Song Meaning Pro Discussion #2: Can the Artist Be Wrong about a Song?

Discussion: Why does the songwriter get everything his way?

Glad you made it! I can’t wait to hear what song you found and what you think of it.

Just to help keep the creative juices flowing, I’ve copied down the “homework” part of the email I sent you.

In the end, it depends on what you want. Do you want the author's meaning? Or do you want the meaning you have? Whichever you're looking for, adjust your question's wording and continue searching. 

Your Turn:  Where do you side in this debate? Do you prefer the artist's meaning or to hear what other people and yourself think it means? Why?

Homework: Pick a confusing song that you like--preferably one you've been listening to for a while and haven't studied much. Ask yourself what you think it means and then study the lyrics to find out what the artist wants it to mean. If the interpretations are different, which interpretation do you like more? Which interpretation means more to you now? How does it make you feel about the artist vs. reader debate ?

NOW ANALYZE! In the comment area below, mention your song and tell us what you learned about it. You and your findings may get featured in an email or a podcast in the future!

I can't wait to see what you found, and I hope you're looking forward to tomorrow's lesson about decoding symbolism in music! We're going to talk about "Car Radio" by Twenty One Pilots and what in the world to do with symbols.

Sincerely,

Clifford Stumme