Mondegreen

(n) a word or phrase that is misinterpreted when heard, usually with an amusing result

I love this word. I can’t remember where I heard it, or why I know its origin*, but I do and I am so glad. Because, you see, I frequently misinterpret song lyrics. FREQUENTLY. So it’s nice to have a name for the weird phrases I know people couldn’t actually be singing but which my brain can’t help hearing.

For years, I thought Elton John was telling me, “Hold me close! I’m Tony Daaanzaaaa!” No lie.

When the local classic rock station plays “Blinded By the Light,” I can’t help wondering why anyone would want to sing about being “dressed up like a douche.”

I know David used to think Robert Plant was “goin’ to California with an AK…in my caaar,” and that Jimi Hendrix was asking us to, “excuse me while I kiss this guy.”

And when I told my mom about mondegreens, she immediately said, “Oh! Like, ‘she’s got electric boobs, a mohair suit’?” Another classic example from Sir Elton.

Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode is not, in fact, telling the world to, “reach out and touch face.” Quite frankly, I’m not sure I thought Colin Meloy of the Decemberists was telling me was caught in my tangles. And then there’s always Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” “Why didn’t I know?” “Right now?” “Bloody nail?” What the heck, Kurt Cobain? How am I supposed to sing along if I have no idea what you’re even saying?

Oh well, whatever, never mind.

*An old Scottish ballad contained the lyrics, “laid him on the green,” which was often misinterpreted as “Lady Mondegreen.” Someone decided that would be a good word to use to describe the phenomenon in general. AND NOW YOU KNOW!