Today we talked about names for things that you didn’t know, and I learned that there is a word for misheard lyrics – Mondegreens.
Which of course led me to an internet black hole searching for some of the most common Mondegreens. Here is a partial list from Grammerist.com
Misheard Lyric: There’s a bathroom on the right.
Real Lyric: There’s a bad moon on the rise.
“Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Misheard Lyric: Jeremy smokin’ grass today.
Real Lyric: Jeremy spoke in class today.
“Jeremy” by Pearl Jam
Misheard Lyric: Scuse me while I kiss this guy.
Real Lyric: Scuse me while I kiss the sky.
“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix
Misheard Lyric: Every time you go away, you take a piece of meat with you.
Real Lyric: Every time you go away, take a piece of me with you.
“Every Time You Go Away” by Paul Young
Misheard Lyric: We built this city on sausage rolls.
Real Lyric: We built this city on rock ‘n’ roll.
“We Built This City” by Starship
Misheard Lyric: Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tangerine.
Real Lyric: Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine.
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA
Misheard Lyric: Sweet dreams are made of cheese.
Real Lyric: Sweet dreams are made of these.
“Sweet Dreams (are made of this)” by The Eurythmics
Misheard Lyric: It doesn’t make a difference if we’re naked or not.
Real Lyric: It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not.
“Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi
Misheard Lyric: Then I saw her face, now I’m gonna leave her.
Real Lyric: Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer.
“I’m a Believer” by The Monkees
Misheard Lyric: Hold me closer, Tony Danza.
Real Lyric: Hold me closer, tiny dancer.
“Tiny Dancer” by Elton John
The article goes on to talk about other terms that are similar to Mondegreens and revolve around misheard or confused words or phrases. Make sure to check it out if you’re curious or need a distraction from work.
Any Mondegreens that stick in your head? Shoot them over to me at Adam@b1073.com