3 Classic Rock Songs That Everyone Thinks Are About Being in Love (But Aren't)

Think these classic rock songs are about being in love? Think again. Their real meanings are actually quite different.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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This article explores three classic rock songs that are commonly thought to be about being in love, but actually have very different meanings. The songs include "Got to Get You Into My Life" by The Beatles, "Keep On Loving You" by REO Speedwagon, and "The One I Love" by R.E.M.

Why it matters

These examples highlight how skilled songwriters can craft lyrics that seem to be about one thing, when they are actually conveying a completely different message. This can lead to widespread misinterpretation of the true meaning and intent behind some of rock music's most beloved songs.

The details

The article explains that "Got to Get You Into My Life" by The Beatles is actually "an ode to pot" according to Paul McCartney, rather than a love song. "Keep On Loving You" by REO Speedwagon is revealed to be frontman Kevin Cronin's response after discovering his wife was cheating on him, not a simple love song. And "The One I Love" by R.E.M. is described by Michael Stipe as an "incredibly violent" song about "using people over and over again", contrary to its wedding-friendly reputation.

  • In the mid-to-late 1960s, The Beatles wrote songs that were often misinterpreted as being about love.
  • "Keep On Loving You" by REO Speedwagon became a hit just a few years before the couple's divorce.

The players

The Beatles

A legendary British rock band formed in Liverpool in the 1960s, known for hit songs like "Got to Get You Into My Life".

Paul McCartney

A member of The Beatles and co-writer of "Got to Get You Into My Life", who revealed the song is actually "an ode to pot".

REO Speedwagon

An American rock band formed in the 1960s, known for the hit song "Keep On Loving You".

Kevin Cronin

The frontman of REO Speedwagon, who wrote "Keep On Loving You" as a response to discovering his wife was cheating on him.

R.E.M.

An American rock band formed in the 1980s, known for the hit song "The One I Love".

Michael Stipe

The frontman of R.E.M., who described "The One I Love" as an "incredibly violent" song about "using people over and over again".

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What they’re saying

“It's actually an ode to pot,”

— Paul McCartney

“The most painful song I ever wrote.”

— Kevin Cronin, Frontman, REO Speedwagon

“It's very clear that it's about using people over and over again,”

— Michael Stipe, Frontman, R.E.M. (Musician Magazine)

The takeaway

These examples demonstrate how skilled songwriters can craft lyrics that seem to convey one meaning, when they are actually conveying something quite different. This can lead to widespread misinterpretation of the true intent and message behind some of rock music's most beloved songs.