One of the most shaking things about old music is the personas they have taken on over the years, many of which are shockingly off-kilter. One of the most blatantly wrong, yet popular, interpretations of a song is that of Blondie's hit track "One Way or Another". Many take it as a determined person singing of how they will accomplish their dreams no matter the obstacles. Quite inspirational, right? Wrong.
The reason I love the version included on this page is because of how hauntingly accurate it is to the stories true meaning. Lead Singer Debbie Harry is singing of true events, but not about 'chasing your dreams'. The song is a lyrical masterpiece capturing the determination of her ex-boyfriend, who stalked her for years after their split. He would show up, drunk, and stand outside her door. He made it clear to her that nothing would deter him. This obviously clashes with the band's upbeat production of the song, which is why stories behind songs can be so vital to appreciating the piece and is something that makes oldies so special. How many masterpieces can you name in modern music with a meaning as wildly misinterpreted as this?