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.
“1979” Lyrics Meaning (The Smashing Pumpkins)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “1979,” a song about the carefree recklessness of youth and the illusion that it will never end.
“Smoke on the Water” Lyrics Meaning (Deep Purple)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Smoke on the Water,” a song about Deep Purple’s chaotic experience making an album in Switzerland.
“Your Song” Lyrics Meaning (Elton John)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Your Song” by Elton John, a track about a young man writing the person he loves their very own song.
“Werewolves of London” Lyrics Meaning (Warren Zevon)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon, a darkly comedic song about a werewolf roaming London.
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” Lyrics Meaning (Bob Dylan)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan, a song about a dying lawman’s final moments.
“Eye in the Sky” Lyrics Meaning (The Alan Parsons Project)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Eye in the Sky” by the Alan Parsons Project, a song about being done with a cheating partner.
“Harvest Moon” Lyrics Meaning (Neil Young)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young, a song written for his wife about love that’s stood the test of time.
“Dancing in the Moonlight” Lyrics Meaning (King Harvest)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Dancing in the Moonlight,” a song about joy, togetherness, and dancing under the full moon.
“Lunatic Fringe” Lyrics Meaning (Red Rider)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Lunatic Fringe,” arock song written in response to a resurgence of anti-Semitism in the 1970s.
“7” Lyrics Meaning (Prince)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “7” by Prince, a 1992 song about love as a force strong enough to outlast every obstacle.
“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.