1970s Song Meanings
The 1970s were a decade of musical diversity, from classic rock and funk to disco taking over dance floors and punk tearing it all down. Below you’ll find our breakdowns of what these songs were really about.
“What’s Going On” Lyrics Meaning (Marvin Gaye)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, a song about peace, protest, and the pain of a divided world.
“Morning Has Broken” Lyrics Meaning (Cat Stevens)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Morning Has Broken” by Cat Stevens, a song about renewal, gratitude, and the beauty of each new day.
“Coconut” Lyrics Meaning (Harry Nilsson)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson, a song about strange remedies, hangovers, and circular advice.
“Kodachrome” Lyrics Meaning (Paul Simon)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Kodachrome” by Paul Simon, a song about nostalgia, fantasy, and rewriting the past.
“What a Fool Believes” Lyrics Meaning (The Doobie Brothers)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “What a Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers, a song about denial, lost love, and self-deception.
“Into the Mystic” Lyrics Meaning (Van Morrison)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison, a song about love, death, passion, and surrendering to the unknown.
“Desperado” Lyrics Meaning (Eagles)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Desperado” by the Eagles, a song about loneliness, regret, and the fear of letting someone in.
“Blinded by the Light” Lyrics Meaning (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Blinded by the Light” by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, a song about youth, sex, and chasing fame.
“Behind Blue Eyes” Lyrics Meaning (The Who)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Behind Blue Eyes” by the Who, a song about loneliness, hidden rage, and being misunderstood.
“Carry On Wayward Son” Lyrics Meaning (Kansas)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas, a song about searching for truth, struggle, and spiritual growth.
“Brown Sugar” Lyrics Meaning (The Rolling Stones)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Brown Sugar” by the Rolling Stones, a song about race, sex, power, and the history of exploitation.
“Come and Get Your Love” Lyrics Meaning (Redbone)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone, a song about love, self-worth, and spiritual connection.
“Iron Man” Lyrics Meaning (Black Sabbath)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath, a song about betrayal, isolation, and revenge.
“Hurricane” Lyrics Meaning (Bob Dylan)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Hurricane” by Bob Dylan, a song about racial injustice, corruption, and a wrongful conviction.
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” Lyrics Meaning (Elton John)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John, a song about identity, regret, and emotional survival.