Many things in the world today are subject to interpretation, and none more so that song lyrics. Stories and rumours abound as to the meaning behind some of the music industry's greatest hits. And while these stories are often figments of the imagination, they are often not put right, because, let's face it, everyone likes a bit of intrigue and at the end of the day, this helps to sell records.
Some creations are truly bizarre such as the 1960's Petula Clark hit, Downtown, being about oral sex. It was actually written by the song's author following a visit to New York's downtown area. Or the Led Zeppelin hit, Stairway to Heaven, which was said to contain satanic messages when played backwards. It was in fact a story about a spoilt woman who always got everything she wanted and never considered others around her.
But, one of the all time misses must be the Van Morrison song, Brown Eyed Girl, which was believed to be about a taking heroin, with the "girl" being a euphemism for the drug and it's effect on the human brain.
The song is actually about an interracial relationship and was originally called "Brown Skinned Girl". Morrison only changed the name to make the song more acceptable to radio stations at the time.
