Songs represent different emotions. There are songs about love, disappointment, hate, happiness, and many others. But what are songs? Words, with some music. Lyricists write songs with an intention. Usually, they have a meaning in their minds, a message they want to share. Some other writers like to have some fun with their songs so they use techniques like double entendre and words with different denotative and connotative meanings. That is why some songs seem very innocent and harmless but then they put different images in your head at the same time.
Who remembers the Summer of ’69? (Not me. I wasn’t even born then!) Yes, that was a trick question. Summer of ’69 is a famous song sung by Bryan Adams. And you’re right! The lyrics of the song talk about a singing band, summer love, and just a happy summer altogether. The song was an instant hit when it came out in 1985. What is funny is the disagreement about the song’s meaning among fans. The common interpretation is that it’s about memories and how Adams misses the time he spent with his friends and summer love. Fact: Bryan Adams was only 9 years old in 1969! Now what do you think the song is about?
The first meaning seems pretty obvious: It’s about nostalgia! But the number 69 is the reason for all confusion. “Me and my baby in 69“. What is 69? Is it Bryan and his girlfriend being together in the year 1969? Or is it Bryan and his girlfriend being together in a car built-in the year 1969? Or is 69 referring to something sexual?[1]. In a 2004 concert, and in an interview, Adams revealed that this song has “nothing to do with the year 1969”[2]. For Adams, the song was about making love in the summer. The song’s co-writer Jim Vallance, on the other hand, says it has no sexual reference whatsoever[3]. In fact, you can find a detailed meaning of the song (Vallance’s version of course) and the lyrics of this song on his website.
Clearly, the song’s true meaning cannot be decided upon since the writers of the song themselves don’t agree to what it is. This proves that meaning can only be created in the mind of the individual. What do YOU think 69 means in this song?
– Sonia
saheo 