1“Dancing Queen” by ABBA
Danielle CarsonAs 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.
Danielle CarsonThis 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
Danielle CarsonGiven 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
Danielle CarsonWe 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
Danielle CarsonIt'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
Danielle CarsonSo 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
Danielle CarsonYou 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
Danielle CarsonNo 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
Danielle CarsonIt'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
Danielle CarsonThis 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
Danielle CarsonLorde 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
Danielle CarsonThe 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
Danielle CarsonSorry, Jason, but the advice here is "don't go chasing waterfalls."
14"Blank Space" by Taylor Swift
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15"Empire State of Mind" by Jay Z Feat. Alicia Keys
Danielle CarsonAlicia Keys believes the concrete jungle are "where dreams are made of," although New Yorkers can still find tomatoes.
16"Baby Baby" by Amy Grant
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17"Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera
Danielle CarsonJust 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
Danielle CarsonJLo 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
Danielle CarsonUnfortunately for the hypothetical fella, Jimi Hendrix asks for a second to "kiss the sky."
20"Message in a Bottle" by The Police
Danielle CarsonDon't send flowers to Sting — his nose is fine. He's singing from the viewpoint of a castaway who "wrote a note."

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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