For this special theme show, each of the hosts presented a song with “unusual” or hard-to-decipher lyrics. We delved into a discussion around understanding the intentions behind and interpreting the songs. Download the lyrics here: Unusual Lyrics

* Neel’s selection: A Self Called Nowhere by They Might Be Giants

* Bruce’s selection: McArthur Park by Jimmy Webb (performed by Donna Summers)

* Janice’s selection: Paranoid Android by Radiohead

We talked about:

* The notion that once your song is released to the world, it’s no longer yours and open to multiple interpretations

* Check out www.songmeanings.com to read user interpretations of songs

* What is the purpose for communicating a story through unusual, hard-to-decipher lyrics?

* Use of metaphors

* Writing a song with unusual lyrics as a songwriter’s challenge – break the rules!

Listen to the complete show: