We’ve all been there — belting out a favorite tune, only to later discover we’ve been singing the wrong words all along. Some of these misheard lyrics are hilarious, while others are just plain confusing.
Here’s a list of popular songs where the lyrics you thought you knew might not be so accurate after all.
RELATED STORIES
“New Rules” by Dua Lipa (2017)
Embed from Getty ImagesDua Lipa’s “New Rules” includes the lyric “I’ve got new rules, I count ‘em,” but many hear it as “I’ve got new rules, I count down.” The difference changes the meaning slightly, but the real version is all about counting rules, not counting down.
“I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles (1963)
Embed from Getty ImagesIn this Beatles classic, the lyric “I can’t hide” is often misheard as “I get high.” Given the Beatles’ later years, it’s an understandable mix-up, but the original is all about innocent love, not getting high.
“Blank Space” by Taylor Swift (2014)
Embed from Getty ImagesMany fans have sung along to Taylor Swift’s***t thinking the lyric was “Got a long list of Starbucks lovers” when it’s actually “Got a long list of ex-lovers.” It’s a common mistake!
“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi (1986)
Embed from Getty ImagesBon Jovi’s anthem has a line where fans often mishear “It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not” as “It doesn’t make a difference if we’re naked or not.” The actual lyric is much more about resilience than n****y.
“Paradise City” by Guns N’ Roses (1987)
Embed from Getty ImagesGuns N’ Roses’ hit “Paradise City” has a line that’s often misheard as “Take me down to a very nice city.” The actual lyric is “Take me down to paradise city,” a much more fitting destination for rock legends.
“Like a Virgin” by Madonna (1984)
Embed from Getty ImagesMadonna’s iconic song “Like a Virgin” includes the lyric “Touched for the very first time,” but many people hear it as “Touched for the 31st time,” which completely changes the song’s meaning. The original emphasizes newness, not repetition.
“We Will Rock You” by Queen (1977)
Embed from Getty ImagesIn Queen’s stadium anthem “We Will Rock You,” many fans sing “Kicking your cat all over the place” instead of the correct lyric, which is “Kicking your can all over the place.” Freddie Mercury loved cats, but the lyric is all about cans.
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyoncé (2008)
Embed from Getty ImagesIn Beyoncé’s***t “Single Ladies,” many listeners think she sings, “Hold me tighter than my very own jeans.” The real lyric is “Hold me tighter than my Deréon jeans,” referring to her fashion line, House of Deréon.
“Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind (1997)
Embed from Getty ImagesThis ’90s hit is full of fast lyrics, and many people mishear “I speak to you like the chorus to the verse” as “I speak to you like the colors to the birds.” The lyric is a clever play on song structure, not avian imagery.
“All of Me” by John Legend (2013)
Embed from Getty ImagesIn John Legend’s romantic ballad “All of Me,” fans often mishear “My head’s underwater but I’m breathin’ fine” as “My head’s underwater and I’m breathing fire.” The correct lyric describes a deep love, not a fire-breathing situation!
“Drift Away” by John Henry Kurtz (1972)
Embed from Getty ImagesFor years, people have misheard the lyric in “Drift Away” as “Give me The Beach Boys and free my soul,” when it’s actually “Give me the beat, boys, and free my soul.” It’s an ode to music, not to the iconic surf band.
“Work It” by Missy Elliott (2002)
Missy Elliott’s “Work It” features a famously reversed line that sounds like “Iss yurr fweminippi fwep yet.” The real lyric is “Ti esrever dna ti plif nwod gniht ym tup I,” which, when played backward, says “I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it.”
“You’re the One That I Want” by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John (1978)
Embed from Getty ImagesIn the classic Grease song, many people hear John Travolta singing, “I’ve got shoes, they’re made of plywood,” instead of “I’ve got chills, they’re multiplying.” The actual lyric is about love’s excitement, not questionable footwear!
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics (1983)
Embed from Getty ImagesEurythmics’ hit “Sweet Dreams” often confuses listeners who hear the line “Sweet dreams are made of this” as “Sweet dreams are made of these.” The actual lyric uses “this,” adding an air of mystery to the iconic song.
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA (1976)
Embed from Getty ImagesABBA’s disco classic “Dancing Queen” features the lyric “See that girl, watch that scene, digging the dancing queen,” but some people mishear it as “See that girl, watch her scream, kicking the dancing queen.”
Last Updated on August 13, 2024 by Sarah Kester
