Some songs are fun because they have no real meaning – “I Am the Walrus” anyone? – but others make more of an impact when you know the true stories behind them. When I first heard the theory behind Don Mclean’s “American Pie”, I was blown away. From the deaths of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper to references to Bob Dylan and the Byrds, the six verses truly took on a life of their own.
Don McLean never did publicly confirm or deny the rumors behind his epic anthem, and yet people still speculate. However, for those of us who want concrete facts behind our favorite songs, let me regale you with seven validated stories straight from the artists themselves.
Pearl Jam – “Better Man” (1994)
Pearl Jam’s poignant ballad about a woman who stays in an abusive relationship because she doesn’t think she can do any better, “Better Man” was written by Eddie Vedder when he was still in high school. As the band readied to play the song in a 1994 concert at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, the truth came out. Vedder said, “It’s dedicated to the bastard that married my Momma.”
Lyrics that back up the story:
She lies and says she’s in love with him, can’t find a better man…
She dreams in color, she dreams in red, can’t find a better man…
Can’t find a better man
