What Did They Mean By That?
by Christine Kiefer
This is a podcast where two sisters bring to each episode the lyrics of a song. Neither sister knows the song until the show goes live. This element of surprise makes this show unique as the analysis by one is off the cuff, while the other has it heavily researched. They analyze words, connect them to their real life, sort out misheard lyrics, and offer history into the band and the song’s true meaning. Always full of banter and funny quips about what it's like to just be a human.
Episodes
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New Podcast by Christine
Christine hops on to share the launch of her new podcast, Was She Wrong Tho? This new show is a comedy podcast where Christine looks at women in fiction, history, and pop culture and asks were they really villains, or just misunderstood. Just search Was She Wrong Tho on Apple of Spotify. Follow…
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Season 2 - Episode 13 - Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival
We're Baaaack! The OG "There's a bathroom on the right." Live performance by CCR
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S2- Episode 12- Tribute to Sinead O'Connor
We're a bit rusty, melomaniacs. Have patience as we pay tribute to a beautiful soul, who always had something meaningful to say. We know what she meant by that and are better for it.
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S2- E11- Proud Mary - Tina Turner (John Fogarty)
We lost an icon. Though Tina technically did this song with Ike, we like to pretend it's all her. For obvious (or maybe not obvious to everyone) reasons. She was a force to be reckoned with and this song and performance is a testament to that. Huge shout out to John Fogarty, though, who is the...
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S2 - E10 - Joy to the World - Three Dog Night
You've sang the first 4 words of this song many times, with jubilation and passion as it goes into an uplifting anthem. But what in the world do they mean when they say, Jeremiah was a bullfrog? And a good friend at that? Hear how this song almost didn't get recorded, and how Three Dog Night came...
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S2 - E9- A Tribute to Fiona Apple
Join us as Julia highlights the top 5 songs from Ms. Apple, picking one song from each of her albums. Find out why this is the one artist who's albums Julia would want on a deserted island. Good stuff, here! Also, another example of the amount of brain cells that clearly have died in Christine's...
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S2- E8 - Chandelier - SIA
Again, Christine is out of the loop on this pop Queen! Why don't we see SIA's face? What's the deal with swinging from chandeliers? A party anthem or something more sinister? And who is this lucky lady who gets to be SIA's alter ego? Come find out! Official video - Chandelier Official video -...
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S2-E7- I'm On Fire - Bruce Springsteen
The Boss can do no wrong. Baseball, apple pie, and Bruce Springsteen. He's just a normal guy pining away for a woman he can't have, so wholesome and relatable. Or is it? Is this song just cringey? Join us as we fall deep in a rabbit hole of sex, unrequited love, and who was the first woman to…
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S2-E6 - You Can Call Me Al- Paul Simon
Ever wonder who's the ditzy one of the sisters? Listen to this one to get to the final conclusion that it is indeed....Christine. HUGE bathroom on the right in this one, and a deep dive by Julia on the making of this song, and the iconic album, Graceland. Also, why is Chevy Chase in the video?...
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S2-E5 - Suzanne Vega - Trifecta! - Tom's Diner, Luka, Left of Center
***TRIGGER WARNING*** This episode discussing child abuse In this episode, the sisters talk about all the songs! Suzanne Vega's simple lyrics are visual storytelling, saying what matters without saying anything, and letting us relate to narrators in a way we always hope for when listening to...
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S2 - E4 - Games Without Frontiers - Peter Gabriel
1980 was a tense time, and this artist, a humanitarian most concerned about war and peace, put this worldwide angst into a beautiful song about games, flags, costumes, and silly games. But what is he saying in these first few lines? Is she so popular? Is she so complicated? Is she so amazing? Or...
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S2-E3 - Hotel California - The Eagles
****THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER*** Let's talk about another BIG song...a huge sing along from the classic rock library of 1976- HOTEL CALIFORNIA. We promise some misheard lyrics in this one, along with urban legends, ghosts, drugs, greed, lawsuits, and maybe even Satan. Think…
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S2-E2 - Birdhouse In Your Soul - They Might Be Giants
A simple, child-like song? A silly jingle about a nightlight? A deep dive into Greek Mythology and things Julia and Christine can't understand? Maybe all three. Join us as we clumsily look at this multi-layered band and this sweet song. Birdhouse In Your Soul Official Video For the band's...
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S2-E1 - Once in a Lifetime- The Talking Heads
Melomaniacs, we've been at this a year! Welcome to Season 2! In this episode, we bring in the new year with deep thoughts and an existential crisis, brought to you by the wildly creative 1980's band, The Talking Heads. Ever wonder how you got here, how you ended up with this life? Ever think…
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Episode 64- My Sherona- The Knack
TRIGGER WARNING. THIS EPISODE MENTIONS SUICIDE AND PREDATORY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR WITH CHILDREN Hold on to your hats with this one, Melomaniacs. We discuss this 1979 song with a catchy beat and one-of-a-kind bass lines, but the lyrics may leave you less of a fan of the song, the band, and the lyrics...
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Episode 63- Pepper- Butthole Surfers
We know, the name is, well....off putting, but the band's creativity can't be overly praised. And the song, with its spoken word and catchy chorus, is really an innocent and simple story. Come take a listen to this, a unique departure from whatever you've been listening to. Pepper official video...
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Episode 62- Clint Eastwood- Gorillaz
Ever heard of a virtual band? A band with characters, anime images, and performances behind a curtain? Well, Christine had no idea of such a thing. Join us as Julia schools Christine on this band that looked at 1998 music and said, "this sucks, let's make a virtual band of anime characters and…
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Episode 61- Coal Miner's Daughter- Loretta Lynn
In honor of this queen of country music, join us as we discuss Loretta Lynn's autobiographical song, called a "memoir set to music." A vulnerable and honest look at her early life, this song made its way into a film. This song is just one of the many portraits she creates about her life, women's...
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Episode 60- Central Reservation- Beth Orton
You may not know Beth Orton, but honestly, you should. This British artist has us guessing on not only the lyrics, but the title of the song. Do you know the British term, central reservation? We didn't either. Come listen to find out and hear another story with cuss words from Christine, and…
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Episode 59- Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
This is a short one, Melomaniacs, but is full of two sisters thinking they're hilarious, and hopefully we are. This song is a classic, of course, but it's meaning is pretty simple, and instead of dissecting it, we talk about Jesus musicals, wine, bathrooms on the right, and sweat. Join us for…
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Episode 58- Seether by Veruca Salt
What exactly is a Seether? What's the difference between a casket and a coffin? What is the Queen lying in? Is this song about a demon baby? Listen, find out. Official Video- Seether Art by Kitty Sopow
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Episode 57- Losing My Religion- REM
Christine just couldn't wait another second to do an episode on this iconic band, song, and video. 31 years ago they one a million awards at what used to be the most watched show on cable TV- The MTV Music Awards. But is a song with such a clear title really about losing faith, losing god, losing...
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Episode 56- Blister in the Sun- Violent Femmes
You know the beginning guitar riff, you know all the words (there aren't very many), but do you know what it means to go on like you're a blister in the sun? What on earth does that mean? Listen as Julia and Christine agree it's a little dirty, a lot confusing, but a teenage anthem for anyone…
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Episode 55- How You Remind Me- Nickelback
It's the band you love to hate, right? But why? Why did this band, who sold millions of records, end up being the posterchild for music that was mocked and ridiculed. We'll explain. Come listen, you may end up a fan, despite our best efforts. Official video- How You Remind Me Cover art by Kitty...
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Episode 54- When the Time Comes- Gigi Rowe
Join Julia, Christine, and Gigi Rowe as we discuss her song, her writing process, and all of her creative endeavors. She drops a new song tomorrow and a new album, "Laura," on August 26th. Melomaniacs, you don't want to pass up the chance to follow this artist, here career, and her new bestie,...
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Episode 53- Puff the Magic Dragon- Peter, Paul, and Mary
This one is a crowd pleaser, folks! Julia and Christine are back on their game blowing all the myths about this song out of the water. Think it's about Mary Jane, wacky tobaccy, grass? Think again. Also, you don't want to miss the end conversation about Julia's childhood imaginary friend. Really,...
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Episode 52- West End Girls- Pet Shop Boys
Well, Melomaniacs, we were a bit rusty this episode, so it's a short one, ending with Julie's short shorts. But take a listen as Christine actually "sings" this song about girls, boys, Finland Station, and who knows what else. Official Video- East End Girls Cover art by Kitty Sopow
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Episode 51- Running Up That Hill (Deal With God)- Kate Bush
Melomaniacs, you know we had to cover this song because it's all the rage! This beautiful 1980's song has had a rebirth thanks to a little show called Stranger Things. Join us as we talk about its beginning, its meaning, and its rebirth. And lots of today year's olds. Performance with David…
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Episode 50- Bohemian Rhapsody- Queen
It's the BIG 50! Our 50th episode called for a big song. And what song is bigger than "Bohemian Rhapsody?" A mockopera, a rock enigma, a ballad, all in one. By one of the greatest vocal and lyrical talents of the 20th Century. Join us as we talk about Freddy Mercury, his talent, his message, and...
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Episode 49 - Royals- Lorde
Check out this talent who wrote this song when she was just a kid! An amazing lyricist who got Julia and Christine again talking about Kim Kardashian. We just can't help ourselves. Royals Video
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Episode 48- There is a Light and it Never Goes Out- The Smiths
Maybe not the most popular song, but certainly one of the most beautiful. Christine agrees with New Musical Express who, in 2014 rated this the 12th best song of all time. If you're not familiar with The Smiths, this is the perfect one to wet your whistle. And, check out the covers by various...
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Episode 47- Soul to Squeeze- Red Hot Chili Peppers
***TRIGGER WARNING- THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES DRUG ADDICTION AND MENTAL ILLNESS*** Julia throws Christine a fast ball in this one. Listeners will be yelling at the speakers, and yes, go ahead and throw shade. But breaking down this song and the unique style of this band will send you playing The…
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Episode 46- Human- The Killers
We can't sugar coat it, listeners, we are throwing shade in this episode. When there's shade to be thrown, we can't help ourselves. Called, The Strangest Lyrics of All Times, we dive in to this song, that may not be that strange if only the writer would have added an 's' to a word. How can that...
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Episode 45- Ana's Song- Silverchair
***TRIGGER WARNING*** This episode discusses mental illness and eating disorders. Time for one of Julia's most favorite bands. It's a surprise that it took 45 episodes for her to dive in to Silverchair. Though the band's output was somewhat fleeting, the mark they've made on music has touched…
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Episode 44- Closer to Fine- Indigo Girls
Well, Christine couldn't wait any longer to feature these artists, in the top 4 songs of those expected by Julia for Christine to rave about. Join us as Julia pegs right off the bat exactly what Amy and Emily meant by that when they said, "there's more than one answer to these questions pointing…
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Episode 43- Children's Story- Slick Rick
***TRIGGER WARNING*** THIS EPISODE DISCUSSES GUN VIOLENCE, INCLUDING SCHOOL SHOOTINGS Join Julia and Christine as they determine what Slick Rick meant by that in this 1988 song, an actual cautionary tale for young people about violence and walking down the trajectory of a dark path. This leads…
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Episode 42- One Week- The Barenaked Ladies
We don't even dive into what they mean by these lyrics, because, does it even matter? Give this one a listen, it doesn't disappoint. We've chosen not to show any links, because well...just listen...Julia has some feelings about this song. Can you blame her?
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Episode 41- Candle in the Wind- Elton John
***TRIGGER WARNING*** Discussion of suicide Join us to discuss a song you know and love. Who out there doesn't know these lyrics? But what is it about? When did you hear it first? Is it about this person or that? Find out on in Episode 41. Elton John's earlier performance Elton John's performance...
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Episode 40- This Woman's Work- Kate Bush
Join us for a tribute to moms, with a song by an absolute angel. If you don't know Kate Bush's voice, you need to know! Listen and get yourself acquainted with both Ms. Bush, and a highly recommended film, "She's Having a Baby." Kate Bush's video Maxwell's video Maxwell live unplugged Art by…
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Episode 39- One- Metallica
***Trigger Warning*** This episode mentions suicide, war casualties and injuries, and euthanasia. This is a dark one, Melomaniacs. Metallica based this song on a book and film that brings the listener face to face with the most horrendous of casualties of war. But does it have a happy ending? Is…
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Episode 38- Smells Like Teen Spirit- Nirvana
Well, melomaniacs, we've finally done it. Julia picked the iconic grunge song that left its mark on music, and an entire generation. As Julia says, "There was life after Nirvana, and life after." Come find out what she means by that and what Cobain meant by this song about a popular body spray....
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Episode 37- Push- Matchbox Twenty
A deep dive into this catchy song from 1997. We all listened, shouted the lyrics from our teenage cars, and fell a little bit in love with Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20. But is there something sinister going on here? Should we have celebrated lyrics like "I wanna push you around?" Is the artist, the...
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Episode 36- All The Good Girls Go to Hell- Billie Eilish
Listen and check out this thriving young artist, Billie Eilish. Coming on the scene with her debut album, "When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go" at the age of 18, she's already taken the world by storm. And rightly so, with her angelic voice, and the help of her brother, Finneas O'Connell. But...
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Episode 35- When Doves Cry - Prince
His name may be Prince, but we can all agree that this is a musical KING. Come hear about his incredible and unique talent, the poetry of this song, and his film. "When Doves Cry" is an anthem for this beautiful soul. When Doves Cry Video 1999 Interview with Larry King Art by Kitty Sopow
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Episode 34- Emo Feud- Taking Back Sunday and Brand New
Well, Melomaniacs, it was bound to happen eventually. Julia presents a genre that Christine just can't wrap her old lady head around. Between her saying "I hate it," Julia gives a lovely look into her own past, and her own love of this genre. This is an episode about what may have been the grunge...
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Episode 33- Musical Feuds- Artists at Odds
What's the deal between Taylor and Kanye? Is Dave still mad at Courtney? You know all the words to "Sweet Home Alabama," but do you know who might be getting some shade thrown at them in this song? In this episode we cover some artist wars. Can they bury the hatchet? Kanye steals mic from Taylor...
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Episode 32- American Pie- Don McClean- Part 2
Join us as we take a deeeeeeep dive into the lyrics of this song. We just might conclude that over-analysis takes all the fun out it.
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Episode 31- American Pie- Don McClean- Part 1
Melomaniacs, this one needs a two-parter. The second longest song to reach Billboard's #1, it needs more than just one chat. "The Day the Music Died" are perhaps the most prolific 5 words in lyrical history. Do you know what Don meant by that? Do you know what or who died? You know every word to...
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Episode 30- Foo Fighters- Best of You
This weekend, the music world lost a talented, dynamic name in rock 'n roll, Taylor Hawkins. This drummer of the Foo Fighters gave this band remarkable talent on the drums, vocals to perfectly accompany Dave Grohl's, and an edge to this already iconic band. We are sending love to fans, family and...
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Episode 29- Betty- Taylor Swift- **With a Special Guest**
Join Christine and Tracy, filling in for Julia, as we discuss a song outside of Christine's normal wheelhouse. They take a deep dive into this ballad...a love story? A love triangle story? A queer story? Listen as we try to figure out what Taylor meant by that, and does Christine leave the…
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About this show
This is a podcast where two sisters bring to each episode the lyrics of a song. Neither sister knows the song until the show goes live. This element of surprise makes this show unique as the analysis by one is off the cuff, while the other has it heavily researched. They analyze words, connect them to their real life, sort out misheard lyrics, and offer history into the band and the song’s true meaning. Always full of banter and funny quips about what it's like to just be a human.
Hosted by
Christine Kiefer
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