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40 Song Lyrics That We've Been Messing up This Whole Time

You're not alone in hearing this Selena Gomez lyric incorrectly.

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funny misheard lyrics
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Blame it on the singers' mumbling delivery or the song's distracting acoustics — but even with the best headphones, people tend to mess up the lyrics to some pretty famous hits. From Bob Dylan to Lorde, you may just find out that you've been loudly and proudly belting the wrong words this whole time. At least you're not alone, because these misheard lyrics are so common, they've become a joke in and of themselves.

They may have topped the charts (some of these are summer anthems!), but the songs on our list still prove a challenge for even the most dedicated listeners. Next time one of these songs comes on the radio, lean in a little closer.

1

“Dancing Queen” by ABBA

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

As delicious as those sweet, citrus fruits are, it's the beat of the tambourine that these Swedish pop stars want you to feel.

2

"Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.

funny misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

This is terrible advice. But before you blame this 90's alternative rock band, you should know that singer Michael Stripe is saying "that's me in the corner."

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3

"You're the One That I Want" by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

Given what a good dancer John Travolta is in Grease, you may have figured out there was no plywood in his shoes. What he's actually saying during the movie's final number is, "I've got chills, they're multiplying."

4

"Good for You" by Selena Gomez

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

We have to admit, it really does sound like Selena Gomez is singing these implausible lyrics in "Good for You" — but what she's actually saying is "I'm 14 carats."

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5

“Monster” by Eminem and Rihanna

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

It's the monsters under her bed that Rihanna is friends with in this 2013 hit single. We've always preferred ketchup anyway.

6

"It's Gonna Be Me" by NSYNC

funny misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

So many people have thought that it sounds like Justin Timberlake is saying "it's gonna be May" instead of the actual lyric "it's gonna be me" that it's become a meme.

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7

"Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

You weren't alone if you thought this was what Lil' Nas X was saying in last year's viral country-rap crossover hit, but he was actually going to take his horse to the titular "Old Town Road."

8

“Stir It Up” by Bob Marley

misheard quotes
Danielle Carson

No Bob Dylan isn't crooning about his favorite breakfast food, what he is actually saying is “Stir it up, little darlin’."

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9

"We Will Rock You” by Queen

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

It's your can Queen is kicking all over the place — no cats were harmed in the making on this song.

10

“Blowin' In The Wind” by Bob Dylan

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

This song makes a lot more sense when you consider Dylan is saying that "these answers, my friend," are what is blowing in the wind.

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11

"Royals" by Lorde

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

Lorde wrote the words to her debut single in just 30 minutes, but not so quickly she included vegetables. The teen just wanted to be known as "queen bee."

12

"Tiny Dancer" by Elton John

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

The title of Elton's single speaks for itself, but Phoebe Buffay (and many others) like to serenade the Taxi actor instead.

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13

"Waterfalls" by TLC

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

Sorry, Jason, but the advice here is "don't go chasing waterfalls."

14

"Blank Space" by Taylor Swift

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

Taylor joked about her "long list of ex-lovers" but even her own mom agreed the line sounds like the coffee chain.

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15

"Empire State of Mind" by Jay Z Feat. Alicia Keys

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

Alicia Keys believes the concrete jungle are "where dreams are made of," although New Yorkers can still find tomatoes.

16

"Baby Baby" by Amy Grant

misheard quotes
Danielle Carson

You shouldn't skip moisturizing, but Amy Grant was "taken with the notion," not her cream.

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17

"Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

Just like the genie in Aladdin, Xtina wanted out of the bottle. No word on how she feels about cats though.

18

"I'm Real (Remix)" by Jennifer Lopez

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

JLo kicks off this 2001 track by spelling R-U-L-E — a nod to featured rapper Ja Rule — not asking about some girl named Ellie.

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19

“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

Unfortunately for the hypothetical fella, Jimi Hendrix asks for a second to "kiss the sky."

20

"Message in a Bottle" by The Police

misheard lyrics
Danielle Carson

Don't send flowers to Sting — his nose is fine. He's singing from the viewpoint of a castaway who "wrote a note."

Headshot of Caroline Picard
Caroline Picard
Contributing Writer

Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.  

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