Song Meanings – Page 3 – Interesting Literature

The Curious Meaning of ‘Diamonds’ by Rihanna

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

A paean to drugs? Or alcohol? Or sex? Or the heady sensory experience of falling in love? Just what is the meaning behind ‘Diamonds’, one of Rihanna’s catchiest songs?

‘Diamonds’ is from Rihanna’s seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). If the song reminds you of another anthemic ballad from around the same time, namely ‘Chandelier’ by Sia, that’s because ‘Diamonds’ was written by Sia, along with the song’s producers, Benny Blanco and Stargate. Sia provided the lyrics (discussed below), reportedly writing them in just 14 minutes.

The Curious Meaning of ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ by Rick Astley

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

Not many 1980s pop songs have inspired a world-famous meme, but ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ by Rick Astley certainly has that claim to fame. The song – one of the catchiest of tunes released through the powerhouse that was Stock Aitken and Waterman – is often derided and dismissed, but it deserves more credit than it usually gets.

The Curious Meaning of ‘Mad World’ by Tears for Fears

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

Two extremely popular musical acts who emerged in Britain in the 1980s owed their names to the work of the American psychologist Arthur Janov (1924-2017). Janov’s 1970 book The Primal Scream gave its name to a Glasgow band formed in 1982, while a band formed down in Bath in southern England a year earlier named themselves Tears for Fears in honour of Janov’s method of psychotherapy.

The Curious Meaning of ‘True’ by Spandau Ballet

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘True’ is Spandau Ballet’s signature song. But what is the actual meaning of this pop-soul ballad which topped the UK charts in 1983? The song has its roots in Gary Kemp’s feelings about the lead singer of another 80s band, while aspects of the lyrics and melody pay tribute to some of the greatest names in soul and pop music.

The Curious Meaning of ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’ by The Smiths

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’ is one of many classic songs by the Manchester group The Smiths. More than this, it is one of many classic songs to appear on a single album, The Queen Is Dead (1986), the album which represented the peak of the band’s success and powers.