7. There She Goes – The La’s
This song seems like a fanciful love story of a man seeking a girl who simply keeps eluding his grasp. Beautiful, indeed? Not right! Actually, heroin is the “she” under reference in this love story. That knowledge helps the song to have a whole different depth. Suddenly its darker, more dangerous meaning—that of “pulsing through my veins” and “no one else can heal my pain”—painted a clear image of addiction rather than romance.
This song is the ideal illustration of how the most bright, optimistic songs can cover quite difficult subjects. From family-friendly movies like The Parent Trap to major political events like Margaret Thatcher’s resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the song’s subtly brilliant composition and appealing hooks have been used extensively in popular culture. It is a remarkable study in how music may concurrently express several layers of meaning given its sad beginnings and joyful public view. The song’s ability to hide its actual subject matter behind ostensibly harmless words reveals the deft songwriting that lets it serve as both a devastating depiction of addiction and a charming pop tune.
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