Song Lyrics Interpreted: MMM Bop

This is the first post in what will hopefully be many more. I think my college training in literary analysis has seeped into my enjoyment of pop culture. Because I can hardly ever listen to a song without imagining the story behind it.

I also have a deep and abiding love for the greatest work of humor writing this side of Jonathan Swift, Dave Barry's Book of Bad Songs. If you know anything about 60s and 70s pop rock, do yourself a favor and read this book.

In the book, Dave dedicates a whole chapter to "Songs People Get Wrong," a ubiquitous category of music wherein songs have lyrics but even the lyricists aren't sure what they are. Famous examples include "Help Me, Rhonda" by The Beach Boys and "Louie Louie" by The Kingsmen.

For my generation, there's "MMM Bop" by Hanson. I remember when I first heard this song on the radio. My mom thought they were like the Jackson 5. As in, African American. Come to find out, they weren't. But them boys sure had long hair.


If you had to write out the lyrics to "MMM Bop" right now without the help of the internet, I doubt that any but diehard Hanson fans could do it. I looked them up tonight, and they stunned me. I've been singing them wrong for so long. But I kind of like my lyrics. They've grown on me.

Compare.
Whitty's lyrics: "Yes, I made it in an ancient chimney's night, but he wanted to relax."
Actual lyrics: "You have so many relationships in this life, only one or two will last."

Whitty's lyrics: "And it goes through the fence."
Actual lyrics: "And they're gone so fast."

Also, the chorus is probably just what you think it is--a string of nonsense words over a great melody and danceable beat.
Also, there is an entire verse which acts as an extended gardening metaphor.
Also, there is a line that wants to be from "When I'm Sixty-four": "When you get old and start losing your hair, can you tell me who will still care?"


The Hanson brothers can. They have decidedly less hair nowadays, but still plenty of fans to attend their concerts. Like me in about a month.