Some songs sound as if they were assembled from sunlight. “Riptide” by the Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy is a prime example: a bouncing ukulele figure, a warm, slightly husky voice,Continue readingThe Meaning of “Riptide” by Vance Joy

Few pop songs have been sung by more people who had no idea what they were singing. “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People, a 1978 disco smash, turns four capital lettersContinue readingThe Meaning of “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People