‘Love Song’ – Sara Bareilles
If you’ve ever walked into a lobby with a free piano (or listened to the radio in 2007… at all), chances are you’ve heard Sara Bareilles’ chart-topping breakout tune. It might appear that a song titled “Love Song” would be, well, a love song, but the chorus disproves that impression almost immediately. Even more intriguing is the fact that this love ballad was never about a person, or a lady, for that matter. Bareilles created the song in a moment of rage after her record label repeatedly turned down songs she had written. “I became very insecure about it, and then I became very angry at myself for caring what anyone thought.” “Love Song” was her message to her label: “This is me, take it or leave it.” (It’s a good thing they agreed to accept it.)
‘Love Song’ Sara Bareilles
‘London Calling’ – The Clash
Though it has developed to take on a broader meaning, including the popular interpretation that it is an indictment of British politics and foreign affairs, this song was originally about something much simpler. In 1979, a British newspaper printed a headline warning that, with rapid global warning, the Thames river could overflow and flood London. When Mick Jones discovered this, he (in his words) “flipped.” As a result, the song is about a dread of drowning rather than politics.
‘London Calling’ The Clash
