4 Songs From the 80s That Will Tug at Your Heartstrings (If You’re Really Listening)
The article highlights four 1980s songs whose emotional meanings can be easy to miss when they are heard mainly as love songs, anthems or dance tracks. It argues that listening more closely reveals stories of romance, isolation, family and the treatment of Vietnam veterans.
The songs are the Cure’s “Just Like Heaven”, inspired by Robert Smith’s beach trip with his future wife; Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.”, about veterans who were poorly treated after the Vietnam War; Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature”, written by Toto’s Steve Porcaro after an incident involving his daughter; and “Waiting for a Star to Fall”, described as a plea for company inspired by friends who struggled with being alone at night.
- Four 1980s hits carry deeper stories than their familiar sounds suggest.
- Springsteen’s anthem is about Vietnam veterans’ treatment after the war.
- “Human Nature” was inspired by Steve Porcaro’s daughter.
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The 1980s produced songs that could work as love songs, dance tracks or anthems, while also drawing on personal experiences and wider social issues. Their lyrics and backstories can give them meanings beyond the way they are often remembered.
The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” grew from a beach trip by singer Robert Smith and his future wife. Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” tells of a Vietnam veteran’s return and the poor treatment some veterans faced after the war.
“Human Nature” was written by Toto musician Steve Porcaro after an incident involving his daughter. “Waiting for a Star to Fall” centres on a desire for company, inspired by friends who found being alone at night difficult.