I'm Clifford Stumme, and I use literary analysis and research to explain the deeper meanings of pop songs. Feel free to leave a comment or to email me at clifford@popsongprofessor.com with questions or ideas!
Pop Song Professor Clifford Stumme takes a serious look at the meaning behind "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. The band is a legend, and this song is no less a legend than any other. Let's dig deep into what this song means!
The Weeknd released a music video for "Starboy" on September 28th, and it's had everyone confused. The loudest theorists claim it's proof that Abel Tesafaye has achieved the rank of "starboy" in the Illuminati or some satanist cult, but the actual meaning of the video's a little easier to grasp and prove.
First off, if this isn't jungle-beat EDM, I don't know what it is. I certainly don't want to point fingers, but Maroon 5 is drinking the kool-aid at some level or another, right down to the funny, scrunchy voice modulation in the first few seconds. I know that sounds critical, but it's a good sound, and they do it well, so I like the music. But what of the lyrics? Let's take a closer look...
In this episode of the Pop Song Professor podcast, Clifford Stumme explains what's going on with Twenty One Pilots' song "Run and Go" and how it connects closely to the story behind "Bohemian Rhapsody."
In a video on Rolling Stone's website about her upcoming album Joanne, Lady Gaga explained that her album is about growing personal connections with fans: "I wanted to write songs that would speak to a woman or a man who thought that they could never connect with me." To that end, "Million Reasons" is a strong success. While the lyrics don't seem deep at first, I think the topic they're about is deep, and I think the simplicity of the song allows the depth of that topic and feeling to speak for itself in a deep way.
You may be wondering if there's a deeper meaning to this song, and I hate to disappoint you by telling you that there really isn't. It's a fun song, and Bruno Mars is everything you love about him in this song, and one of those things is a good time. Unfortunately for those who like more "meat" to their lyrics, "good times" don't usually mean "good lines" as far as depth goes.
Hey everyone! I'm looking at the biggest recent pop hit in this podcast. "Closer" is a fantastic song--great for dancing and for listening--and it's got some interesting stuff going on behind the scenes. Enjoy this explanation!
In the first verse, Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) sings about who he is and how he's changed since his last album came out. He sings, "I'm try'n'a put you in the worst mood," to explain what he's about to do. Since he's going to sing about his own personal success, which is considerable, he's saying that when he's done, we'll be unhappy with our lives.
In the first verse, Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd's real name), sings about a mysterious and enigmatic woman: "Bathroom stalls for the powder nose / High heel shoes with the open toes." Those first two lines aren't super unique, but they begin to paint for us a picture of a high class, sophisticated, and fashionable woman.
Pop Song Professor Clifford Stumme does a thorough explanation of "Guns for Hands" by Twenty One Pilots, and he does it with your help! About a month ago, he put out a call for help in explaining this amazing song, and you responded! Thanks for your help!
Pop Song Professor Clifford Stumme explains "Screen" by Twenty One Pilots! It's a short episode, but it's packed full of helpful insight and analysis of this amazing song!
You wanted deeper meanings in your pop music? Well, you've got it. Also, why haven't you been listening to Sia (and Kendrick Lamar for that matter) before this? Both of these artists are warriors of thought and influence. Neither are as popular in the mainstream as A-level pop divas like Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber, but what they lack in popular appeal you forget when you dive deeper into what they have to say beneath the bars, rhymes, and synthy dance beats.
Lady Gaga released "Perfect Illusion" on September 8th. The song features a backdrop of grungy electric guitar and pop angst, but all soon recedes to leave nothing but a strong emphasis on Lady Gaga's own voice and simple backup vocals for parts of the song as she tries hard to tell us something. In "Perfect Illusion" Lady Gaga is trying to put a strong emphasis on the important of the lyrics. In fact, according to a BBC interview, Lady Gaga's voice isn't auto-tuned to further emphasize her (and the other writers') attempts at sincerity. The song feels like a throwback to the 90's but the words, according to an interview we'll get into soon, are relevant to 2016.
Pop Song Professor Clifford Stumme breaks down the lyrics behind Twenty One Pilots' "Semiautomatic." It's a deep song, and you won't want to miss this episode, especially if you're a TOP fan.
The Chainsmokers dropped "Closer" four weeks ago, and it's blown up. The song has over 150 million listens on Spotify and nearly the same amount of views on YouTube. It's currently the top song on the Billboard Hot 100, and it looks like it's going to be there for a while.
And there's good reason for that. The song's super catchy, and the lyrics are just vague enough that they can get stuck inside a person's head and make him or her wonder exactly what's happening between the lines.
Pop Song Professor Clifford Stumme and his guest Dr. Tess Stockslager take a long, close look at Mumford and Sons's album Sigh No More to map out how the album's songs work together to tell a story of frustration, anger, redemption, and victory. It's a podcast that you really won't want to miss.
Pop Song Professor Clifford Stumme continues his series on the Twenty One Pilots album Vessel with "Migraine." It's a deep song, and there's some really good stuff here. Be sure to listen! And feel free to email Clifford back at jugglingcliff@gmail.com with your thoughts.
People are excited about the Irish singer James Vincent McMorrow's new album We Move, and after hearing his latest single from that album, "Get Low," I am too. "Get Low" is slow and soulful. It's very methodical and careful; each note feels carefully planned, and the entire song has an entrancing feeling that makes you want to sway in time with the slow, pulsing beats. It reminds me of Hozier and his song "Take Me to Church" but less angry and sarcastic--more sad and thoughtful.
Pop Song Professor Clifford Stumme tackles another serious song in his series on the Twenty One Pilots album Vessel. Like the others, "Ode to Sleep" is full of meaning and valuable insights into life and one's mental life. Enjoy and be sure to share with other Skeleton Clique members and those who need to become Skeleton Clique members.
Pop Song Professor Clifford Stumme takes on his next Twenty One Pilots explanation project. A LOT of TOP fans requested Clifford explain "House of Gold," and he couldn't wait. "House of Gold" by Twenty One Pilots is a deep song with plenty below the surface and much to think about. Enjoy hearing it explained line-by-line by the Pop Song Professor!
