[scotty79]

> "Born in the USA" was popular because few people actually listened to the lyrics. It sounds like a patriotic song until you actually listen to the lyrics.

That actually is a neat trick. Make a catchy tune that sounds like it says what dumb people like, but have a subtleties in the text, which dumb people won't notice, that turn the things around and let smart people like it for subversiveness.

Then you capture all of the audience. Provided that the tune is really catchy.

[brianmcc]

Every Breath You Take by The Police is another great example.

Song's about a stalker; gets played as a romantic wedding song :-)

[npteljes]

I think these happen because many genuinely don't see the difference. The amount of times abusive relationships are shown as something desirable, in popular media, can also not be a coincidence.

[ethanbond]

If you’re into that, you should check out Third Eye Blind. Consistently cheery/fun sounding pop rock music with some of the most insanely grim lyrics you can find.

[adversaryIdiot]

Thats what makes art, art. The ambiguity means that more and more people are able to take a realistic interpretation of your art and enjoy it