3 of Your Favorite Lyrics That Don’t Actually Exist

Have you ever belted out a lyric to your favorite song, and shortly after, discovered that you’ve been singing the wrong words this entire time? You’re not alone by any stretch. Let’s look at just a couple of classic songs and the commonly-mistaken lyrics that people love, but don’t actually exist.

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“Man In The Mirror” by Michael Jackson

Misheard Lyrics: “And no missus could have been any clever.”

Real Lyrics: “And no message could be clearer.”

There are a few other misheard lyrics that fit this particular line. However, the actual lyric to this hit MJ song is “And no message could be clearer.”

“Man In The Mirror” by Michael Jackson was released in 1987 and, naturally, was yet another triple platinum single from the pop superstar. The song was written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett and details the suffering in the world, and how changing oneself can lead to grander change.

“Food For Thought” by UB40

Misheard Lyrics: “I’m a prima donna, dying in the dust / Waiting for the manna coming from the west.”

Real Lyrics: “Ivory Madonna, dying in the dust / Waiting for the manna coming from the west.”

I feel kind of dumb for thinking that first lyric was correct, considering the song is about a highly political and touchy subject.

This British reggae track was released as UB40’s debut single in 1980. It quickly climbed the UK Singles chart to no. 4, and the band went on to have quite an incredible career. “Food For Thought” was inspired by the ongoing food crisis in Africa and the hypocrisy of Christmas music, according to Robin Campbell.

“Groovin’” by The Young Rascals

Misheard Lyrics: “Life would be ecstasy, you and me and Leslie / Groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon.”

Real Lyrics: “Life would be ecstasy, you and me endlessly / Groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon.”

If your name is Leslie and you misheard this lyric, I’m sorry to say that your favorite line isn’t actually correct. I’ll admit, this one got me, too. I thought Leslie was a person relevant to the song and rolled with it. It was written during the Summer of Love, after all. However, these lyrics don’t exist; instead, it’s “endlessly” rather than “Leslie”. This 1967 blue-eyed soul tune was written about Felix Cavaliere’s girlfriend at the time.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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