5 90’s + Misinterpreted Songs For Millennials

As children and teenagers, our minds are fresh to the world. We immediately form opinions and either hate or follow trends. Millennials were not as responsive to politics, social justice or environmental causes. In fact, we just didn’t care. As teenagers, there is already a high responsibility to continue good grades and apply for fifty billion colleges to appease our parents. Tack on worrying about the entire universe too? You would be talking about a mental breakdown from the stress alone.

 

MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION RULED OUR WORLDS.

Of course, that was when the television channel actually played music and music videos. Sometimes, you can spot the occasional Pop Up Video rerun, or the hopeful comeback of TRL (Total Request Live), but other than that—it’s all on the internet or streaming services. Everything is just pay this, and pay that monthly. Sure, you can still find Torrents and piracy sites if you really look, but that was nothing compared to Limewire, Pirate Bay and the recently relaunched Napster.

SO, WHAT WERE THE SONGS WE REALLY ENJOYED WITH DIFFERENT MEANINGS?

One example of a catchy song everyone was bobbing their heads to was ‘Pumped Up Kicks‘ by Foster The People. Now as adults, we realize it was unfortunately about a school shooting. And sadly, those things are far too common for today’s children. So much that there are literal drills in schools that are reenacted by the teachers to prepare students for a real situation.

LET US BREAK DOWN THE TOP 5 SONGS THAT WE MISINTERPRETED THE MEANING.

#5 Graduation Song (Vitamin C)

This was playing every June during every graduation event of every high school, particularly in 2005 and 2006 the most. As kids, we just thought it was a pretty song that was overplayed. Right up there with 1997’s My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion) for the Titanic movie.

It’s about the disappointments and cold hard truths about being an adult.

But in reality, it wasn’t just about graduating from hell or staying friends forever. It was about growing up and knowing you would probably not stay friends forever. People would move away. People would find or lose careers. Have kids, lose touch because of marriages, friendship fallouts or children.

College, jobs, kids, bills…

It also meant that now that you are an adult, sometimes that scholarship didn’t give you everything you wanted. Maybe the dreams and aspirations you had went in an entirely different direction. You have bills, responsibilities, and family obligations. Parent deaths. Pet deaths. You now have to face everything your parents took care of or the things you didn’t need to worry about as an adult.

And in the end, that overplayed, catchy graduation song is starting to catapult your thoughts back into your youth and almost begging to go back in time. I know if I ever hear it on a playlist, I have to skip it or I cry.

#4. The Thong Song (Sisqo)

Every school dance seemed to get away with playing this via the gymnasium or cafeteria DJ. It is yet another song with a pretty violin in the background. And sure, some of us knew what it was about…but the majority of us completely ignored the lyrics. It’s literally about some guy who just wants to see a woman in a thong. A variety of thongs. And ultimately, it’s a pretty dirty song. We’re not talking The Bad Touch (Bloodhound Gang) dirty, but it was slightly up there and catchy.

#3. Slide (The Goo Goo Dolls)

Everyone pretty much just ignored the lyrics and was more interested in the tune and the drums. It was considered an upbeat song that every radio station played. But what we didn’t know was that it’s literally about a teenage couple and a pros and cons of having an abortion. The song was so widely received for being the summer it tune, that even Sesame Street cashed in on Slide.

#2. Genie in a Bottle (Christina Aguilera)

The music video made this an instant hit. Orange pants, a tank top with dangling fringe, and a cool dance break. This was Aguilera’s major break. It was not just about the dancing or costumes or the fact that it included the word genie. Nope, it was about a girl teetering on whether to give up her virginity or not. The lyrics generally state that while her body is cool with it, her heart is against it. But, hey, it was a major bop at the time.

#1. Liquid Dreams (O’Town)

Of course, this had to be number one! The song with the upbeat and adored group from Making The Band is about wet dreams. From the lyrics describing a laundry list of celebrity women to taking turns with each verse. Childhood shattered.

Honorable Mention – Naked (Spice Girls)

Their concert included them sitting in nude colored bodysuits in wide chairs, giving everyone the idea that the song was only about sex. If you listen to the lyrics, it is about a young woman who has had to deal with life, abuse, heartbreak. How she is afraid to fall apart or show her true self to a new lover. Being naked figuratively, not literally. Peeling the layers back one by one.

And there you have it, have a smashing Tuesday everyone. Did some of these surprise you? Feel free to comment in our social media if you have anymore mentions.

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About the author: Katie Harden is a professionally repped New York-based/bi-coastal musical theater, entertainment journalist, and indie film actress. She is proudly part of the Actor’s Equity Association and frequently interviews colleagues, friends, and celebrities, along with reviewing television and movies. Find her at the bottom of a can of Arizona sweet tea or in the ocean!

Work: AMC, Tribeca, Showtime, HBO, The Emmy’s, The Walking Dead magazine, MGM, Universal, Sony Screen Gems, 492 Elm, Bloody Disgusting, and more.

INSTAGRAM: @KATIEHARDENOFFICIAL TWITTER: KHardenOfficial