreted as being about the power of love, is actually about the high one receives after consuming narcotics.

'Perfect Day' Lou Reed

‘Perfect Day’ Lou Reed

ADVERTISEMENT

‘Like a Virgin’ – Madonna

While many people believe Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” is an ode to a young woman having her first sex (a perception aided by Madonna’s frequent mid-80s performances in a wedding gown), the song was actually written by songwriters Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly about how vulnerable Steinberg felt entering a new relationship. Years later, Steinberg told the Los Angeles Times, “I wasn’t just trying to get that racy word virgin in a lyric. I was saying… that while I’m not a virgin — I’ve been battered romantically and emotionally like many people — I’m starting a new relationship and it just feels so good, it’s healing all the wounds and making me feel like I’ve never done this before, because it’s so much deeper and more profound than anything I’ve ever felt.”

'Like A Virgin' Madonna

‘Like A Virgin’ Madonna

ADVERTISEMENT