Lyrical Mysteries Unveiled: Famous Songs That Aren't What You Think

7. In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins

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This is yet another song whose meaning was misinterpreted. The main argument is that Phil Collins called out a man he observed let another drown without helping using this song. Though that's just simply not true, we love a dramatic story as much as the next person. Saying he had no idea where this widespread story originated, Phil Collins corrected the record by stating it's plain simple untrue. The real narrative is far less tragic but nonetheless rather dramatic. Collins penned the song about his rage and sadness at his divorce from Andrea Bertorelli, his first wife. The eerie mood of the song and Collins' unvarnished, passionate vocals help to explain its ongoing appeal and mystery. Now one of the most identifiable events in pop music history, the well-known drum break spans half of the song. Collins has said the songs reflect his mental state following his divorce and are basically improvised. The musical tension and release reflect the emotional agony of a broken relationship. One could read the words "I can feel it coming in the air tonight" as the eventual end of a relationship or as the approaching confrontation with challenging feelings. Although the urban myth about drowning may be more dramatic, the actual background of the song addresses the universal experience of heartbreak and the ability of music to control strong feelings.