These amazing story songs from the 1980s start out innocent enough. But by the end of them, their artists and songwriters weave a lyrical web of storytelling that will stick with you forever. Let’s take a look at a few story songs from the 1980s that boast some mind-blowing lyrical twists and turns!
“99 Red Balloons” by Nena
The original version of this song, which was made globally famous despite the German language barrier, also yielded an English version from the band Nena. In either version, though, the subject is more or less the same. On the surface, it seems like this synth-pop tune is a fun tune about a sunny day when red balloons appear in the sky.
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By about halfway through the song, though, it becomes clear what this song is really about. “99 Red Balloons” is a song about innocent red balloons, released by some civilians, being mistaken for enemy contacts by the government. The result is nuclear war. Considering this song was produced during the Cold War, I think we can figure out where the inspiration came from.
“Don’t Pay The Ferryman” by Chris de Burgh
How about some good ol’ art rock? “Don’t Pay The Ferryman” by Chris de Burgh dropped in 1982, and the song tells the tale of a man who boards a boat and sets off on a journey. The ferryman, ahead of a storm, demands money for the trek. However, the song’s narrator implores the passenger not to pay the ferryman until they arrive at their destination.
It might seem like good advice to avoid getting scammed, but this song is actually all about (you guessed it) the passage from life into the afterlife. The ferryman in this tale is none other than Death itself.
“Luka” by Suzanne Vega
This one’s a bummer, full disclosure. But Suzanne Vega’s storytelling is just too good not to include “Luka” on our list of twist-filled story songs from the 1980s. Released in 1987, this pop-rock song seems like it could be an innocent account from a young, clumsy child. However, by the end of the song, it’s clear that our titular narrator is actually living with child abuse at home. It’s tragic, but an excellent piece of work that earned Vega several Grammy nominations.
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