Once a song is out in the world, it’s impossible to know what listeners will do with it. Though an artist likely has their intentions set, music is always up for audience interpretation. Though usually innocent, listeners can let their imaginations run wild, straight to the darkest corners of their minds. Several rock songs have been connected to grisly true crime stories.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Night Prowler” (AC/DC)
Rock music doesn’t always carry the best reputation—specifically back in the day. People have often pointed to rock music as being “of the devil.” While many might deny that connection, it’s hard to do so when someone actually takes your music as an excuse to do some harm–moreover, on behalf of the devil. AC/DC ran into this issue in the ’80s, when a man named Richard Ramirez used their song “Night Prowler” as his credo. He interpreted the lyrics to be about a break-in and a grisly murder. Needless to say, AC/DC wasn’t the apple of conservative parents’ eye following Ramirez’s attacks.
‘Cause no one’s going to warn you
And no one’s going to yell, “Attack!”
And you don’t feel the steel
Till it’s hanging out your back
I’m your night prowler, asleep in the day
Night prowler, get out of my way
Yeah, I’m the night prowler, watch out tonight
Yes, I’m the night prowler, when you turn out the light
“True Faith” (New Order)
While the other entries on this list saw criminals take blatant inspiration from their musical heroes, this entry is a little less explicit. In 2012, a student named Jun Lin was murdered and mutilated by a man named Luka Magnotta. It was a horrendous case that is almost too horrifying to recount, which involved Magnotta filming the crime and uploading it online. In the background of the video was this New Order song. Though it’s not known exactly why Magnotta featured this song, it effectively sullied its legacy.
I feel so extraordinary
Something’s got a hold on me
I get this feeling I’m in motion
A sudden sense of liberty
I don’t care ’cause I’m not there
And I don’t care if I’m here tomorrow
Again and again, I’ve taken too much
Of the things that cost you too much
“Helter Skelter” (The Beatles)
Despite “Helter Skelter” being written with a relatively innocent idea in mind–a children’s ride–it was adopted by Charles Manson and his apocalyptic race war. It became so intertwined with Manson and his “Family,” that many only know the phrase to have this dark, twisted meaning. Naturally, Paul McCartney wasn’t thrilled with his song being adopted by a criminal mastermind. Nevertheless, it certainly became a Beatles track that has never left the public consciousness–albeit for a different reason than McCartney originally intended.
When I get to the bottom, I go back to the top of the slide
Where I stop, and I turn, and I go for a ride
‘Till I get to the bottom, and I see you again
Well, do you, don’t you want me to love you?
I’m coming down fast, but I’m miles above you
Tell me, tell me, tell me, come on, tell me the answer
Well, you may be a lover, but you ain’t no dancer
(Photo by Sunday People/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)
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