2010s Song Meanings
The 2010s were a decade of musical reinvention, from the rise of streaming and EDM to trap taking over and pop becoming more personal than ever. Below you’ll find our breakdowns of what these songs were really about.”
“Sign of the Times” Lyrics Meaning (Harry Styles)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Sign of the Times,” a song about suffering in silence, death, and saying what needs to be said.
“Never Enough” Lyrics Meaning (Loren Allred)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Never Enough” by Loren Allred, a song about needing someone so much that nothing else matters.
“Apocalypse” Lyrics Meaning (Cigarettes After Sex)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Apocalypse” by Cigarettes After Sex, a song about loving someone who’s trapped in their past.
“Cry” Lyrics Meaning (Cigarettes After Sex)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Cry” by Cigarettes After Sex, a song about being unable to commit to someone who loves you.
“Unsteady” Lyrics Meaning (X Ambassadors)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Unsteady” by X Ambassadors, a song about a child watching his parents’ marriage fall apart.
“Happier” Lyrics Meaning (Marshmello & Bastille)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Happier” by Marshmello & Bastille, a pop song about breaking up with someone for the right reasons.
“Love Yourself” Lyrics Meaning (Justin Bieber)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber, a pop song about pride, toxic relationships, and closure.
“Pumped Up Kicks” Lyrics Meaning (Foster the People)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People, a song about isolation, envy, and youth violence.
“Gangnam Style” Lyrics Meaning (Psy)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Gangnam Style” by Psy, a K-pop song about image, satire, and the illusion of status.
“For the First Time” Lyrics Meaning (Mac DeMarco)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “For the First Time” by Mac DeMarco, a song about the difficulty of a long-distance relationship.
“Best Friend” Lyrics Meaning (Rex Orange County)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Best Friend” by Rex Orange County, a song about unrequited love, jealousy, and holding on to hope.
“Moon River” Lyrics Meaning (Audrey Hepburn / Frank Ocean)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Moon River,” a song about a wanderer’s search for a place to call home.
“To Build a Home” Lyrics Meaning (The Cinematic Orchestra)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “To Build a Home” by the Cinematic Orchestra, a song about love, memory, and letting go.
“Flightless Bird, American Mouth” Lyrics Meaning (Iron & Wine)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron & Wine, a song about lost innocence and disillusionment.
“Runaway” Lyrics Meaning (Aurora)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Runaway” by Aurora, a song about longing for home, safety, and belonging.