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.
“War Pigs” Lyrics Meaning (Black Sabbath)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath, an anti-war song comparing military leaders to evil forces.
“Fire Away” Lyrics Meaning (Chris Stapleton)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Fire Away” by Chris Stapleton, a song about a man telling his partner to take her anger out on him.
“Follow Me” Lyrics Meaning (Uncle Kracker)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Follow Me” by Uncle Kracker, a song about a secret affair and/or drug addiction.
“Far Behind” Lyrics Meaning (Candlebox)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Far Behind” by Candlebox, a song about a man’s anger and guilt after losing a friend to an overdose.
“Freak on a Leash” Lyrics Meaning (Korn)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Freak on a Leash” by Korn, a song about feeling used and controlled by the music industry.
“Personal Jesus” Lyrics Meaning (Depeche Mode)
Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in “Personal Jesus” by Depeche Mode, a song about becoming someone’s source of comfort and hope.
“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.