Rock Song Meanings
Rock music has taken more shapes than any other genre, from the blues-soaked roots of early rock and roll to grunge, punk, and the alternative sounds that followed. Below you’ll find our breakdowns of what these songs are really about.
“Seasons in the Sun” Lyrics Meaning (Terry Jacks)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Seasons in the Sun,” a song about a dying man saying goodbye to the people who mattered most to him.
“I’m Not in Love” Lyrics Meaning (10cc)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “I’m Not in Love” by 10cc, a prog pop song about a man in complete denial of his feelings.
“The Logical Song” Lyrics Meaning (Supertramp)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “The Logical Song,” a song about being molded into something “sensible” and forgetting who you were.
“Wooly Bully” Lyrics Meaning (Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Wooly Bully,” a song about a strange creature, two women, and a very strong recommendation to dance.
“Walking in Memphis” Lyrics Meaning (Marc Cohn)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn, a song about music, grief, and the city that changed everything.
“Sail” Lyrics Meaning (Awolnation)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Sail” by Awolnation, a song about feeling wired differently and not knowing what to do about it.
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” Lyrics Meaning (Billy Joel)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” a song about the rapid-fire events that shaped the 20th century.
“Nothing Else Matters” Lyrics Meaning (Metallica)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica, a rock song about love, trust, and shutting out the noise.
“Melissa” Lyrics Meaning (The Allman Brothers Band)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Melissa” by the Allman Brothers Band, a song about a restless wanderer who can’t settle down.
“Amber” Lyrics Meaning (311)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Amber” by 311, a song about love, independence, and a long-distance relationship that works.
“Bad Moon Rising” Lyrics Meaning (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, a song about impending doom and disaster.
“Eleanor Rigby” Lyrics Meaning (The Beatles)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Eleanor Rigby” by the Beatles, a song about loneliness, isolation, and forgotten lives.
“Your Love” Lyrics Meaning (The Outfield)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Your Love” by the Outfield, a song about a guy trying to cheat while his girlfriend is on vacation.
“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.
“All I Need” Lyrics Meaning (Radiohead)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “All I Need” by Radiohead, a rock song about obsessive, unrequited love.